Best Viewpoints in Vancouver, BC (Paid & Free, Day & Night!)
When it comes to beautiful cities, Vancouver somehow manages to tick all the boxes. Mountains? Check. Ocean? Check. City skyline? Check. And if you’re anything like us, finding the perfect viewpoint is a non-negotiable part of visiting a place. Whether it’s a golden hour view over the mountains or a city skyline sparkling at night, we have compiled the ultimate list of best viewpoints in Vancouver, BC. We agree that they may not be as mesmerizing as Banff but they certainly hold their own!
I fell in love with Vancouver the first time I drove up there from Seattle (which used to be my home for some years). So 2 years later, when my girlfriend-at-the-time-wife-now asked me if I want to move to Vancouver, I couldn’t say yes fast enough! After spending quite a bit of time living in Vancouver and driving around the town with a Thomas Haas hot chocolate in hand, I’ve compiled what I think are the absolute best viewpoints in Vancouver. Day or night, free or paid. And some hidden gems you might not find on a typical tourist list. Plus, I’ll take you just a little beyond the city, because the surrounding areas have some epic views too!
Tip – Looking for some great suggestions about where to stay? Check out Hotels and Stays here.
Map of All Viewpoints
Free Viewpoints in Vancouver
1. Stanley Park Viewpoints
Stanley Park isn’t just a pretty urban park, it’s home to some of the best hidden views in Vancouver. Prospect Point Lookout offers sweeping views of the Lions Gate Bridge, Burrard Inlet, and North Vancouver. Plus, the Seawall walk around the park gives you ever-changing perspectives of the skyline, ocean, and mountains at almost every turn.
Local Tip: If you can, bike the full Seawall route around sunset. Absolutely magical.
2. Queen Elizabeth Park – Quarry Garden Overlook
Honestly, this is one of my favorite places to watch the sunset in Vancouver. Queen Elizabeth Park sits at the city’s highest point, and from the viewpoint near Bloedel Conservatory, you get a panoramic view of downtown Vancouver with the North Shore Mountains as a backdrop. If you are hungry, you can try to walk in to Seasons in the Park, a restaurant we love. However, usually spots book atleast a week in advance.
Local Tip: If you come during spring, the Quarry Garden below is bursting with color. If you come at night, bring a small flashlight as the paths can get dark!
3. Cypress Mountain Lookout
This is my personal ritual. Pick a hot chocolate from Thomas Haas, and head up to Cypress Lookout. It’s literally a pullout area off the road, but the view? Unbelievable. You’ll see all of downtown Vancouver, the Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park, and even Vancouver Island if the weather’s playing nice. This view will make you fall in love with Vancouver and searching apartments (at which point you’ll realize how expensive this city is!)
Best Time: Sunset and blue hour. Watching the city lights flicker on from up here is magical.
4. Granville Street Bridge Pedestrian Walkway
Hear me out on this one. While everyone goes to Granville Island, very few people walk across the bridge. And they’re missing out. From the bridge’s pedestrian walkway, you get incredible views of False Creek, Yaletown’s glittering high-rises, and the boats bobbing below. It’s a perfect “urban Vancouver” shot, and at sunset, the reflections in the water are gorgeous.
5. Lonsdale Quay Pier (North Vancouver)
Sometimes the best way to see the city skyline is from across the water. Its true for New York and its definitely true for Vancouver. Hop on the SeaBus over to Lonsdale Quay (North Vancouver), grab a coffee or gelato, and walk a few minutes to Waterfront Pier. If you’re in the mood to indulge, book a table at Joey Shipyard and enjoy a beautiful sunset dinner. The view of downtown Vancouver from here, especially at night with all the lights mirrored in the water, is just chef’s kiss.
6. Spanish Banks Beach
Spanish Banks is such a vibe. Way quieter than Kitsilano or English Bay, but the views are unreal. During low tide, you can walk far out and feel like you’re standing in the middle of the ocean with the downtown skyline glittering far away. We spent a lot of time here during Covid, as it made social distancing much more bearable. Sunset here is nothing short of dreamy!
7. Burnaby Mountain Park
Just a 30-minute drive from downtown, Burnaby Mountain Park gives you sweeping views over Indian Arm, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore Mountains. The park is peaceful, dotted with cherry blossoms in spring, and offers a different perspective compared to city viewpoints. For really great views, walk down the Burnaby Grind (a much tamer version of the Grouse Grind). We used to live 7 minutes from here for 2 years and visited this park in all seasons. Always amazing.
Local Tip: Come at sunset. The sky lights up in incredible colors, and you often have the place almost to yourself.
8. Whytecliff Park (West Vancouver)
If you’re looking for a “rugged West Coast” vibe, Whytecliff Park is a stunner. Dramatic rocky outcrops, ocean views, and sometimes you even spot seals sunbathing. It’s less about the city skyline and more about nature showing off.
Best For: Midday hikes or sunset walks along the cliffs.
9. Quarry Rock (Deep Cove)
One of the classic hikes around Vancouver that rewards you big time for relatively little effort. After a short, forested climb, you’ll find yourself on a giant rock outcrop overlooking the serene waters of Deep Cove and Indian Arm. It’s a peaceful, beautiful spot, especially in the late afternoon. For an extra dose of fun, follow that up with a kayak or paddleboard trip.
Local Tip: Go early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
10. Porteau Cove Provincial Park
A gem along the Sea to Sky Highway, Porteau Cove offers stunning waterfront views of Howe Sound, framed by towering coastal mountains. It’s a popular spot for picnicking, scuba diving, and just taking in the scenery. Sea to Sky highway is one of the major reasons I fell in love with Vancouver when I visited in 2017 for the first time.
Best For: Sunset lovers! The way the mountains silhouette against the glowing sky is something else.
Paid Viewpoints Worth Every Penny
11. Vancouver Lookout (Harbour Centre Tower)
Yes, it’s touristy. But you know what? Sometimes the touristy stuff is popular for a reason.
The Vancouver Lookout offers a 360-degree view of the city from 553 feet above the ground. The ticket is valid for the entire day, so you can visit in the morning and come back for sunset or nighttime city lights at no extra charge. It’s pretty unbeatable if you want the full Vancouver skyline experience without a hike.
Local Tip – If the menu looks nice to you, just swing by the revolving restaurant. It gives you a revolving view (obviously) but also lets you enjoy it for much longer and your money gets you food, in addition to the views!
12. Grouse Mountain: Skyride and The Observatory
If you’re visiting Grouse Mountain (“The Peak of Vancouver”), you’re in for a double treat: spectacular daytime and nighttime views.
Take the Skyride gondola up (or hike the Grouse Grind if you are feeling like your legs are due a little punishment). The ride itself is a viewpoint, and once you’re at the top, you’ll have panoramic views over Vancouver, the Pacific Ocean, and even parts of Washington State. At night, it’s quieter and feels almost otherworldly, especially if there’s a dusting of snow.
Bonus: If you’re feeling fancy, have dinner at The Observatory restaurant at the top. Isheeta took me there for my birthday and the view at dusk is still etched in my memory.
13. Sea to Sky Gondola (Squamish)
Just an hour’s drive from Vancouver on the breathtaking Sea to Sky Highway, the Sea to Sky Gondola whisks you up to a lookout platform with unreal views of Howe Sound, coastal forests, and snow-capped peaks. It’s on the pricier side, but honestly? Worth every penny. If you google some photos of this place, you’ll see mesmerizing photos of people’s wedding shots and beautiful photoshoots.
You will end up saving 10% if you book your ticket online so book them in advance before your visit! You can also get the annual pass which is way cheaper incase you plan to do 2+ visits.
Bonus: The suspension bridge at the top is a must-do if you’re not scared of heights and its included in your ticket price!
14. FlyOver Canada (for a different type of viewpoint)
Okay, technically it’s not a static view, but I love it! FlyOver Canada’s immersive flight ride gives you aerial views of Vancouver and beyond. It’s a fun, high-tech experience that ends with sweeping cinematic shots of the city and its surroundings (including other parts of Canada). It may seem very typical touristy thing to do but trust me, it’s a must! Book your tickets here in advance as they are sold out pretty fast.
Hidden Gem Viewpoints (Locals’ Secret!)
15. Charleson Park (Fairview Slopes)
Tucked away near False Creek, this spot is never crowded but gives you one of the prettiest skyline views of Vancouver, especially during sunset. You’ll see the city rise behind the little inlet, with Science World’s geodesic dome adding a cool futuristic touch.
Bonus: Bring a picnic. The vibe here is ultra-chill, with lots of locals walking their dogs. Another possible fun activity is to kayak False Creek.
16. Jericho Beach (especially in the evening)
Everyone talks about English Bay, but Jericho Beach gives you a stunning west-facing view of the city skyline, framed by sailboats and sandy shores.
On warm summer nights, the sky glows pink and orange behind downtown. And it’s way less crowded than the beaches closer to the city center.
17. Mount Pleasant Viewpoints
Not one specific place… but if you wander the slopes of Mount Pleasant, especially around the Ontario Street bike path, you get these random, insanely good city skyline views peeking through the trees and houses. Perfect if you want an unexpected “locals-only” feel.
Local Tip – Go during cherry blossom season or fall, and you’ll have a lot of opportunities for photoshoots in the numerous parks.
18. White Rock Pier and Promenade
If you’re up for a day trip, White Rock is a charming seaside town about 45 minutes from Vancouver to enjoy a relaxed, beach-town, ice-cream-in-hand kind of evening. The view of the Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly into the horizon from the iconic pier is unforgettable, especially during sunset when everything glows gold. We stayed in an AirBnB right across the promenade, and the views were to die for at sunset (or just post that).
Quick Comparison: Best Viewpoints Based on Mood
| Mood/Goal | Best Spot |
|---|---|
| Romantic Sunset | Queen Elizabeth Park or Jericho Beach |
| Skyline at Night | Lonsdale Quay or Cypress Mountain Lookout |
| Mountain + Ocean Combo | Sea to Sky Gondola or Burnaby Mountain Park |
| “I’m a Photographer” View | Charleson Park or Mount Pleasant |
| Iconic Tourist View | Vancouver Lookout or Grouse Mountain |
| Secluded Ocean View | Spanish Banks or Whytecliff Park |
| Unique Aerial Experience | FlyOver Canada |
| Chill Beach Town Vibes | White Rock Pier |
| Short Hike to Epic Views | Quarry Rock |
| Easy Drive Coastal Scenery | Porteau Cove |
Final Thoughts
One of the things I love most about Vancouver is how accessible these incredible views are. You don’t need to spend a fortune (or break too much of a sweat) to feel on top of the world here. And if you’re willing to venture just a tiny bit beyond the city, the ocean, mountains, and inlets open up a whole new level of beauty.
Whether you’re chasing that perfect sunset photo, planning a romantic evening, or just want to soak in the beauty of this incredible part of the world from every angle, these viewpoints have you covered.
Pro tip? Bring a light jacket no matter what time of year. Vancouver loves to remind you who’s boss when the sun goes down. 😉 If you end up checking out any of these spots, let me know which one was your favorite!
