Last Updated: November 12, 2021
Best Views in Vancouver
There’s a reason why the Canadian city of Vancouver is a prime filming location. The bustling, diverse city on the west coast of British Columbia is filled with modern glass high-rises and surrounded by scenic mountain and ocean views. The vistas are inspiring, relaxing, and extremely Instagram-worthy.
From lookout towers, revolving restaurants, and hotel spas to mountain tops, city parks, and beachside scenes with cityscapes, here are some of the best views in and around Vancouver.
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Vancouver Lookout Tower
The Vancouver Lookout Tower at downtown Harbour Centre is perfect for 360-degree views of this gorgeous city. The Harbour Centre observation deck takes you to a height of 168.6 meters whisks you up with a heart-stopping ride for 40 seconds. Once at the top, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of downtown and recognizable landmarks such as Coal Harbour and Canada Place, and Stanley Park.
In the distance, you’ll see Grouse Mountain, the North Shore, Lion’s Gate Bridge and more. Best of all, one ticket gives you all-day access. Come for the sunset and stay until sunrise or even after dark. The revolving restaurant at the top serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Cypress Mountain High View Lookout
While many lookout towers charge a fee, the High View Lookout Tower is free. It’s located in West Vancouver on the way to the Cypress Mountain Resort. There’s plenty of free parking as well. Once there, you’ll get panoramic views of the lower mainland and downtown. It’s also a good place to see the lights of the city after dark.
The Cypress Mountain area is also a fantastic location for hiking. With some of the best viewpoints in Vancouver along the trails. Hike to the Bowen Mountain Lookout for views of Bowen Island and the Howe Sound. Or take a longer hike on the trail to Eagle Bluffs. It’s about a four-hour round trip hike. You’ll enjoy views of the city and Horseshoe Bay.
Prospect Point in Stanley Park
One of Vancouver’s best lookouts is Prospect Point in Stanley Park, the city’s large urban park. The easy-to-access lookout is built on the seawall that surrounds the park and stretches to False Creek and David Lam Park. You’ll have phenomenal views of Lions Gate Bridge, the inner harbor, the Prospect Point Lighthouse, and across to the North Shore.
Keep an eye out for the legendary and often-photographed Siwatch Rock, a rock outcropping between 15 and 18 meters tall. Mariners named it Nine Pin Rock because of its resemblance to a bowling pin.
Queen Elizabeth Park
You don’t have to climb a tower or hike up a mountain for magnificent views in Vancouver. At 125 meters above sea level, you’ll get sweeping views of the city from Queen Elizabeth Park. From the top plaza, you can see the entire city skyline and iconic landmarks such as the BC Stadium. On clear days, you can see the Northshore Mountains.
Stay and explore the 130-acre park for close-up shots of the Quarry Gardens, the Dancing Fountains, and more. For more views and a delicious meal, stop by Seasons in the Park, an exclusive hilltop restaurant.
Charleson Park
Charleson Park is another Vancouver park to take in unforgettable views. The seven-hectare green space is located on the opposite side of the creek to downtown and a short walk from Olympic Village and Granville Island. The park offers views of the downtown skyline, David Lam Park, a waterfall, a pond, and the path to the famed Seawall.
Sights to take in include boats heading through False Creek and commuting cyclists. There is an excellent dog park in case you’re traveling with your furry best friend.
English Bay
Image courtesy of Wikimedia
Downtown’s English Bay is one of Vancouver’s most scenic places. English Bay Beach is an urban beach that is a good place to relax and enjoy the ocean, mountains, and city views all at once. It’s like the best of three worlds. You’ll have views of Vancouver to the east, West Vancouver to North Vancouver, and Kitsilano and Point Grey across the bay.
The beach is located between Second Beach and Sunset Beach along the Stanley Park Seawall. For some of the best views, walk or cycle the seawall. You can also enjoy the landscapes along with food and drinks at the terrace of the Cactus Club English Bay located right on the beach.
Jericho Beach
For a less crowded beach experience without giving up the views, make your way to Jericho Beach located west of Kitsilano about 20 minutes from downtown. The sandy beach has phenomenal views and is much less crowded than English Bay or Kitsilano Beach.
The scenery to enjoy includes the skyscrapers of Downtown Vancouver, West Vancouver, and the distant North Shore Mountains. A few bars and restaurants with terraces are scattered around where you can enjoy food and drinks along with the views.
The Spa at Fairmont Pacific Rim
Enjoy Vancouver’s scenery in a unique way while getting pampered at a spa. The Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel’s fifth floor has stunning views surrounding the treatment rooms and spa pools. The hotel is located next to Canada Place at the water’s edge. You’ll have views of Vancouver Harbour, Coal Harbour, and the North Shore Mountains in the distance.
After your spa experience, head to the terrace for more views while relaxing in cabana-style chairs. Watching the seaplanes take off, you may be inspired to book a tour for the ultimate incredible views. Or for a luxurious vacation, book a room with unbridled vistas of Downtown Vancouver or the harbor.
Burnaby Mountain
Another great viewpoint of Vancouver if you have the time to get out of town is Burnaby Mountain. It is only 300m high, or 1,000 feet, and offers great long-distance views of Vancouver and the downtown Vancouver skyline from afar.
Burnaby Mountain is also a little easier to get to and park without having to head into downtown Vancouver, which is always busy. Even on weekends.
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
