Register here!

DELEGATES: Those wishing to attend conference sessions must register as a delegate. Please choose the delegate category that is appropriate for you. Delegate registration includes all conference sessions, Opening Reception, conference luncheons, Gala Dinner, and the IMGL Closing Reception.

GUESTS: Please register your guest(s) at the same time you register as a delegate. Guest registration includes the Opening Reception, Gala Dinner, and the Closing Reception. Guest registration does not include conference sessions or luncheons.

CONFERENCE CANCELLATION POLICY:
Cancel by March 1: receive 100% refund.

Cancel between March 1 -March 31: Receive 50% refund.

Cancel between April 1 – April 22: receive 25% refund.

No refunds starting on or after April 23.

Sponsorships are now available for this conference. For information on becoming a sponsor for this event, contact Brien Van Dyke at brien@imgl.org or Phil Savage at phil@imgl.org

You may review our sponsorship package here.

Additionally, we have our Annual Sponsorship options which can be found here. Our annual sponsorships are a great way to bundle your benefits for both 2025 conferences!

Annual 2025 Sponsors

Annual Platinum Sponsor

Clever Advertising

With over 15 years of experience, Clever Advertising is a prominent multinational digital brand serving the iGaming industry. Specializing in Media Buying, SEO, PPC, In-App, and Influencer Marketing across five continents, Clever utilizes advanced technology and data analytics to enhance client acquisition, foster player retention, and promote brand awareness.

Fox Rothschild LLP

www.foxrothschild.com

Fox Rothschild LLP is a full-service law firm serving businesses and individuals domestically and internationally. With 950 attorneys and more than 60 practice areas in 27 offices nationwide, we understand clients’ issues, industries, priorities, need for practical and cost-effective advice, and the way they think. Fox professionals are as committed to your success as you are. Fox has one of the largest gaming law practices in the U.S. and attorneys ranked among the top worldwide in this field by Chambers Global. We advise clients in myriad gaming industry sectors on complex regulatory, licensing, compliance, financing and operational issues.

Annual Gold Sponsor

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI)

www.gaminglabs.com

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI®) is the leading independent testing, assessment, and certification service in the gaming industry. Serving more than 710 jurisdictions, GLI gives you total access into both mature and emerging land-based, iGaming, and sports-wagering markets to help get your products anywhere you want them to go with consistency, speed, and accuracy. Our signature gaming technical standards, are relied upon by gaming regulators, operators, and suppliers the world over. We also offer a wide range of professional services, including world-class educational resources through GLI University® and comprehensive cybersecurity and managed IT services provided by Bulletproof™, a GLI Company. After years of leadership, we haven’t lost sight of why we opened our doors in the first place: To be a trusted, proven advisor, offering an unparalleled range of services designed to empower you to achieve your goals by ensuring that the work we do for you exceeds your expectations.

Jones Walker

https://www.joneswalker.com/en/

The Gaming Practice at Jones Walker offers internationally recognized and industry-leading legal, regulatory, transactional, and litigation counsel to owners, operators, investors, tribes, manufacturers, pari-mutuels, lottery vendors, sweepstakes, and charities throughout the world. Our client base is broad, our gaming experience is deep, and our network of regulatory, tax, and industry contacts is extensive. Taken together, these strengths enable us to provide targeted transactional, legislative, and regulatory solutions, and dispute-resolution services that address today’s challenges in the gaming industry.

Saiber

https://www.saiber.com/

Lawyers for Business, Counselors for Life. For over 60 years, Saiber has approached the practice of law with a dual purpose:  to advocate tenaciously for our clients in times of conflict, and offer guidance and advice in our role as trusted advisors. We continue to uphold this legacy every day, working with a diverse clientele that includes national corporations, closely-held businesses, professional practitioners, families and individuals. Our practice encompasses virtually every area of the law, and ranges from simple, straightforward matters to complex, sophisticated litigation, corporate counseling, mergers and acquisitions and regulatory matters. With thorough preparation, keen insight and immersive knowledge of your business interests, our lawyers are well equipped to represent you at all levels.  We bring the same level of expertise to your corporate and commercial transactions and your personal family matters.

Annual Silver Sponsors

AGEM

https://www.agem.org/

The Association of Gaming Equipment Manufacturers (AGEM) in Las Vegas is a non-profit international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of electronic gaming devices, lotteries, systems, table games, key components and support products and services for the gaming industry. AGEM works to further the interests of gaming equipment suppliers throughout the world. Through political action, regulatory influence, trade show partnerships, educational alliances, information dissemination and good corporate citizenship, the members of AGEM work together to create benefits for every company within the organization.

MELCHERS Law

https://www.melchers-law.com/

MELCHERS is a full-service business law firm with approximately 50 lawyers. We have offices in Heidelberg, Frankfurt/Main, Berlin and Mannheim. We advise you on all aspects of business law: in the “classic” fields of business law and additionally in white-collar crime and criminal tax law, in data protection law as well as in private and public building law. We support your entrepreneurial success with personal advice tailored to your needs. You have a fixed contact person at MELCHERS. He or she has your company’s economic goals in mind and coordinates the work of specialists from the various fields of law. Be it for an individual mandate or for ongoing legal advice. If necessary, we consult tax advisors and auditors. We arrange and coordinate legal advice in other jurisdictions through our international law firm network Ally Law and our cooperation partner Transatlantic Law International.

Duane Morris

http://www.DuaneMorris.com

Duane Morris gaming attorneys have unparallelled experience representing all participants in the diverse, and ever-expanding gaming industry. We have the seamless support and vast resources of our full-service international law firm to assist clients in all facets of their businesses and legal needs. In addition to our ability to advise on all aspects of the gaming and gaming-related industries, our team has cultivated firm resources to develop extensive experience in regulatory licensing and approvals, corporate transactions, litigation, commercial arrangements, labor and employment and dispute resolution. We are known for successfully advising our clients on the nuanced aspects of the gaming industry and efficiently navigating the most complex and groundbreaking matters.

At our core, our gaming lawyers have significant and nationwide expertise which extends to advising owners and operators of land-based casinos, sports wagering, online gaming and pari-mutuel offerings as well as vendors, technology providers, sports media companies, and lenders seeking to establish, coordinate, work with and form partnerships with industry participants. We have had a seat at the table for the developments, interpretations and significant issues impacting the gaming industry for decades.

Our attorneys bring valuable expertise and unique skillsets which set us apart. Our team members have a geographical footprint which can strategically support clients when navigating the state-by-state regulatory frameworks and laws. We have built a recognized gaming group that respects and navigates the highly regulated environment but also meets the business needs and other issues which arise in the course of business.  Duane Morris has the team, industry relationships, support and knowledge to be your partner and trusted advisors.

Vancouver 2025 Sponsors

Gala Dinner Sponsor

Wyzia Financial Inc.

Wyzia Financial Inc. – Empowering Merchants in the Regulated iGaming Market

Wyzia Financial Inc. is at the forefront of payment solutions in Canada’s regulated iGaming market. As a trusted partner for merchants, Wyzia has developed a suite of advanced tools designed to simplify compliance with strict provincial regulations while providing a seamless financial experience for end-users.

Our Know Your Customer (KYC) solutions are a cornerstone of our commitment to regulatory compliance. They include real-time credit checks, ID verification, and dual-process authentication to ensure that merchants comply with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rules and protect consumer interests. By integrating automated KYC workflows, Wyzia allows merchants to quickly verify users and align with the requirements set forth by iGaming Ontario (iGO) and upcoming provincial regulators.

Wyzia, the leader in Ontario’s regulated iGaming market, also provides state-of-the-art payment solutions, including Interac e-Transfer® for real-time deposits and withdrawals, and the Auto-Deposit feature, which enhances user convenience, reduces transaction errors, and ensures compliance by verifying that funds are sent exclusively to the legal holder of the account. These tools empower merchants with reliable, secure, and scalable payment infrastructure tailored for a regulated market.

As Canada’s iGaming landscape expands, Wyzia remains committed to supporting merchants with adaptable solutions that ensure compliance while fostering growth. With our expertise in regulatory environments and seamless integration capabilities, Wyzia is paving the way for merchants to thrive in Ontario and beyond.

By choosing Wyzia, you’re not just gaining a payments partner—you’re aligning with a company that prioritizes compliance, security, and operational excellence in every transaction.

Closing Reception Sponsor

Bronze Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Wednesday, 23 April

8:00 am – 9:00 am
Running/Walking Club
Run/walk the seawall and earn your breakfast coffee and croissant at a seawall café. RSVP HERE.

This scenic seawall run along False Creek offers breathtaking views of the skyline, mountains, and marina. This invigorating experience allows attendees to enjoy Vancouver’s picturesque waterfront and engage in physical activity while networking with fellow attendees. Along the route, participants might even have the chance to catch glimpses of pods of orcas gracefully navigating the waters, adding an unforgettable natural element to the experience. Participants can reward themselves with a well-deserved breakfast of coffee and croissants at a charming seawall café, adding a delightful culinary touch to the experience.

10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Visit to Anthropology Museum at UBC $25 CAD, Limited to 25 guests 
Self guided tour of one of the largest collections of Pacific Northwest Indigenous Art in the world, located on a bluff with views of the Burrard Inlet.

Designed by renowned architect Arthur Erickson, the Museum of Anthropology is a masterpiece of modernist architecture inspired by First Nations structures. The museum’s extensive collection of Indigenous art and artifacts provides a fascinating insight into global cultural heritage. Knowledgeable tour guides will be available throughout the visit to provide in-depth descriptions and insights into the museum’s remarkable collection. These guides will offer detailed commentary on the significance of key exhibits, and the cultural importance of artifacts, ensuring a rich and educational experience for all attendees. Attendees will also enjoy a scenic drive through Pacific Spirit Park, a lush, tranquil forest that offers a perfect introduction to Vancouver’s natural beauty. For more details and to book your experience, visit the Museum of Anthropology’s official website: https://moa.ubc.ca.

Attendees will pay individually upon arrival for a self guided tour of the museum. Transportation will be provided.

From JW Parq to MOA
Pick up time: 10:00 am
Arrive at Museum of Anthropology by 10:45 am

From MOA to JW Parq
Pick up time: 1:45 pm
Arrive at JW Parq by 2:30 pm

2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
IMGL Member Meeting
Please arrive by 2:30 pm for coffee/tea/water prior to the start of our member meeting. We will start at 3:00 pm sharp.

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Opening Reception
Tap & Barrel Bridges on Granville Island – Aquabus charter to/from Granville Island, departing from Plaza of Nations Pier (a 5 minute walk from hotel)

The Opening Reception will take place at Tap & Barrel Bridges on Granville Island, a venue offering a relaxed atmosphere with stunning waterfront views. Attendees can enjoy the charm of the harbor, indulge in a variety of local craft beverages, and take in breathtaking views of the city skyline, nearby marinas, and the dynamic energy of False Creek. One of the highlights of this experience is Vancouver’s unique aquabus system, which adds an element of exploration and fun to the evening. These colorful, small ferries provide scenic travel across the water, offering panoramic views and a unique perspective of the city’s bustling waterfront.

Aquabus transportation will depart from Plaza of Nations Pier starting at 6:00 pm, which is just a five-minute walk from the hotel.

The last departure window is at 8:45pm.  Attendees can show their lanyard to an Aquabus person for a complimentary pass, if they want to leave early and join regular traffic back to Plaza. Anyone who misses that departure window from Granville will need to find alternate transportation from the venue back to their hotel.

For those that miss the 6:00pm pickup, they can also join regular traffic to Granville.

Thursday, 24 April 

Sessions shall be organized into four thematic content blocks, one in the morning and one in the afternoon over two days. Each block is structured to provide a well-organized and insightful exploration of key topics within the gaming industry.

8:00 am – 9:30 am 
Continental Breakfast

9:00 am – 9:20 am
Welcome and Conference Overview from IMGL President, Marc Dunbar

• Territory Acknowledgement
• Welcome prayer and blessing by an Elder of a BC First Nation
  

Block 1 – Setting the Table: Emerging Opportunities and Challenges 
In Block 1 we present a perspective on the evolving gaming industry landscape, highlighting emerging opportunities and challenges anticipated over the next year. Discussions will revolve around key jurisdictions across the Americas, Africa, and Asia, offering insights into regulatory developments and market trends.

In the remaining Blocks, speakers will take a deeper dive into some of the topics presented in this these sessions.

9:20 am – 10:00 am
Emerging Jurisdictions – The Americas
In this session, our panel of experts will review major jurisdictions in the Americas that may unlock growth in the next few years (California, Texas, Alberta, B.C., Brazil, Argentina, Chile). Panellists will review the current state of affairs, likelihood of changes coming, impediments to change, as well as possible commercial challenges to be faced by stakeholders.

Moderator: Peter Czegledy, Partner, Aird & Berlis LLP, Canada
Speakers:
Brant Martin, Partner, Wick, Phillips, Gould & Martin, LLP, United States
Juan Camilo Carrasco, Partner, Asensi Abogados, Colombia

10:00 am – 10:40 am
Emerging Jurisdictions – Africa and Asia
In this session, our panel of experts will review major jurisdictions in Africa and Asia that may unlock growth in the next few years (Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Philippines, India, Botswana, Ghana). Panellists will review the current state of affairs, likelihood of changes coming, impediments to change, as well as possible commercial challenges to be faced by stakeholders.

Moderator: Quirino Mancini, Partner and Director, WH Partners Italy, Italy

10:40 am – 11:00 am
Networking Break

11:00  am – 11:30 am
Risk and Reward
In this session discussion, we team commercial and legal thought leaders up to discuss emerging commercial opportunities and legal issues.

• Crypto – The rise of crypto native casinos
• New game types
  • Lossless games
  • Elon Musk’s Earn a Prize vs Win a Prize
  • Sweepstakes globally
  • Prediction markets
• Marketing – New UA Strategies

Moderator: Jack Tadman, Lawyer, GME Law, Canada
Speakers:
Michael Lipton, Senior Partner, Dickinson Wright, Canada

11:30 am – 12:00 pm
First Nation and Native American Gaming Opportunities in North America and Globally
In this session, our panel of experts will guide us through some of the most important issues and compelling opportunities in First Nations and Tribal gaming globally. Topics to be covered will include:

• Current stakeholders and opportunities in Canada, including a discussion on Bill S-268 and whether it will create a national First Nations gaming framework.
• How are Canada’s First Nations positioned to be global partners?
• What happened in Florida and what could it mean for national and international strategies?
• Native American casino tribes’ global ambitions.

Moderator: Kevin Quigley, Indian Affairs & Gaming Business Counsel, Foley & Quigley PLC, United States
Speakers:
Anthony Novac, President, Sonco Gaming Inc., Canada
Ashley Stacey, Partner, OKT Law, Canada

Block 2 – M&A and Finance
In Block 2 our experts will take a deeper dive into opportunities and challenges in private and public venture and private equity-backed corporate finance and M&A. This Block will set out insights and learning applicable to stakeholders globally. Experts will analyze recent transactions, provide insights into public capital markets, and share lessons learned from past deals to equip attendees with strategic financial knowledge.

12:00  pm — 12:45  pm
Smart Money, Smart Founders
What is VC, and PE looking for in emerging opportunities? How are they structuring deals? What does the push-pull look like among investors and founders and how do you find the balanced middle ground?

Moderator: Ron Segev, Founding Partner, Segev LLP, Canada
Speakers: 
Joel Simkin, CEO and Founder, XST Capital Group LLC, United States

12:45 pm – 2:00 pm
IMGL Luncheon – With Wine Tasting by La Stella and Le Vieux Pin Wineries of Osoyoos B.C.

Attendees will have the opportunity to savour exquisite wines from two of British Columbia’s most renowned wineries. La Stella and Le Vieux Pin are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, combining Old World tradition with the unique terroir of the Okanagan Valley. This exclusive experience will be a directed wine tasting, led by experts from the wineries who will guide attendees through the unique characteristics and flavours of each selection, providing insights into the winemaking process and the region’s rich viticultural heritage.

2:00 pm – 2:40 pm
The State of M&A and Finance – Transactional Year in Review, Trends and Learnings Going Forward.
In these two back-to-back Ted Talk-style presentations, two experts (one regulatory, one transactional) will team up to present the most compelling trends and learnings from the last 12 months of transactions in Europe and in North America.

Each presentation will include insights on:

• Key data
• Nature of financings and other transactions over LTM
• YoY comparison, emerging trends for 2025 and going into 2026
• Deals that died and why
• Major takeaways

2:40 pm – 3:20 pm
Public Capital Markets – Case Study
In this session we explore how to take a gaming company public. Our presenters will navigate you through the process of taking a company public. How do you work with issuers, investors, regulators, exchanges, commissions, boards, committees, IR companies, analysts and the Street? Find out in this session.

Moderator: Peter Kulick, Attorney, Dickinson Wright, United States 

3:20pm – 3:45 pm
Networking Break

3:45 pm – 4:30 pm
M&A and Finance – War Stories and Lessons Learned
With Global Gaming Women

This panel of leading M&A and finance lawyers and members of Global Gaming Women will share their war stories and lessons learned from years of closing deals and watching as some didn’t quite cross the finish line.

• What are the most common deal killers and how to avoid them
• What are the biggest blow ups you’ve seen?
• Are some deals destined for the dust bin and how can you spot those?
• How to get certain clients ready for the regulator?

Moderator: Cosmina Simion, Managing Partner, WH Simion & Partners,  Romania

6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
IMGL Gala Dinner: The Teahouse at Stanley Park, with a Photo-op Stop at Stanley Park Totem Poles. This dinner is proudly sponsored by Wyzia Financial Inc.

**Shuttle buses will begin departing at 5:45 pm, with the last one leaving at 6:00 pm.

The IMGL Gala Dinner will be held at The Teahouse in Stanley Park, offering attendees a unique dining experience in one of Vancouver’s most scenic locations. Originally built as an officer’s mess during WWII, the Teahouse has since evolved into a beloved dining establishment, offering guests breathtaking views of English Bay and the surrounding lush greenery of Stanley Park. The menu, curated by Executive Chef Adam Meade, features locally sourced ingredients and seasonal dishes that highlight the best of West Coast cuisine.

Before arriving at the Teahouse, attendees will have the opportunity for a photo-op stop at Stanley Park’s totem poles. These totem poles represent the artistic expressions and traditions of Indigenous peoples who reside across the provinces unceded territory of local indigenous peoples. Learn more about the history of the totem poles here: https://www.heritagesitefinder.ca/location/totem-pole-and-visitor-centre-at-brockton-point-yakdzi-myth-wakias-nhe-is-bik-vancouver-bc/.

Check out the Teahouse here:  https://www.vancouverdine.com/teahouse/.

Friday, 25 April 

9:00 am – 10:00 am
Breakfast with Future Anthem & Welcome from President, Marc Dunbar

Join us for a casual conversation where you will learn more about how state lotteries and the technology companies are creating Private Public Partnerships to create leading bespoke AI solutions for government agencies, operators and players. Is this a new path for companies to raise capital and build technology? Is this a new avenue state lotteries can take to drive growth and provide best in class offerings to its players? Future Anthem and BCLC will share perspectives on their innovative PPP and how it might translate to other market participants globally.

Block 3 – Technology
In Block 3, we will explore the most compelling technological advancements shaping the gaming and betting industry. Six key technologies will be presented, covering responsible gaming, compliance tech, payments, security, and marketing innovations that drive growth and ensure regulatory adherence. Each presentation will provide attendees with comprehensive insights into cutting-edge technology and industry developments.

10:00 am – 12:15 pm: Technological Developments
Our morning sessions will be spent reviewing the most compelling technological developments in gaming and betting. Join us for a series of short Ted Talk style presentations which will feature 20-minute presentations, each to be structured and presented by one expert lawyer in tandem with one or two private sector leaders.

These short presentations will answer questions such as what are the latest issues requiring attention in the regulatory and compliance landscape, how is technology trying to solve for those issues, and what are those limits if any. Here we present six technology case studies.

Each presentation will cover the following topics:

• What issues require attention in our current compliance landscape or to mitigate regulators’ concerns?
• What are the current solutions and are there any commercial or regulatory shortcomings with those?
• Can technology provide the right fix, and what risks or shortcomings should we be alive to?

10:00 am – 10:20 am
Responsible Gaming
Speakers:
Connie Jones, Director of Responsible Gaming, AGEM, United States
Rasmus Kjaergaard, Chief Executive Officer, Mindway AI, Denmark

10:20 am – 10:40 am
Regulatory Tech

10:40 am – 11:00 am
Payments Tech

11:00 am – 11:20 am
Security and Integrity
Speakers:
Jeremie Kanter, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Continent 8 Technologies, United Kingdom
Paul Leger, Senior Director Information Security Services Americas at Bulletproof, a GLI Company, Canada

11:20 am – 11:40 am
KYC, AML
Speakers:
Giorgi Tsamalaidze, Chief Legal Officer, Random Systems Georgia, Georgia

11:40 am – 12:00 pm
Martech and Social Media

12:15 pm – 1:30 pm
IMGL Buffet Luncheon

12:45 pm – 1:15 pm
Optional Lunch Workshop: Practical Blockchain for the Untokened
Learn how to buy, hold and transfer, and receive mBTC (millibitcoin).

At the end of this session, you will have opened a crypto wallet, bought some BTC, transferred it out and received some too. Learn it by finally doing it.

Block 4 – Regulatory Block: Co-presented by IAGR and IMGL
In Block 4, we will examine global regulatory developments and compliance strategies, providing key insights into voluntary and mandatory regulatory frameworks across various regions. This block is designed to equip attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape effectively, ensuring they remain compliant while seizing new opportunities within the industry.

1:30 pm – 2:15 pm
Asia Regulatory Updates

• Philippines
• Thailand
• Japan
• Vietnam
• India

Moderator: Jamie Nettleton, Partner, Addisons, Australia
Speakers:
Marie Antonette B. Quiogue, Founder, Arden Consult, Philippines

2:15 pm – 3:00 pm
North America – Reactions to a Spreading New-Games Contagion

• Michigan
• Florida
• Washington
• Kentucky
• Ontario

Moderator: Christopher Hebert, Chairman, Louisiana Gaming Control Board, United States
Speakers:
Dave Phillips, Chief Operating Officer, Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, Canada
Laura D’Angelo, Partner, Dinsmore & Shohl LLP United States

3:00 pm – 3:20 pm
Networking Break

3:20 pm – 4:00
Mandatory Emerging Regimes

• UAE
• Brazil
• Finland
• Botswana, Ghana, Nigeria and other African jurisdictions

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
IMGL Closing Reception
Vancouver Art Gallery

The Vancouver Art Gallery is housed in a historic neoclassical building that was originally built in 1906 as Vancouver’s provincial courthouse. It is home to the iconic Emily Carr collection, which highlights the artist’s profound connection to the landscapes of British Columbia and her unique interpretation of Indigenous culture and nature. Carr’s work is considered foundational in Canadian art, bridging European modernist styles with Indigenous themes. The gallery’s carefully curated exhibitions ensure a diverse and evolving cultural experience for visitors, featuring both international and local artists. This venue will host the closing reception, providing a memorable atmosphere to reflect on the conference while enjoying world-class art and hospitality. To learn more about the Vancouver Art Gallery, visit: https://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca.

The IMGL has secured a room block at the JW Marriott Parq Vancouver with check-ins beginning Monday, April 21 and ending Saturday, April 26th with rates beginning at $369 CAD (not inclusive of tax) for Single/Double use. Breakfast is not included in the rate.

You may book your room using this link.

Speakers will be posted soon.

Vancouver is a spectacular city. It’s an outdoor lover’s playground, is rich in culture and is recognized as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With a fascinating history, access to the sea and mountains, and a vibrant food scene, you won’t run out of things to do in Vancouver.

But with so many activities to choose from, it can be difficult to plan your ideal Vancouver itinerary. So, to make it easier for you, we have put together our list of the 21 best things to do in Vancouver, and everything you need to know before visiting. 

Stanley Park

Stanley Park is Vancouver’s first urban park, and Canada’s most famous park, spanning 1,000 acres of beach, rainforest, gardens, playgrounds, and sporting facilities. It even houses the Vancouver Aquarium! Connect with nature by hiking some of the trails, marvelling at centuries-old trees and spotting wildlife, play a game of golf or tennis, or learn about marine life at the aquarium. You can easily spend a full day getting lost at Stanley Park!

Granville Island

Right in the middle of Vancouver you will find Granville Island. Although this popular food and drink hub is technically located on a peninsula, not an island. Previously an industrial site, Granville Island now houses food vendors, a brewery, a market, and a variety of unique shops and art galleries. It’s a great place to indulge in some delicious local street food, do some shopping and even take to the water in False Creek for some paddle boarding or kayaking.

Walk or Bike the Seawall

On the outer edges of Stanley Park, you will find the world’s longest continuous waterfront path. The Seawall is a 28 km (17.5 mi) pathway stretching from the Vancouver Convention Centre, via Stanley Park, all the way to Spanish Banks. It passes by many points of interest in Vancouver including English Bay, Granville Island, the Olympic Village, and Kitsilano Beach, so biking or walking the Seawall is a great way to see the city. Plus, it has uninterrupted coastal, city and mountain views to enjoy along the way.

Whale Watching

The Pacific waters along BC’s West Coast are full of interesting marine life, including thousands of whales which migrate through Vancouver’s waters each year. This makes Vancouver one of the best places in the world to go to Whale Watching. You can expect to see humpback whales, grey whales, orcas and even minke whales here. April to October is the best time of year to go whale watching in Vancouver, with a 95% chance of sightings!

See a Canucks Game

Vancouverites love their ice hockey, and they are particularly passionate about their local team, the Vancouver Canucks (no matter how well or poorly they’re doing). If you’re visiting Vancouver during playoff season, then experiencing a game at the Rogers Arena is a must-do. Not only to experience Canada’s favourite sport, but also to experience the spirit of fans and excitement in the Arena. This is such a fun activity to do, regardless of whether you follow sports or not. We’ll see if the Canucks make it to playoffs and have home team advantage!

Capilano Suspension Bridge

At 70 metres (230 ft) high and 137 metres (450 ft across), the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a historic and thrilling crossing over the Capilano River in Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Not only can you test your tolerance of heights by crossing the bridge, but you also get to experience wandering through a west coast rainforest canopy, with the park’s cliff walk and treetop adventure. Although there is an entry fee, it is well worth it to explore the various historic and natural sites in the park, and to cross the famous bridge.

Lynn Canyon

Another epic suspension bridge to visit in Vancouver is at Lynn Canyon. In fact, many Vancouver locals would consider this better than the Capilano Suspension bridge, and it’s even free to visit. Here, you can explore several trails, peer down at the river and canopy of trees from high up on the bridge, and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings. Although Lynn Canyon does get busy, so head over early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy some serenity in the park.

Sea to Sky Gondola

Heading up the Sea to Sky Highway is a great activity to do on its own, due to it being one of Canada’s most stunning drives. However, for a truly spectacular experience, take the 10-minute Sea to Sky Gondola up to 880 metres (2,900 ft) above sea level, where you can enjoy various viewing platforms, hiking trails and lunch at the Summit Lodge. Located about a 40-minute drive north of Vancouver, in the mountain town of Squamish, the Sea to Sky Gondola will give you a bird’s-eye view of the best of BC’s landscapes. With mountains, the ocean, and rivers all in view, this is not an activity to miss when visiting Vancouver!

Day Trip to Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is stunning 460 km (285 mi) island located about 97 km (60 mi) off the west coast of Vancouver. It’s home to BC’s capital city, Victoria, has some of Canada’s best beaches and surfing, and is known for its outdoor activities and hiking trails, such as the iconic West Coast Trail. But if you’re able to plan a longer trip to Vancouver Island to explore all it has to offer, it’s still a great place for a day trip! From Vancouver you can get the ferry to Nanaimo or Victoria, which takes about 90 minutes. Spend the day exploring one of these historic cities, enjoying the beautiful coastline or walking some of the island’s old-growth rainforest trails. And if you’re heading to Victoria, make sure to check out the famous Butchart Gardens, for 55 acres of the most beautiful and colourful gardens you’ll ever see. 

Seaplane Flight

For the best views of the city, mountains, and coastline, and a thrilling and unique experience, take a Seaplane tour while in Vancouver! The feeling of taking off and landing on water is completely different to what you’re used to when flying, so this alone is worth the flight. But on top of the excitement of the flight itself, the views you will get of the city and surrounding landscapes are unparalleled. Flights are operated multiple times daily by Harbour Air Seaplanes and there are different length tours available, to suit your schedule and budget.

Wreck Beach

One of Vancouver’s best beaches is the famous Wreck Beach, which also happens to be the largest clothing-optional beach in North America. This all-natural sandy beach stretches for 7.8 km (4.8 mi) and offers beautiful views, interesting people and a sense of community. The beach is frequented by a lot of regulars, hosts organized events and has various vendors who set up their stalls on the sand. As long as you keep an open mind, a day at wreck beach is a fun experience! Although if this is too far out of your comfort zone, try Jericho Beach instead, which also has a great vibe, beach activities and is a good alternative if you prefer to keep your clothes on.

Science World

Vancouver’s Science World is an interesting place to visit, with different permanent and temporary exhibits, interactive displays and shows to keep you entertained for a few hours. And even if you don’t go inside the center, the building itself is still an interesting site to see. The shiny sphere-shaped structure is an iconic Vancouver landmark and is located in the city’s Olympic Village. This is a great place to people watch, grab a drink at the Craft Beer Market or take a ride on the False Creek Ferry.

Explore Gastown

As the city’s older neighborhood and original downtown core, no trip to Vancouver is complete without a stop at Gastown. This vibrant neighbourhood is full of trendy restaurants, cafes and bars, historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and boutique shops. It’s also where you’ll find Vancouver’s famous Steam Clock which is one of the only steam clocks in the world which still works today!

Museum of Anthropology

Located on the University of British Columbia campus, the Museum of Anthropology is a great place to learn more about the First Nations peoples of British Columbia and indigenous peoples from around the world. With hundreds of thousands of artifacts, ethnographic objects, and pieces of art, this is one of the best places in the world to learn about indigenous culture and Canada’s long history. Something to note is that the Museum of Anthropology is currently undergoing upgrades and is temporarily closed, but due to reopen at the end of 2023.

Vancouver Maritime Museum

Another interesting museum to visit in Vancouver is the Vancouver Maritime Museum. With a world-class collection of maritime artifacts, and a mix of featured and permanent exhibitions, the museum showcases the maritime history of the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic. This is the best place in Vancouver to learn about boating history and the importance of the maritime sector in BC.

English Bay

Another must-visit beach in Vancouver is English Bay, which is also known as First Beach. English Bay is Vancouver’s most popular downtown beach and for good reason. With spectacular views, volleyball courts, lifeguards on duty, kayak rentals and nearby bars and restaurants, it’s easy to stay entertained at English Bay. Plus, it’s along the Seawall, so it’s easy to get to on foot or by bike. If you’re hungry, stop in at Cactus Club Cafe, a local favourite which overlooks the beach.

Take a Food Tour

Vancouver is both a foodie city and a very multi-cultural city. As a result, it has an epic and diverse food scene! Although when visiting the city, it can be difficult to know where to go. A great way to get around this and try the best food Vancouver has to offer is to take a food tour. Try a wide range of delicacies, from local dishes to the city’s best Asian cuisine, popular street food and even some sweet treats.

Drink Craft Beer

As well as having an excellent food scene, Vancouver is also known for its craft beer. In particular, East Vancouver is full of excellent breweries, so this is a great area to visit if you want to stop by several breweries. If you’re not sure which breweries will be best to visit, you can also take a beer tasting tour, which will ensure you get to sample some of Vancouver’s best craft beer.

Go Skiing or Snowboarding

Given its proximity to the mountains, a day on the slopes is within easy reach of Vancouver. And in winter, this is a popular activity for Vancouver locals. The closest ski resorts to the city are Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, and Mt. Seymour, all of which will be closed for the season come April 20th. However, BC’s premier ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb, is also a feasible day trip from Vancouver, at around a 2-hour drive away. In fact, Vancouver’s unique position between the sea and mountains means that in the spring, you can even hit the slopes the beach all in the same day!

2024/2025 Ski/Snowboarding season

Blackcomb Mountain
Opens November 21, 2024 and closes May 19, 2025

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