10 places to see the sights
1. Fort Langley’s rough-hewn timber buildings recreate the rugged 1800s. See where Hudson’s Bay Company fur traders mingled with California gold prospectors and hear First Nations interpreters tell century-old tales. Feel the blast of the musket fire, pan for gold dust dreams and dress up to play a historic trading boss. pc.gc.ca
2. Greater Vancouver Zoo in Langley is dedicated to education and conservation, and is home to many rescued, donated and orphaned animals. From DIY Field Trips to Behind-the-Scene tours, the Greater Vancouver Zoo will inspire appreciation of our ecosystems and support conservation efforts by engaging the community. gvzoo.com
3. Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site showcases the rise of the West Coast fishing industry in Steveston village. Learn about the workers who kept the salmon canning lines and a herring reduction plant moving. Take a self-guided tour of the historic cannery, hear fascinating fish tales revealed through photographs, recordings and fun interactive displays. pc.gc.ca
4. Van Dusen Botanical Gardens will a-maze kids with 55 acres to explore, including the Elizabethan hedge maze made up of over 3,000 pyramidal cedars. Explore the nearby veggie garden and honeybee hive and climb on the vintage tractor. Spot and photograph local wildlife: hummingbirds, hawks, owls, eagles, butterflies, and turtles. vandusengarden.org
5. Science World and Omnimax Theatre at Telus World of Science never gets old, no matter how many times you’ve been there. Explore the latest feature exhibits, hands-on interactive displays and take part in special events. Something big is coming! Get ready to uncover the untold story of an age-old wonder and come face-to-face with a sensation that scientists have marvelled at for years. Stay tuned at scienceworld.ca/exhibitions.
6. Lonsdale Quay is a welcoming and versatile gathering place that promotes social connection. The Quay is the place to bring the community and visitors together to interact and share experiences; to explore, enjoy and learn about locally made food, drink and products in a fun, vibrant setting. There’s lots to see and do and plenty of room to roam around—indoors and out. lonsdalequay.com
7. Translink Public Transit System puts the “half the fun” in getting there. Going to Lonsdale Quay from Downtown? Hop aboard the Seabus and enjoy the 12-minute crossing is spectacular. Heading out to Richmond? Welcome aboard Skytrain’s Canada Line, traveling below ground and, here and there, above. translink.ca
8. PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience is open again. Stunning 360-degree views of Whistler Village, mountain peaks, lakes, glaciers and forests. Includes access to both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains with 50+ km of spring hiking trails. Ride the special glass-bottom gondola for a bird’s-eye view of the forest. whistler.com
9. Britannia Mine Museum’s BOOM! is a live-action, multi-sensory special effects story-telling experience that brings the historic Mill building roaring back to life, offering visitors lots to see and do—from guided underground tours to self-led exploration of the social history of Britannia Beach. The 10-acre site provides unique access to an important piece of Canadian history. britanniaminemuseum.ca
10. Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tours aren’t just for tourists. Offering a variety of stops, live commentary and the knowledge of driver-guides, the tours create unforgettable memories. Choose from eight different tours aboard a spacious mini-coach or downtown Vancouver’s only double-decker bus. The 4-hour Vancouver City Highlights Tour, departing at 10am, includes Granville Island, Stanley Park, Gastown and English Bay. vancouvertours.com
