With a breath-taking mountain backdrop, there is no doubt that Vancouver is one of the most photogenic cities in the world. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you live in the city and need some photography inspiration, I’ve rounded up 52 of the most instagrammable spots in Vancouver. From bustling markets and hip neighbourhoods to suspension bridges in ancient rain forests, here is your 2022 guide to Vancouver’s best Instagram spots.
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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 everything!
Getting around Vancouver
You can get to a lot of these instagrammable spots in Vancouver via public transit but some are further out of the city and do require a car. You can book an Evo for short trips. This is a car-sharing service in Vancouver that you can register for.
If you’re visiting Vancouver for a few days, then hiring a car will probably be cheaper. I personally use Auto Europe as they have great rates. You can compare all the major companies in a grid format that shows the prices for different car sizes by provider. They also clearly show what is and isn’t included in the price. If you need any help, their 24/7 customer service is very good. You can check prices here.
The most instagrammable spots in Vancouver
There are so many instagrammable spots in Vancouver so for ease I’ve split this guide into 7 sections. Click on any section to jump straight to it!
- West Vancouver
- North Vancouver
- Stanley Park
- Downtown and West End
- Kitsilano and Point Grey
- Fairview and Mount Pleasant
- South Vancouver
It’s a pretty long article so grab a cup of tea and get comfy! There’s a lot of information in this post so you might want to save it so you can read it again later.
Instagrammable spots in 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
How to get here: Unfortunately this spot isn’t accessible by public transport so you’ll need to drive here and park at the Lookout’s small car park which does fill up quickly. If you’re an experience cyclist you could ride up to the lookout but it’s a tough hill to climb so I wouldn’t recommend this unless you have a lot of road experience.
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. It’s one of my favourite places to watch the sunset in the summer.
Address: 4902 Beacon Ln, West Vancouver, BC V7W 1K5
How to get here: The easiest way is by car but parking does fill up fast so try to avoid the popular times (such as sunset) by going earlier. Alternatively, you can take the #250 bus from Downtown which stops at Marine Drive. You can then start your walk through the park to the Lighthouse (around 35 minutes). The bus ride takes about 40 minutes.
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. Just be careful as the tide can come in very quickly and you don’t want to get caught out!
Address: 7102 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2T3
How to get here: Like Lighthouse Park, driving is the easiest way to get here. However, the #257 bus goes from Downtown to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal. From there it’s a 35 – 40 minute walk to Whytecliff Park but it’s a nice way to explore Horseshoe Bay.
Instagrammable spots in 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. There are lots of incredible hikes around this area. As they’re slightly outside Vancouver, I haven’t included them here but I have a detailed blog post with the best hikes near Vancouver.
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.
Address: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1
How to get here: You can drive to Capilano but there is also a free shuttle bus from Downtown Vancouver all year round. It runs regularly so I’d recommend taking that instead of driving.
5. Lynn Canyon Park
As one of the most instagrammable spots 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.
Address: 3663 Park Road, North Vancouver, BC V7J 3G3
How to get here: 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.
6. 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
How to get here: The easiest way to get to Lonsdale Quay is to take the Seabus from Waterfront Station in downtown.
7. 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
How to get here: Deep Cove is 40 minutes from Vancouver by car which is probably the easiest way to get there. However, if you don’t mind getting on a few different buses, you can get there on public transport. Take the #210 bus to Phibbs Exchange and then change onto the #212.
8. 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
How to get here: Follow the same instructions as above. In Deep Cove, head along Panorama Drive until you get to the trail head. Please note, the trail is currently closed as you can’t socially distance on the hike.
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. It’s easy to see why it’s one of the most instagrammable spots in Vancouver.
Address: Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
How to get here: Stanley Park is easily accessible via public transport. The #240, #246 or #250 bus will bring you to the entrance of the park.
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
How to get there: The lighthouse is a 25 minute walk from the entrance. The seawall is 10 km long and many of the instagrammable spots in Stanley Park are dotted along this loop. If you don’t want to walk the whole way, you can hire a bike to get around.
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
How to get there: The easiest way to get to this viewpoint is by car, although you can walk all the way there if you want to. There is a car park at Prospect Park which is only a few minutes walk from this instagrammable spot.
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
How to get here: Park at Prospect Point car park and walk down to the bridge.
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
How to get there: Siwash Rock is a 30 minute walk from Propsect Point Lookout. You could either park there and walk along the seawall, or hire a bike and ride around the seawall for the day.
Downtown and West End
The heart of Vancouver is made up of several colourful neighbourhoods which have their own characteristics. Downtown and West End are easily walkable thanks to the grid street system so you can cover a lot in one day. This area has some of the most instagrammable spots in Vancouver.
14. Vancouver Lookout
If you want a panoramic view of Vancouver and don’t have a drone, think about going to Vancouver Lookout. You” ascend 553 ft (168 m) to the top where you can soak in views of Gastown, Coal Harbour, and North Vancouver. It’s not hard to see why it’s one of Vancouver most instagrammable spots.
Address: 555 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, V6B 4N6
How to get here: The Lookout is located close to Waterfront Station. The venue is currently closed but you can check out their website for the latest information.
15. 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
How to get here: Canada Place is easy to get to. Just head towards the waterfront and you’ll see it signposted.
16. Burrard Landing
The views from Burrard Landing are beautiful. You can see Stanley Park and the North Shore mountains but the view of Burrard Landing itself is just as pretty. For the best view, walk up the steps of Canada Place just before sunset.
Address: 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3T4
How to get here: Head up the steps of Canada Place and walk along until you find the view you like.
17. Marine Building
Opened in 1930, the Marine Building is known for its art deco–inspired architecture and ornate entrance and lobby. The door is beautiful with intricate details. It’s a popular spot for wedding and portrait photographers. You may recognize it from a couple of the Fantastic Four Marvel films! As it is an office building, I recommend visiting in the evening after work or at weekends when you can take photos without annoying staff!
Address: 355 Burrard Street, Vancouver
How to get here: From Canada Place, walk up Burrard Street for 2 blocks and you’ll find this impressive building on your right hand side (between W Cordova Street and W Hastings Street).
18. 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
How to get here: Gastown is just a stones throw away from Canada place. Head onto West Cordova Street until you reach Water Street.
19. Hotel Europe
If you’ve ever been to New York you’ve probably seen the famous Flat Iron Building. Toronto has it’s own mini version – the Gooderham Building – and so does Vancouver. Hotel Europe may not be quite as impressive as the original, but it’s definitely one of Vancouver’s most instagrammable spots!
Address: 43 Powell St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1E9
How to get here: Hotel Europe is a short walk from the Steam Clock. Continue to the end of Water Street and you’ll see the iconic building in front of you.
20. Woodward’s Building
Woodward’s is one of Gastown’s historic buildings. The original building was constructed back in 1903 for the Woodward’s Department Group. At the time, Cordova Street was the heart of Vancouver’s shopping scene.
After Woodward’s bankruptcy, the building remained vacant for a number of years. It was eventually demolished in 2006 as part of the city’s redevelopment plans and is now home to residential homes and offices. The iconic ‘W’ is a replica of the original and one of Vancouver’s unique Instagram spots.
Address: 33 Abbott St, Vancouver, BC V6B 0G6
How to get here: Woodwards’ Building is just a short walk from Hotel Europe. Walk back down Water Street and turn left onto Abbott Street and you’ll find this building.
21. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
This beautiful garden is nestled in the heart of Vancouver’s historic Chinatown. Inspired by the Ming dynasty, the garden is the first of its kind to have been built outside of China. It was built by hand by 53 master-craftsmen from Suzhou. As you wander round the garden, you’ll notice the numerous round and square shapes. The round ones represent Yin (feminine energy) and the square ones embody Yang (masculine energy).
Although the garden is a popular Instagram spot here in Vancouver, it’s much more than that. It’s a unique venue that offers cultural events and educational programs. Tickets cost $16 per adult and must be booked in advance.
Address: 578 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K2
How to get here: The garden is located in Chinatown. The primary entrance can be found at Keefer and Carrall Street.
22. Vancouver Central Library
Located in Library Square, Vancouver’s Central Library is an architectural gem which occupies a full city block. The colonnade design is reminiscent of the Colosseum in Rome and offers lots of opportunities for creative photos.
Address: 350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1
How to get here: The library is located between Chinatown and Yaletown. Walk along West Georgia Street or Robson Street and you’ll find the library between Hamilton and Homer Street.
23. Bill Curtis Square
I stumbled across this spot by accident when I was out location scouting for a portrait shoot earlier this year. The beautiful brick work and the pale blue window frames make it one of Vancouver’s instagrammable spots in my opinion. But if that wasn’t enough, the colourful canopy of umbrellas above the square definitely secure it’s place on this list.
The installation was created as a symbol for ‘Raincouver’ (Vancouver’s nickname) and regularly changes. In 2020, the umbrellas were yellow, whilst this year they’re pink poka dots.
Address: 1198 Mainland St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2T9
How to get here: The square is in Yaletown behind the Canada Line Station (on Mainland and Davie street).
24. David Lam Park
David Lam Park is a small but very pretty waterfront park near Yaletown. It offers sweeping views over False Creek and is one of the best places to see the blossom in Spring. I’ve written a separate guide to the best blossom spots and when they typically bloom.
Address: 1300 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y1
How to get here: David Lam Park is situated on the edge of Yaletown between Granville Bridge and Cambie Bridge.
25. Robson Square
Robson Square is located in the heart of Downtown and is a wonderful spot to take photos of Vancouver’s skyline. The main feature of the square is the ice rink where you can go skating for free between December and February.
There are steps on either side of the rink where you can sit and take in the architecture around you. They also help with taking photos as you can get drone like photos over the square.
Address: 800 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A7
How to get here: Robson Square sits on the corner of Robson and Howe Street.
26. Vancouver Art Gallery
Founded in 1931, the Vancouver Art Gallery is one of the most instagrammable spots in Vancouver due to it’s beautiful interior and exterior design. The steps on both the North and Side side of the gallery provide a great backdrop for photos. Tickets cost $24 per adult but I highly recommend going inside as the grand foyer and rotunda are stunning photo locations.
Address: 750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7
How to get here: Vancouver Art Gallery is right next to Robson Square between Robson Street and West Georgia Street.
27. Alley Oop
Vancouver is full of colourful murals. Each year, the Vancouver Mural Festival celebrates all of the different murals and it’s a great way to discover some new instagrammable spots in Vancouver. Alley Oop (a.k.a the pink alley) is one of my favourite ones as it’s so vibrant and quirky. It’s also a great place for couple or engagement photo shoots!
Address: 688 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1P1
How to get here: Alley Oop is right between Granville Street and Seymour Street. It’s very colourful so you shouldn’t miss it!
28. The ‘Not-So-Secret’ Rooftop
After a lot of evenings spent on Google Maps, I finally figured out the location of this iconic rooftop. It’s become a popular spot with photographers so don’t be suprised if you stumble across an engagement or portrait photo shoot when you go. Luckily there is lots of space to get some very cool urban shots.
Address: 443 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC V6B 3H5
How to get here: The entrance to the car park is on Seymour Street just past West Pender Street. Head to the stairs and go all the way to the rooftop.
29. Coal Harbour
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
How to get there: Coal Harbour starts at Canada Place and stretches west to Stanley Park.
30. The Sylvia Hotel
Set in a beautiful ivy-covered apartment building, The Sylvia Hotel is a designated heritage landmark dating back to 1912. It’s one of Vancouver’s lesser known Instagram spots and is particularly magical in fall when the ivy-like creeper changes colour and turns the hotel into dark reds and oranges.
Address: 1154 Gilford St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2P6
How to get here: The hotel is located on Beach Avenue, just steps from English Bay and Stanley Park.
31. 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
Kitsilano and Point Grey
I might be biased as Kitsilano has been my home since I moved to Canada, but I think this area has some of the best instagrammable spots in Vancouver. Known as Kits by the locals, Kitsilano is a beautiful and relaxed residential neighbourhood. There’s a real sense of community here and the beaches and little parks provide the perfect place to unwind after a busy day.
32. Burrard Bridge
The Burrard Street Bridge opened in 1932 and is one of three bridges to cross False Creek. It’s an Art deco style, steel bridge and has become an iconic landmark. You can get some beautiful photos of the bridge from Granville Island, but one of my favourite instagrammable spots in Vancouver is actually the view from the bridge itself.
Burrard Bridge offers panoramic views of Sunset Beach and the North Shore mountains in one direction, and Granville Island and False Creek in the other. Try to go for sunset if you can.
Address: Burrard Bridge, Vancouver, BC
How to get here: From Downtown, walk south down Burrard Street and you’ll come to the bridge. For the best shots, walk about one third of the way down the bridge.
33. Museum of Vancouver
The Museum of Vancouver is the oldest museum in the city. There are some really interesting exhibitions such as the neon signs gallery, which is a favourite among photographers. I personally love the exterior at the back of the museum. The white arch windows and patterned bricks make a lovely backdrop for portrait photo shoots. It’s also another lovely spot to see Vancouver’s cherry blossom trees.
Address: 1100 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9
How to get here: The museum is located in Vanier Park.
34. Kitsilano Beach
Kitsilano Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Vancouver and offers panoramic views of Downtown, Burrard Inlet and the North Shore mountains. It’s a beautiful spot to come for sunset and watch the sun set behind the mountains.
Address: 1305 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC V6J 5N2
How to get here: From Downtown, head across Burrard Bridge. Kitsilano Beach is at Cornwall Ave at the north end of Yew Street.
35. Kits Wings
Designed in 2017 by artists Sandy and Steve Pell, Kits Wings is another beautiful Vancouver mural. The wings are painted gold and black and provide a lovely backdrop for your Instagram shots. They usually create different scenes for each season. In fall, there is often some pumpkins and a hay stack, whilst in February they do a Valentine’s theme.
Address: 898 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3H3
How to get here: The mural is on the corner of West 4th Avenue and Burrard Street.
36. 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
How to get here: Walk along Cornwall Avenue and you’ll reach the park within 5 to 10 minutes. Continue along this road and you’ll find the other parks on the right hand side.
37. Nitobe Memorial Garden
Nitobe Memorial Garden is regarded as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. It’s particularly photogenic in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom, and also in fall when the maple leaves turn shades of gold, orange and red. There are some pretty places for photos, including some ponds, bridges and Oriental art.
Address: 1895 Lower Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
How to get here: The Nitobe Memorial Garden is located at the University of British Columbia. You’ll find the garden near the corner of Memorial Road and Lower Mall.
38. Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Pacific Spirit Regional Park is often overlooked by tourists who flock to Stanley Park instead. But it’s worth spending half a day at Pacific Spirit. The park is set over 750 hectares and has over 54 km of walking and hiking trails. The dense forest has many varieties of evergreen trees, including Cedar, Douglas Fir and Sitka Spruce. There are lots of photo opportunities along the trails and it’s a popular place for engagement shoots.
Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4
How to get here: There is plenty of free parking but the park is also easily accessible by public transit. Buses stop the near park entrances on Southwest Marine Drive and 16th Avenue.
39. UBC Rose Garden
With a stunning ocean and mountain backdrop, the UBC Rose Garden is one of Vancouver’s best kept secrets. There are more than a dozen types of roses which bloom between June and September. It’s a lovely spot to take some photos and enjoy the panoramic mountain view.
Address: 6301 Crescent Rd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2
How to get here: The Rose Garden is located on the University of British Columbia’s Vancouver campus. It’s actually on the top of a parkade just off NW Marine Drive.
40. Jericho Beach
Jericho Beach is one of my favourite beaches in Vancouver. It’s a popular place for kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing and windsurfing. It also has gorgeous views looking back at downtown Vancouver. You can get some lovely shots walking along the rocks with the city in the distance.
Address: Point Grey Rd, Vancouver, BC V6R 1B5
How to get here: Jericho Beach is located between Kitsilano Beach and Spanish Banks at the very end of Point Grey Road.
Fairview and Mount Pleasant
Home to Granville Island Public Market and Olympic Village, this area is filled with great places to eat and drink, including some of Vancouver’s best craft breweries. It’s waterfront location also provides plenty of Instagram photo opportunities.
41. 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
How to get here: The #50 comes from Gastown and stops just off Granville Island. Click here for upcoming departures and arrivals, or visit translink.ca for further details.
42. Creekside Park
Like Vanier Park, Creekside Park is another underrated spot to see the cherry blossom trees in Vancouver in spring. It’s a lovely spot all year round as you can get some great shots of Burrard Bridge and the city skyscrapers.
Address: Creekside Dr, Vancouver, BC V6J 1E8
How to get here: There are actually two Creekside Parks in Vancouver (the other one is near Science World). This one is located between Burrard Bridge and Granville Bridge on the south side.
43. Granville Bridge
Sitting at just over 27 metres above Granville Island, Granville Bridge is the second bridge to cross False Creek. As a result, it offers amazing views of Cambie Bridge to the east and Burrard Bridge to the west. It’s one of the best places to see what makes Vancouver so great – a city on the edge of the wilderness!
Address: Granville Bridge, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1V4
How to get here: From Downtown, walk south down Granville Street and you’ll come to the bridge. For the best shots, walk about half way down the bridge.
44. Vancouver City Hall
Located at Yukon and 11th, City Hall is an underrated photography spot. The steps leading up to the entrance offer the ideal opportunity to get some creative photos. It’s also a lovely place to see the cherry blossom in spring as there are several different types of cultivars dotted around the grounds.
Address: 453 W 12th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Y 1V4
How to get here: City Hall is located near Vancouver General Hospital between Cambie Street and Yukon Street on 12th. There are a number of buses which stop near the entrance, including #99.
45. Spyglass Dock
This aqua bus stop has become one of Vancouver’s most instagrammable spots in recent years. Located directly beneath Cambie Bridge, the pier offers a lovely view of the waterfront glass buildings over in downtown. It’s especially magical at night when all the buildings are lit up.
Address: Spyglass Place, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4K7
How to get here: Spyglass dock is located right under Cambie Bridge on the South shore of False Creek. If you’re coming from Downtown, you can get a bus across Cambie Street or an aqua bus to Stamp’s Landing Ferry Dock and then walk along the seawall.
46. Olympic Village
Located in Southeast False Creek, the Olympic Village was built for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, to house athletes from across the world. Today, it’s a thriving community with some of the best patios and craft breweries, Like Tap and Barrel and Craft Beer Market. Walk along the seawall and you’ll find lots of great spots for photos.
Address: Vancouver, BC V5Y 0E5
How to get here: Olympic Village is located on the southeast side of False Creek, between Cambie Street and Main Street.
47. Science World
Science World is one of Vancouver’s iconic landmarks. Its zany design actually reminds me of Disney’s Spaceship Earth. There are lots of great places to take photos of the museum, but one of my favourites is from the seawall, just past Habitat Island. There is a boardwalk with some viewing platforms where you can get lovely shots with the museum in the background.
Address: 1455 Quebec St, Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7
How to get here: Science World is located across the street from the Main Street-Science World Skytrain Station (Expo line), and a short walk from bus stops at Main and Terminal.
48. Cambie Bridge
Cambie Bridge is the third and final bridge to cross False Creek. It has amazing views over Science World on one side and Downtown and David Lam on the other.
Address: Cambie St Bridge, Vancouver, BC
How to get here: From Downtown, walk south down Cambie Street and you’ll come to the bridge. For the best shots, walk about half way down the bridge.
49. View of False Creek (Lameys Mill Road)
I stumbled across this viewpoint on a walk around False Creek. If you’ve ever been on an Air Canada flight to Vancouver you may recognize this view from the TV screen. The steps look out over False Creek and the sea wall. It’s especially pretty at sunset when the golden light hits the glass building.
Address: 1199 Lameys Mill Road
How to get here: Walk along Lameys Mill Road which runs between Granville Bridge and Charleson Park. Halfway along, you’ll see some steps which lead down to the sea wall. This is where you can find the viewpoint.
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.
50. VanDusen Botanical Garden
If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to take some photos, I highly recommend visiting VanDusen Botanical Garden. This 55-acre oasis is a beautiful photography location all year round. In winter, like Capilano, they host a festival called Festival of Lights which transforms the park into a winter wonderland.
Tickets must be reserved online. Prices vary depending on the season. From April 1st to September 30th they cost $11.70 for an adult. They cost $8.40 the rest of the year.
Address: 5151 Oak Street Vancouver BC V6M 4H1
How to get here: VanDusen Botanical Garden is easily accessible by car or public transport from anywhere in Vancouver. The entrance is located on Oak Street between 34th and 37th.
51. 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
How to get here: The park is located at the junction of Cambie Street and West 33rd Avenue. You can drive and park at the paid parking lots. If you’re coming by public transport the park is near the King Edward and Oakridge-41st stations (Canada Line).
52. 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
How to get here: The conservatory is located in Queen Elizabeth Park between Seasons in the Park and Queen Elizabeth Quarry Gardens.
The most instagrammable spots in Vancouver: FINAL THOUGHTS
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.
If you’re looking for more Vancouver resources, have a look at the following guides:
- 12 Easy beginner hikes in Vancouver
- 15 Incredible hikes near Vancouver
- Where to find Vancouver’s prettiest cherry blossom in 2022
- The complete travel guide to Bowen Island
- 10 Ideas for your next weekend trip from Vancouver
- The best rainy day activities in Vancouver
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More Vancouver and BC Inspiration
A Guide to Gibsons: The Gateway to the Sunshine Coast
The complete guide to hiking Panorama Ridge in one day
Shannon Falls Pools Trail: How to find this hidden gem
Best hikes in Vancouver: 22 Amazing Trails for 2024
Garibaldi Lake Hike: Everything you need to know
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