It’s no secret that BC is full of beautiful spots to explore. We always have beautiful summers here which often brings an influx of tourists to the area, especially right in Vancouver.
If you’re looking for a more chill Summer, maybe stay away from some of the most popular tourist spots that get overcrowded so you don’t lose your cool.
Crowded Tourist Hotspots In Vancouver
Gastown Steam Clock
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjfyWNPhZ-o/?taken-at=502434570126057
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is—tourists can’t get enough of the Steam Clock in Gastown. This is only heightened in the Summer so if you’re wandering around Gastown, maybe stay on the opposite side of the street.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkfRynOABWf/?tagged=capilanosuspensionbridge
It’s definitely one of the most popular tourist destinations all-year-round and that’s only amplified in the Summer. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular when you’re walking across the suspension bridge with the rushing waters of the Capilano River below and lush trees all around you. But one things for sure—it’s better when there’s less people so maybe skip out on this one for the Summer and save it for the Fall.
Granville Island
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkZJiR6D-YE/?tagged=granvilleisland
The charming Granville Island is always a fun place to go but on a hot Summer day it’s absolute madness. You’ll be swarmed with people and be waiting in long lines at the market. Keep this one for a rainier day or on a weekday in the Fall.
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Stanley Park
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bkdi2KQBp0m/?tagged=stanleypark
Say it ain’t so! While you likely won’t completely avoid Stanley Park this Summer, you could maybe rethink going for a bike ride on the seawall. It gets overly crowded during the season and makes for a more stressful ride. If you want a leisurely bike ride, there are plenty of other parks or even the Richmond Dyke.
Grouse Grind
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkSn0-ig9-k/?taken-at=941476881
It’s a Vancouverite rite of passage but it will also be full of tourists who want to challenge themselves to a grueling hike while on vacation.
Robson Street
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkVawVVh0qe/?tagged=robsonstreet
If therapeutic shopping is what you need, maybe avoid Robson Street during the Summer months. There are lots of other boutique shops in Kits or outside of Vancouver that will be less crowded for a more enjoyable shopping experience.
Science World
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi704DvggdF/?taken-by=scienceworldca
It’s a great place for kids or anyone who enjoys learning about science, but during Summer is probably not the best time to visit. It gets too crowded with kids being off school.
Vancouver Aquarium
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkVsf2bnY_X/?taken-at=3000954
Much like with Science World, the kids are out for Summer and this is already one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vancouver. It’s better to wait when things calm down a bit to get a good look at all the aquarium has to offer.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkfYLi4BWuH/?taken-at=145039
The stunning botanical garden is best enjoyed when there’s less people around. When it’s too crowded, it takes away from the serenity of being amongst the plants and flowers. It’s got a lot of beauty to offer all seasons of the year—but Summer its at its peak so maybe pick another time. Also, there’s an awesome Elizabethan maze that is much better with less people.
Playland
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkZOZSDFF6W/?taken-at=244632418
If you don’t like crowds it’s probably best to just stay away. Or wait for a rainy day when there will likely be less people roaming around.
Vancouver Art Gallery
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkXkh3-hOp_/?taken-at=43349
This is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. And because of its central downtown location, it’s increasingly more busy during the Summer time when there’s lots of tourists in town.
Canada Place
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bki0fEvByIV/?taken-at=182966
This iconic landmark holds some of the city’s best events and is always swarmed with tourists. It’s the meeting place for a lot of tourist buses and next to a cruise ship terminal—so it makes sense to stay far away from here if you want to avoid mobs of people.
According to Tourism Vancouver, a whopping 10.3-million people visited Metro Vancouver last year alone, coming from over 100 different countries.
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