First time in Vancouver? Here’s what you shouldn’t miss

Let’s not fake it—sometimes weekends roll around and you have no idea what to do. You want to get out, make the most of the sun (or let’s be honest, the clouds), but everything either feels too touristy or just... meh. First time in Vancouver? There are lots of things to do, you’ve got options. A lot of them. This city is like nature, and the cool city staff had a baby who drinks oat lattes and owns five pairs of hiking boots. So if you want a weekend that doesn’t suck, here are five legit things to do that are actually fun, mostly cheap, and won’t make you feel like you wasted a perfectly decent Saturday.

1. Bike the Seawall (Yes, It’s Basic. No, You Won’t Regret It.)

To begin with, go for a bike ride after you land for the first time in Vancouver. Look, it’s the most popular thing to do in Vancouver for a reason. The Seawall is basically a city-sized mood booster. It wraps around the water, past Stanley Park, the beaches, the marina — all of it. Rent a bike if you don’t have one (tons of shops on Denman), throw on some sunscreen, and just go. It’s flat, easy, and you’ll feel like you’re in one of those "visit Canada" commercials. Stop for ice cream. Sit on a bench. Watch a seaplane take off like it’s no big deal. That’s the vibe.

2. Go to Granville Island but Avoid the Tourist Chaos (Smart Person Edition)

Granville Island gets a bad rap for being touristy. And sure, there are busloads of camera-wielding folks buying $19 candles — but if you know what you’re doing, it’s a great weekend move after you land for the first time in Vancouver. Here’s the play:

Go early (like 9–10 a.m.) before the crowds.
Hit the Public Market, grab a coffee and a croissant that’ll ruin all future croissants.
Sit by the water, people-watch, or listen to whatever jazz musician is trying to get discovered.
Then bounce.

Bonus move: rent a kayak or hop on a little Aquabus. Because let’s face it, riding a tiny boat across False Creek is just fun.

3. Pick Your Weekend Suffering: Grouse Grind or Quarry Rock

Next in the list is going for a hike. Vancouver loves to hike, and honestly? You should try it. Not the 7-hour, grizzly bear kind — just something that’ll give you a view and a reason to eat carbs after. Quarry Rock (in Deep Cove) is a solid beginner hike. It’s short-ish, foresty, and ends with a view that looks straight out of a travel ad. Plus, Deep Cove itself is cute — get a donut at Honey’s afterward. Mandatory. Feeling masochistic? Try the Grouse Grind. Locals call it “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster” because it’s literally just stairs. All uphill. All pain. But hey, you’ll feel like an Olympian when you reach the top. Bonus: You get to take a gondola down like royalty, a must-visit after you land for the first time in Vancouver.

4. Sunset at English Bay + West End Snack Attack

You haven’t done anything after you land for the first time in Vancouver until you’ve watched a sunset at English Bay. Grab a blanket, maybe some takeout, and just post up on the beach. You’ll get people juggling, buskers, couples having weirdly intense heart-to-hearts, and dogs living their best lives. And once the sun dips? Head into the West End for food. You’ve got ramen joints, Thai, tacos, waffles, bubble tea — whatever your taste buds are screaming for. Honestly, walking through the West End at night is low-key magical. Trees are lit, patios are buzzing, and it just feels good.

Final Thoughts: Vancouver’s Not Boring — You Might Be

Kidding. (Sort of.) But really, Vancouver on a weekend is what you make it. There are lots of things to do after you land for the first time in Vancouver. You can have the most relaxing, nature-filled, food-stuffed, beer-soaked two days without spending a ton or driving more than 20 minutes. So stop scrolling through Instagram, watching other people live their lives, and go live yours. Bike the damn Seawall. Eat the overpriced pastry. Hike until your knees hate you. Drink craft beer you can’t pronounce. Then go to sleep Sunday night with a smile on your face and a camera roll full of “how is this real life” moments. You deserve that kind of weekend. Check out our website for more details.