Things To Do in Vancouver & Vancouver Airport Layover Ideas

If you don't want to go far and are really looking to unwind between flights then head over to the Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel. Located inside the Vancouver Airport, the Fairmont Vancouver offers a day pass to guests who want to make use of their extensive spa and gym facilities. With over 130 treatments to choose from you will be hard pressed not to enjoy yourself while you are waiting for your onward flight.

If you only have a short time, but want to see as many of the sights around Vancouver as possible, why not book yourself a Vancouver Tour? There are several options to choose from. The most popular offer hop-on hop-off convenience, and include all the top sights, including Stanley Park, Lion's Gate Bridge, Granville Island, Gastown and much more. A tour is also a great way to get a city overview, to identify areas to return to later in a longer vacation stay.

Vancouver's Chinatown was settled by Chinese immigrants who came to Canada in the late 1800s to build the national railroad. Today's grocery and herbal medicine markets mimic the ethnic flavors, sights and sounds of Eastern Asia. If you are lucky enough to visit during Chinese New Year, you will find the area alive with festivities and a parade. If you visit during the summer, the Chinatown Night Market, styled after Asian marketplaces, is very popular activity (100 and 200 block Keefer Street, 6:30pm-11pm, Fri-Sun, summers).

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a Ming-dynasty style garden located in Chinatown. The gardens combines traditional Chinese buildings, plants, a small lake, and curved footpaths to create the illusion of a very big place within a single block.

Just a 15 minute drive from downtown is one of Vancouver’s greatest attractions: the Peak of Vancouver at Grouse Mountain. Here you will find activities to suit the season from skiing and snowboarding, ice skating and sleigh rides to the skyride and Vancouver's only zipline. For an active and adventurous layover head over to Grouse Mountain and you will find an activity to keep everyone happy.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is suspended 230 feet above the Capilano River and is definitely worth a look. There are a number of family activities in this area including the award winning Treetops Adventure, you can take a rainforest tour, and experience the culture of Vancouver’s First Nation including traditional weaving and beadwork. If you prefer to relax over a good meal there are a number of dining facilities to choose from or you could choose to shop at the Trading Post for gifts and souvenirs.

The Richmond Oval was the stunning venue for long track speed skating events during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. Situated on the banks of the Fraser River in the city of Richmond, the Oval has been transformed into its legacy purpose as an international centre of excellence for sports, health and wellness. Facilities include ice rinks, courts, a running track, paddling centre, climbing wall and fitness studios. The 23,000 square foot high-tech fitness facility is open to guests. 

If you are looking for culture and history, Vancouver offers several outstanding museums:

• The impressive Museum of Anthropology houses several thousand objects from BC's First Nations. The museum is also home to significant collections of archaeological objects and ethnographic materials from around the world.
• The Vancouver Art Gallery, combines local with international through a variety of exhibitions and a permanent collection that focuses on renowned British Columbia artist, Emily Carr.
• Situated on the east side of False Creek is the shiny geodesic dome of the Telus World of Science (commonly known as Science World), which has a number of exhibits, shows and galleries aimed at making science fun for kids. 
• The BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, located at Gate A of BC Place Stadium, preserves and honours BC's Sport heritage by recognizing extraordinary achievement in sport, and uses the collection and stories to inspire all people to pursue their dreams.
• In Kitsilano, near downtown, there are 3 gems: the Vancouver Maritime Museum, the Museum of Vancouver, and the H.R. Macmillan Space Centre.