24 Gay Hours in Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the world’s great cities. Its combination of architecture, ocean and mountains—not to mention its cosmopolitan citizenry—make it quite unlike any other urban center.

The city has a very active LGBTQ community and is worth a long weekend visit—or even longer if you are able.

But what if you have a mere 24 hours to experience the city’s sights? Maybe you have a short stay on the way to an Alaska cruise or a long layover before a flight to Asia: How to spend your time in this sparkling metropolis?

Here are five things to put on your “must do” list, as recommended by Angus Praught, President of Gayvan.com Travel Marketing.

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Davie Village

This is ground zero for LGBTQ+ Vancouver, where you can start off or wind up your visit. Have breakfast, lunch, dinner or a cocktail, and meet some of the locals. This area is a short taxi ride from the downtown hotels and is very walkable. Check out the famous rainbow crosswalks at the intersection of Bute and Davie.

Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium

Centrally located in Davie Village, you can get your bearings here, pick up free local guidebooks and literature or purchase some gifts to take home.

Stanley Park

This spectacular 1,000-acre park is within walking distance or a short transit ride from downtown and Davie Village. Multiple attractions include the Seawall, Vancouver Aquarium, Prospect Point, Totem Poles, tours and some of the most amazing views of the city.

You can even do a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park.

READ MORE: A Traveling Trailblazer for Gay Vancouver

Granville Island

This very cool, reclaimed industrial area is a destination within a destination, with a vast array of restaurants, art galleries, tours, watersport rentals, breweries, theatres and even a stylish boutique hotel. You could wander around the farmer’s markets and shops for an entire day and still not have seen it all.

There are easy transportation links from downtown or the West End, including the delightful Aquabus and False Creek ferries.

READ MORE: Essential Vancouver Experiences

Grouse Mountain

Take the gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain for a bird’s eye view of the city and the whole surrounding region. Year-round and seasonal attractions at the mountaintop include restaurants, shopping, theatre, grizzly bears, skiing and, of course, spectacular views.

If you just can’t decide, take one of the several hop-on, hop-off tours offered in the city. These buses circle around a pre-planned route, and you can get off at whatever points of interest look good to you—then get back on when you’re ready for the next adventure.