Tucked away under the Granville Street Bridge is a peninsula known for its unique shopping and entertainment district: Granville Island. In the 1970s, this island was an industrial wasteland. Today, it’s Vancouver’s premier artistic and cultural hub. Its popular Public Market is home to more than 50 independent food stalls, selling everything from maple syrups to seafood. Aside from its status as one of the city’s top culinary destinations, the island also boasts its own brewery, Granville Island Brewing Co, and a fantastic Arts Club with a wide variety of shows to book.

From Friday to Sunday during the summer months, Richmond is home to the largest night market in North America. This ultimate food experience is one of the top things to do in Vancouver from May through to October, with over 70 food stalls and 100 retail vendors showcasing an impressive variety of cultures and cuisines. The market is reminiscent of the many night bazaars that can be found all over Asia, and boasts some of the best authentic Asian street food and snacks in Canada, such as Chinese dragon’s beard candy and grilled squid.

If you’re considering a holiday to Vancouver, be sure to hire a car to explore the surrounding area – even if it’s just to drive down BC Highway 99, otherwise known as the Sea-to-Sky Highway. There are few roads that boast such awe-inspiring views as this legendary highway, which takes you all the way from Vancouver to Whistler via Horseshoe Bay, Britannica Beach and Squamish. As you continue north of Britannia Beach, stop off and catch a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola, which offers dramatic views over Howe Sound as you journey to the summit. Here you’ll find plenty of hiking trails, lodges, and the Sky Pilot suspension bridge.

This picturesque seaside village is located at the far eastern edge of North Vancouver. At the heart of the village lies its tranquil lake, often referred to by locals as ‘The Cove’, which is perfect for boating, paddle boarding or kayaking. The parks along the waterfront make for a lovely, peaceful evening stroll, and the forests that surround it are home to some of the most spectacular wilderness in Vancouver. The town itself is made up of charming streets with restaurants, pubs, ice cream parlours and even a brewery. If you’re visiting Vancouver but craving Canadian wilderness, Deep Cove is the answer.

There’s no shortage of hiking trails to explore in the Vancouver’s surrounding areas, but Grouse Grind is one of the finest in the region. ‘The Grind’ as it’s known by locals, is a 2.9-kilometre trail up the face of Grouse Mountain, also referred to as Mother Nature’s Stairmaster. For those interested, you can track your time via the Grind Timer Program and be added to the online database of completion times. Lynn Canyon is another great option for all skill levels and features idyllic waterfalls and a thrilling suspension bridge. Unlike other suspension bridges in the area, this one is free of charge to cross.

The Sunshine Coast is a quick 40-minute ferry from Horseshoe Bay, making it an ideal trip for your Vancouver holiday. This geographic subregion is a spectacular area to visit, bound by the waters of Desolation Sound, the Straight of Georgia, the fjords of Howe Sound and the mountains of the Pacific Ranges. If you’re looking for adventure on your holiday, this region is the answer. During the summer there are biking, hiking and walking trails to enjoy, as well as a plethora of water activities, and in the winter this region transforms into a winter wonderland, boasting scenic ski trails.

The drive to Whistler from Vancouver is one of the most breathtaking in Canada, taking you along the Sea to Sky highway. But the fun really begins once you get to this mountainous region. Thanks to Whistler Blackcomb’s legendary terrain, towering mountains and crisp air, Whistler is one of the world’s most popular skiing destinations. But there’s so more to this area than fresh powder and an impressive après ski scene. Whistler is equally as beautiful in the summer months, with peaks to hike, creeks to swim in and bear tours to embark on. A trip to Whistler is a true Canadian wilderness experience, making it one of the top places to visit in Vancouver’s surrounding area.