Published 29th Aug. 2023
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Sitting pretty between snow-capped mountains and the ocean, Vancouver regularly ranks highly on lists of the best places to live. And it’s easy to see why. Canada’s third-largest city is surrounded by natural beauty, making it an oasis for the outdoorsy. You can hike, swim and sail, all the while sampling some of the best culinary and cultural delights you’d expect from a cosmopolitan city like Vancouver. And the scenery? Well, it speaks for itself. Here’s our hand-picked list of the best views in Vancouver.
As one of North America’s largest urban green spaces, the 400-hectare Stanley Park really packs a punch when it comes to views. Loved by walkers, cyclists and skaters, its encircling five-mile seawall trail is what most people come for. Scenically sandwiched between the glittering waterfront and the verdant forest,it serves up spectacular sights all along. Meanwhile, Prospect Point lookout at the northern tip of the park is a popular spot to watch ships come and go beneath Lions Gate Bridge. There’s a restaurant at the lookout too, so you can take in the view with a cold brew or a beer.
Some of the best views in Vancouver have become tourist attractions in their own right. Take Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, for example, which is home to one of the world’s longest and highest pedestrian suspension bridges. Swaying gently (or some might say scarily) over Capilano Canyon, the advice ‘don’t look down’ seems apt, especially if you don’t have a great head for heights. Instead turn your eyes to the horizon and take in the lush landscape. The gorgeously green forest, rushing river and picturesque peaks in the distance all make crossing the bridge worth the wobble. To see the canyon looking extra enchanting, visit during the winter holidays, when more than one million fairy lights illuminate the park after dark.
For views in Vancouver that are beautiful in every season, we recommend VanDusen Botanical Garden. In springtime, the garden bursts into life with a riot of rhododendrons, magnolias and cherry blossoms. Summer is all about vibrant colours and sweet fragrances, autumn means gold and fire-red foliage, while the snow-covered silhouettes of winter can only mean one thing – bright berries and frosted blooms. So, whenever you choose to visit Vancouver, the botanical garden is a treat for all the family. The hedge-lined labyrinth of the Elizabethan maze, where getting lost is all part of the fun, is just one example.
To take in one of the best views in Vancouver from the comfort of your beach towel, head to Jericho Beach. Named by National Geographic as one of the world’s best beach cities, it is a Vancouverite favourite with its sandy stretch often shared by sunbathers, swimmers and windsurfers alike. It also boasts commanding views of the city skyline and the North Shore mountains, perfect for relaxed beach days with a winning backdrop.
On the subject of picturesque places to unwind, Willow Stream Spa also comes to mind. This indulgent spot at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel was heralded as one of the best spas in the world in CN Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. If you want to sample the vistas of Vancouver while being pampered in perfect luxury, there’s no better place. The expansive outdoor terrace boasts views across the Burrard Inlet to the mountains beyond, while two of its nine treatment rooms, which come complete with a soaking bath for two, overlook the city’s glistening waterfront. So there you have it, proof you don’t always need to pull on your walking shoes to see the best views in Vancouver.
It probably goes without saying that the highest point in the city delivers some of the best views in Vancouver. Situated 540 feet above sea level, Queen Elizabeth Park provides a fabulous vantage point to take in the towering downtown skyscrapers and mountainous peaks that overlook them. Natural beauty abounds here too, with foliage and flower-filled gardens and a diverse arboretum of native and exotic species. You can also explore the Bloedel Conservatory; a domed, botanical paradise inhabited by more than 100 birds and 500 plants and flowers. You can also tick off one of the city’s artistic treasures here, a striking bronze sculpture by British artist Henry Moore entitled Knife Edge – Two Piece which sits beside the conservatory.
Cypress Mountain isn’t technically a mountain, it’s the name of a ski resort. However, locals use it to refer to the three mountains that make up the Cypress Bowl: Black Mountain, Mount Strachan and Hollyburn Mountain. This trio of peaks are some of the many that make up the majestic North Shore mountains, which frame most views in Vancouver. The mountainous landscape lures Vancouverites and visitors alike, whether for snowy sports in winter or a scenic hike in summer. And while you can admire the mountains from afar, High View Lookout provides a different perspective. At this lofty spot, you can find awe-inspiring views that stretch far beyond the borders of the city; the best place to see Vancouver’s much-loved mix of metropolis and mountains.
Suited for families, couples and solo explorers, Canada is an outdoor playground well-trodden by our savvy consultants. We can help you plan an adventure through the world’s second-biggest country (hint: it’s best done by car), journeying through Banff’s beautiful lakes and Vancouver’s vistas. If you need recommendations or last-minute changes while on the road, our in-country Concierges are always on hand. When it’s time to relax, our hand-picked properties, ranging from resorts in the Rockies to central city hotels, are perfect for the job.
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