Robert WebbThe Best Viewpoints in and around Vancouver
The natural beauty of Vancouver and its vicinity is simply breathtaking. From the serene waters of False Creek to the majestic peaks of Grouse Mountain, this region offers a visual feast that will leave you in awe.
In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey to discover the 12 best viewpoints in and around the city.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Address: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2Z1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
The top choice has to be Queen Elizabeth Park, which sits right on the highest point of Vancouver at 125 meters above sea level. It presents fantastic views of the city skyline, the mountain ranges of the North Shore, and more.
From this vantage point, you can also spot landmarks such as BC Place, as well as other notable viewpoints like Vancouver Lookout and Grouse Mountain.
While some visitors tend to flock to the more famous and easily accessible Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park actually offers more spectacular views.
Pro tip:
For the ultimate views, visit the Bloedel Conservatory. There, you’re also likely to enjoy the exotic birds and colorful flowers, and revel in the tropical climate under the massive dome, especially when the weather outside is chilly.
Vancouver Lookout Tower
Address: 555 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 4N6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-689-0421
Next to the highest point in the city is naturally the designated observation tower. At 553 feet high on top of the Harbour Centre, Vancouver Lookout seems so far from ground level, but with the two high-speed glass elevators, you can get to the top of the city in no time.
One floor up the observation deck is the Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant. From here, you can get a full 360° view of downtown, Stanley Park, and the North Shore mountains.
Since it revolves every hour, you’ll enjoy a constantly changing view while having breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Pro tip:
Consider going either early in the morning or during the late afternoon to catch the city in different lighting. Sunrise and sunset visits can provide you with some of the most stunning and photogenic views as the changing light paints the cityscape in beautiful hues.
Burrard Bridge
Address: Burrard Bridge, Vancouver, BC, Canada
The Burrard Bridge is the most picturesque of the three bridges that cross False Creek. With breathtaking views in every direction, the Burrard Bridge is a prime location for photography and sightseeing.
The Burrard Bridge boasts 2.6 meters (8 feet 6 inches) wide sidewalks and dedicated cycling lanes on both sides, making it a popular spot for walking and cycling.
So the next time you head out to get your steps in, consider this bridge and catch the glorious sunset from here.
The Celebration of Light (fireworks vancouver) event is also very nice to watch from the Burrard Bridge. It’s not the most festive, but if you’d love to concentrate on the fireworks display and the boats on the water, this will be an ideal viewpoint during the event.
Pro tip:
The Burrard Bridge in itself can be quite a view. To fully appreciate the Art Deco-style beauty of the Burrard Bridge, head to the Granville Street Bridge and gaze westward.
This viewpoint allows you to capture the bridge in all its glory, with Stanley Park and the Sunshine Coast forming a captivating backdrop in the same frame.
Charleson Park
Address: 999 Charleson Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4A2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
Charleson Park is located on the southern side of False Creek, close to Olympic Village (Olympic VIllage Vancouver), and just a few minutes away from Granville Island.
What makes it a fantastic viewpoint is that when you take a walk through this park, you get to see amazing views of the downtown area across the creek. The skyline will be brightest when you pass around a waterfall towards the Seawall.
Pro tip:
Charleson Park has a big area where you can take your dog for a walk, and you can enjoy those awesome views while spending time with your furry friend.
Cypress Mountain Lookout
Address: Cypress Bowl Rd, West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Cypress Mountain Lookout is a short 30-minute drive away from downtown Vancouver. It’s located just off the road that goes up to Cypress Mountain Resort.
The best part? It’s free to visit, and it’s not as crowded as some of the other viewpoints, so you can really savor your time there.
If you happen to be heading to West Vancouver for skiing or hiking, it’s definitely worth making a pit stop at Cypress Mountain Lookout. From this vantage point, you can take in stunning views of the city, the ocean, and the majestic surrounding mountains.
Pro tip:
If you’re thinking about catching a beautiful sunset from the lookout, consider starting your day at Cypress Mountain Resort.
Aside from skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, you can give the Eagle Coaster (cypress mountain coaster vancouver) a try. It’s a fantastic attraction to experience while you’re in the area.
Lonsdale Quay
Address: 145 Chadwick Ct #220, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3K1, Canada
Lonsdale Quay is super easy to reach via the SeaBus from Waterfront Station to North Vancouver. You’ll know you’re near when you see the big “Q” sign, which marks the Q Tower – an iconic part of the Lonsdale Quay Public Market.
This place is right on the waterfront in North Vancouver, and it offers a unique view of the city. You can see the stunning Vancouver skyline across the water, beautifully framed by the surrounding mountains.
While you’re there, definitely take some time to enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes on Lonsdale Quay. They serve a wide range of cuisines, and you can dine with a fantastic view.
Pro tip:
If you happen to be on the North Shore on a Saturday between May and October, be sure to check out The Lonsdale Quay Farmer’s Market in the East Plaza.
It’s a great place to find fresh, local produce and unique artisanal products that you might not easily find in regular stores.
Prospect Point
Address: 5601 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-669-2737
Prospect Point is situated on the southern side of the First Narrows of Burrard Inlet, right at the northernmost tip of Stanley Park. It’s actually the highest point within this popular urban park.
When you visit Prospect Point, you’ll be treated to awe-inspiring vistas of the ocean, West Vancouver, and the iconic Lions Gate Bridge. Simply take a short walk from the parking area, and you’ll discover a lookout spot that provides these incredible views.
Watching the ships as they come and go beneath the majestic Lions Gate Bridge is truly captivating, especially when you’ve had a hectic week and need a moment to unwind.
The best part about this? Access to this lookout is free, although you’ll need to pay for parking, which is pretty standard practice in Stanley Park.
Pro tip:
If you’re feeling up for some adventure, you’ll find several hiking trails on the opposite side of the road from Prospect Point. These trails wind through the lush forest.
Starting from the lookout, there’s a path that takes you downhill towards the water and the scenic seawall. While the journey down isn’t too strenuous, the real challenge lies in the hike back up.
Canada Place
Address: 999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3T4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-665-9000
Canada Place is located on the waterfront of Burrard Inlet, so it’s a highly sought-after spot for taking in panoramic views of the mountains, waters, Stanley Park, and the bustling area of downtown Vancouver.
Because there’s a cruise ship terminal at Canada Place, you can also see the large ships docked or arriving at the terminal.
For an even more unique experience, head over to the Convention Centre at Canada Place, where you can witness seaplanes landing and taking off, which creates an intriguing spectacle.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking to extend your sightseeing adventure, check out the FlyOver Canada (FlyOver Canada) attraction right here at Canada Place. It offers a virtual flight experience across the country, mainly through high-resolution visuals displayed on a wrap-around screen.
What makes the experience truly immersive is the realistic sensation it provides, with moving seats, wind effects, and more.
False Creek
Address: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Phone: + 1 604-257-8195
False Creek is an inlet that lies right in the heart of Vancouver. What’s unique about it is that it separates the two communities Olympic Village and Granville Island with just a seawall in between.
So, when you take a stroll along False Creek, you get to enjoy views of Granville Island, Science World, and Charleson Park, and even catch breathtaking glimpses of the North Shore mountains.
The scenery can vary depending on whether you’re looking at a side with lots of houseboats or not, but it’s always a treat to watch people enjoying activities like canoeing and rowing on the water.
Pro tip:
Another interesting way to get an amazing view from False Creek is to hop on the AquaBus or False Creek Ferries.
These watercraft can swiftly transport you from one point to another along False Creek while providing you with a unique perspective of the area’s beauty.
Jericho Beach
Address: 3941 Point Grey Rd, Vancouver, BC V6R 1B5, Canada
Phone: + 1 604-224-3208
Jericho Beach, a lovely part of the Point Grey neighborhood, is a sandy beach that graces the southern edge of English Bay. It’s a hotspot during the summer, drawing swimmers, water sports enthusiasts, and anyone seeking some quality relaxation.
Because of its location, Jericho Beach provides sweeping views of English Bay against the backdrop of the North Shore mountains.
You can also try walking up the Jericho Park trail, which offers 25 minutes’ worth of walking with scenic views along the shoreline.This trail can even be extended further to the Spanish Banks walk via Locarno Beach.
Pro tip:
Unlike the nearby Kitsilano Beach, Jericho Beach tends to be less crowded because it’s a bit further west. It can get busier during the summer, especially on weekends and holidays.
The busiest times are typically in the middle of the day, so if you prefer a quieter experience, aim for earlier or later hours.
Stanley Park Seawall
Address: Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
Any point along the seawall can provide you with open access to stunning views, but at the beginning of the seawall in Stanley Park, you have two exceptional vantage points: the one along Coal Harbour and the other along West End.
The Coal Harbour side of the Stanley Park Seawall allows you to capture the entire Coal Harbour in a single frame. The best time for photography is at night when the waterfront and the Vancouver Convention Centre are all beautifully illuminated.
In the morning, this area offers astonishing views of the downtown skyline.
On the West End, particularly from Second Beach and Third Beach, you’ll enjoy a fantastic vista of English Bay and the North Shore.
Here, you can watch sailboats gracefully gliding across the bay, witness the golden hues of a sunset reflecting off the water, and even spot the majestic North Shore Mountains in the distance.
Pro tip:
Head to the Brockton Point Lighthouse, situated at the westernmost tip of Stanley Park. It provides stunning views of the Vancouver skyline, the North Shore mountains, and English Bay.
Be sure to time your walk to coincide with the sunset, as the views from the Brockton Point Lighthouse at sunset are truly awe-inspiring.
Capitol Hill
Address: 276 N Hythe Ave, Burnaby, BC V5B 1G5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-985-7761
Capitol Hill, located in Burnaby, is renowned for its exceptional viewpoint overlooking the city of Vancouver.
From Capitol Hill, you can revel in an unobstructed and elevated view of the entire Vancouver skyline. It’s especially mesmerizing during the evening when the city lights cast a magical glow over the urban landscape.
To the north, you’ll be treated to the majestic North Shore Mountains, which form a stunning backdrop to the cityscape. To the west, you can enjoy views of Burrard Inlet, which adds another layer of beauty to the scene.
Pro tip:
For convenient access to Capitol Hill, consider taking the SkyTrain’s Millennium Line to either the Holdom Station or Brentwood Town Centre Station, both of which are relatively close to Capitol Hill.
From there, you can opt to walk or take a bus to reach the viewpoint.
Ambleside Park
Address: 150 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7T 1B1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-925-7275
Ambleside Park, situated in West Vancouver, is a popular spot for enjoying scenic views of Vancouver and the surrounding area. In fact, it’s a great location to watch the fireworks display during the Celebration of Light event in the city.
Located right along the waterfront of Burrard Inlet, Ambleside Park provides unobstructed views of the water, Stanley Park, and the city of Vancouver. The proximity to the waterfront will allow you to fully immerse in the beauty of the surroundings.
The Lions Gate Bridge is also a picturesque sight, especially when it’s illuminated at night, and it frames the cityscape beautifully.
Pro tip:
Ambleside Park is a well-rounded destination. The park itself features lush green spaces, picnic areas, and amenities, making it a great place for a day out. You can relax in the park while taking in the views.
Waiting for the sun to dip below the horizon from this location is also a great opportunity.
Grouse Mountain
Address: District Municipality of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Phone: + 1 604-980-9311
Grouse Mountain is located just north of Vancouver and boasts a considerable elevation. This means you’ll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views that extend across the city, the surrounding landscapes, and even out to the Pacific Ocean.
Regardless of the time of year, Grouse Mountain offers incredible sights. The evergreen trees in the summer and snow-capped peaks in the winter provide stunning contrasts against the cityscape.
After dark, the city lights of Vancouver create a mesmerizing urban landscape. Grouse Mountain’s clear night skies make it an excellent spot for stargazing and enjoying the sparkling city lights below.
Pro tip:
It’s relatively easy to access Grouse Mountain, as it’s just a short drive or a quick ride on the Skyride aerial tramway from the city. This convenience makes it a popular choice for both locals and tourists seeking remarkable views.
