So, you’ve exhausted your own neighbourhood and are looking for some new viewpoints in Vancouver that let you take in the city. Well, lucky for you we’re in the same boat, so we’re revisiting a guide from last year of our absolute favourites. Plus, we’ve added in a couple of new ones for those of you who aren’t scared to get a little vertical on the weekends.
This is our guide to some of the most stunning summer viewpoints in Vancouver.
Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain probably offers the quintessential view of Vancouver from above. Sure, it might be a grind to get up there, but you’ll be rewarded with a stunning vista of Vancouver, the ocean, and the rest of the Lower Mainland. Catch it on a super clear day and you might even see Mt. Rainier in the distance.
Where: 6400 Nancy Greene Way
Cypress Mountain Highview Lookout
The Cypress Mountain lookout definitely isn’t as popular as the Grouse Grind. But! This one does save you like 2800 odd stairs to climb and is still absolutely gorgeous. Perfect for a quick afternoon trip to West Van, and a great way to show off the full city to anyone who might be visiting.
Where: Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver
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Queen Elizabeth Park
This sprawling park in the heart of Mount Pleasant also happens to be the highest point in Vancouver. Enjoy some beautiful flora before finding a great vista of the city and mountains to the north.
Where: 4600 Cambie St
Third Beach
This is the best beach in Stanley Park. You can either drive or take a bike around the seawall (which is our recommendation). Or walk, walking’s fine too. Anyway, spend a couple of hours hanging out before grabbing that perfect sunset pic.
Where: Stanley Park Dr
Jericho Beach
Not only is the park gorgeous, but this beach offers one of the best vistas of the Vancouver skyline. It’s less busy than Kits Beach too, so you won’t have to fight off other people in order to get your viewpoint.
Where: 3241 Point Grey Rd
Wreck Beach
As Vancouver’s only nude beach, this spot provides unobstructed views of the ocean, with a couple of islands here and there for good measure. It’s also the only place where you can get a picture of a full moon during the day. Hehehe.
Where: NW Marine Dr
Lionsgate Bridge
This one is a little more of a journey technically, but it is absolutely beautiful at sunset. Try to time it with the arrival and departure of a cruise ship for the best results.
Where: Lions Gate Bridge Rd
Lighthouse Park
This spot at the edge of West Van is a double whammy of fun. First, you’ve got a very photogenic lighthouse. Then, you’re treated to a rare view of Vancouver, which is best experienced early in the morning to capture that glorious dawn shot. We know this is a sunset guide, but dang, it’s worth getting up early for here.
Where: 4902 Beacon Ln
Lonsdale Quay
We like this spot because it offers gorgeous views of downtown Vancouver and is still relatively accessible. And as an added bonus, taking the SeaBus to get over there is actually a nice ride. Who would have thought that public transport could be so fun!
Where: 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Crab Park
This might be a weird pick, but it’s one of our favourite views in Vancouver. You get amazing views of Canada Place, and the bridge into it from the edge of Gastown shows the stark difference between East Van and Downtown. Underappreciated area, in our eyes. At sunset, it’s awash in light.
Where: 101 E Waterfront Rd
That’s our guide to some of the most stunning summer viewpoints in Vancouver! Now get out there and get that perfect Instagram pic. Before you know it, your friends will be hitting you up for insider tips.
