Must-See Vancouver Experiences

To help prepare you for the 2026 International Convention in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, convention host co-chairs Tom Jones, DTM, and Carole Murphy, DTM, put together a list of some must-see spots. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or an outdoor adventure framed by water and mountains, Vancouver has something for everyone. As Jones and Murphy are quick to point out, the city isn’t the backdrop for convention but part of the whole experience.

Local Culture and Food

Gastown

Just under one mile (one km) from the Vancouver Convention Centre East Building—the convention site—is Gastown, 12 street blocks blending modern eats and shopping with historic landmarks and cobblestone streets. Labeled a National Historic Site of Canada, Gastown is a neighborhood filled with entertainment and boasts one of only a few steam clocks in the world. Built in 1977, the clock expels steam, and whistles every hour on the hour.

gastown.org

Robson Street

With more than 150 businesses, Robson Street is one of Vancouver’s oldest shopping districts. The area dates back to the late 1800s and is now home to many internationally known brand-name storefronts, making it one of the most popular retail districts in the city. A little over a mile (almost two km) from the convention site, the area is also home to a variety of high-end restaurants, casual eateries, and pubs. At the bottom of the street is BC Place Stadium—host to concerts and soccer matches, including some 2026 FIFA World Cup games.

robsonstreet.ca

Granville Island

Home to the Public Market, which houses more than 50 independent food vendors, Granville Island is a culinary destination. The area of Granville was originally a large sandbar used by the Salish, the Indigenous people of the area, for hunting and gathering. In the early 1900s, the sandbar was covered to create an industrial area. However, in the 1970s, Granville began its transformation into a food and culture hub.

In addition to the Public Market, Granville Island has a wide selection of other restaurants, boutiques, entertainment, and a variety of activities and attractions. Explore the Net Loft shops and the Artisan District, areas that include Indigenous-owned galleries and stores.

granvilleisland.com

Richmond Night Market

The largest night market in North America is the Richmond Night Market, which has become an international attraction, welcoming over one million visitors each year. This market hosts rows of booths offering a wide variety of food vendors and shopping opportunities. While it is only open from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. on weekends, the market has more than 500 food options, over 100 retail booths, live international performances, and carnival games. This year’s theme is “The World Unites Here!” zeroing in on the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

richmondnightmarketva.com

Experience the Outdoors

Kitsilano Beach

This lively spot, also known as Kits Beach, has tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground, and Canada’s longest swimming pool. The beach is one of the most popular in Vancouver and has great views of the city and mountains.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

You’ve likely seen pictures of The Capilano Suspension Bridge, spanning 450 feet (137 m) long and 230 feet (70 m) above the Capilano River and surrounded by rainforest. If walking across a swinging bridge with views of rushing waters below isn’t for you, there is more to explore, such as the Rainforest Canopy Walk—platforms and slightly lower suspension bridges that reach up to 110 feet (33 m) above the forest floor—and Kia’palano, the park’s education cultural center. There you can learn about the tradition of placing totem poles and the history and cultural significance of the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park area, which is home to the unceded traditional territories of the Skwxwú7mesh Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

Stanley Park Seawall

The six-mile (10 k) paved, one-way loop is the perfect area for a stroll. The seawall is accessible by foot, bike, and rollerblades, and is part of the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path. Start on the east side of Stanley Park Drive near Coal Harbour, and enjoy good views, landmarks, monuments, and sculptures along the way.

Deep Cove

If you’re looking for an outdoor experience close to the convention site, visit Deep Cove—a seaside village boasting opportunities for walking, hiking, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

Embrace the Coast

Steveston Village

Stroll a charming fishing village and learn about its rich history. Steveston Village, on the main estuary of the Fraser River, has been a location for fishing and harvesting beginning with the people of the First Nations. To this day it is one of Canada’s busiest fishing harbors, and home to multiple heritage sites, including the Britannia Shipyards. Visitors can explore heritage buildings, the Steveston Museum and Post Office, and London Farm, and step inside the Tram Car 1220.

Embark on a Cruise

After convention ends, Vancouver is a gateway to many cruise ship-accessible destinations. Alaska is the most popular location to head to, but the United States’ Pacific Coast (Washington, Oregon, and California) is also easy to explore by boat. Bon voyage!

Photos provided by Destination Vancouver, Destination BC, Alex Strohl, Tanya Goehring, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Tourism Richmond, Kazutoshi Yoshimura, and Vision Event Photography, Inc.