It’s no secret that Vancouver is a beautiful city granted with the jaw-dropping Canadian landscape.
From a modern waterfront skyline to snow-capped mountains, Vancouver won’t give you a hard time searching for picture-perfect views. Vancouver has a vast scenery of modern glass buildings by the waters and the mountains.
To help you uncover the charming panorama of the city, we have gathered 13 most scenic viewpoints in Vancouver in this article.
1. Queen Elizabeth Park
More than just a major draw to escape the hustle and bustle, Queen Elizabeth Park is the highest point in Vancouver offering stunning views of the North Shore Mountains and the city.
The park sits at 125 meters above sea level and houses a mecca of floral displays. Queen Elizabeth Park also hosts multiple wedding photoshoots every now and then thanks to the colorful carpet of plants.
Address: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2Z1.
2. Lighthouse Park
Lighthouse Park is home to one of the most photographed and recognizable landmarks in Lower Mainland – the lighthouse. This picturesque park takes you to a full-on seascape of the Gulf Islands and the Lions Gate Bridge. There is a lot to do at the park other than just admiring the views. Hiking, bird watching, and hitting the lighthouse viewpoint to explore the national historic site are other must-do activities.
Address: 4902 Beacon Ln, West Vancouver, BC V7W 1K5.
3. Stanley Park’s Prospect Point
Hidden on the tip of the city’s biggest landmark – Stanley Park, is a fence-enclosed lookout of Prospect Point. The area is an incredible getaway for view-seekers hunting for a special standpoint to admire the majestic Lions Gate Bridge leaning on the green forest backdrop and the far-flung Inner Harbor.
Are you down for a brunch with a view? If you’re searching for an unforgettable dining experience, why not give Prospect Point Grill & Bar a try? Grab a fun frozen cocktail of Straight Up Classic and unwind with the aerial vista by the patio!
Address: 5601 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2.
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4. Cypress Mountain High View Lookout
Do you think you can see the entire Vancouver just by standing in one place? If that’s a no, think again! Believe it or not, Cypress Mountain High View Lookout offers a peerless vista stretching through the whole city. The lookout is located on the way to the Cypress Mountain Resort in West Vancouver. You’ll be rewarded with a vast greenery surrounding the towering skyline that shadows the waters.
Save it for a photo-op, especially a panorama picture of the city after dusk!
Address: Cypress Bowl Rd, West Vancouver.
5, Jericho Beach
Hitting the beach is always a fun and great way to admire the waterfront views of the distant islands and mountains. Right here in Vancouver, Jericho Beach is one of the most popular sites offering a great view of the city and the surrounding landscape.
Jericho Beach is located in the Point Grey neighbourhood, where the beach lovers sunbathe on the warm sandy coast, go sailing, and windsurfing.
Address: 394 Point Grey Rd, Vancouver, BC V6R 1B5.
6. Granville Island
With just a quick ferry ride from the downtown side of Vancouver, you will end up at Granville Island for a pleasant and fun day trip.
Many people flock here to loosen up and indulge in the busy Public Market. But little do you know that the view of the busy False Creek is another highlight of the island. Dotted on the mirror-like water is a channel of white yachts shadowed by the enclosing skyscrapers.
All the food spots we personally recommend to our relatives and friends when they come to Vancouver.
7. Grouse Mountain
The most famous ski resort in Vancouver, Grouse Mountain, offers a breathtaking view beyond the city. Located on the edge of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is home to a wide array of activities that involve the bird’s eye view of Vancouver.
Opt for the gondola ride to see the city from above as you’re escalating to the peak. Hit the hiking trail to catch the unrivaled look above Vancouver while standing on the rocky cliff. You can also snowboard down a few runs to embrace the blank slate of Vancouver during winter.
Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9.
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8. Burnaby Mountain
It’s time to make a great escape from the chaotic city life with just a quick drive from downtown Vancouver to Burnaby Mountain. You will be surrounded by a great landscape of trees clattering to the wind while soaking up the sunset view.
More like a hidden gem, Burnaby Mountain has been off the radar and away from travelers’ attention as it’s located outside of Vancouver. At Burnaby Mountain, you’ve got the entire view and atmosphere to yourself!
Address: 100 Centennial Way, Burnaby, BC V5A 2X9.
9. Stawamus Chief
Astonishing as it is, Stawamus Chief is one of the most talked-about hiking trails in Vancouver. It leads you through the dense forest to the peak of the cliff where the views over Howe Sound becomes stunningly visible with your naked eyes.
Displayed underneath the boulder is a vast scene of turquoise blue waters ringed by the gigantic mountain range. If lucky, you may catch sight of kite-surfers launching from the Squamish Spit.
10. Lonsdale Quay
There’s no denying that the skyline is one of the best looks in Vancouver. Lonsdale Quay, situated as part of the North Shore, attracts a great number of visitors every day to catch the last rays in the day during sunset.
All you need is a quick ferry ride from downtown and you will end up at a waterfront market to dine out and admire the city’s skyscrapers lit up at night.
Address: 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver, V7M 3K7.
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11. Quarry Rock
Another limelight to enter into the spirit of Vancouver’s natural landscape is the Quarry Rock. What you can get standing on the top of the boulder is a magnificent view over Deep Cove.
Quarry Rock is another popular hike in Vancouver along Baden Powell Trail. The standing water is speckled with kayakers and boats cruising along the Indian Arm.
Address: Baden Powell Trail, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1V6.
12. Vancouver Lookout
Immersing in an all-embracing vista over the city while starting off the night at a fine-dining restaurant is irresistible. Vancouver Lookout has everything it takes to be your favorite viewpoint in Vancouver.
Home to an exceptional rotating restaurant, Top of Vancouver, Vancouver Lookout is located on the peak of Harbour Centre. This is where you can take in the sights while swirling a glass of red wine. After dining in, drop by the trendy Gastown neighbourhood for a long walk in the dazzling light before getting back home.
Address: 555 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4N6.
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13. Cactus Club Coal Harbour
Dining by the calm water and enjoying the romantic view of the North Shore Mountains through a giant glass window? It sounds like a dreamy afternoon break for all of us! If this is what you’re looking for, why not hit up Cactus Club right now and let yourself hypnotized by the peaceful and quaint ambiance?
Not only can you see the distant mountains covered by the clouds but also the Stanley Park and even the Olympic Torch. Don’t forget to level up your experience with a serving of prawn crunch sushi roll or the mouthwatering butternut squash ravioli for dinner!
Address: 1085 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1.
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A single viewpoint cannot do the justice of the city’s beauty, so we highly recommend you to invest a good few days in exploring as many outlooks as possible.
If you’re wondering what comes next in the must-visit places checklist, let’s take a dip in the sea and discover Vancouver’s best beaches!
Staying in British Columbia for a little bit? Make sure to check out these crazy cool Airbnbs in B.C. that you can stay in.
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