With towering glass buildings along the waterfront and a breath-taking mountain backdrop, Vancouver is an incredibly photogenic city. From bustling markets and hip neighbourhoods to suspension bridges in ancient rainforests, there are so many beautiful places to take pictures. Here are 22 of the most instagrammable spots in Vancouver that you won’t want to miss.
A guide to the most Instagrammable spots in Vancouver
An urban playground on the edge of the wilderness, Vancouver is a photographer’s paradise. If you follow me on Instagram you’ll know that I love living in Vancouver. It’s a vibrant city surrounded by mountains, beaches and forests, so you really do get the best of both worlds!
There are so many instagrammable spots in Vancouver so I’ve split this guide into 5 sections; West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Stanley Park, Downtown, and South Vancouver. At the end of this article you’ll find a map with all of these locations to help you plan your own trip.
West Vancouver
Next to the ocean and the North Shore mountains, West Vancouver is filled with natural beauty. With parks, ski trails and beaches, there are so many incredible places to explore in this part of Vancouver. Here are the top instagrammable spots in West Vancouver.
1. Cypress Mountain Vancouver Outlook
This is a beautiful spot to photograph sunrise in Vancouver. Located just off the road on the way to Cypress Mountain Resort, the lookout offers an unrivalled view of Vancouver. Watching the sun light up the city and the surrounding mountain ranges is a magical experience.
Address: Cypress Bowl Road, West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0
2. Lighthouse Park
Approximately 75 hectares in size, Lighthouse Park has lots of short hiking trails for all levels. Point Atkinson Lighthouse is a national historic site and is one of the most photographed landmarks in West Vancouver. The views looking back to Downtown are beautiful and makes the park a great spot for picnics.
Address: 4902 Beacon Ln, West Vancouver, BC V7W 1K5
3. Whytecliff Park
This pretty park is only 30 minutes from Downtown Vancouver. Located close to Horsehoe Bay, Whytecliff Park has stunning views of Howe Sound, the mountains, and the rugged coastline. It’s a popular spot for diving, picnics, and swimming.
It’s one of the most instagrammable spots in Vancouver due to Whyte Islet. This small little island is one of West Vancouver’s gems and is popular with photographers, especially at sunset.
Address: 7102 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2T3
North Vancouver
Take a short ferry ride from Downtown’s Waterfront station and you’ll find yourself in the North Shore, home to Vancouver’s most beautifully wild scenery.
4. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Situated in a West Coast rainforest, Capilano is one of the most instagrammable spots in Vancouver. There are so many beautiful photography spots in the park. The suspension bridge is the main attraction but I actually prefer taking photos on the Cliffwalk and up in the trees on the Treetops Adventure.
We visited Capilano in January during the Canyon Lights Festival which made the park even more enchanting. The festival runs from late November until the end of January and I would highly recommend going if you are ever in the area at that time. They run a free shuttle bus from Downtown Vancouver all year round.
Address: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1
5. Lynn Canyon Park
As one of the most instagrammable places in Vancouver, Capilano can get very busy. Lynn Canyon Park is a lovely alternative and is actually free to explore. It has a smaller suspension bridge and is far less crowded than Capilano.
The park is easily accessible from Downtown. You can take the Seabus from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay and then get bus #228 or #229 to Lynn Valley Center. From there it is a 15 minute walk to the main entrance.
Address: 3663 Park Road, North Vancouver, BC V7J 3G3
6. Deep Cove
Located in the east of North Vancouver, Deep Cove is a beautiful seaside village. It’s a small but scenic town with a pretty park overlooking the beach and the bay. There are some lovely shops and places to eat. Deep Cove is home to the world famous Honey Doughnuts. A trip to Deep Cove isn’t complete without stopping here and trying one of their delicious homemade doughnuts!
Address: North Vancouver, BC V7G 1W5
7. Quarry Rock
For spectacular views over Deep Cove, head along Panorama Drive just beyond the park area and start the trail up to Quarry Rock. This is the start of the Baden Powell Trail, a 48km hiking trail which goes all the way to Horseshoe Bay.
The first part of the hike climbs quickly up stairs. The rest of the hike takes you through dense woodland full of Douglas Fir and Hemlock trees. Like many North Shore hikes, there are lots of tree roots so be careful.
Address: North Vancouver, BC V7G 1W5
8. Lonsdale Quay Market
Step off the Seabus from Downtown and you’ll find yourself in the bustling Lonsdale Quay Market. In the summer, the Shipyards host a Friday night market each week where you can sample delicious food whilst watching the sun set over Vancouver – it definitely is one of Vancouver’s top Instagram spots!
Address: 123 Carrie Cates Ct, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3K7
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is one of North America’s largest urban green spaces. Just walking through the park amongst the majestic trees offers so many photo opportunities. On a sunny day you can capture the light bursting through the canopies as you wander the trails which crisscross through the park.
9. Stanley Park Seawall
The Seawall offers spectacular views of the waterfront and Vancouver’s skyline. Enter from Coal Harbour and you’ll get a lovely view of Vancouver’s skyscrapers juxtaposed against the dense trees of Stanley Park.
Address: Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
10. Brockton Point Lighthouse
Built in 1914 to prevent further shipwrecks on Stanley Park’s dangerous shores, the red and white lighthouse has become a popular spot for photographers. You can see the lighthouse from various points along the Seawall but my favourite spot is half way between the lighthouse and Lions Gate Bridge where you can see the lighthouse against the stunning mountain backdrop.
Address: Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
11. Prospect Point Lookout
Situated at the northern tip of Stanley Park, Prospect Point has the best view of Lions Gate Bridge. With a beautiful mountain backdrop, you can get amazing shots at any time of the day; however, the best time to go is when the light is fading so you can get long exposure shots with light trails from the cars.
Address: 5601 Stanley Park Drive, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
12. Lions Gate Bridge
Lions Gate Bridge is very photogenic and it’s also one of the best places in Vancouver to watch the sunrise. Walk half way along the bridge you’ll have a wonderful view of Vancouver’s skyscrapers peeking out over the treetops of Stanley Park. If the conditions are right, you can get some stunning shots of the sea fog rolling in.
Address: Lions Gate Bridge Road, Vancouver, BC
13. Siwash Rock
If you wander further around the Seawall you’ll find Siwash Rock, a famous rock structure with a small Douglas fir on top. It is located between 3rd Beach, Prospect Point and Lions Gate Bridge and is one of the most photographed spots in Stanley Park.
Address: Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
Downtown
The heart of Vancouver is made up of several colourful neighbourhoods which have their own characteristics. Downtown is easily walkable thanks to the grid street system so you can cover a lot in one day. It also has some of the most instagrammable spots in Vancouver.
14. Canada Place
Located at the heart of Vancouver’s waterfront, Canada Place is both a cruise ship terminal and a convention centre, hosting world-class events all year round. It is one of Vancouver’s iconic landmarks and is quite a photogenic venue with a roof shaped like sails. It also offers a stunning view of the North Shore mountains and is home to the famous Digital Orca sculpture.
Address: 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3T4
15. Coal Harbour
Coal Harbour stretches from Stanley Park to Canada Place. The Seawall along Coal Harbour is a beautiful place for photography, with the marina and mountains on one side and the modern towering glass buildings on the other. In the mornings, the sea mist makes the walk even more spectacular.
Address: 1525 Coal Harbour Quay, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E7
16. Sunset Beach Park
It’s called Sunset Beach for a good reason. We watched two incredible sunsets on this beach during our trip to Vancouver. There are lots of large tree logs along the beach where you can sit and watch the sun go down.
Address: 1204 Beach Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6E 1V3
17. Water Street
Located in Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, Water Street has retained its historic charm. The Steam Clock is a popular tourist attraction but if you wander down the street you’ll also find vintage lampposts and well-preserved picturesque buildings which have been converted into shops, restaurants and galleries.
Address: 305 Water Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B9
18. Granville Island
Granville Island is an Instagrammer’s heaven. The Public Market is a great place to visit. There are stands piled high with fresh fruit and vegetables and cute boutiques filled with colourful flowers.
Wander around the stands inside and take some photos of the local produce before heading outside. You can get some lovely shots of Burrard Bridge from Granville Island. And don’t miss the neon ‘Granville Island’ sign!
Address: 1669 Johnston Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9
South Vancouver
If you want to get a glimpse into local life in Vancouver, then head across the bridge and explore South Vancouver. Home to some of Vancouver’s best attractions, South Vancouver is not a touristy district so you can really get a feel for daily life in the city.
19. Kitsilano Beach
Known as Kits by the locals, Kitsilano is a beautiful and relaxed residential neighbourhood. It’s located on the other side of Burrard Bridge to the south of Downtown and is home to some of the city’s best beaches. Kitsilano Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Vancouver and offers panoramic views of Downtown, Burrard Inlet and the North Shore mountains.
Address:
20. Point Grey Park
If you walk further along the shoreline towards the University of BC (UBC), you’ll find lots of smaller beaches with very scenic views. These spots are usually a lot quieter than Kits Beach and offer stunning panoramas of the city. Point Grey Park is one of my favourites and is home to the famous ‘Insta’ swing.
Address: 2601 Point Grey Rd, Vancouver, BC V6K 1A1
21. Queen Elizabeth Park
For a panoramic view of Vancouver, head to Queen Elizabeth Park. As the city’s highest point, the park has a clear view of the dramatic mountain-framed cityscape and has become a popular Instagram spot. If you take a walk around the park you’ll find lots of other cool places to take pictures.
Address: 4600 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2Z1
22. Bloedel Conservatory
Located in Queen Elizabeth Park, Bloedel Conservatory is a great place to go to escape the rain and warm up. It’s also one of the most instagrammable spots in Vancouver. You can get some impressive shots inside the glass roofed garden which is filled with tropical plants and home to some very brightly coloured birds.
The conservatory is open daily from 10am (except on Christmas Day). Tickets cost $6.90 for adults and $3.45 for children, plus tax.
Address: 4600 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC V5Y 2M4
Location Details
You’ll find all of the places listed in this article on my map below. To save this map, click on the star on the right hand side of the title. This will save the map to “Your Places” in the Google Maps so you will have it when you visit Vancouver.
Where next?
With its breath-taking mountain backdrop and colourful neighbourhoods, Vancouver is quite possibly one of the most photogenic cities in the world. There is no shortage of instagrammable spots in Vancouver and I hope this post inspires you to explore this beautiful city.
I moved to Vancouver in June 2019 and feel so lucky to call this city home. If you’re interested in moving to Canada from the UK, I’ve written a detailed blog post on how to apply for the IEC Working Holiday visa. It includes everything you need to know about the process, as well as practical tips to help you apply.
COMMENT AND SHARE
I’m always looking for new places to explore in Vancouver so if you have any recommendations leave a comment and let me know – I’d love to hear from you. If you enjoyed reading this post, make sure you pin it to Pinterest so you can read it again later or share it via social media.
LOVE FROM STEPH
