Things to Do Near Canada Place: Explore Vancouver's Waterfront on Foot

Planning a stay near Vancouver’s iconic waterfront? Or perhaps you’re visiting for a convention, or setting sail on a cruise from Canada Place? Whether you have a few hours, a full day or an entire stay to explore, this part of the city is worthy of your trip's itinerary.

From here, some of the city’s most iconic experiences are steps away, with the North Shore mountains as your backdrop and the ocean never far from view. From waterfront paths and scenic attractions to historic neighbourhoods, here are some of the best things to do near Canada Place, all within a 20- to 30-minute walk.

Start Your Day on the Waterfront

First things first, grab a coffee. If you have a day in this area or even just a morning, stop by Giovane Caffè inside the luxurious lobby of the Fairmont Pacific Rim for a pastry and something warm to sip on before wandering along the waterfront.

Then, make your way to Canada Place and stroll along the Canadian Trail, a waterfront path lined with historical displays and views to write home about. Then, make your way toward Jack Poole Plaza to see the Olympic Cauldron, one of Vancouver’s most recognizable legacies from hosting the 2010 Winter Games.

Vancouver Icons Within Walking Distance

Once you’ve gotten your lay of the waterfront land, it’s time to check off a few Vancouver icons.

Right at Canada Place, you can embark on an immersive flight experience with FlyOver. This flight simulation ride takes you soaring over some of Canada’s most dramatic landscapes, where guests are suspended in moving seats before a giant spherical screen, while wind, mist, scents and motion create a very real thrill.

Then, just a few blocks inland is the Vancouver Lookout. A glass elevator will whisk you up to panoramic views of downtown, the harbour and the mountains.

Back near the water, stop by Jack Poole Plaza for a closer look at Digital Orca, Canadian artist Douglas Coupland’s pixelated take on a symbol of the West Coast and a notable piece of public art in Vancouver. And as you wander between stops, keep an eye out for the Marine Building. It has an intricate Art Deco exterior, complete with marine-inspired details, that makes it one of downtown Vancouver’s most distinct architectural landmarks.

Where to Eat Near Canada Place

Worked up an appetite? You’re in the right part of the city.

For polished West Coast dining with harbour views, visit ARC Restaurant + Bar inside the Fairmont Waterfront for fresh, locally sourced ingredients that shine on a province-to-plate menu. A little farther along the seawall, Cardero’s is a Coal Harbour neighbourhood staple that offers seafood and one of the area's best patios.

Craving some famous Vancouver sushi? Miku is one of the best places to get it, known for its flame-seared aburi. It’s steps from Canada Place and offers views across the harbour from your seat. For something more laid-back, head towards the start of Gastown for fresh local beers and pub classics at Steamworks Brewpub, a historic brewery powered by the neighbourhood’s underground steam system.

Explore Nearby Neighbourhoods

Ready to wander a little farther? One of the best things to do near Canada Place includes exloring it’s neighbours, both equally walkable and notable,

Coal Harbour is a polished yet relaxed neighbourhood with marinas, luxurious hotels and sophisticated seafood spots. Its stretch of the seawall takes you west from Canada Place towards Stanley Park, with the North Shore mountains rising across the harbour.

While walking along the way, stop to watch Harbour Air seaplanes skim across the surface before lifting into the sky. Or you could take the viewing experience up a notch and book a scenic flight for a bird’s-eye view of it all.

In the other direction, Gastown is all about cobblestone streets, heritage buildings and character-filled places to eat and drink. A guided food tour is a great way to taste your way through the neighbourhood while learning more about its history.

Go Further Afield

Want to explore further? Canada Place is also a very convenient jumping-off point for seeing more of Vancouver.

To see more of the city, board a Westcoast Sightseeing or Big Bus hop-on, hop-off tour right outside the Welcome Centre and cover more ground.

Or, if you have time, trade the downtown skyline for the forests and peaks. Grouse Mountain offers a seasonal complimentary shuttle from Canada Place with mountain admission. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers a similar service, where ticketed guests can catch the free, year-round shuttle to another one of the city’s top attractions. Just be sure to check current schedules before setting out.

From mountain adventures and seaside neighbourhoods to world-class dining, there’s so much to do in Vancouver, and Canada Place makes for the perfect starting point. Visiting before or after a cruise? Browse our Vancouver cruise itineraries for even more trip inspiration.