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How to explore Vancouver by transit

Capilano Suspension Bridge

How to explore Vancouver by transit

A version of this articleExternal Link Title originally appeared on the HelloBC website.

 

Renting a car is a great way to explore a new place, but in VancouverExternal Link Title there are other ways to see the sights with ease. Get out of the core and explore by transit, and you can see many of the city's top attractions. To reach downtown from the Vancouver International AirportExternal Link Title, take the Canada LineExternal Link Title, part of the city's transit service. If you're staying downtown, you can walk to much of what Vancouver has to offer, including Stanley ParkExternal Link TitleGastownExternal Link TitleChinatownExternal Link Title, shopping areas, and restaurants that highlight cuisine from all over the globe. But being without a car doesn't mean you have to miss the treasures that lie outside of city center.

 

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain

Two of Vancouver's most iconic attractions are located in the North Shore Mountains, separated from downtown Vancouver by Burrard Inlet. The Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 450 feet across the Capilano River, 230 feet in the air. Walk along a series of short bridges suspended in the canopy, and along a walkway that juts out over a huge granite cliff.

 

Grouse Mountain is a popular winter ski hill that transforms into an outdoor activity mecca in the summer. Ride the gondola -- or hike -- to the top, and enjoy walking and hiking trails, disc golf, ziplining, and tandem paragliding. Or for a slower pace, take in a lumberjack show or a birds of prey demonstration, and visit Grouse's resident grizzly bears.

 

Want to experience the North Shore for yourself? There are two easy ways to get there from downtown. The SeabusExternal Link Title is a passenger ferry that takes 12 minutes to make the crossing to Lonsdale QuayExternal Link Title in North VancouverExternal Link Title. Stop and check out the 80+ vendors at the Lonsdale Quay Market, or board bus #236 to Capilano and, further up the hill, Grouse. Alternatively, both attractions offer free shuttle service from in front of Canada PlaceExternal Link Title.

 

Granville Island

Another Vancouver must is Granville Island, an oasis for the arts with multiple live theater venues, a variety of artist studios and galleries, and an impressive public market. Grab lunch from one of dozens of food vendors and eat at an outdoor table overlooking bustling False Creek. Local buskers enhance the experience. After lunch, shop for mementos ranging from hand-crafted jewellery to an Inuit sculpture to a new hat. In the evening, catch a play or an improv performance and indulge in a glass of BC wine before calling it a night.

 

Granville Island is accessible by small passenger ferries that traverse False Creek from several downtown locations. Board an AquabusExternal Link Title or a False Creek FerriesExternal Link Title vessel, sit back, and enjoy the scenery for the quick ride.

 

Richmond's Golden Village

The city of RichmondExternal Link Title is located south of Vancouver, and is accessible on the Canada Line, a rapid-transit train. Richmond's population is approximately 50% people of Chinese descent, making this a great place to eat and shop for all things Asian. The Golden Village, along No. 3 Road close to Aberdeen and Lansdowne Canada Line stations, boasts the city's biggest Asian shopping centers. Don't miss Aberdeen CentreExternal Link Title, a multi-level mall that's home to a huge range of shops and dining options, and Yaohan Centre, one of the city's earliest malls. Richmond is also known for having some of the best Chinese food outside of China. Read more about the Richmond's Dumpling TrailExternal Link Title, and about "Food StreetExternal Link Title."

 

University of British Columbia

Not just an institution of higher learning, UBC boasts several attractions worth exploring. The campus is easily accessible via transitExternal Link Title. The Museum of AnthropologyExternal Link Title is home to an impressive collection of works from all over the world. Most notable are the 7,000+ pieces that make up the museum's BC First Nations collection. The totems alone are worth the cost of admission. Nearby, the Beaty Biodiversity MuseumExternal Link Title, with its giant blue whale skeleton, is a great stop for anyone interested in natural history. Nature lovers will want to check out the expansive UBC Botanical GardenExternal Link Title and the peaceful Nitobe Memorial GardenExternal Link Title, considered to be one of the top five Japanese gardens outside of Japan.

 

Bowen Island

For an island retreat, consider a day trip to Bowen Island. Bowen offers opportunities to connect with nature, both out on the water and on forested trails that feel a million miles from civilization. About half the island is made up of designated public forested areas, which means lots walking and hiking options, and water sports include kayaking and paddleboarding. Prefer the arts? Bowen is home to a many artists, whose work is on display in the island's galleries and boutiques. You'll find a good selection of food and beverage options here too to keep you fuelled for your adventures. Here's more info on a Bowen Island getawayExternal Link Title.

 

From Vancouver, take bus # 257External Link Title to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal, and board for a 20-minute crossing to Snug Cove, Bowen's hub. Alternatively, take a water taxiExternal Link Title from either Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver or from Granville Island. 

 

 Vancouver by Bike and Sightseeing Bus

 

Another great way to see the city is on two wheels. Vancouver is home to a bike-share companyExternal Link Title that has stations all over the downtown core, and several in the surrounding neighborhoods. Purchase a 24-hour day pass, and get riding. If you'd rather conserve your energy, or in case of inclement weather, consider hop on/hop offExternal Link Title sightseeing busesExternal Link Title. These visit the major attractions, and several companies offer more structured guided toursExternal Link Title.

 

Discover more car-free inspiration at the Hello BC website.