Unlike many other big cities, Vancouver’s museums and art galleries don’t draw people to the city. Sure, the Vancouver Art Gallery, which is centrally located, has a great collection of local and regional art. And, the Museum of Anthropology, located at the University of British Columbia, is arguably the best museum in the province. But when people think of Vancouver, they most likely want to visit to enjoy nature. Luckily, the best things about this city are either free or inexpensive, making this expensive-to-live-in city budget-friendly for travelers.
Check out that beautiful view above. That’s just one of millions of great spots to enjoy the natural surroundings from. . .and it’s totally free to do so!
Enjoy it on foot
Earlier this year, Treehugger crowned Vancouver with the Canada’s most walkable city title. I know from experience that it’s easy to set out to go on a simple walk and end up spending hours wandering around. Though I do recommend renting a car or taking a bus in order to be able to explore more of the city, don’t miss out on the city’s trails, pathways and seawalls by spending too much time in a vehicle.
If you’re a fan of beaches, there are plenty of those in the city. Any time of year, the weather is mild enough to allow you to visit a beach, even in the rain. Apart from beaches, there are more parks that you can possibly visit. The most famous one is Stanley Park, which has something for everyone. There are several beaches, the Vancouver Aquarium and dense forested paths, with old-growth trees. One fun thing to do is bring along a picnic lunch and sit on the grass, while enjoying a lovely view of the ocean and mountains.
A view of Downtown North Vancouver, the Lion’s Gate Bridge and Stanley Park, from Lighthouse Park.
Enjoy the food
Though we don’t enjoy the large portion-sizes for meals that cities in the USA do, you’ll be able to find more than enough to eat in the city at a reasonable price. There are beach-side cafés set-up by the City of Vancouver where you can buy hot dogs, fries, coffee and other snacks, but there are also many corner grocery stores where you can pick up more substantial/healthy food.
Enjoy the area
A little further afield, a trip to Squamish or Whistler is easily done within a day, and is only an hour or so of driving. If you’re interested in Olympic venues, Vancouver has plenty to see throughout the city, from sculptures, monuments and Olympic-built buildings.
About the author: Tazim Damji has lived in other cities and countries, but calls Vancouver, Canada home, and has for over 8 years of her life. She writes the home organization, travel and lifestyle blog BeingTazim.com. She has a background in interior design, anthropology and art history, and currently works as a media content creator.
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19 Days Left 
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Contest Closed
Twitter: bewitchinkitch
says:
I love Van City! It’s been a two years since I was there last and I’m hopefully heading back this summer
This BC girl misses her metropolis.
Twitter: beingtazim
says:
Nice to meet someone else in BC!
Twitter: beingtazim
says:
Thank you for the chance to guest post for you!
Twitter: JadeLDesigns
says:
Oh I have always wanted to visit Vancouver! Now you made me want to go even more! Dang it! lol.
Twitter: syakniVIN
says:
I’m lovin’ Vancouver! Love to go here!
Thank you for all the ideas,I am planning to go to Vancouver,
Twitter: notimeMom
says:
I am probably biased, since I live on the West Coast, but Vancouver is a lovely place! I would love the chance to just walk around with my camera and take pics. Thanks for all the great tips.
Twitter: beingtazim
says:
It is a very photogenic city, for sure!
Never been to Vancouver, but it looks beautiful
Vancouver is so pretty. I’d love a chance to visit someday.
That is very beautiful!
Twitter: frugalgreenmama
says:
Vancouver is on my list of places to travel with my children. I hope to make it there in the next few years!
Twitter: beingtazim
says:
It’s a great city to visit for the whole family. It is so family-friendly with lots of free things to do anytime of year.
I’ve always wanted to go to Vancouver. I’ve heard you can just walk around.
I would love to travel there
Twitter: east9thstreet
says:
Vancouver is on my travel list. I want to take my camera, go on photo walks and relish in the beauty! Funny how when you live in the city, you want to experience nature and when you’re surrounded by nature, all you want is the city.
Sarah recently posted..My Dog Sledding Experience: Harnessing The Dogs
Twitter: beingtazim
says:
I know what you mean! I love having the bets of both worlds, here. There is a thriving city and gorgeous natural surroundings, too.
Twitter: stacylpr
says:
Would love to visit Vancouver some day!
Twitter: neeners50
says:
I’ve only been there once, I live so close too! But you know how life gets ..so darn busy, I need to drive back up there, there was so much more I wanted to do there. I live in the “other” Vancouver lol Vancouver Washington, So not far away at all.
Twitter: salviunum
says:
Vancouver always looks so gorgeous in pictures. I have been wanting to visit for years! Vancouver is on my bucket list so I’ll make it there one day!
Hi Tazim! Is there a time of year that’s better to visit than others?
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