NAVSA 2021-22
What to do in Vancouver
The following attractions may be of interest during your visit. Click on the attraction's header to learn more.
Vancouver Art Gallery
4 min by car, 17 min by foot from Westin Bayshore
Founded in 1931, the Vancouver Art Gallery hosts innovative exhibitions and extensive public programming. It works to advance scholarship in the visual arts, particularly with regard to the historical and contemporary art of British Columbia. Special emphasis goes to the achievements of First Nations artists and the art of the Asia Pacific region. Check back later for information on upcoming exhibits.
Stanley Park and Seawall Path System
3 min by car, 7 min by foot from Westin Bayshore
Stanley Park is Vancouver's oldest and largest park, featuring 400 hectares of West Coast rain forest, trails, paved pathways, and beautiful views of the ocean, sky, and North Shore mountains. The seawall pathway system wraps around Stanley Park and extends west all the way to Spanish Banks (near the University of British Columbia.) In total, it includes 28km of uninterrupted pathway. A loop around Stanley Park is 5.5 miles or 9km.
Vancouver Aquarium
10 min by car, 17 min by foot from Westin Bayshore
The Vancouver Aquarium is an OceanWise initiative, and home to thousands of ocean species. Scientists, educators, and conservation experts work to protect our oceans and to inspire visitors to become responsible custodians of the environment. Innovative programming, superlative animal care, and a commitment to aquatic research have earned the Aquarium an international reputation for excellence.
Museum of Anthropology
25 min by car from Westin Bayshore; 1 hour via the 44 bus from downtown
The Museum of Anthropology is "a place of world arts and cultures," with a special emphasis on First Nations peoples and other cultural communities within British Columbia. Through innovative programming and partnerships with local and global communities, the MOA aims to promote awareness and understanding of culturally diverse ways of knowing.
UBC Botanical Gardens
25 min by car from Westin Bayshore; 1 hour via the 44 bus from downtown
The UBC Botanical Garden was established in 1916. Originally, its mission was to research the native flora of British Columbia. Now, that mission has broadened to include education, research, conservation, community outreach, and public display of temperate plants from around the world.
20-25 min by car from Westin Bayshore
Queen Elizabeth Park features a free rose garden, an arboretum, and a paid-entry tropical garden: the Bloedel Conservatory. Marking the highest point in Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park allows for stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.
20-25 min by car from Westin Bayshore
VanDusen Botanical Garden boasts 55-acres of over 8000 plant species. General admission provides access to the garden, the Elizabethan hedge maze, Truffles Café, Shaughnessy Restaurant, and the garden-themed gift shop.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
13 min by car from Westin Bayshore
One of the most popular attractions in Vancouver, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is home to a bridge 450 feet (137 m) long and 230 feet (70m) above Capilano River. Additionally, it is home to the Cliffwalk, and to seven suspended footbridges, providing views 110 feet above the forest floor.
18 min by car from Westin Bayshore
For hikers, the Grouse Grind is a challenging 2.9-kilometre (1.8-mile) trail that leads to the top of Grouse Mountain. Allow yourself at least 60-90 minutes to get to the top, and then enjoy the $20 gondola ride back down to the base.
12 min by car from Westin Bayshore
Granville Island is home to a bustling Public Market, theatres, and craft studios. The mini-tugboat ferries are a popular and fun way to get to the island. Once there, there are countless options for eating, drinking, shopping, and sightseeing.
8 min by car, 17 min by foot from Westin Bayshore
Established in 2008 in celebration of Haida artist Bill Reid (1920-1998), The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art exhibits the Bill Reid SFU Art Collection, as well as contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast Art.
4 min by car, 12 min by foot from Westin Bayshore
Gustav and Matilda Roedde settled in Vancouver in 1888. The Roedde House was designed by famous architect Francis Rattenbury. The house has been preserved by the Roedde House Preservation Society and is a Class A Heritage House.
Day Trip
For guests planning to extend their stay, Whistler makes for a memorable day trip. Explore the scenic Sea-to-Sky corridor, the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, and Whistler Village. From trails to spas, Whistler offers a variety of experiences.
Day Trip
Located on Vancouver Island, Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia. For guests extending their stay, Victoria offers attractions such as the Royal BC Museum, the Butchart Gardens, and the Victoria Butterfly Gardens.
