You name it, Vancouver has it, which is why it comes as no surprise why this Canadian city is a favorite destination for many, regardless of their interests. Because of its fantastic weather, it is home to a number of green spots such as Queen Elizabeth Park and VanDusen Botanical Garden. Foodies, on the other hand, love heading to Granville Island Public Market. Want to build up a sweat? Hike up Grouse Grind. If you want to veer away from the usual tourist destinations, we’ve got you covered. Check out this list of Airbnb experiences in Vancouver, Canada, and get a local to show you the city’s secrets.
1. Chase after waterfalls (from USD 154.0)
If you love the outdoors, you will love this tour. This whole-day event will see you exploring three different waterfalls along the Sea to Sky Highway, all accessible via short and easy walking trails. From there, you will then drive over to Whistler, where you will have three hours to yourself exploring the village. The activities that you can enjoy there will depend on the season: during summer, you can explore more of the surroundings via its walking trails. In winter, you can warm up at a local pub or explore indoor attractions such as the art gallery and the museum.
Sea to Sky Waterfalls & Whistler
Duration: 10 hours
2. Challenge yourself on a hike (from USD 157.0)
This adventure may be difficult but it will give you great rewards. The whole-day event will see you driving all the way to Squamish, where you will go on a five-hour elevated trek where you can spot wildlife, waterfalls, forests, and even the ocean. This tour allows you to enjoy two things for the price of one: aside from bringing you through the trail, your host will also provide you photography tips so that you can have beautiful photographs to remember this trip by.
Cypress Mountain Hike & Photography
Duration: 4 hours
3. Learn to make authentic Chinese dumplings (from USD 114.0)
Ever wanted to learn how to make authentic Chinese dumplings? This package allows you to do just that! After bringing you to shops around Chinatown where you can get ingredients for what you will be making (which doubles as a quick tour of the area as well), the host will then give you a hands-on lesson on how you can make these dumplings, from seasoning the filling to folding and cooking the dumplings. Of course, the cooking class won’t be complete if you don’t get to eat your creations!
Chinatown History & Dumpling Masterclass
Duration: 3 hours
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4. Play Dungeons and Dragons with an expert storyteller (from USD 16.0)
If you’ve never experienced playing Dungeons and Dragons, this is your chance to try your hand at this medieval fantasy adventure. Your host, an experienced storyteller, injects life into the game as he walks players through the story. Guests get the opportunity to choose from one of the pre-made characters: a thief, a warrior, a wizard. Don’t worry if you’ve had no experience playing beforehand - the host will gladly transport all players, whether seasoned or beginners, through a mythical land using the power of imagination.
Dungeons & Dragons In Olympic Village
Duration: 2.5 hours
5. Trek through Pacific Spirit Park (from USD 30.0)
This activity is a trek through Pacific Spirit Park and a guided meditation rolled into one. Even as your host guides you through a trail through cypress, Douglas fir, and maple trees, he will walk you through meditation and mindfulness exercises. This activity will help you get in tune, not only with nature, but also with yourself, and help you find inner peace.
Urban Forest Bathing
Duration: 1.5 hours
6. Explore Vancouver while learning photography (from USD 105.0)
This activity allows you to improve your photography skills while exploring Vancouver’s natural and urban attractions. The five-hour activity starts with a hike through an old forest in North Vancouver, where you will capture the beauty of the greenery and the waterfalls on your camera. From there, you will proceed to Granville Island, where you will have lunch. The next stop is Stanley Park, and then you head to English Bay, where you will catch the sunset. The last stop of the tour is Gastown and its famous Steam Clock. The host will provide recommendations of restaurants and bars, should you wish to try the local fare after the activity.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge & Park Photography
Duration: 3 hours
7. Go on an alcohol taste testing tour (from USD 96.0)
Learn and taste the best of what Vancouver has to offer in terms of spirits: gin, vodka, amaro, and a variety of cocktails. This activity is more than just sampling drinks though; the host will take you behind the scenes of a craft distillery on Granville Island, and a brewery-distillery, even as you take in the sights of the city. You’ll even get to see the city from the water, as you will be using a water taxi to travel between some destinations.
Taste urban craft spirits tour: by water!
Duration: 3.5 hours
8. Play the part of a spy (from USD 12.0)
This role-playing game lets guests take on the role of a secret agent. Together with other guests, who will also play the role of spies, you need to work together to try to stop an evil plot that threatens the city. You will find yourself exploring various spots around Olympic Village, with the host - or HQ, the spy headquarters - and your teammates discussing your mission through a messaging app. This is a fun 1.5-hour-long activity that you can enjoy with your family or your friends.
Spy Game Heist
Duration: 1.5 hours
9. Go bargain hunting (from USD 43.0)
If you love a good discount and can’t get enough of flea markets and thrift shops, sign up for this activity. This package sees the host taking guests through the top consignment, vintage, and luxury resale boutiques along Main Street. She will also give them tips and tricks on how to score the best finds while bargain hunting. From clothes to shoes and bags, you’re bound to get your hands on fantastic items at discounted costs.
Thrifting Main Street Resale Boutiques
Duration: 2.5 hours
10. Learn the art of chocolate making (from USD 77.0)
This activity should not be missed by chocoholics. This package takes guests, not just through the process of chocolate making, but also the history of the craft as well. The host, an expert chocolatier, will teach her students how it’s like to produce tasty chocolate without the aid of cane sugar. You will even get to taste some varieties of chocolate, besides the ones you will be making.
Artisan Chocolate Making Class
Duration: 2.5 hours
Discover Vancouver's secrets
A traveler will only be able to see the real city by looking at it through the eyes of a local. This list shows some activities that locals offer to visitors in Vancouver. By going through this list, you will be able to discover Vancouver’s well-kept secrets, one activity at a time.
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