Exploring Vancouver’s Free Attractions

Vancouver may be one of the most expensive cities to live in, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that enjoying the city will break your wallet. There are a number of free attractions all over the metro area that could cater to the explorer in you. Whether you’re up for a simple walk or you’re in for a day of adventure—get yourself ready for these freebies in the city!

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

What Capilano Suspension Bridge is for tourists, the Lynn Canyon Suspension bridge is for locals. Located at the Lynn Canyon Park in North Vancouver, admission to this ecology center is by donation. Parking is free, so are the park trails and crossing for the Lynn Canyon Suspension bridge. The bridge hangs 50 metres above Lynn Creek, the height of a 15 story building. The park also has a café and a gift shop.

Stanley Park

Exploring Vancouver will never be complete without a trip to Stanley Park. Bring your bike , rollerblades or grab a pair of runners and be awed by the magnificent view from the seawall. The seawall runs for about five miles and covers the perimeter of the park. It also passes through a playground, a waterpark and the beach— making it one of the busiest places in the city during the summer.

Shoreline Art Tour

For the art aficionados, Vancouver’s waterfront offers public art installations that add to the city’s charm and character. Set aside a whole afternoon, grab a cup of coffee and treat yourself to a self-guided tour of artwork, architectural landmarks and heritage sites on the perimeter of Vancouver’s downtown peninsula. A comprehensive list of what these works of art are and where to find them can be downloaded at: http://gocanada.about.com.

Celebrity and Movie Set Hunting

Movie buffs and die-hard TV series fans know that Vancouver and its surrounding areas make up one of the biggest film production places in North America. Upcoming Hollywood hits or TV series are always in the making somewhere in thecity. If you’re interested and patient enough to wait, you can always check out the BC Film Commission’s Film list for the latest schedule of these productions. Or you could get lucky and just bump into Tom Cruise at Starbucks!

Granville Island

Being the foodie that I am, a visit to Granville Island’s Public Market always brings a new discovery. Touring Granville Island is free, from the market, the many artsy shops and galleries. It can be a bit touristy—but the fun lies in exploring new things within the place no matter how many times you’ve been there. Plus, you can always cap the day by sitting in one of the benches and watching Vancouver’s gorgeous skyline.Many say that we are lucky enough to live in a beautiful city like Vancouver. Sitting inside your office and staying at home during weekends will never do this beautiful city justice. So go out and start exploring!