21 Spots in Vancouver to Snap That Show-Off Instagram Pic

July 5, 2016

8 min read

City skyline of Vancouver at sunset with text listing 21 spots to snap show-off Instagram pics

Populist is Vancouver’s cinematic city guide, showcasing everything that’s happening in the city through video – Your hub for where to go, what to do and who to see. Populist is run by Film and TV Producer, Rebecca Traub and Broadcast Journalist, Blanca Blandon (aka YinYang). Follow the fun at thisispopulist.com.

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Instagram has become the world’s best digital photo album where you get to show off your wicked photography skills (or ability to use a filter from an app). Thankfully, Vancouver is one of those cities that doesn’t take much to make it look good with it’s beautiful natural colors, mountains tops and hipster brick and modern style. These are the best spots to get a solid show-off pic for your IG account.

Sun shining through palm trees near a body of water with cloudy sky and distant mountains.

21. English Bay

Stand at the very edge of the continent and relish in all our country’s glory. You can play beach volleyball, wade in the water or just grab a spot on a log, surrounded by palm trees.

Night view of a lit pedestrian bridge over water with city skyline and a glowing geodesic dome in the background.

20. Olympic Village

You’re guaranteed a great picture anywhere along the seawall but especially in Olympic Village, with a picturesque backdrop of False Creek, Science World and BC Place.

A dog standing on a large rock overlooking a body of water with boats and a forested shoreline in the background.

19. Quarry Rock – Deep Cove

A hike with a view that anyone can access! Quarry Rock in Deep Cove offers tourists a beautiful vista of Indian Arm. It also won’t take much out of your day to enjoy this view as the hike is relatively quick and easy, and takes no longer than 2 hours round-trip to complete.

Person leaning on railing of a wooden platform overlooking a mountainous landscape with a river and forest at sunset.

18. Sea-to-Sky Gondola

The best views are always from above and that is especially true of the top of the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, which overlooks all of Howe Sound in the most stunning setting, surrounded by Mother Nature herself. A great alternative for those who’d prefer not to hike St. Mark’s Summit.

City skyline with tall buildings behind dense green trees and mountains under a clear blue sky.

17. Queen Elizabeth Park Lookout

Right next to Seasons in the Park in Queen Elizabeth Park, the most beautiful and well-kept garden in the the city! The park alone is swoon-worthy, with all of the pretty flowers and trees and the lookout is just as breath-taking.

Narrow triangular building at a street intersection with people walking and trees lining the streets.

16. Carrall and Water Street

Probably the most iconic street in Gastown is at the intersection of Carrall and Water St. where the statue of John “Gassy Jack Deighton” – Vancouver’s first settler – stands erected. Snap a classic shot of the Hotel Europe and cobble stone streets.

City skyline at sunset with buildings and a geodesic dome reflected in calm water.

15. Cambie Street Bridge

For that glorious, downtown shot, just take a leisurely stroll over the Cambie St. Bridge for scenic views of the downtown core, False Creek, Fairview, and the Burrard Bridge.

Sunset over a calm body of water with silhouetted trees and boats under a partly cloudy sky.

14. Sunset Beach

They don’t call it Sunset Beach for nothing. Back a blanket, bring your tripod, and relax while capturing an awe-inspiring time-lapse as the sun begins its descent.

Outdoor swimming pool with people swimming, city skyline, mountains, and clear blue sky in the background.

13. Kits Pool

Cool down in Canada’s longest outdoor pool. 150 yards of swimming space with a direct view of the North Shore mountains and of course, Kits Beach.

Two people sitting on a bench by a pond in a garden, viewed through a circular stone archway.

12. Dr. Sun-Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Aside from being the most tranquil sanctuary in the city, the gardens at Dr. Sun-Yat Sen make for a breath-taking Instagram pic.

Large yacht docked at a marina with tall modern buildings and a blue sky in the background.

11. Marinaside

In the heart of Yaletown, watch the boats and water taxis drift on the water all along Marinaside.

Close-up of a large metallic Olympic cauldron with a blue sky and mountains in the background.

10. Jack Poole Plaza

One of the city’s most historical landmarks is Jack Poole Plaza, where you’ll find the Olympic cauldron and a relaxing waterfront view.

Evening view of a wooden pier extending over calm water with city lights and mountains in the background.

9. Ambleside

Aside from being one of the best places to go crabbing and fishing, Ambleside in West Vancouver also boasts one of the nicest piers in the city. With the surrounding beach and ships going by, it’s the perfect photo opp.

City skyline at dusk with illuminated buildings and a waterfront reflecting lights.

8. Lonsdale Quay

Hop on the Sea Bus and make your way over to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver for a fun little adventure! Snap some pics inside the market and outside, for some of the best waterfront views of the city.

Pathway along a waterfront with benches and autumn trees on the left, city buildings in the background under a cloudy sky.

7. David Lam Park

Many engagements, weddings, and photoshoots have been taken at David Lam Park on the other side of Marinaside, in Yaletown. With views of False Creek, it’s no surprise why.

Spacious indoor area with glass ceiling, curved wall with windows, people walking and sitting at tables.

6. Vancouver Public Library

The closest you’ll get to the leaning tower of Pisa, explore Vancouver Public Library’s impressive architectural design and layout.

Bronze statue of a person laughing with eyes closed and arms crossed over chest, standing outdoors in an urban park.

5. Laughing Chinese Men Structure

You can’t help but smile at the sight of the laughing cast-bronze figures in front of English Bay! Named “A-maze-ing Laugher,” the exhibition is a captivating work of art and a well-loved addition the city.

City street at dusk with cars, pedestrians, and illuminated signs including Microsoft, Vogue, and Orpheum Theatre.

4. Drake and Granville at Night

Witness the city light up – literally – from the intersection of Drake and Granville St.

Three palm trees in front of a large steel bridge over a body of water under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

3. The Granville Bridge

The view from the West End facing the Granville Bridge features palm trees

White riverboat cruising under a large suspension bridge over calm water with forest and mountains in the background.

2. North Seawall

Get a look at the Lions Gate Bridge from below on the North end of the Seawall. Incredibly beautiful just before sunset and at night when all of the lights on the bridge are twinkling.

Sun shining over a sea of clouds with silhouetted trees in the foreground and mountains in the distance.

1. Cypress Mountain

If you’re looking for the mother-shot of all IG shots – look no further than Cypress Mountain where you can expect a staggering view of the entire city! Best to head up on a clear day to get the perfect, unobstructed pic!

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