Local Experience

Welcome to Vancouver, the host city of World Conference 2025. While you're here, take some time to explore the city and all the wonderful things it has to offer, from world-class dining to unique attractions. 

Scroll down for lists of recommendations to take advantage of. The lists are broken down into the following categories:

Things to Do
Dining
Grab a Drink
Sites & Attractions
Outdoors
Onsite Hospitality

We hope this helps you take advantage of all Vancouver has to offer!

Explore Vancouver

Things to Do

Have extra time to explore Vancouver? Let us help you out!

EXPLORE

• Stanley Park
  • Explore Stanley Park by foot, bike or scooter, in the downtown center of Vancouver. Stanley Park has scenic views of the water, mountains, sky and trees and access to Vancouver's Aquarium. 
• City Tour
  • View the amazing city of Vancouver at your own pace aboard a hop-on hop-off bus tour! Explore the historic landmarks and the city's most popular attractions on a clear-top bus and hop-off whenver you want to explore more.
• Whale Watching
  • Spend half the day along the Pacific Northeast coastline looking for whales, seals, eagles and other marine life. Hop aboard the catamaran and learn about the local history and geology of Vancouver. 
• Granville Island Public Market
  • Just 10 minutes south of downtown Vancouver, Granville Island Public Market features various stalls of fresh food ranging from produce to baked goods as well as little gifts. Be sure to ask for recipes of your favorite foods!
• Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tour
  • Immerse yourself in the city’s hidden history of dark crime, outrageous intrigue, and filthy scandal. World Conference attendees receive a 25% discount using the code IABC25 when they go to book online. Pre-book your tour dates starting now. Attendees will have to show either their email confirmation as attendees of the World Conference or their badge on the day of the tour.
• Vancouver Art Gallery
  • Visit one of North America's most innovative visual arts institutions. Delegates receive a 30% discount to the gallery with proof of being a conference attendee either via badge or an email. 
• Vancouver Aquarium

  • Visit Canada's largest aquarium, in the heart of Stanley Park! IABC World Conference attendees can take advantage of a 20% discount off their admission with proof of registration or their event badge.

• Rise and Shine - Hatha Yoga Class
  • World Conference attendees can attend a Hatha yoga class led by Judy Swens, E-RYT 200 certified with Yoga Alliance, connecting mind & body to set you up for your day of learning. Register for the complimentary yoga on Monday and Tuesday mornings.
• Chinatown Storytelling Centre
  • The Chinatown Storytelling Centre is Canada’s first permanent space dedicated to sharing the stories of Vancouver’s Chinatown and the Chinese Canadian journey. An initiative of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, it supports the revitalization of this historic neighbourhood through projects in social housing, cultural preservation, and economic development. 50% discount for delegates using code IABC2025 when booking online (valid through June).
• Capilano Suspension Bridge
  • One of Vancouver’s most iconic attractions, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers a breathtaking walk across the 137-metre-long suspension bridge, as well as immersive forest experiences like Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk. World Conference attendees can enjoy 10% off adult admission by showing their badge at the front gate!
• Grouse Mountain
  • Known as the “Peak of Vancouver,” Grouse Mountain is a year-round destination offering panoramic views, mountaintop dining, and outdoor activities just 15 minutes from downtown. World Conference attendees can enjoy $10 off adult and senior admission by showing their World Conference badge at Guest Services!
• CBC Vancouver Newsroom Tour
  • Go behind the scenes of CBC News in BC with a guided tour through the state-of-the-art integrated newsroom — home of The National and CBC Radio One. See TV control rooms, news sets, and radio booths, and get an inside look at how the news comes together each day. CBC has been a key part of Vancouver’s cultural landscape since 1936, and its current Broadcast Centre continues to be a vibrant community hub. This is an exclusive guided tour of CBC Vancouver’s integrated newsroom from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, 11 June. The tour capacity is 20 people. Register here.
• Destination Vancouver
  • Delegates can access a free Perks Pass with a variety of local discounts.

SHOP

• Explore the historic, charming district of Gastown. Old Vancouver's cobblestone streets are lively with shops and food.
• Head to CF Pacific Center, the largest mall in dowtown Vancouver. Home to over 100 stores amongst 4 floors.
• Make your way to Alberni Street for high-end shopping at big-name retailers, some of Vancouver's most famous restaurants, and more. 

HAVE FUN

• Visit the BC Sports Hall of Fame to see your favorite athletes and teams who made BC Sport history!
• Try hands-on science experiments at Vancouver's Science World equipped with an amazing "Kids Zone."

Dining

Grab a bite at some of Vancouver's fine eateries! The restaurants in this list are just a short distance from the conference. Visit the Destination Vancouver website to explore further!

Explore Vancouver’s diverse culinary scene with our Dine Around program—exclusive group dinners at top local restaurants just for the 2025 IABC World Conference attendees.

GRAB A DRINK

Take in the city sights with these scenic and notable bars!

Sites and Attractions

While you are in Vancouver, make sure to explore! From museums to city tours to family friendly fun, this list will get you started.

• City Tours
• Vancouver Aquarium
• Museum of Anthropology
• Vancouver Art Gallery
• Vancouver Look Out
• BC Place

Get Outdoors

Looking to take a morning run or walk? Vancouver's infamous Stanley Park has spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and ample space for running, walking, biking and more. Plus, take advantage of some of the city's historic parks.

• Stanley Park - 100-acre-park-perfect for seeing the city.
• Queen Elizabeth Park - famous for breathaking views of the city skyline, mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
• VanDusen Botanical Garden - unique garden with over 7,500 plant species from around the world.

ONSITE HOSPITALITY

Make the most of your conference experience with these added activities to feel just like a Vancouver local – available right at the hotel.

• Morning Yoga Session – Start your day grounded with an energising yoga session hosted at the hotel. Open to all experience levels—just bring your mat!

• Headshot Station – Capture your best side at World Conference's exclusive on-site headshot lounge! Step into our lounge in the Regency Foyer and let our skilled photographer capture a stunning portrait. No appointment necessary. The headshot lounge is open to all attendees during select times on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Check the mobile app for further details!

• Ask a Local Table – Got questions about where to eat, what to see, or how to get around Vancouver? Visit our Ask a Local table in the foyer and chat with a friendly local volunteer.

• Ribbon Wall – Personalize your name badge with fun and functional ribbons! Whether you’re a first-timer, speaker, or just want to show your flair, we’ve got a ribbon for you.