Vancouver is a city full of almost too much to do, and if you pride yourself on being independent — or are just sick of your pals — the good news is that there’s lots to do by yourself.
Of course, you could stay in, catch up on Netflix, or play some video games, but venturing out on your own can be a liberating and rewarding experience.
Travelling alone actually benefits your health and helps you become more self-reliant and independent. Why shouldn’t that apply within the city you live in?
Here are some things to do in Vancouver that are perfect for a day out all by yourself.
Vancouver Art Gallery
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While the Vancouver Art Gallery may be a popular destination, that doesn’t mean it’s not a worthwhile one.
Whatever the main exhibit is, the VAG always has something worth checking out, including regularly featured pieces by Indigenous and local artists.
You won’t get into disagreements with friends about what the artist was trying to convey. You can just appreciate the happy little trees.
Address: 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Bill Reid Gallery
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The Bill Reid Gallery has a focus on Indigenous art of the Northwest Coast.
Artist Bill Reid, after whom the gallery was named, was a prominent Indigenous artist and broadcaster from Victoria, BC.
The gallery offers opportunities for emerging Indigenous artists to showcase their work.
Address: 639 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Take a walk through the city
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It should come as no surprise to most locals that Vancouver is the most walkable city in Canada and is one of the most walkable in all of North America, ranking #5 on walkscore.com in 2024, only being beaten out by Boston, San Francisco, Jersey City, and New York.
Depending on your walking speed, you can get from South Vancouver to downtown in about an hour and a half.
That may seem like a long time on paper, but because there will be so much to see along the way, it won’t feel that long at all.
Not to mention the numerous health benefits, both physical and mental, that walking provides.
The Burnaby Village Museum
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Have you ever wanted to step into a time machine and go back 100 years? No?
Oh.
Well, in case you change your mind, the Burnaby Village Museum is an exquisite piece of Lower Mainland history that transports you back to Burnaby’s roots, with a focus on the 1920s.
They also have a really cool vintage carousel that’s over 100 years old that you can actually ride. It’s one of North America’s fastest carousels, too.
Just across the street from the museum is the gorgeous Deer Lake Park, which is another great solo spot.
Address: 6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby
All of the parks!
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Speaking of parks, this addition could’ve easily been specifically about Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, or Jericho Beach, but that would’ve made this list way less interesting.
Just go to one of the 240+ parks that Vancouver has to offer for some rejuvenating alone time, ideally a larger one that gives you the ability to stroll around and explore.
Catoro Cafe
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This place may not actually work for you if you leave your house for the express purpose of escaping your cats.
Catoro Cafe lets you hang out with more than a dozen of their rescue cats as you enjoy delicious bubble tea. While it’s a haven for cat lovers, it also helps socialize the cats so they can learn to trust humans and find fur-ever homes.
So, if you want to escape the humans in your life, the cats at Catoro can surely appreciate your anti-social sentiments.
Address: 666 East Broadway, Vancouver
Granville Island
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Granville Island is a true Vancouver treasure. With so much to see, do, and buy, there’s no need for any company to have a good time here.
Granville Island incorporates a stunning blend of fashion, art, entertainment, and food to tantalize every one of your senses.
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The Seawall
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Whether you’ve got a bike, roller skates, a wheelchair, or just your two feet, the seawall is the perfect spot for solo exploration or relaxation.
You’ll be soothed by the calming sounds of the water as you roam around one of Vancouver’s most iconic attractions.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge
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Another gem, and one of the best suspension bridges Canada has to offer, there’s a lot more to do here than just walk across the adrenaline-pumping bridge.
There’s also the Cliffwalk, which might still make you a little nervous if you’re not a fan of heights, but it’s not quite as wobbly as the bridge.
Address: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver
This piece was originally published in 2021. It has since been updated.
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