Vancouver is one of the few cities in the world where towering trees and fine art galleries exist within the same neighbourhood. For international travellers and American families visiting Vancouver, this unique blend of nature and culture makes for a vacation that balances outdoor adventure with meaningful learning. Whether you’ve got a weekend or a full week, here are ten unforgettable ways to explore both sides of the city at once.
Explore Stanley Park’s Trails, Then Visit the Pavilion Gallery
Start your morning with a walk or bike ride along the Stanley Park Seawall, where you’ll hug the coastline with views of Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains, and passing harbour seals. After your loop, wander up to the Stanley Park Pavilion, a Tudor-style building surrounded by gardens. Inside, you’ll find local art exhibits and often rotating cultural displays. It’s a calm, beautiful way to transition from rainforest to refined.
Walk the Suspension Bridge, Then Explore Indigenous Carvings at CSBP
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is more than a scenic thrill—it’s a cultural landmark. The surrounding forest offers breathtaking views from the bridge and Treetops Adventure, but it’s the storytelling and Indigenous artistry that stay with you. Along the walkways, you’ll encounter carved totem poles and cultural insights that connect the land to its long history. Raptors Ridge often hosts live educational experiences with owls and falcons, adding even more depth to your visit.
Visit VanDusen Botanical Garden and Learn About Plant Diversity
VanDusen blends education and serenity like no other garden in the country. Families can explore themed sections like the Canadian Heritage Garden or the Elizabethan Maze, while interpretive signage explains the cultural and ecological significance of various species. Seasonal events like the Sakura Days Japan Fair offer additional ways to explore global traditions through nature.
Take a Granville Island Art Walk After Market Snacking
Once you’ve sampled your way through Granville Island Public Market, don’t miss the island’s art galleries and studios. The island is home to glassblowers, ceramicists, Indigenous carvers, and textile artists. Drop in to watch them work, or bring home a handmade souvenir. The Emily Carr University of Art + Design is nearby, and public installations and murals are scattered across the island’s walkable streets.
Watch a Performance at Malkin Bowl in the Middle of Stanley Park
From late spring through early fall, Theatre Under the Stars brings musicals to life in the middle of Stanley Park at Malkin Bowl. It’s a uniquely Vancouver experience: watching live theatre while surrounded by towering evergreens and fresh mountain air. Shows like Beauty and the Beast or Mama Mia often appear on the lineup, with family-friendly start times that make it easy to bring the kids.
Ride the Aquabus, Then Visit the Museum of Anthropology
The Aquabus offers a scenic mini-cruise through False Creek that lets you admire Vancouver’s skyline from the water. Hop off at Kits Point and make your way to the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. Home to an extraordinary collection of Indigenous art, including Haida carvings and totem poles, this museum gives visitors a deeper understanding of the cultures that shaped the Pacific Northwest.
Pair Science World with a False Creek Stroll
Kids will love Science World for its hands-on exhibits and engaging workshops, but the experience doesn’t stop at the doors. The surrounding seawall is perfect for a relaxing walk, with mountain views and public art installations along the way. Grab a snack from one of the food trucks or cafes nearby and settle in on a bench to watch the boats pass by.
Hike Pacific Spirit Park, Then Visit the Belkin Art Gallery
The trails at Pacific Spirit Regional Park offer shaded walks through coastal rainforest, located right beside UBC. It’s a low-effort, high-reward experience for those wanting to stretch their legs without leaving the city. After your walk, drop into the Morris and Helen Belkin Art Gallery on campus. With a focus on contemporary art, including works by local and Indigenous artists, it’s a reflective way to cool down and shift gears.
Visit Queen Elizabeth Park, Then View Local Art at Bloedel Conservatory
Queen Elizabeth Park offers some of the city’s best views, sitting atop Little Mountain. After wandering through the quarry gardens or playing at the fountains, step inside the Bloedel Conservatory to experience a tropical rainforest filled with parrots and rare plant species. Alongside the horticultural displays, you’ll often find sculpture work by BC artists tucked between the palms.
Take in an Outdoor Festival that Blends Both Worlds
Seasonal festivals like the Vancouver International Children’s Festival, Celebration of Light, and Vancouver Mural Festival all offer interactive and artistic experiences in outdoor spaces. These events are designed to engage all ages and often highlight multicultural performances, food, and art—all set in parks or plazas that let you soak up the scenery at the same time.
Vancouver Is Where Culture and Nature Coexist
For families planning a trip to Vancouver, there’s no need to choose between forest trails and city streets. In Vancouver, you get both. The city’s layout, values, and identity are rooted in its surroundings—whether you're crossing a suspension bridge, admiring a totem pole, or discovering your child’s new favourite artist in a park. For travellers who want more than just a break, this is where meaningful, memorable experiences grow.
