When visiting Vancouver, most visitors naturally gravitate toward the big-name attractions like Stanley Park, Granville Island, Science World, and the Vancouver Aquarium.
But if you want to experience the city in a more unique, active, and memorable way, there’s a lot more waiting beyond the standard itinerary. Here are some different things to do in Vancouver that go beyond the usual tourist checklist.
1. See Vancouver From Above with a Helicopter City Tour
One of the most unforgettable ways to experience Vancouver is from the sky. Instead of moving between attractions one by one, you see everything at once—downtown skyscrapers, ocean coastline, mountain ranges, and surrounding forests all blending into one panoramic view.
With Sky Helicopters, guests depart directly from Downtown Vancouver, making it one of the easiest and most impactful ways to start an adventure in the city.
Our Vancouver City Tours are designed for travellers who want something beyond traditional sightseeing. From the moment you lift off, the perspective changes completely—what felt like separate neighbourhoods on the ground becomes a connected, living landscape from the air. It’s fast, immersive, and one of the most memorable ways to understand the city’s geography.
2. Hike the Grouse Grind (The “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster”)
For a completely different kind of challenge, the Grouse Grind is one of Vancouver’s most well-known local hikes. It’s a steep uphill trail on Grouse Mountain that pushes your endurance while rewarding you with incredible views at the top.
Most people treat it as a fitness challenge, but it also offers a real sense of accomplishment—plus the option to relax at the summit with panoramic views over the city and ocean.
3. Explore the Museum of Anthropology at UBC
At the University of British Columbia, the Museum of Anthropology at UBC is one of the most impressive cultural experiences in the region.
It features world-class Indigenous art, towering totem poles, and artefacts that tell the deep history of the Pacific Northwest. The architecture itself is worth the visit, with massive glass walls overlooking the water and forest surroundings.
It’s a quieter, more reflective experience compared to typical tourist attractions.
4. Walk Through Historic Gastown
Gastown offers a completely different vibe from modern downtown. Cobblestone streets, brick buildings, and boutique shops create a neighbourhood full of character and history.
It’s one of the best areas in the city for wandering without a strict plan—cafés, galleries, and independent shops are all packed into a compact, walkable district that feels distinct from the rest of Vancouver.
5. Explore the North Shore Trails and Lookouts
Just across the water, the North Shore offers quick access to forests, mountains, and scenic viewpoints. Whether you’re hiking forest trails or heading to elevated lookouts, the area gives you a true sense of British Columbia’s natural landscape just minutes from downtown.
It’s one of the easiest ways to shift from city energy to outdoor adventure in a short amount of time.
6. Go Beyond Breweries with a Backcountry Beer Experience
Vancouver’s craft beer scene is strong, but you don’t have to stay in the city to experience it.
With the Backcountry Beer Tasting Heli-Tour from Sky Helicopters, the experience becomes something entirely different. Instead of visiting a brewery in a busy neighbourhood, you fly by helicopter into remote backcountry settings where beer tasting meets untouched wilderness.
It’s part scenic flight, part curated tasting experience, and entirely unique—perfect for travellers who want something far beyond the standard brewery tour.
7. Visit Queen Elizabeth Park for Skyline Views
Queen Elizabeth Park is one of the best places in the city for elevated views without leaving town. Sitting on one of Vancouver’s highest natural points, it offers sweeping sights of the skyline framed by mountains in the distance.
It’s a quieter alternative to waterfront viewpoints and works especially well at sunset or early evening.
8. Try Kayaking in False Creek or Deep Cove
Kayaking gives you a completely different way to experience Vancouver—right at water level. In False Creek, you paddle past city skylines and bridges, while in Deep Cove, the environment shifts into calm inlets surrounded by forest and mountains.
It’s a slower-paced adventure that still feels active and immersive.
9. Discover Hidden Beaches Around the City
Instead of sticking to the busiest waterfront spots, explore quieter beaches like Spanish Banks, Jericho Beach, or Lighthouse Park.
These areas offer more space, fewer crowds, and some of the best sunset views in the region. They’re ideal for relaxing, picnicking, or simply enjoying the coastline without distractions.
10. Take in the City From a New Perspective Every Time
What makes Vancouver special isn’t just its attractions—it’s how dramatically the perspective can change depending on how you experience it. One moment you’re in a forest, the next you’re in a bustling city core, and shortly after you’re looking at it all from above.
For travellers who want something more adventurous, experiences like helicopter tours from Sky Helicopters turn that contrast into something unforgettable. Instead of just seeing Vancouver, you experience how everything connects—city, ocean, and mountains—all in one view.