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Tourist in Your Own City


Vancouver Maritime Museum

Vancouver Maritime Museum
The Vancouver Maritime Museum is located in Vanier Park, and showcases the maritime and boating history of the Pacific Northwest and Arctic. It is Vancouver's top attraction for learning about boats and maritime history.

Museum Details:
  • It is a great place to visit on a rainy day
  • Features a number of permanent and temporary exhibitions
  • Take a tour of the St. Roch National Historic Site

Location: 1905 Ogden Ave., Vancouver
Hours of Operation:
  • Tuesday - Sunday, including stat. holidays
  • 10 am - 5 pm
Cost:
  • Tickets range from $15 - $11
  • Free admission for Indigenous individuals and children under 5 years​
Phone: (604) 257-8300
Email: [email protected]
Maritime Museum Fun

Vancouver Art Gallery

Picture
The Vancouver Art Gallery features major exhibitions of works by contemporary and historical artists. It has a permanent collection of over 10,000 artworks, with a small percentage on view at any given time. The Gallery features a variety of temporary exhibits.

Special attention is given to the accomplishments of Indigenous artists, as well as to those of the Asia Pacific region—through the Institute of Asian Art founded in 2014. 

Location: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Hours of Operation:
  • Mon, Wed, Sat & Sun | 10 am - 5 pm
  • Tuesday - closed
  • Thursday - Friday | 10 am - 8 pm​
Cost:
  • General admission - $29
  • Free admission first Friday of each month
Phone: 604-662-4700 
Email: [email protected]
Art Gallery Fridays

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
Bill Reid carving
The Bill Reid Gallery is dedicated to celebrating the rich artistic traditions of the Northwest Coast while fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for contemporary Indigenous art. 

At the heart of our Gallery is a remarkable permanent collection that presents the magnificent works of Bill Reid, including monumental works such as Mythic Messengers, white onyx Raven and the First Men, masks and other carvings, works on paper, wire sculptures, and the Raven’s Trove Gallery that showcases Reid’s exquisite jewelry. 


Winter Hours: Wed - Sun | 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Summer Hours: Open daily
Location: 639 Hornby St., Vancouver
Cost: Ticket prices vary, free admission for Indigenous Peoples, children under 12, and Gallery Members
Phone: 604-682-3455 ext. 221


FREE admission from 2 pm to 5 pm every first Friday of the month!
Art Gallery Fridays

Combine Images of Then and Now - Free Vancouver Walking Tour App

Combine Images of Then and Now - Free Vancouver Walking Tour App
Laying track on Granville street long ago, merged with today in the same place. Credit On This Spot and the Vancouver Archives
On this Spot
The On This Spot app:
  • Allows users to overlay past on present and create their own then and now image mash-ups using their camera phone
  • Offers 11 walking tours in Vancouver and 600 then-and-now photo spots to check out
  • Provides an opportunity to learn about the city's local history and culture, and appreciate long-gone architecture
  • Can be used for solo wandering or as a group outing
  • Has been downloaded 20,000 times and it's growing
  • To read more details and interviews, see the Vancouver is Awesome story
  • To see images in different areas of the Vancouver region, beyond downtown, go to the top of the webpage and click on 'Part of the Vancouver Then and Now Series'
Vancouver via On This Spot
Get it via Apple's App Store
Get it via Google Play

Urban Forest Train​

Langara College Theatre Performances
Listen and learn on the Urban Forest Train!
The Urban Forest Train is back on track.

Hop on board for a narrated ride where you’ll pick up fun facts about the flora and fauna of Stanley Park, Canada’s first and largest urban park.

Kids can earn a Junior Urban Forest Ranger badge when they listen and learn. 

Cost: Single tickets $4.25 - $8.25 / Group $38 - $74.25
Dates and hours:
April - July 
  • Weekends only: 10am - 4pm
July 3 - September 2  
  • Wednesday and Thursday: 11am to 4pm 
  • Friday to Sunday: 10am to 4pm
​​Location:
  • The Stanley Park Train
  • 690 Pipeline Road, Vancouver
It is located on Pipeline Road in Stanley Park, via the West Georgia Street park entrance.
Learn more about the Urban Forest train here!

Bored in Vancouver?

Langara College Theatre Performances
Bored in Vancouver? Let’s Explore.

This website has unbiased look at unique and fun things to do in Vancouver.
​
They have journalists, editors, bloggers and photographers on board to help serve you with the best content possible. They know this city is full of interesting and unique people, places, businesses, pets, events, and culture.
More Information Here

Langara College Theatre Performances

Langara College Theatre Performances
Langara College offers a captivating selection of mainstage productions and indie shows showcasing Vancouver’s latest up-and-coming talent. Professional directors and designers are hired to work on each production.

Langara offers relaxed performances for individuals who may benefit from a less formal experience and casual theatre environment.

Adjustments include:
  • Theatre door remaining open and the ability for patrons to exit and enter the theatre freely during the show
  • The house lights will be at half; meaning that the seating area is not as dark as a typical show
  • Bright lighting on stage will be softened
  • Sounds on stage will be reduced, including yelling from actors
  • The theatre will be at half capacity
  • Patrons may freely move around the theatre as needed
  • Communication boards and use of other technology (with the audio off) is welcome

Location: 100 West 49th Ave., Vancouver
Cost: Tickets range from $10 - $25 
Current and Future Shows at Studio 58

Little Free Libraries - Downtown

Little Free Libraries
Simon Fraser University’s School for the Contemporary Arts has repurposed and decorated eleven newspaper boxes into miniature lending libraries which are now available across downtown Vancouver. This project is in collaboration with the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association.

The Little Free Libraries are places where people can take, borrow, or donate books in the spirit of community sharing. The goal is to improve public spaces around Downtown Vancouver to help people feel welcome, safe, engaged and happy.

Locations: The eleven locations around Downtown Vancouver can be found using the link below
Library Locations

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Gardens and Park

Chinese Gardens in Vancouver
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a top tourist attraction and a unique venue for cultural programming and events. This Ming Dynasty-style garden-home is the first among its kind to have been built outside of China; and serves as a joint collaboration between Canada and the People's Republic of China. 

Amenities:
  • The garden was named as the World’s Top City Garden by National Geographic
  • Features winding paths, rocks, plants, beautiful vistas, pagoda, and lush plants
  • A small intimate garden with pavilions, covered walkways, a jade green pond with koi fish and a collection of 150-year-old miniature trees
  • Park alongside the garden is a place to find peace and tranquility with unique rock forms and water lily-covered pond
  • Hosts exhibitions and workshops

Location: 578 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Hours: Wednesday - Sunday, 9:30 - 4:00 pm
Cost: Tickets range from $12 - $16
Phone:​ 604-662-3207​
Dr Sun Yat-Sen Park
​

The Sun Yat-Sen Park is a Chinese garden that is next to the Garden, and is open to the public for free.
  • Visitors can find peace and tranquility in the unique rock forms, water lily-covered pond, pagoda, and lush plants
  • Similar design and foliage to the Garden
  • Great free alternative 
  • Maintained by the City of Vancouver
Chinese Garden Gem

H.R. MacMillan Space Centre

See the Night Sky up Close at Vancouver's Space Observatory
Skywatchers
The H.R. MacMillan Space Centre is BC’s premier space science attraction. It combines the arts, culture, and science to provide unique and exhilarating shows, exhibits, and special events that spark your curiosity and inspire exploration. 

The Gordon Southam Observatory is open for stargazing. Guests can view stars, planets, nebulas and other nighttime highlights of the season through a gigantic telescope, led by interpreter staff.

Hours of Operation:
​
  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday & Friday 6:30 - 11:30 pm​

Ticket Prices: $19.75, with free admission for Indigenous individuals  
Location:  Vanier Park, 1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604-738-7827 
Email: [email protected]
Explore the Space Centre

FlyOver Canada

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Enjoy a flying ride and a multi-dimensional film experience bringing you to the spectacular natural features of Canada. The ride is enhanced by special effects, such as wind, mist, and scents. Additionally, there are frequent special presentations about a featured location or theme. Previous special features include China, Iceland, and Christmas. 

Location: Canada Place, Vancouver
Cost: Prices are based on availability, BC residents receive a special discounted rate
Hours: Daily, 9:30 am to 10 pm
​
Details: Shows run every 15-20 minutes 
Height restrictions in effect for children, please see website for more information


Learn about FlyOver Canada

UBC Gardens - Free and Low-Cost Admissions

Winter Free Garden Admissions
UBC Botanical Garden
  • Features a rainforest garden, a food garden, and foliage from a variety of geographical regions
  • Plants from all over the world
  • Garden aims promote research, conservation, education, and community outreach

Nitobe Memorial Garden
  • Considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in North America
  • Features Japanese and native trees, a koi pond, stone paths, an iris bed, and moss beds
  • Includes a rare authentic Tea Garden with a ceremonial Tea House
  • Carefully cultivated to provide year-round beauty
  • Best seasons are spring and fall when colorful cherry blossoms and maple leaves shine

UBC Rose Garden
  • Stunning ocean and mountain views, and
  • More than a dozen types of roses blooming abundantly between June and September
  • Perfect place to snap a souvenir photo

Locations: 6301 Crescent Road, Vancouver 
Cost: Free
​Hours:
  • Open Tuesday - Sunday
  • 10 am - 2 pm (November to March)
  • 10 am - 4:30 pm (April - October)
  • Admission is $5 per person, free admission for students ​
UBC Gardens

Beaty Biodiversity Museum

Whale skeleton
Beaty Biodiversity Museum
Every month, in a program called Nocturnal, the Beaty Biodiversity Museum hosts late night activities until 8:30pm. This special event is by donation, and all ages are welcome to attend. 

Activities include:
  • Raising Big Blue film showing at 5:30 pm
  • Guided Museum Tour and Under the Whale exhibit at 7:00 pm
  • Hands-on activities where you can learn more about specimens in the museum and the current exhibitions
  • Each month has a different theme

When: Third Thursday of each month
             See upcoming dates here
Time: 5 pm - 8:30 pm
​Location: 
UBC Main Campus 2178 - 2207 Main Mall
Cost: By donation
Phone: 604-827-4955
Email: [email protected]
UBC Museum Nights

Stanley Park Nature House

Stanley Park Nature House
Crane perched on a tree
Nesting crane
The Stanley Park Nature House is the gateway to nature and exploration in Stanley Park. As Vancouver's only ecology centre, it is a source of various resources, artifacts, and interesting projects. 

Nature House Details:
  • Explore wildlife exhibits and real-life specimens
  • Interactive displays
  • Take a tour with a seasoned park naturalist 
  • Nature enthusiasts available to answer your questions
  • Entry is free, with a cost for some nature walks

Location: Under the viewing plaza at the north end of Alberni Street (at the East end of the Lost Lagoon)
Hours:
  • September - June: Sat & Sun 10 am - 4 pm
  • July - August: Tues to Sun 10 am - 5 pm
  • Closed Mondays

Heron Cam
  • Stanley Park is home to one of the largest urban great blue heron colonies in North America
  • Nesting at their current location behind 2099 Beach Avenue since 2001
  • Online camera looks down on the nests
  • Allows you to watch the eggs hatch and hatchlings as they appear in the nests
  • Control the camera to see different nests at different distances, free of cost
Cool facts about the herons
Nature House & Heron Cam

Museum of Vancouver

Museum of Vancouver
Outside the Museum of Vancouver
The Museum of Vancouver is a great attraction that seeks to inspire understanding of Vancouver through stories, objects, and experiences. It connects Vancouverites to each other, as well as connecting Vancouver to the world.

Museum Details:
  • A variety of current exhibitions and collections at the museum
  • In-person and virtual exhibits
  • Offers pay-what-you-can admission on the first Sunday of each month
  • "Relaxed" low-sensory days on the last Sunday of each month

Location: Vanier Park, 100 Chestnut Street 
​
Hours: 
  • Mon, Wed, & Sun | 10 am - 5 pm
  • Thurs & Sat | 10 am - 8 pm
Phone: 604-736-4431
Museum of Vancouver

Bloedel Conservatory

Bloedel Conservatory
Cockatoo
The Biodel Conservatory is a domed lush paradise located in Queen Elizabeth Park atop Vancouver's highest point. It is home to more than 100 exotic birds, koi fish, 500 exotic plants and flowers in its temperature-controlled environment.  

Conservatory Features:
  • A variety of macaws and parrots, as well as other exotic birds
  • Exotic trees and plants, including palms, banana plants, orchids, and more
  • Offers a diverse range of flying birds including pheasants, cockatoos and other species
  • Kramer, the bird, known for being one of the most intelligent birds

Location: 4600 Cambie St., Vancouver
Hours of Operation:
  • March - April | 10 am - 6 pm
  • May - September | 10 am - 7 pm
  • September - October | 10 am - 5 pm
  • November - February | 10 am - 4 pm
Cost: Tickets range from $3.70 to $7.40
Discover Bloedel

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​​We at Get Set & Connect acknowledge that our program is based on unceded lands of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh), and the Qiqéyt (Qaygayt) Nations.