Robert WebbIt’s no secret that Vancouver is one of those cities that always makes you stop and just take it all in. I’ve wandered around looking for the best views, whether it was to snap a few photos or simply enjoy the surroundings.
From stunning mountain views to sunsets by the beach, there’s no shortage of places that’ll make you pause and say, “Wow.”
If you’re into beautiful scenery (or want your Instagram to look amazing), here are my favorite spots in Vancouver that you won’t want to miss.
- Discover Serenity at Stanley Park
- Walk the Iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of Queen Elizabeth Park
- Check out Grouse Mountain
- Head to Granville Island
- Stop by Spanish Banks
- Explore the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
- Head up the Vancouver Lookout
- Go to English Bay
- Traverse the VanDusen Botanical Garden
Discover Serenity at Stanley Park
Media credit: dailyhivevancouver
Activities: Walking, cycling, picnicking, photography along the seawall
Highlights: Prospect Point, Siwash Rock, Stanley Park Totem Poles
Best Time for Photos: Sunrise and sunset
Address: Main entrance at the west end of Georgia Street
Contact details: +1 604-681-6728
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am to 5pm
Stanley Park is a stunning oasis that offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With so much to see and do, you could easily lose track of time here.
Renting bikes and cycling along the seawall is a fantastic way to soak in the breathtaking views. The entire route stretches 10KM, leading you to a variety of picturesque viewpoints.
After about 10 minutes, you’ll stumble upon Hallelujah Point, where you can gaze out at the shimmering water and the striking city skyline.
Also, visit the Brockton Point Lighthouse, which is simply charming and provides a picturesque backdrop. And then there’s Prospect Point, where you can catch a glimpse of the iconic Lions Gate Bridge.
Pro tip:
Use natural lines like pathways or fences to lead the eye straight to the lighthouse, adding more depth and intrigue to your shots. It’s a simple trick that instantly makes your photos stand out!
Walk the Iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge
Media credit: capilanosuspensionbridge
Activities: Walking the bridge, Treetops Adventure, Cliffwalk
Highlights: Capilano Canyon, Capilano river, and old-growth forest
Best Time for Photos: Sunset
Address: 3735 Capilano Road
Contact details: +1 604-985-7474
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am to 6pm
The world-renowned Capilano Suspension Bridge is just a quick drive from downtown Vancouver. It may seem like a simple suspension bridge spanning the Capilano River, but the views are nothing short of spectacular.
When it comes to visiting Capilano, timing is key. It’s best to swing by right when they open at 9 AM or just before closing on a weekday.
Make sure to snap photos from various spots on the bridge—try different angles, like the front versus the middle, and switch it up by being closer to or further away from the camera to see which shots turn out best.
But don’t think the Capilano Suspension Bridge is all there is to the park. There are plenty of other Instagram-worthy spots, including the Cliff Walk and Treetops Adventure.
Pro tip:
Since the place is surrounded by lush forest, your photos will have a lot of green, dark green, and earthy tones. To really pop against this backdrop, wear bright colors like yellow, red, or white!
Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of Queen Elizabeth Park
Media credit: adryrestrepo007
Activities: Strolling through gardens, visiting Bloedel Conservatory, photography
Highlights: Sunken gardens, spectacular city views, beautiful flower beds
Best Time for Photos: Afternoon and sunset
Address: At the junction of Cambie Street and West 33rd Avenue
Contact details: +1 604-873-7000
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 6am to 10pm
Queen Elizabeth Park is a stunning oasis where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Spanning 130 acres, this urban park is famous for its breathtaking gardens and sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Every corner of the park is a fantastic photo opportunity, but springtime steals the show when cherry blossom trees blanket the landscape. Of course, it’s beautiful year-round!
This park is also a hotspot for flower enthusiasts and anyone in search of a great view. As the highest point in Vancouver at 125 meters above sea level, it offers spectacular vistas of the park, the city, and the majestic North Shore mountains.
Pro tip:
Tucked right next to the stairs is a cluster of bamboo trees. While they might not catch your eye at first, they make for a stunning backdrop when framed on their own.
Check out Grouse Mountain
Media credit: grousemountain
Activities: Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, Skyride gondola
Highlights: British Columbia’s South Coast, Metro Vancouver, Cascade Mountain Range, and forests
Best Time for Photos: All-day
Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way
Contact details: 604-980-9311
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 7am to 7pm
Grouse Mountain is Vancouver’s most popular year-round destination, just a quick 15-minute drive from downtown. During the winter months, it offers easy walking trails that cater to adventurers of all levels.
You’ll find a charming skating rink, a cozy lodge, and a restaurant with jaw-dropping views, all accessible via a fun gondola ride up the mountain.
The area is also adorned with totem poles and log carvings, making for some fantastic photo opportunities. Don’t miss the expansive viewing platform, where you can snap pictures of the stunning scenery below.
The breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, towering fir trees, and the crisp mountain air are simply unforgettable.
Pro tip:
Go on a weekday. Weekends, especially in winter, are packed with crowds, making it almost impossible to get those peaceful, crowd-free shots.
Head to Granville Island
Media credit: granville_island
Activities: Exploring the public market, shopping, eating at waterfront cafe
Highlights: False Creek, city views, ferries
Best Time for Photos: Sunrise and sunset
Address: 1669 Johnston Street
Contact details: 604-666-6655
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am to 8pm
Granville Island is located just south of the downtown peninsula, nestled right beneath the Granville Bridge. It’s a hub of activity with plenty of shops, ideal spots for boat-watching and people-watching, and an array of delicious food options.
Be sure to snap a photo of the island’s iconic neon sign. Its vibrant red glow illuminates a series of striking iron crosshatches, creating a beautiful reflection on a nearby willow tree at the island’s entrance.
Granville Island is also adorned with colorful walls and murals on the buildings, making it a fantastic backdrop for selfies and videos.
Pro tip:
For the best photos, aim to go early in the morning or just before sunset. This way, you can dodge the crowds while still enjoying that perfect lighting.
Stop by Spanish Banks
Media credit: floras.focus
Activities: Beach picnics, kiteboarding, skimboarding
Highlights: Downtown Vancouver skyline, Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge, and West Vancouver
Best Time for Photos: Sunset
Address: Located along Northwest Marine Drive, west of Tolmie Street
Contact details: 604-257-8400
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 6am to 10pm
Spanish Banks is a sprawling beach that provides excellent opportunities for picnicking, swimming, beach volleyball, or just soaking in the panoramic views of Vancouver and the mountains.
With some of the best vistas in the city, it’s a spectacular photo op. The miles of sandy beach invite you to explore, and when the tide is out, you can stroll far into the water.
You can also head east to discover two other beaches or ride along the scenic bike trails. But let’s be honest—the breathtaking views are what truly make the trip worthwhile.
Pro tip:
The trails in the wooded park at Spanish Banks are absolutely magical in the late afternoon so that’s a great spot to take a photo for that golden light filtering through the trees.
Explore the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
p
Media credit: vancouverchinesegarden
Activities: Guided tours, exploring the garden’s art and architecture, relaxing by the ponds
Highlights: The gardens
Best Time for Photos: Sunrise
Address: 578 Carrall Street
Contact details: +1 604-662-3207
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 9:30am to 4pm
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is breathtaking year-round, with colors changing constantly thanks to its diverse plants and trees.
Upon arrival, you’ll receive a booklet with a map of the gardens and descriptions of the various sections. You’ll find lovely trees, flowers, and a serene pool, along with beautiful trellises and wooden arches.
We recommend capturing the intricate designs of the pavilions and the beautiful reflections in the water for some stunning photos.
Pro tip:
Since the gardens are only open during daylight hours, bringing a polarizing filter is a smart move for sunny days. It helps reduce the sun’s glare and enhances the vibrant colors.
Head up the Vancouver Lookout
Media credit: vancouverlookout
Activities: Taking the glass elevator to the observation deck, self-guided tour
Highlights: downtown Vancouver, ocean and mountain views
Best Time for Photos: An hour before sunset
Address: 555 W Hastings Street
Contact details: +1 604-689-0421
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 10am to 6pm
The Vancouver Lookout provides an incredible experience, especially for those who have spent some time in the city and want to see it from a fresh perspective.
Situated on the 40th floor of the Harbour Centre, the Lookout does come with the challenge of tilted windows that can create reflections in your photos.
You try placing your camera as close to the glass as possible. A polarizing filter can also be beneficial.
Nevertheless, the views of the city are worth the visit, making it a must-see spot. This is one of the most stunning spots to take in all of downtown Vancouver, the surrounding suburbs, and the breathtaking beauty of the bay.
Pro tip:
Aim to arrive about an hour before sunset—the soft, golden light during this time creates minimal sun glare and is perfect for capturing breathtaking photos.
Go to English Bay
Media credit: james_hatheway
Activities: Beach volleyball, kayaking, sunbathing
Highlights: Pacific Ocean and Stanley Park
Best Time for Photos:
Address: Located along Beach Avenue between Gilford Street and Bidwell Street
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am to 4pm
English Bay is a fantastic place for photography. It’s lively and bustling with activities all around. You can relax on the expansive beach, swim, bike, paddleboard, or enjoy a drink at a bar or café while soaking in the vibrant street art.
It’s one of the most beautiful spots in Canada, with stunning mountain views right from the beach. Plus, Stanley Park is nearby, along with plenty of shops and restaurants to explore.
Pro tip:
Be ready for a bit of a walk, as parking nearby is limited to mostly downtown street parking.
Traverse the VanDusen Botanical Garden
Media credit: vandusengarden
Activities: Walking through themed gardens, exploring the hedge maze, bird watching
Highlights: the gardens
Best Time for Photos: Sunrise and sunset
Address: 5251 Oak Street
Contact details: +1 604-257-8463
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am to 5pm
VanDusen Botanical Garden is one of the most beautiful and expansive gardens, featuring tastefully designed hidden trails and a stunning variety of flowers and plants from around the world.
The walking paths, ponds, bridges, and seating areas are all crafted artistically in a subtle yet striking way.
It feels like wandering through a garden lit with twinkling lights, providing ample photo opportunities with illuminated trees, shimmering water reflections, and enchanting scenery.
Plan to spend a couple of hours exploring the entire garden, and be sure to seek out the waterfall and the maze. There are photo opportunities waiting around every corner here!
Pro tip:
If you can, plan your visit to the gardens on a weekday. Even during the busy peak season in July, when tourists flood the city, weekdays tend to be far less crowded than weekends.
