Vancouver Walking Tours

Many parts of Vancouver are ideal for exploring on foot

Enjoy walking through Vancouver's historic neighbourhoods such as Gastown pictured here
Enjoy walking through Vancouver's historic neighbourhoods such as Gastown pictured here

Many attractions and parks in Vancouver are best explored by walking. Some of these can be explored in a few hours, while others can easily occupy an entire day. The advantages of sightseeing on foot are many. Besides the fresh air and exercise, you will see so many more things that you would likely not even spot if riding on a tour bus. At your convenience, you can stop and spend extra time exploring anything that catches your interest and you can take time getting that perfect photo. You can actually go in and explore any little shops that you see or stop at that quaint little side-walk café and grab a quick bite to eat. All of the Vancouver attractions below lend themselves perfectly to being explored on foot. In addition we have put together guides for 3 step-by-step walking tours. Each one is pedestrian friendly and will expose you to some fabulous views of this beautiful city.

The three self-guided walking tours below take full advantage of Vancouver's beautiful waterfront location

Click on the links for a map, photos and a step by step guide. Both walks are easily accessed by public transit.

  • False Creek Walking Tour: This easy 4 kilometre walk takes you along the seawall around Vancouver's beautiful False Creek including the revitalized former site of Expo 86.
  • Vancouver Harbourfront Walk: This walk along Vancouver's beautiful waterfront starts right from Waterfront SkyTrain and SeaBus Station. It is a 4.4 kilometre round trip, but you can easily extend or shorten it as you wish as it ties into Vancouver's extensive seawall which goes on for many miles.
  • Burrard Bridge - Kitsilano Walking Tour: This 5.4 kilometre round trip walk will provide you with some spectacular views of Vancouver's skyline, mountains, beaches and parks as you walk across the historic Burrard Street Bridge.

Any of the following Metro Vancouver Parks are ideal for exploring on foot

  • Burnaby Lake Park: This is an ideal spot for bird watchers and nature lovers. There is an 11 kilometre trail and boardwalk surrounding the lake and several amenities including washrooms along the route. Although surrounded by city there is no sign of it in this park.
  • Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area and Simon Fraser University: There are plenty of trails and places to explore on foot in this beautiful area. You can explore the interesting contemporary architecture of the university campus or walk along the 15 minute trail between the university and Burnaby Mountain Park where you will enjoy superb mountaintop views of Vancouver, especially on a clear day.
  • Central Park (Burnaby): This centrally located park has numerous level walking paths lined with old growth forest along with some ponds and even a pitch and put golf course. It is a nice spot for a stroll conveniently located right across from a SkyTrain Station.
  • Deer Lake Park: This pretty little Burnaby park has a very pleasant combination of walking paths and boardwalks that make their way around the small lake. Canoe rentals are also available. The park is also home to an art gallery and a live theatre.
  • Deep Cove and Panorama Park: Deep Cove is the start of the 41 kilometre Baden Powell Trail. From Deep Cove you can hike 1.6 kilometer portion along the trail to a spectacular viewpoint called Quarry Rock Lookout the overlooks Deep Cove. On a clear day you can see all the way to downtown Vancouver.
  • English Bay and Sunset Beach: These beautiful beaches in Downtown Vancouver's West End are both on Vancouver's famous seawall making them a great place to enjoy a walk. Their western exposure makes them an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset.
  • Lighthouse Park: While not a long walk, the trail to the Lighthouse is a good 10 minute hike from the bus stop. There are several other trails through the park as well, but they can be a little rough, so you'll want to wear good footwear.
  • Lynn Canyon Park and Suspension Bridge: In addition to the suspension bridge there are several forested trails that pass through this park. There is almost no limit to how far you can go on some of these trails and it can be easy to get lost, so do be careful and pay attention to your route.
  • Queen Elizabeth Park: This beautiful park sits on the highest point within the Vancouver city limits. There are numerous paths leading throughout the beautiful gardens. You can enjoy some nice vistas of the city from the top.
  • Stanley Park: Vancouver's most famous park is a walkers paradise. The seawall is uninterrupted around the entire park and beyond. There are also numerous trails the cut through the interior of this large park as well. The views from along the seawall are spectacular.
  • Vanier Park and Kitsilano Beach: Here again, Vancouver's famous seawall leads you past green space, museums, beaches and Canada's largest outdoor swimming pool.
  • White Rock Beach and Promenade: Located well south of Vancouver, you will enjoy a different pace as you explore the many shops and restaurants located along the promenade. You can also walk frac12 kilometre out on the famous White Rock pier.

Make your way to any of the following Vancouver districts on public transit and start walking

Click the links below for more information and directions to each of these bustling Vancouver districts.

  • Chinatown: Here you can explore the many ethnic restaurants and shops as well as the famous Dr. Sun-Yat Sen Gardens. There are some adjacent streets that are best avoided by tourists so be sure to see our page on Chinatown for more info.
  • Gastown You will really enjoy the ambiance and atmosphere as you stroll the cobblestone streets of this historic Vancouver neighbourhood.
  • Granville Island: Vancouver's ever popular Granville Island is very popular with both tourists and locals. You will definitely give your feet a workout as you explore the many shops, theatres, galleries, and restaurants on this reclaimed piece of Vancouver waterfront.
  • Robson Street: Robson Street is Vancouver's cutting-edge shopping district and more. Lined with exclusive shops, trendy restaurants and bars this can be a very busy and lively place, especially on warm summer evenings or during public events. You can definitely wear off a little shoe leather exploring this vibrant part of the city.
  • Steveston Fishing Village: You will enjoy walking along the extensive pathways and board-walks as you explore this historic fishing village located at the mouth of the Fraser River. There are also numerous good seafood, fish and chip and other ethnic restaurants in the area.
  • Yaletown: Another one of Vancouver's up and coming trendy neighbourhoods, Yaletown has a great walking and cycling path along False Creek.


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