10 Best Scenic Viewpoints in Vancouver

Vancouver is a gorgeous city sandwiched between the mountains and the ocean. Whether you’re looking for the perfect photo or just want to soak up the beauty, there are lots of great views around town. Here are our picks for the best scenic viewpoints in Vancouver.

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Vancouver Lookout

Located at Harbour Centre, the Vancouver Lookout sits 553 feet (168 m) high in the sky. Take the glass elevator to the top, then enjoy 360º views. The Vancouver Lookout is currently open for private pre-booked tours so you can enjoy it with your bubble.

Stanley Park Seawall

Take a walk or bike ride around the Stanley Park Seawall to enjoy some of the best views in Vancouver. Be sure to stop for photos just past the rowing club, near the totem poles, at Brockton Point, under the Lions Gate Bridge, and at Siwash Rock.

Jericho Beach

Vancouver’s beaches all have great views, but Jericho Beach has some of the most spectacular scenery. There’s a panorama of the North Shore Mountains and you can see the downtown skyline too.

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Lonsdale Quay

North Vancouver’s Lonsdale Quay has one of the best views of Vancouver’s skyline. Enjoy the view from the patio outside the public market, or head to the pier at the newly redeveloped Shipyards next door.

Charleson Park

The south side of False Creek has great views of downtown. Stroll along the seawall and stop in grassy Charleson Park to soak up the scenery. The glittering glass buildings of Yaletown across the water make for great photos.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Queen Elizabeth Park sits atop Little Mountain, the highest point in Vancouver. That tall vantage point gives it great views of downtown and the North Shore Mountains. The best vistas are from near the Bloedel Conservatory and Seasons in the Park.

Canada Place and Vancouver Convention Centre

Stroll along the Coal Harbour seawall to take in the great views outside Canada Place and the Vancouver Convention Centre. You can see Coal Harbour, the North Shore Mountains, Stanley Park, Gastown, CRAB Park, and the Port of Vancouver.

Cypress Mountain Highview Lookout

Take a scenic drive up Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver to visit the Highview Lookout. You’ll find it at the second hairpin turn. This elevated vista lets you gaze down on the Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park, and the west side of Vancouver.

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Burnaby Mountain

The view from the top of Burnaby Mountain is expansive. You’ll look across all of East Vancouver to the towering skyscrapers of downtown. Try framing your photographs to include the elaborate Kamui Mintara wooden sculptures in the foreground.

Take a Floatplane or Helicopter Tour

By far the most awe-inspiring way to see Vancouver is from above. Book a floatplane or helicopter tour to soar above the skyline or glide past the mountains. Harbour Air and SKY Helicopters both offer spectacular air tours.