Places to See in Vancouver Without a Car

Places to See in Vancouver Without a Car

You don't need a car in Vancouver to travel to the city's many unique neighbourhoods, attractions, and sights. Finding activities to do without a car in Vancouver is easy, especially when you board the SkyTrain. This fully automated, light rapid transit system travels throughout downtown Vancouver and its surrounding municipalities, with a number of notable places to see in Vancouver along the way.

The system’s newest route is the Canada Line, which conveniently stops at a number of popular attractions and must-visit neighbourhoods for excellent shopping, dining, and people watching. Read this quick guide to start planning your trip and learn more about Vancouver’s transit system.

Skytrain Stop: Vancouver City Centre Station

Located downtown, this station is within easy walking distance of the Pacific Centre shopping mall, the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art. You also could explore nearby Robson Street, where you’ll find a number of chic boutiques, upscale restaurants and sidewalk cafés.

Skytrain Stop: Yaletown-Roundhouse Station

Get off at this stop to stroll Vancouver’s Yaletown neighbourhood: a dynamic mix of restored heritage buildings, boutique shopping, restaurants and cafés, and trendy nightlife venues.

Skytrain Stop: King Edward Station

For a day outdoors, you’ll want to stop at the King Edward Station. Just a few blocks away, you’ll find Queen Elizabeth Park, a lushly landscaped sanctuary with a number of activities, such as pitch-and-putt golf, tennis and lawn bowling. Nature lovers won’t want to miss the tropical Bloedel Conservatory, an exotic garden encased by a glass dome. Before continuing on, enjoy an alfresco meal on the patio at Seasons in the Park restaurant.

Skytrain Stop: Aberdeen Station

As its name suggests, this station is the stop for Aberdeen Centre, an Asian-influenced retail complex with more than 85 stores and services. Browse herbal and tea shops, exotic fashions, international cuisine, and innovative home goods.

Skytrain Stop: Stadium-Chinatown Station

This station is located in Chinatown and is close to a number of budget-friendly eats and cultural attractions, including the Vancouver Public Library’s Colosseum-like Central Branch, Queen Elizabeth Theatre, and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Sports fans can walk to where the game day action takes place: Rogers Arena and the BC Place stadium, followed by a trip to the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum.

Skytrain Stop: Main Street-Science World Station

This station is the gateway to a world of science, literally. Walk a block toward the waterfront to Science World, the eye-catching geodesic dome located on Vancouver’s False Creek. Visitors can learn about rocket science, human anatomy, electricity and dinosaurs, or catch an educational film on the giant screen at the OMNIMAX Theatre. It's one of the best family-friendly places to see in Vancouver without a car, thanks to its convenient location and easy access by transit.

Skytrain Stop: Commercial-Broadway Station

One of the city’s most colourful and diverse neighbourhoods, Commercial Drive is easily reached by SkyTrain. Nicknamed "Little Italy," this area is overflowing with delicious Italian restaurants, bakeries, and mom-and-pop shops. After exiting the station, walk north up "The Drive" to explore the area’s multicultural mix of cafes, ethnic grocery stores, and boutiques.

From waterfront attractions and cultural landmarks to vibrant shopping districts and local favourites, there are countless places to see in Vancouver without a car. With the SkyTrain connecting many of the city's top destinations, your next adventure is just a few stops away.