WordCamp Canada 2026 is shaping up to be our biggest event yet. While the sessions will be packed with talks on AI, automation, and enterprise-scale digital solutions, some of the best moments happen when you step outside the venue and explore the city around you.
Vancouver is a place where nature and innovation live side by side — mountains on one horizon, ocean on the other, and a buzzing creative community in between. Whether you have an afternoon or a full free day, here are some of our favourite spots to visit during your time here.
Culture and Creativity: The Vancouver Art Gallery
Start in the city centre at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Housed in a stunning former courthouse, it’s the cultural heart of Vancouver and well worth a visit.
Current Highlights: Don’t miss “That Green Ideal: Emily Carr and the Idea of Nature,” which explores the deep connection between the West Coast landscape and one of Canada’s most beloved artists.
Pro Tip: Check out “Free First Friday Nights” for a quieter, after-hours way to experience the gallery.
Fuel Up: Granville Island & Gastown
No visit to Vancouver is complete without an afternoon at the Granville Island Public Market — it’s a full sensory experience.
The Food: Grab a Honey Dip from the iconic Lee’s Donuts, browse pyramids of bright local fruit, pick up fresh-caught smoked salmon, or stop by Oyama Sausage Co. for artisan cheeses.
The Makers: Head outside the food hall to explore the Net Loft and Railspur Alley, where local artisans create everything from hand-blown glass to custom-made hats and Indigenous jewelry.
From the island, hop on the False Creek Ferry toward Gastown — the city’s oldest neighbourhood. Watch the famous Steam Clock whistle every quarter-hour, then wander through the independent boutiques and galleries that line the cobblestone streets.
The Great Outdoors: Stanley Park & Beyond
Stanley Park is Vancouver’s crown jewel — roughly 405 hectares of West Coast rainforest right on the edge of downtown, and one of the most beautiful urban parks in the world.
The Seawall: The best way to experience it is on two wheels. Rent a bike and ride the Stanley Park Seawall loop (approximately 8.8 km). You’ll pass the Lions Gate Bridge, the historic totem poles at Brockton Point, and the iconic Siwash Rock.
Beaches: For a more relaxed pace, head to Third Beach or Sunset Beach for a quiet stroll along the sand and some fresh Pacific air.
Hidden Gems: Going Off the Beaten Path
If you have more time to explore, here are a few local favourites that don’t always make the tourist lists:
Commercial Drive: Known as “The Drive,” this neighbourhood is a melting pot of cultures — Italian bakeries next to Ethiopian cafes, independent coffee shops, and some of the best people-watching in the city.
Lonsdale Quay & The Shipyards: Take the SeaBus (a 12-minute ferry ride) from Waterfront Station to North Vancouver. The view of the downtown skyline from the water is hard to beat, and the Shipyards area is ideal for a casual waterfront dinner.
The Bloedel Conservatory: Tucked away in Queen Elizabeth Park, this tropical paradise is home to exotic birds and lush plants — a warm, peaceful escape no matter the weather outside.
A Little More Time? Science World & Kitsilano
Science World’s iconic geodesic dome at the end of False Creek is a city landmark worth seeing up close. Nearby, the neighbourhood of Kitsilano — “Kits” to locals — offers a laid-back beach vibe perfect for unwinding between sessions.
Vancouver has a way of making you feel at home, whether you’re here for the art, the food, or the trails. We hope you get the chance to explore a little of what makes this city so special.
See you in Vancouver for WCEH2026! 🍁