Vancouver is an exciting place to visit in 2025, offering outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and top-rated dining. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning one, there’s always something new to explore. This city is home to world-class attractions, scenic trails, and a thriving arts scene. From seasonal festivals to waterfront activities, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy your time here. What to do in Vancouver in 2025 depends on your interests—food lovers can try fresh seafood, while nature enthusiasts can hike breathtaking trails. Planning ensures you won’t miss any must-see spots. This guide will help you experience the best that Vancouver has to offer this year.

Experience Vancouver’s Thriving Food Scene

New restaurants, food festivals, and culinary experiences will make Vancouver a top destination for dining in 2025. The city continues to grow as a hotspot for global flavors and fresh ingredients. Award-winning establishments or family-run eateries: there is always something new to try. Street food markets highlight international dishes, while upscale restaurants offer innovative tasting menus. In contrast, in Coal Harbour, Cardero’s Restaurant has delicious seafood for those who enjoy it. Farm-to-table dining is also thriving, with chefs working directly with regional producers to serve seasonal dishes.

With this in mind, year-round food festivals celebrate everything from craft beer to plant-based cuisine. Chinatown, Commercial Drive, and Gastown are just a few places to explore for authentic dishes. Coffee shops, bakeries, and dessert spots provide plenty of options for sweet-tooth lovers.

Discover the Best Outdoor Adventures

Outdoor activities in Vancouver will offer something for every visitor in 2025. Hiking remains one of the most popular ways to explore the city. Stanley Park’s trails provide easy access to nature, while Grouse Mountain and the Stawamus Chief offer more challenging routes with rewarding views. Whale-watching tours give a chance to see orcas, humpbacks, and sea lions in their natural habitat. Guided tours run throughout the year, with peak sightings in spring and summer.

For those who prefer water sports, kayaking and paddleboarding allow for a close-up look at the coastline. Rentals and guided experiences are available at English Bay, False Creek, and Deep Cove. In contrast, cyclists can take advantage of the extensive bike paths, including the Seawall, which wraps around the waterfront with stunning city and mountain views. 

Snow lovers can also enjoy skiing and snowboarding at nearby resorts like Cypress, Grouse, and Mount Seymour. Summer visitors can relax at Kitsilano Beach. Called “Kits”, this part of the city has attractive real estate options that vary from luxurious to more affordable. If you’re not interested in this, you can explore the forests of Lynn Canyon for a quiet escape from the city.

What to do in Vancouver in 2025: Attend 2025’s Most Exciting Events and Festivals

Vancouver’s 2025 event calendar includes concerts, festivals, and cultural celebrations. The Vancouver International Film Festival will showcase independent films from around the world. Music lovers can enjoy live performances at outdoor concerts and major music festivals throughout the year. Food and drink events will feature everything from craft beer tastings to street food markets.

• Vancouver International Film Festival—This is a must for film lovers, featuring premieres, documentaries, and industry panels.
• Celebration of Light – A spectacular fireworks competition held over English Bay.
• Dine Out Vancouver Festival – A chance to experience multi-course meals at top restaurants at discounted prices.
• Vancouver Folk Music Festival – A weekend of live music in a scenic outdoor setting.
• Winter Solstice Lantern Festival – A unique December event celebrating light and community.

Explore the Art and Culture Scene

Vancouver’s art and culture scene offers something new to discover in 2025.  Artists and art lovers will get to make lifelong memories. However, if the magic of this place inspires and captivates you completely, you can always move and make it your home. If you are moving from Toronto to Vancouver, hiring long distance movers will ensure a smooth transition. When you team up with the right movers, you save time and spare yourself the stress that comes with relocation. 

The Vancouver Art Gallery will feature rotating exhibitions showcasing local and international artists. Similarly, the Museum of Anthropology highlights Indigenous artwork, traditional carvings, and contemporary installations. Public murals continue to shape the city’s streets, with the Vancouver Mural Festival adding fresh designs each year. 

Live performances also bring energy to the city’s theaters and music venues. The Queen Elizabeth Theatre hosts Broadway-style productions, while The Orpheum features concerts ranging from classical to modern acts. Smaller venues like The Cultch and Firehall Arts Centre focus on experimental and independent performances.

Enjoy Unique Shopping and Local Markets

Granville Island’s Public Market remains a top spot for handmade crafts, fresh produce, and specialty foods. With this in mind, visitors can browse artisan stalls featuring ceramics, jewelry, and unique home décor.

If you’re interested in sustainable fashion, independent boutiques across Main Street and Gastown offer eco-friendly clothing and accessories. Vintage lovers can explore thrift shops and curated secondhand stores in Mount Pleasant, where rare finds and retro styles are always in stock. Pacific Centre Mall provides a mix of luxury brands and popular retailers, making it a convenient choice for those who prefer shopping in one location. For those who find themselves in West Vancouver, Park Royal is one of the best shopping malls.

Not to mention, weekend pop-up markets showcase emerging designers, offering limited-edition pieces you won’t find elsewhere. Chinatown’s specialty stores continue to attract those looking for rare teas, imported goods, and traditional herbal remedies. Kitsilano’s farmer’s markets are a great option for fresh, organic produce and locally made products.

Must-Visit Hidden Gems in 2025

Vancouver has many places that don’t make the usual travel lists but are worth visiting in 2025. Hidden hiking trails like Whyte Lake Trail and Cypress Falls offer quiet paths with impressive scenery. Secret speakeasies tucked behind unmarked doors bring a different way to enjoy the nightlife, with creative cocktails and intimate settings. Underground art spaces showcase local talent, from experimental galleries to immersive installations.

Food lovers can find pop-up dining experiences featuring innovative chefs with limited-time menus that change frequently. For this reason, keeping an eye on new restaurant openings and small food markets can lead to unexpected discoveries. Neighborhoods like Strathcona and Mount Pleasant have emerging creative hubs where local designers, musicians, and chefs introduce new experiences. Mount Pleasant is also a great living area that has charming condos for buying or renting, which can extend your visit. 

Those looking for something different can explore the city’s lesser-known attractions, such as floating hot tubs in False Creek, candlelit concerts in historic buildings, or retro arcades filled with classic games. What to do in Vancouver in 2025 includes exploring these hidden gems, uncovering new favorites, and experiencing the city beyond the usual tourist spots.

Conclusion

Vancouver has something for everyone in 2025, from outdoor adventures to world-class dining, cultural events, and unique shopping. Whether you are exploring scenic trails, attending festivals, or trying new restaurants, the city offers endless experiences. What to do in Vancouver in 2025 depends on your interests, but one thing is certain—there’s always something exciting to discover.