We love this city, and we love free stuff, so it seemed logical to combine the two and compile this list of 25 free things to do in Vancouver. Think of it as the ultimate checklist for year-round activities - all free of charge. Some are indoor, some outdoor. Some are exciting, others relaxing. Take your pick. We know you have plenty to choose from, and at $0, you can do them over and over again.

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  1. Visit Granville Island

  Once home to some serious industry (hence its former name, Industrial Island), Granville Island is now one of the best places for families to experience Vancouver. Read more about it.

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  2. Hang out in Stanley Park:

  Stroll along the sea wall, picnic on the greens, smell the roses...it doesn't get much better than Vancouver's pride and joy.

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  3. People-watch in Vancouver neighbourhoods:

  How do visitors really get to know the city? By hanging out in neighbourhoods and soaking in the vibes. Get the dish on all of Vancity's 'hoods.

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  4. Hike the Grouse Grind:

  The famous Grouse Grind hike is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts. Your legs might hate you afterward, but the views at the top are incredible. Walking is free, though many hikers like to pay the $10 for the gondola ride down. Get more info about Grouse Mountain.

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  5. Go celeb-spotting:

  Where, oh where do the stars hang out? Playing celeb-spotting is totally free and surprisingly easy. Hint: get the inside scoop by reading our article on the North Hollywood scene.

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  6. Visit the Christ Church Cathedral:

  Designed in Gothic Revival style, the church features ceiling beams of Douglas fir, intricately designed interior arches and a number of stained glass windows - no wonder it's declared a Class A Heritage site.

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  7. Mountain biking in the North Shore:

  Nothing like getting air and getting dirty to experience the best of Vancouver's North Shore. Find the best mountain biking trails.

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  8. Walk around Canada Place:

  This is simply a great place to relax and watch the cruise ships glide into the city. Plus, the photo-ops are fantastic.

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  9. Tour Vancouver's art:

  Vancouver's art galleries never cease showcasing some of the most cutting-edge art in the country. Cost of perusing: free.

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  10. Visit the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver:

  Staying here might cost a pretty penny, but it doesn't cost a cent to check out "the Grand Lady," which has become a verifiable tourist destination for its distinctive history and architecture.

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  11. Window shop at Vancouver's best shopping areas:

  Robson Street, Yaletown, Commercial Drive...the city's shopping neighbourhoods give new meaning to "shop 'til you drop."

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  12. Hang out at UBC:

  Is someone in the family getting ready to apply to college? Take a tour of the University of British Columbia - it's one of the most beautiful campuses in the country.

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  13. Gaze at the stars at MacMillan Observatory:

  Right next to the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, the observatory is admission by donation and offers public viewings on Friday and Saturday evenings.

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  14. Take a scenic drive:

  There's no cost for admission to enjoy gorgeous Vancouver scenery. Take the legendary Sea-to-Sky Highway to get to Whistler and experience glimmering turquoise inlets, old-growth rainforests and craggy cliffs.

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  15. Play bocce ball at the Italian Cultural Centre:

  Practice your love for the classic recreational sport at this centre devoted to all things Italian.

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  16. Richmond Night Market:

  During the summer, this Chinese night market is free and definitely worth the trip to scope out (and dig into) fried squid, fish balls and Chinese knick-knacks.

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  17. Play disc golf at Queen Elizabeth Park:

  Get some friends together and play a round of disc golf, free at Queen Elizabeth Park, one of Vancouver's most popular recreation areas. The course is located near the Pitch & Putt Golf Course. If Frisbees aren’t your thing, pick up a tennis racquet and smack the ball around at any of the 18 free courts.

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  18. Visit Capilano Salmon Hatchery:

  It may sound strange, but viewing the salmon runs at the free Capilano Salmon Hatchery taps you into the majesty of nature and pulls you into the wonderful life cycle of the salmon that come through here.

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  19. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park:

  Not to be confused with the adjacent Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens, which charges $10 admission, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park provides the public with an opportunity to experience elements of a traditional Chinese garden — all free of charge.

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  20. Visit Vancouver's free museums:

  The city's handful of free museums (BC Golf Museum) and learning centres (Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre) offer a great way to spend the day without spending money.

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  21. Watch the water at Lonsdale Quay:

  Perfect for those that want a relaxing afternoon, the quay offers seaside breezes that make this a perfect picnic spot.

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  22. Wander around Lynn Canyon:

  This is one of Vancouver's most popular free activities. Hit the hiking trail, and be sure to brave the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge for epic views.

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  23. Visit the beach (and go skinny-dipping at Wreck Beach):

  Vancouver's quintessential beach experience presents views of the mountain, water, downtown core and forest - all absolutely free of charge. If you're up for it, don your birthday suit and lounge at Wreck Beach, the city's official nude beach.

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  24. Watch the cruise ships go by at Dundarave Pier:

  Located in West Vancouver, Dundarave Pier is a prime spot to take in iconic views - Lion's Gate and Stanley Park.

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  25. Tour Vancouver's Olympic venues:

  For future Olympians and Olympic fans alike, a sneak peek at Vancouver's venues for the 2010 Winter Games is a fun way to commemorate these incredible events.