best way to travel around vancouver

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Dos and Don'ts for Getting Around Vancouver as a Tourist

The ABCs of Going from Point A to Point B in Vancouver

Cover more ground in less time and at a lower cost with our dos and don'ts for getting around Vancouver.

Learn how best to get around Vancouver then continue on our Vancouver travel blog to figure out where to go, including the best neighborhoods to explore and stay in , inside travel tips , unique restaurants , non-touristy things to do , and true must-dos .

✗  Don't worry about the rain (…too much)

Contrary to its "Raincouver" reputation, Vancouver is one of the driest cities in the country from June through September.

It does rains frequently during all other months, but rarely so hard that you can't walk wherever you're going and enjoy the outdoors. For a few years while growing up in Vancouver, I didn't even own a rain jacket!

✓ Keep in mind that Vancouver is tiny

People who visit Vancouver are always surprised by how compact the city is.

To walk from one extreme corner of downtown to the other only takes forty minutes. And it's mostly flat. So if you're in the middle of downtown nothing is more than an easy twenty-minute walk away.

You definitely shouldn't spend all your time downtown, though, but even then every neighborhood's within biking distance, some are walkable, and they're never more than 40 minutes away by bus.

✗  Don't bother trying to use Uber Do bother!

Finally, in January 2020, seven years after Uber first tried to enter Vancouver but was quickly given the boot, ridesharing is here. Lyft, Uber, and other companies have been the go-ahead to start running so people can finally get around Vancouver like they do pretty much everywhere else in the world.

✗ Don't rent a car

Vancouver is tiny, difficult and expensive to park in, and easy to get around by foot, bike, or public transit, so a rental car is not the best way to explore the city.

Only consider renting if and when you're heading out of the city. For our top-recommended places to go, check out our 11 Essentials for Visiting Vancouver .

✗ Don't be afraid to walk at night

Like any city, Vancouver has its share of opportunistic criminals, so don't be a complete idiot and wave your valuables around while drunkenly stumbling down dark alleys.

But as long as you don't do that, you'll be fine.

Vancouver is super safe night and day, no matter which part of town you go.

✓ Pick a conveniently-located base

The most convenient place to stay for getting around Vancouver is the West End.

It’s a relaxed but densely-populated local area within walking distance of everything downtown and close to the SkyTrain to the airport.

Specifically, look to stay in the square between Davie, Denman, Robson, and Burrard. The Burrard is a good bet for a funky and perfectly-located hotel.

See our guide to Vancouver's best neighborhoods , where we rate each area on criteria like dining, location, and local feel, to pick the perfect base for your needs.

✗  Don't ever get turned around

If you get spun around and forget which way's which, look for the mountains. That way's north.

✓ Beware of Skid Row

The area between Gastown and Chinatown, centered on the intersection of Hastings and Main, is called the Downtown Eastside.

For fellow fans of the TV show The Wire , it's Vancouver’s version of Hamsterdam . It’s where all the city’s—and really much of Canada’s—drug addicts and untreated mentally ill people are concentrated.

If you go, you will see people injecting themselves with drugs in broad daylight and high out of their minds, screaming at everyone and anyone.

✗  Don't avoid Skid Row, though

The area is heavily policed and totally safe.

We actually recommend walking through it once to experience the gritty underbelly of beautiful Vancouver.

Bonus fun fact:

The term skid row, which now refers to an impoverished urban area, originates from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. In Vancouver's early days, that's where they once skidded, i.e. dragged, logs.

✗  Don't expect to do a day trip to Vancouver Island

Many visitors we've met think Vancouver Island is super close to Vancouver and an easy day trip.

A couple of them pulled off a day trip nonetheless, but that's crazy. If you want to go to Victoria or Vancouver Island, go for a few days. Or fly.

✓ Take the SkyTrain to and from the airport

The SkyTrain, Vancouver's light rail / subway system, directly connects the airport and downtown. Often, it's faster than taxis and it's cheaper for individuals and couples.

For groups of three or more, a taxi costs about the same.

✓ Use public transit

  Many tourists we've hosted during our time as Airbnb hosts, Americans especially, tend to disregard public transit as an option because back home it's dirty, unreliable, and inconvenient.

It's the opposite here in Vancouver.

Everyone rides public transit in Vancouver and you should too.

✓ Know how to pay for public transit before you ride

Vancouver's transit system accepts contactless Visa and Mastercard credit cards and Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

If you don't have such "high-tech" payment methods, you'll need to pay exact change ($2.95 for one zone).

Your best bet if you're staying longer or planning to use public transit a lot is to get a Compass Card . For $6 (refundable only at the Stadium-Chinatown station) it gets you about $0.50 off each ride and can be prepaid or linked to your credit card for automatic reloading.

✗  Don't throw out your transit receipt

You can transfer and ride on Vancouver's public transit system as many times as you want during the ninety minutes after you pay.

It's more than ninety minutes, really, because as long as you're on the bus/train/ferry when you're ninety minutes expires, you're fine.

✓ Keep transit zones in mind

If you take the SkyTrain or the SeaBus outside of Vancouver's city limits, you'll need to pay extra for going into different zones. Check this map  to be sure.

Note that all buses are one zone, so you don't have to pay extra for crossing zones when you're taking the bus.

✗  Don't be afraid to ask the bus drivers

Unlike in many other cities, Vancouver's bus drivers are generally friendly and helpful, so don't be scared to ask them for directions or to let you know when it's your stop.

You can even ask them for directions if you're not taking the bus.

✓ DEFINITELY Rent a bike if it's nice out

Vancouver’s so bike-friendly that car-lovers always complain that bike lanes are taking over the city.

You can’t beat ’em, so join ’em.

The cheapest way to do so is to use Vancouver’s shared bike system,  Mobi , which costs about $10 a day.

For bigger bike rides, like our top-recommended route that we share in our post on  7 Cool Things to Do in Vancouver , rent a better bike for $30 to $50 a day.

✓ Put your bike on the bus to really get out there

If you rent a bike (which we highly recommend) don't be scared of putting it onto the racks on the front of busses or taking it on the SkyTrain. This allows you to cover more ground with one-way bike routes.

✓ Lock your bike just about anywhere

There are tons of dedicated bike parking spots along the streets of Vancouver, but if none are nearby don't hesitate to lock your bike to the nearest sign, parking meter, tree, or whatever looks secure and doesn't get in the way of pedestrians and traffic.

✗  Don't ever leave your bike unlocked

Bike theft is a huge problem in Vancouver.

To avoid being a victim, don't ever leave your bike unlocked and out of your sight and don't leave your bike locked overnight on the street unless all the wheels and the seat are locked too.

✓ Find our favorite spots in Vancouver with our Treasure Map

Using Google Maps' way-overlooked Saved Places functionality , we put together a complete list of our forty favorite restaurants, attractions, and more.

In just one click you can save this treasure map to your Google Maps on your phone for quick reference—even if you're offline—when moving around Vancouver.

Getting Around Vancouver Quick F.A.Q

It's not as quick and easy as Uber, which the taxi mafia has successfully kept out of town, but you can use an imitation app called eCab . You can also try your luck at hailing a cab on the street, but we wouldn't recommend it unless you're right downtown by Granville and Georgia streets. Otherwise you might be stuck waiting a long time.

There are two private companies, False Creek Ferries and the Aquabus, that run similar, competing services. They are the most convenient—and quirky—way to get between downtown, Olympic Village, and Granville Island.

Ask us in the comments and we'll gladly help.

Read This Next:

✗  don't miss our other vancouver travel tips.

If you found some of these tips helpful, you'll find a lot more where that came from here:

11 Essentials for Visiting our Hometown: A Vancouver Travel Blog

Where to Stay in Vancouver: Ratings of the Best Neighborhoods

Vancouver Travel Tips: What You Don't Know, but Should, Before You Visit

Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

18 thoughts on “Dos and Don'ts for Getting Around Vancouver as a Tourist”

We wanted to stay in the West End near Stanley Park, but also wanted to visit the Richmond area for the Asian food and tea. We are not planning to rent a car. Google maps seems to estimate close to an hour using public transportation from West End to Richmond. Any recommendations for better/faster way to get from West End to Richmond?

Hey D.M. What makes it take so long is that the West End and the main dining areas of Richmond aren't right on the SkyTrain. If you want to speed up your trip without taking a taxi the whole way, you could a taxi to/from the stations. The SkyTrain ride itself is fast, 20min.

Thanks, Chris!

I am arriving one day earlier than the main group. I will be meeting the group at the airport 9am the next day Any recommended place for me to stay?

Hi Lotus. Hard to say without more info. Generally, I'd suggest sticking close to the SkyTrain—anywhere along the line that interests you and fits your budget—so that you can get there and back quickly and easily.

Our family of 4 are avoid bikers and want to explore the city with our own bikes (not rentals). Is there a good hotel that is bike friendly? Is it generally ok to bring our bikes in the hotel room at night?

Hi Mix. I don't know about that, sorry. Maybe consider an Airbnb with a garage?

I'm arriving at the airport in Vancouver on Aug 1st. We'll be driving and we're heading to the Sunshine Coast and beyond. Looking at a map, the most direct route through Vancouver is the 99 (Granville St). But it looks like it won't be fast. Is there a quicker/better way to bypass the city and get to Horseshoe Bay? Thanks, much appreciated Tom

Hi Tom. Yeah, you may be faster taking SE Marine along the south edge of the city to Highway 1, and circling Vancouver on the highway. Depends on traffic, though.

I use a fold up wheelchair, which my kind husband pushes, to get around and visit museums. Can I take this fold-up wheelchair (non motorized) onto the public transportation buses? Thank you for your thoughts!

Hi Nikki. Yes, all buses have ramps for wheelchairs. I see them used regularly.

We’ll be leaving our car at the Rocky Mountaineer train station, so we need transportation from there to the Hampton Inn on Robson Street. What’s the best way to do this? Thanks!

Really helpful guide, thank you for putting this together!

Super helpful guide. Thanks so much.

My wife and I are doing four nights in Vancouver in August and then three in Victoria. Do we need reservations in advance for the ferry? we do NOT have a vehicle on this trip. Thanks Frank Surette Washington, DC

Hi Frank. If you're walking on, you don't need reservations for the ferry. Enjoy!

I just had a very poor experience in Vancouver. I drove up from Bellingham WA to attend a meeting at a west side library. No parking at all, for any price. I would be happy to use transit, but I had no idea where to park and ride. The only suggestion I received was to park at White Rock, but the estimated transit time was an hour and a half. Suggestion: recommend places where people who arrive by car can connect with the city.

Sorry you had such a hard time finding parking, Bob. Thanks for the suggestion.

What do you think? (Leave a Comment.) Cancel reply

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Vancouver Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

Vancouver is one of my favorite cities in the world . It has the best of both worlds: you can be in an urban environment one second and then, a few minutes later you can be out in the wilderness hiking beautiful mountains.

With its world-class food scene, tasty craft breweries, popular markets on Granville Island, and incredible art scene, Vancouver is a city worth exploring.

The city is rich in history, has amazing Chinese and Japanese food, relaxing beautiful parks, and high quality of life. In fact, it consistently ranks as one of the most livable cities in the world! Sure, it’s not cheap, but the best things never are!

There are only a few places I’d live in the world, but Vancouver is one of them. Take the time to explore. Don’t rush your visit. It’s worth it.

This travel guide to Vancouver can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most out of your time here.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Vancouver

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Vancouver

1. Explore Grouse Mountain

This is Vancouver’s number one outdoor attraction and North America’s third-largest park. Take the gondola up to the top where you can enjoy endless views over the city and mountains. In the summer, you can hike, and in the winter, ski or snowboard. It’s free to hike up but the gondola down is 20 CAD. Try to go during the week as it gets very busy on the weekends. At the summit, there are more hiking trails, rope courses for kids, a lumberjack show, and more.

2. Wander Granville Island

Granville Island is a peninsula and shopping district in the middle of the city, but it’s also a hub for food and drink enthusiasts. There is something for everyone there, from Vancouver’s first organic bakery, Artisan Sake maker, fine cheese, and Patisseries, to homemade sweet and savory tasty pies. Explore the market, grab a beer at Granville Island Brewing Company, and wander the cool shops. There are many independent theater companies and non-profit art education centers with ongoing activities or performances. In the summer, watch the boats, stand-up paddlers, and kayakers. The Public Market is open 7 days a week from 9am-6pm.

3. Relax in Stanley Park

Located right in the city center, Vancouver’s largest park is an escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Its waterfront path right on the Pacific is a favorite for locals who enjoy hiking, biking, and rollerblading. You won’t even notice that you’re in a city. The area itself spans 400 hectares of natural West Coast rainforest of beautiful trails, trees, wildlife, and more. Ride the Stanley Park old locomotive train or if you’re feeling sporty, Jo-e Cycles in Stanley Park has bike rentals starting at 7 CAD an hour, 24 CAD for a half-day (5 hours), and 32 CAD for a full day. The price includes a bike, lock, and helmet, as well as a map to get you started. Bike tours are available too.

4. Walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge

This 137-meter-long (450-foot) suspension bridge over the Capilano River is not for anyone who is afraid of heights — it stands (or wobbles) 70 meters (230 feet) above the Capilano River! The bridge, surrounding trails, and lush forest scenery make for one of my favorite trips. Get your tickets online here .

5. Go whale watching

Other things to see and do in vancouver, 1. watch a sporting event.

This city is full of sporting events. If you like football, there’s the BC Lions. And if hockey is your sport, check out a Vancouver Canucks game (hockey is the national winter sport so don’t miss a chance to catch a game). During the summer, Vancouverites are passionate about the White Caps soccer team. In short, there’s always something going on!

2. Hike in Lynn Canyon Park

This park makes for a fun and free half-day trip. There’s a suspension bridge, mini-hikes, swimming holes, and waterfalls around Lynn Creek. It’s a good alternative to the crowded Capilano, even if the bridge isn’t quite as tall — it’s “only” 45 meters (150 feet) high. However, it offers a bird’s eye view of the fast-paced river and rapids, waterfalls, and pools. There are also several beautiful nature trails, from the Baden Powell North Shore region trail, with its 30 Foot Pool swimming hole where you can picnic and take a dip during hot weather, and the less accessible and yet less crowded Twin Falls Trail with a beautiful waterfall and crystal clear pool.

3. Stroll down Robson Street

Robson Street’s history dates to the late 19th century, when it was one of the first major streets in the city. It’s the street to go to for dining, window shopping, and people-watching. The street’s international history has evolved over the years; it was once called Robsonstrasse by the area’s German community. Today, you can still enjoy a ton of international flavors here, with ramen shops next to taquerias, along with plenty of hip cafes and sushi spots. Sit down at an izakaya (Japanese pub) and take it all in.

4. Let it hang out at Wreck Beach

As the only nude beach in the city, Wreck Beach is a clothing-optional space for hanging out, sunbathing, swimming, and playing music. This is one of the last remaining places to embody the free-spiritedness that Vancouver was famous for in the 1970s. It’s located in Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Be respectful and don’t take photos without consent.

5. Take a food tour

Vancouver is a foodie destination. Taste Vancouver Food Tours runs tours that focus on specific neighborhoods like Gastown and Little Italy. You’ll get to eat at up to eight different places, tasting local favorites like pork belly crackling, tempura bacon eggs, and more. Tickets start at about 95 CAD for a delicious 2.5-hour tour.

6. Eat at the Richmond Night Market

Between May and September, one of the coolest spots in the city is the Richmond Night Market. Inspired by markets throughout Asia, the Richmond Night Market combines Asian food, culture, and shopping. Snacks range from dumplings to meat on a stick, and everything in between. Admission is 5 CAD with food prices ranging from 2-11 CAD. Most vendors are cash only. Bring an appetite! The Richmond Night Market is currently closed until April 2023.

7. Explore the Vancouver Art Gallery

The collection of national and international contemporary artwork here is phenomenal. With over 12,000 works of art, you could easily spend an entire afternoon here. There’s a whole exhibit devoted to Emily Carr, British Columbia’s favorite historical artist, and all kinds of events take place here, including late-night parties with live music. Tickets are 29 CAD ( get your ticket online here ). Tuesdays from 5pm-8pm they have a special pay-what-you-can option available.

8. Go to The Lookout

Located in the downtown Harbour Centre, the Lookout Tower is 131 meters (430 feet) high and the perfect place to admire the city. You’ll be whisked to the observation deck in a glass elevator for panoramic views over Vancouver, the mountains, and the ocean. Tickets are 18 CAD (a href=”https://www.getyourguide.com/vancouver-l189/vancouver-lookout-all-day-admission-observation-deck-t19796/?partner_id=LLKQJ38&cmp=TTDVancouver” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow noopener noreferrer”>get your ticket online here ).

9. Visit Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

The first authentic classical Chinese garden built outside of China, National Geographic named this urban sanctuary the top city garden in the world. Covered walkways, ponds filled with koi, 150-year-old miniature trees, and tai hu rock (a porous limestone) from China all tie together to create a tranquil spot to walk and reflect. It was built using 14th-century methods, without power tools, glue, or screws. Admission is 16 CAD.

10. Explore Gastown

Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, having grown from a single tavern founded in 1867. Nowadays, it’s a trendy place full of restaurants, cafes, boutique shops, and bars (like The Flying Pig and Rodney’s Oyster House). Take a walk down the cobblestone streets by the old historic buildings, admire the Gastown Steam Clock (a clock powered by steam), and visit the statue of Gassy Jack Deighton (the man who started the tavern all those years ago). The Vancouver International Jazz Festival takes place here every summer. Food tours are also available around the neighborhood. Taste Vancouver runs a 2.5-hour tour that visits 8 tasty locations for 95 CAD per person.

11. Visit Yaletown

Yaletown is a recently converted industrial neighborhood that’s now home to some of the city’s most popular eateries and pubs. Drink a beer and get a hearty meal at the lively Yaletown Brewing Company, voted Best Brewpub in Canada. Spend some time wandering around or having a picnic at David Lam Park or George Wainborn Park, walk along the Seawall, admire the street art, or grab lunch on one of the neighborhood’s patios.

12. Sail around the shores of Vancouver with the Aquabus

If you’ve done enough walking, Vancouver’s family-owned Aquabus is a great way to sail around False Creek, marveling at the skyline from a unique perspective. The 13 aqua bus ferries are frequent (every 15 minutes or so) and stop at 8 different locations including Hornby Street, Granville Island, David Lam Park, Stamps Landing, Spyglass Place, Yaletown, Plaza of Nations, and The Village. You can get a full-day pass with unlimited trips for 15 CAD.

  For more information on other cities in Canada, check out these guides:

• Calgary Travel Guide
• Montreal Travel Guide
• Nova Scotia Travel Guide
• Ottawa Travel Guide
• Quebec City Travel Guide
• Toronto Travel Guide
• Vancouver Island Travel Guide

Vancouver Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a dorm with 4-6 beds costs 40-45 CAD per night. Private rooms start at 90 CAD but average closer to 120 CAD per night. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels also have self-catering facilities.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city for 10-30 CAD per night. This gets you a basic pitch for two people without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels in the center of town cost around 150 CAD. Expect basic amenities like Wi-Fi, TV, coffee/tea maker, and AC.

Airbnb is available everywhere in Vancouver. A private room starts at around 60-75 CAD per night while an entire home/apartment starts at 120 CAD but expect to pay around 165-200 CAD per night unless you book really early.

Food – Cuisine here varies widely from region to region in Canada. Overall, the food here is a collage of dishes from other cultures, owing to the country’s diverse history of immigration. In Vancouver, seafood is super popular since the city is right on the ocean. Asian food is also a huge local favorite, owing to the large Asian-Canadian population that calls the city home.

As a huge cosmopolitan hub, Vancouver has everything from Vietnamese banh mi for 6 CAD, to hearty all-day breakfasts for less than 10 CAD, to Jamaican patties for 3-4 CAD each. Quality sushi is super affordable, with bento boxes costing as little as 12 CAD while big bowls of ramen go for 13 CAD. Cambodian noodles are as little as 8.25 CAD.

A combo meal at McDonald’s costs about 12 CAD. A meal at an inexpensive casual restaurant is about 20 CAD for a burger and fries with a drink. A beer costs another 7 USD.

A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around 60 CAD for a multi-course meal and a drink while a latte/cappuccino costs around 5 CAD while bottled water is 2.40 CAD.

If you cook for yourself, expect to spend around 50-65 CAD on groceries per week. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, produce, and some meat.

Some of my favorite places to eat in the city are Ask for Luigi, Honey Salt, Ramen Danbo, Phnom Penh, and the market on Granville Island.

Backpacking Vancouver Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Vancouver, expect to spend about 75 CAD per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, cooking all your meals, taking public transportation to get around, limiting your drinking, and doing most free activities like hiking and hanging out in the parks. If you plan on drinking, add another 10-20 CAD to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 165 CAD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out for most meals, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like taking the gondola up Grouse Mountain or going whale watching.

On a “luxury” budget of 320 CAD or more per day in Vancouver, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in CAD.

Vancouver Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Vancouver is not just one of the most expensive cities in Canada — it’s one of the most expensive cities in the world!!! Fortunately, there are a few ways you can lower your costs. Here are some ways to save money when you’re in Vancouver:

• Take advantage of the free parks and gardens – If you want to enjoy the city but not spend a lot of money, pack a picnic and stroll around the many parks and gardens the city has to offer.
• Get discounted attraction tickets – Destinationvancouver.com has a deals section on its website that lists current discounts to popular and lesser-known attractions. Check them out for potential savings.
• Look for the happy hours – The Ultimate Happy Hours website lists all the happy hour drink and food specials around Vancouver. It’s updated with new info frequently!
• Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery on a Tuesday – After 5pm on Tuesdays, admission to the Vancouver Art Gallery is by donation only (10 CAD is recommended).
• Indulge at food trucks – Vancouver loves the food-truck scene, and there’s no better way to sample different cuisines on a budget. Streetfoodapp.com lists current locations and opening hours for all the trucks.
• Stay with a local – Cut down on your costs by using Couchsurfing . You’ll get a free place to stay and get to connect with a local who can share their insider tips and advice. Just be sure to send your request early during the summer as that’s prime tourist season.
• Bundle your tickets – Vancouverattractions.com lets you purchase tickets in advance, and you can save up to 30% when you buy even just two tickets. This includes popular attractions like the Capilano bridge and The Lookout.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Vancouver

Vancouver only has a few hostels to choose from. Here are two of my recommended places to stay:

• Cambie Hostel Gastown
• Samesun Vancouver

How to Get Around Vancouver

Public transportation – The Canada Line and SkyTrain Rapid Transit systems are the most common ways to get around Vancouver. These trains cover just about anywhere you need to go. A one-way ticket costs 3.10-6.05 CAD, depending on the number of zones you travel.

You can also purchase a Compass Card to load with money, which requires a 6 CAD deposit to activate. You can order online, by phone, or at one of the station’s vending machines. Fares are 2.50 CAD for one zone, 3.65 CAD for two zones, or 4.70 CAD for three zones.

A day pass is 11 CAD for all zones. Use Translink.ca to find schedules and plan your route.

The Canada Line is by far the smartest way to get to and from the airport. It’s just an additional 5 CAD on top of the regular zone fare.

Vancouver’s bus system works just like the trains, but they only operate on a one-zone fare. Cash tickets are not transferable to the SeaBus or the train, but you can use your Compass Card on the bus.

SeaBus, also run by Translink.ca, is a passenger-only ferry connecting Downtown Vancouver with the North Shore. Fares are the same as SkyTrain.

Taxi – Taxis here are not cheap. Their base rate is 3.75 CAD, and it’s an additional 1.89 CAD per kilometer afterward. Skip the taxis if you’re on a budget.

Ridesharing – Uber and Lyft are available.

Bicycle – Vancouver is very bike-friendly, and there are plenty of bicycle rental businesses around town. The public bike rental system is Mobi, which costs 15 CAD per day for unlimited 30-minute rides. Spokes Bicycles and Cycle Vancouver offer longer rentals, with a day rental costing about 35-40 CAD or 8.57 CAD for an hourly rate.

When to Go to Vancouver

Vancouver is busiest in the summer. It’s hot and sunny all the time (although June can be rainy), with temperatures averaging around 25°C (78°F) per day. Everyone makes the most of the gorgeous weather and the city comes to life with people enjoying the great outdoors. This is when accommodation rates are the highest, however.

Spring can be cool and rainy in comparison, but April and May are prime whale-watching months. In the fall, September is still warm and ideal for hiking and other outdoor activities. Prices are lower during the shoulder seasons, and there are fewer crowds. Overall, the shoulder seasons make the best time to visit.

Winters in Vancouver are mild and wet, with temperatures averaging around 6°C (42°F). However, from here you can hit the slopes around Grouse Mountain or head out to Whistler. Vancouver has some of the best snow conditions for skiing and snowboarding in Canada!

How to Stay Safe in Vancouver

Vancouver is very safe, and you’re unlikely to experience violent crime during your visit. Your greatest risk is a petty crime, like pickpocketing or theft. Always keep your valuables secure and out of sight, especially when on crowded public transportation.

Be cautious around Downtown Eastside. Avoid walking through here alone at night as it’s a bit sketchy.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions you take anywhere apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For more information, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs in the city.

Scams are rare in Vancouver but, if you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about the common travel scams to avoid right here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

When in doubt, always trust your instincts. If a taxi driver seems shady, get out. If your hotel or accommodation is seedier than you thought, go somewhere else. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, in case of an emergency.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Vancouver Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Vancouver Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more information? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Canada and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in Quebec City: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Vancouver: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Toronto: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Canada Road Trip: A One Month Suggested Itinerary

How to Road Trip the Yukon on a Budget

How to See Alberta: A 10-Day Suggested Driving Itinerary

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Home » North America » Canada » Vancouver

EPIC 3-DAY VANCOUVER ITINERARY (2024)

Vancouver, British Columbia is one of the most beautiful places to see in Canada! Every type of traveler will find something to love about this beautiful coastal city. With magnificent wildlife to awe-inspiring natural landscapes, lush mountain ranges, urban culture, vibrant art, theatre, and scene – Vancouver has it all!

There is something here for everyone, and your soul will be fed from the experiences on this 3-day Vancouver itinerary! Vancouver is a city that is thriving with many people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. You can truly enjoy a rich culture on your trip to Vancouver!

Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime and make memories that will stay with you forever! There are so many reasons to travel to Vancouver, and with this itinerary in hand, you are sure to see the best this city has to offer. We will share everything you need to know and give you all the best Vancouver landmarks for you to sightsee whilst you indulge in the joys of the city!

A Little Bit About this Vancouver Itinerary

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Finding your way around big cities can be challenging, especially when they are busy. Luckily, Vancouver has plenty of transportation options available! We will share a handful of the best options so that you know how to navigate your way around the city in the most stress-free way with our 3-day Vancouver itinerary.

The most popular option to use is The Sky Train. The vast majority of its track runs along on an elevated track, so you can sometimes score good views around the city this way as well as getting where you want to go quickly!

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Buses are everywhere in Vancouver during the day and make for an excellent option for group travelers to get you from A to B on this itinerary! Your driver will know exactly where to take you and can sometimes give you helpful pointers about each neighborhood.

It doesn’t stop there, Vancouver also has SeaBuses! This bus sails the oceans and will connect you from downtown Vancouver to the North Shore.

Walking is also a popular way to get around Vancouver, and with so much to see when you do so, it can be incredibly worthwhile. A lot of Vancouver’s bars and restaurants can be found in single areas, so if you decide to spend some time pub-hopping or enjoying a food tour, the best way to do it is by foot!

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3-Day Vancouver Itinerary Overview

Day 1 in Vancouver: Stanley Park , Vancouver Aquarium , Canada Place , Vancouver Lookout ,  Gastown

Day 2 in Vancouver: Vancouver Art Gallery ,  Pacific Spirit Regional Park , Museum of Anthropology , Granville Island

Day 3 in Vancouver: English Bay ,  Capilano Suspension Bridge , Grouse Mountain , Lions Gate Bridge

More Places to See in Vancouver: Queen Elizabeth Park , VanDusen Botanical Garden, Science World at TELUS World of Science

Part of planning a trip to Vancouver that will blow you away and leave you with memories to last a lifetime is choosing the right neighborhood to stay in! Knowing where to stay in Vancouver will help you have the best time, allowing you to be close to activities within walking distance whilst enjoying our Vancouver itinerary.

Yaletown is a wonderful neighborhood to consider and is the best place to stay in Vancouver during three days or more if you want to be close to the magnificent waterfront. Once this area used to be an exclusively industrial zone, but now it has become one of the hottest areas to stay in Vancouver! Yaletown boasts a bevy of independent boutique shops, modern restaurants, and hip bars.

Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest city, and it is thus incredibly rich with heritage and is made up of charming cobblestone streets. You can see some of the most stunning old-school architecture of Vancouver in Gastown, as well as enjoy the many bars and restaurants. History is brimming in this part of Vancouver, so it is an excellent place to base yourself if you want to immerse yourself in classic charm that has a modern twist. There are a lot of great Vancouver Airbnbs in Gastown too.

Kitsilano is found in the south of downtown Vancouver, and it is a super stylish and lively neighborhood that is especially family-friendly! This neighborhood is famous for coffee culture and poetry readings. The ‘flower children’ call this place their home, and you will meet a lot of free spirits in ‘Kits’ that will inspire you.

Best Hostel in Vancouver – Samesun Vancouver

Found within the city center, Samesun Vancouver is a hostel that provides you everything you need in a cozy and friendly environment!

You will be surrounded by the city’s best pubs, clubs, and restaurants, making it easy for you to walk to places with your travel companions at night.

Samesun Vancouver is one of the most enjoyable hostels in the city and it will add a touch of festivity to your travels!

Best Airbnb in Vancouver – Deluxe Junior One Bedroom with 2 Beds

Located just one block away from the world-famous Robson street there are a lot of various restaurants, stores, groceries are nearby. The condo building has a swimming pool, sauna, exercise gym, and jacuzzi.

Best Budget Hotel in Vancouver – GEC Granville Suites Downtown

This fabulous hotel is great for the price! GEC Granville Suites Downtown provides everything you need to have a fantastic stay.

You will find beautifully decorated rooms, comfortable beds, and an on-site restaurant serving scrumptious meals! The hotel also features a rooftop deck and sauna for those days when you want to relax.

Best Luxury Hotel in Vancouver – Rosewood Hotel Georgia

For 5-star luxury and exceptional facilities, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia is a must! It is found conveniently across the street from Vancouver Art Gallery, this hotel offers an indoor saltwater lap pool for you to keep in shape.

The bathrooms have heated floors, and you will find the rooms to be exquisite!

There is a lot to do in Vancouver . Spend your first day on this Vancouver itinerary admiring the lush beauty of this city’s natural landscapes and diving into the art world. Enjoy the best Vancouver attractions and more during the start of your two days in Vancouver!

10:00 AM – Stanley Park

As the largest and first park ever to exist in Vancouver, Stanley Park is a hub that pumps with life and showcases some of the city’s most incredible history, talent, and beauty.

You can stroll Stanley Park and find an endless amount of new sites and meet some of the friendly locals as you settle in before continuing with the exciting activities lined up on your 3-day Vancouver itinerary.

You will find yourself surrounded in a breathtaking green oasis that is spotted right in the heart of suburbia.

This magnificent urban park is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Vancouver.Explore the 400 hectares of this special park and be sure to see the West Coast rainforest. Then climb some of the small mountain trails, view stunning lakes shimmering in the morning sun, and bask in the magic. Whatever you do, Stanley Park provides a massive range of unforgettable experiences that are suited for every age group and every type of traveler.

If you haven’t had breakfast yet, The Teahouse, located in Stanley Park, is a fantastic, relaxed, and stylish place to grab breakfast and enjoy scenic views.

• Cost:  Free to enter. Parking is $3.50/hour.
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours walking around.
• Getting there:  Bus #19 stops at several different places in the park.

12:00 PM – Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium is the largest aquarium in British Columbia and attracts people from all over Canada. The aquarium is not only an outstanding place to view and learn about all types of marine life, but it is also a center for ground-breaking marine research, conservation, and of course, rehabilitation.

You will find a vast number of fantastic displays and meet inspired professionals whose passion is to learn from and protect the lives of sea creatures and their habitats.

Enjoy engaging exhibits and insightful shows that provide a rare chance to get up-close and personal with charming creatures like otters, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and many varieties of mesmerizing fish species.

The aquarium houses an impressive amount of facilities, including a 4D cinema where you can educate yourself of the ocean and the animals that call it their home. This is a must-see during your first day in Vancouver.

• Cost:  Adult=$38/$30/$21 for adults/students/children.
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours
• Getting there:  The aquarium is located inside Stanley Park, which you should be in already. Walk, ride, or take public transit there.

2:00 PM – Canada Place

Canada Palace is one of the most beloved and iconic buildings in Vancouver, and it has become a legendary landmark among the sea of skylines and skyscrapers.

The structure itself is made up of white sails, adding a picturesque effect that makes Canada Place stand out from the other buildings along Vancouver’s waterfront.

With an innovative design, you will be automatically attracted to this unique venue. You can view it all the way from the Seawall in Stanley Park or from the North Wall.

You can catch every type of lively event happening at Canada Palace, but it is most famous for hosting the  biggest Canada Day celebrations .

Close to Canada Place, you’ll also find one of the greatest hidden gems in Vancouver:  the Marine Building.  It features some of the most impressive Art Deco art in the world and is considered one of the finest examples of the movement. If you’re a fan of architecture, be sure to make the quick detour here along the way to the waterfront.

For lunch, there are lots of great places to eat around Canada Place and Downtown Vancouver. Drop by Chewies for some local oysters (make sure they’re from around Vancouver Island).

• Cost:  Free.
• How long should I stay here?  1-3 hours depending on how many attractions you visit.
• Getting there:  Walk 30 minutes or 20 minutes by bus (#19).

5:00 PM – Vancouver Lookout

Start winding down your first day in Vancouver by enjoying an unforgettable panoramic view from the Vancouver Lookout!

Watch the sunset over the sweeping vistas, shining over the mountains and glimmering on the ocean waters. Watch as the city starts to come alive. People file out onto the streets after a hard day’s work to meet their friends and family for snacks and drinks.

The Vancouver Lookout tower is a brilliant place to get expansive views over the city and the majestic mountain ranges and the ocean. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee at the Revolving Restaurant.

The most fascinating and high-tech feature of this sightseeing tower is its elegant glass elevator that rides up the side and will take you to the top. Ultimately, this will be a highlight of our 3-day Vancouver itinerary.

• Cost:  $17.50/$12.50/$9.50 for adults/youth/children.
• How long should I stay here?  Around 1 hour or so.
• Getting there:  The Vancouver Lookout is right next to Canada Place and is less than a 10-minute walk.

7:00 PM – Gastown

Gastown is one of the most energetic neighborhoods in Vancouver and it is especially active after dark. This is one of the most popular places to eat and drink in the city and it seems that every other shop is either a restaurant or a bar.

Gastown’s reputation as a late-night area is nothing new either – this is used to be Vancouver’s redlight district way back when the city was no more than a logging town. It’s a bit more clean-cut now but still hangs on to a bit of that old grittiness.

The most infamous attraction here these days is the Gastown Steam Clock.

There is a huge variety of places to eat and drink in Gastown. Feeling like Latin-inspired dishes? Go to Cuchillo. Maybe something a bit more canuk? Check out Belgard Kitchen instead. Need a drink afterward? The Diamond serves up some amazing cocktails.

Nearby, you’ll also find the local Chinatown. Vancouver is very famous for its authentic dim sum and one could easily spend an entire evening (or day) in search of the perfect dumpling.

• Cost:  Food and drink are not cheap here…
• How long should I stay here?  All night!
• Getting there:  Gastown is less than 5 minutes walking from the Lookout.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Get ready to enjoy day two in Vancouver! You will get to take in the most beautiful, intriguing points of interest and all of the facets of this glorious seaport city.

10:00 AM – Vancouver Art Gallery

Vancouver Art Gallery is world-renowned and is arguably the most respected innovative and visual arts museum in North America. The gallery houses revolutionary art and marvelous exhibits that will inspire you and open up your eyes to the fantastic world of Vancouver’s art scene and its truly excellent talent.

The gallery is relatively large (the 5th largest in Canda) and showcases historical art, contemporary art, and international pieces.

There is a special exhibition that places Asian Pacific Region artworks and First Nations artworks firmly into the limelight. You will be blown away by the variety of mediums, textures, use of color, and stories told by these impressive works of both modern and olden day art.

Take this chance to explore everything that art gifts to us: inspiration, emotion, movement, cultural philosophy, design, and architecture.

Once you’ve finished at the museum, be sure to grab a sandwich at Hubbub to-go. You’ll need it for the next activity.

Note : The Museum opens and closes late on Tuesday and Friday (12 pm – 8 pm) but between 5 pm and 8 pm on Tuesday nights,  tickets are free.  Donations are asked for instead.

• Cost:  $24/$20/$18/$6.50 for adults/seniors/students/children.
• How long should I stay here?  At least 2 hours.
• Getting there:  There is a metro stop (City Centre) nearby on Granville Street. Otherwise, several bus lines stop right outside the gallery on Howe Street.

1:00 PM – Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Vancouver has a host of incredible wildlife for all travelers to spot during their Vancouver trip, and one of the best places to bask in the bliss of nature is at the Pacific Spirit Regional Park! One of the most relaxing things you can do is to simply enjoy the magical natural parks, and this is a prime spot to do just that.

Amble through the dense rainforests, find canopies and breathe in the fresh air found in this magical park.

Escaping into the Pacific Regional Park will give you a chance to take a breather from the city and embrace the wonders of Vancouver’s abundant nature.

While walking, you will visit many different ecosystems, from the beach, the forests, wetlands, calm streams, and evergreen meadows. You can spot animals like bald eagles, salamanders, snakes, and squirrels.

There are many hiking trails here, leading you to peak viewpoints, relaxed coves, green oases, lush forests, and thriving natural habitats. We recommend making your slowly northwest towards the University of BS, either via the Salish Trail or the Clevland Trail.

• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours.
• Getting there:  Pacific Spirit is located pretty far away from Downtown Vancouver and we definitely recommend using a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft for this leg.

3:00 PM – Museum of Anthropology

Dive into the world of First Nations artwork and other cultural community pieces following your hike in Pacific Spirit Park. The Museum of Anthropology is an establishment run by people passionate to shed light and awareness of diverse cultures across the globe and celebrating the differences between nations.

They run a lot of programs with indigenous, local, and global communities to keep the fire of history and culture alive in today’s modern world.

The museum has a reputation worldwide for being a hub that protects cultural knowledge from all nations and all eras. You are going to be in for a whirlwind of new information and eye-opening knowledge when you visit this museum.

The museum houses a plethora of artwork and artifacts from old tribes and indigenous people, and it strives to protect the right for people to, “maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expression.”

Enjoy art from all around the world, and treat yourself to a walkabout. You will find yourself captivated by the murals, exhibits, and artworks all housed within the Museum of Anthropology!

Insider Tip:  On Thursday evenings from 5 pm to 9 pm, tickets are only $10!

• Cost:  $18/$16 for adults/seniors & students.
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours.
• Getting there:  The museum is about 5 or so km by foot from the center of Pacific Spirit Park.

6:00 PM – Granville Island

Let’s wrap our second day in Vancouver by visiting one of the coolest parts of the city: Granville Island. Known mostly as a shopper’s paradise, Granville is also a great place to grab a bite to eat or beer.

Shoppers can spend hours milling in and out of the endless variety of trendy shops, finding everything from clothing to gifts and kids’ toys.

Foodies will stumble across incredible cafes to have a cup of coffee or some homemade baked goods. If fine dining is more your scene, you can also find that here.

The art scene in Granville is also  huge . You will run into design studios everywhere and have many chances to take a peek at some truly mesmerizing art done by the gifted artists in Vancouver. See things made from every type of material, from ceramic bowls and vases to stylish furniture and handcrafted jewelry.

This is a place for you to have fun and experience the joys of Vancouver’s atmosphere and all of the wonderful artistic creations made from the people who call ‘The City of Glass’ their home.

• Cost:  A bit cheaper than Gastown but still slightly expensive.
• How long should I stay here?  The rest of the day!
• Getting there:  Bus #084 leaves from atop University Hill on Chancellor Blvd and takes around 40 minutes to reach Granville. Otherwise, take another rideshare.

Today’s our third and last day in Vancouver so we’re making a good one! We’re heading to the mountains but not before we get some beach time first. 🙂

9:00 AM – English Bay Beach

English Bay is one of the most-loved of them all refers to both the bay itself as well as a beach near Stanley Park.  English Bay Beach is also known as ‘First Beach.’

There’s a lot do here in the morning: you can go for a run or bike ride along the popular Seawell, go kayaking in the bay, or rent a chair and umbrella, then catch some early morning rays!

Only in Vancouver can you find a beach like English Bay in the middle of an urban landscape.

If you’re feeling brave, you can also use this opportunity to take a dip in the frigid Pacific waters.

You will find all sorts of fun things to do in English Bay and may even meet a four-legged friend along the way! English Bay has a designated ‘dog-off-leash’ areas where pooches can run freely, meeting people, and playing together. You will also find areas where people are playing volleyball, soccer, or cricket on the shores.

• How long should I stay here?  Around 2 hours.
• Getting there:  Bus #023 stops right in front of the beach.

12:00 PM – Capilano Suspension Bridge

This is probably the most touristy place featured on our 3-day Vancouver itinerary. That being said, it still shouldn’t be missed.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a well-built and simple bridge that crosses over the scenic Capilano River. You can walk along the relatively narrow bridge and take in breathtaking views of the forest landscape surrounding you and the flowing river underneath you.

The bridge is 140 meters long and quite a unique attraction in Vancouver. The entrance fee is somewhat pricey, but all proceeds go towards maintenance and other worthy causes that keep the surroundings pristine.

If you’re looking for something to eat after the bridge, DON’T go to the places near the bridge itself. Instead, head north and have food at Sushi Mori or look around Edgemont Village.

• Cost:  $43 per person.
• Getting there:  Head to West Georgia Street near Marina Square and take bus #246. The ride takes 30 minutes and will drop you off very close to the bridge.

2:00 PM – Grouse Mountain

What better way to wrap up our trip in Vancouver than by seeing it from afar? Grouse Mountain offers one of the most expansive views of the city and features a couple of interesting attractions as well. It is the perfect place to visit on a Vancouver day trip .

There are two ways to arrive at the top of Grouse Mountain:

The first via a somewhat expensive chair lift that operates in both summer and winter.

This is obviously the easiest and most convenient way to get the up mountain.

The other, more hardcore way to get up the mountain is via grueling hike called the “ Grouse Grind .” This hike is not at all easy and finishing it is like a right of passage for visiting Vancouver. You’ve been warned.

Once you arrive at the top of Grouse Mountain, bask in the views. If you’d like a bit more information about the mountains, you can find everything you need to know at the  Blue Grouse Sustainability  program. Grouse Mountain is a magnificent place to enjoy the beauty of the city and treat yourself to a fun adventure at the same time.

• Cost:  Lift tickets are $59/$52/$32 for adults/seniors/children.
• How long should I stay here?  A half-day.
• Getting there:  Bus #232 or #236 goes direct from Capilano to the foot of Grouse Mountain.

7:00 PM – Lions Gate Bridge

On the way back to Vancouver, we’re going to stop by one of its most iconic locations: Lion’s Gate Bridge. Known officially as the First Narrows Bridge, this bridge holds a lot of historical significance , and that is something that makes it a major spot to visit whilst touring Vancouver. Fun fact: a pair of sculpted lions once used to stand proudly at both sides on the entrance of the bridge!

This spot may not be the kind of place you could laze out and enjoy an afternoon, but it is a spectacular place to go see during sunset. You can’t walk along the bridge, but you can relax in the areas nearby and observe it from the safety of the bush or the sandy ocean shore. As the sun goes down, lights on the bridge come to life, and it becomes quite a spectacular sight to behold.

The scenery around the bridge is jaw-dropping and is a great way to end your 3 days in Vancouver.

Once you’ve gotten your fill, head back to the city to grab your last dinner, and pack your bags. Unfortunately, our time is up 🙁

• How long should I stay here?  Around 1 hour.
• Getting there:  It’s easiest to see the bridge from Stanley Park but there is no direct bus from Grouse Mountain. You’ll need to use a rideshare if you want to stop here.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Vancouver:

Gastown is one of the oldest and most charming neighbourhoods in Vancouver. Located at the northeast end of Downtown Vancouver, this area is made up of cobblestone streets and stunning heritage architecture.

• Visit the Steam Clock and stand at the spot where the city began.
• Good drinks and a great atmosphere await you at the Lamplighter Public House, a classic and modern pub at the heart of the city.
• Visit the Alibi Room for a great lineup of cocktails, beer, drinks and food.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Situated on Little Mountain, Queen Elizabeth Park is a major attraction in Vancouver and has a storied past that makes it a significant part of Vancouver’s heritage.

The rocks of this park were the ones that were quarried to make the very first roadways in the city! It has scarred the garden, but it has still got so much magic to offer and remains one of the most stunning parks in Vancouver.

You will find immaculate gardens, with neatly kept shrubs and trees all growing in a way that flows and creates a tranquil ambiance. The waters of the ponds are so still you can see your reflection smiling back at you! There are also plenty of birds dancing in the trees, singing tunes, and adding to the picturesque setting of Queen Elizabeth Park!

The park is one of the best places to go for a calming walk to take in the beauty of nature or sit back with a partner for a picnic. If you’re up for it, you can also join the teams that play sports in the park, such as tennis, basketball, pitch & putt, roller hockey, disc golf, and lawn bowling!

• Cost:  Free to enter.
• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours.
• Getting there:  The Canada Line Metro stops very near to the park on Oakridge and 41st.

VanDusen Botanical Garden

There are botanical gardens, and then there is the VanDusen Botanical Garden. This garden is expertly landscaped, with features like ponds, waterfalls, vibrant flower beds, streams, labyrinths, mazes, and hiking trails. There are all kinds of flower varieties within the garden and every species is flourishing!

The garden is operated by a joint team, the City of Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and the Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association.

These two organizers have been working hand-in-hand over 40 years to build and preserve the beauty of the VanDusen Botanical Garden.

With so much to see within these magical grounds, you can spend a lot of time becoming entranced by the fauna and flora, the bright colors, and tranquil atmosphere. Be sure to take a leisurely walkabout so that you can take it all in!

Insider Tip:  The most famous labyrinth in the botanical garden is found beneath the Palace of Knossos on the island of Crete, and it is known to be the place where the hero Theseus killed the Minotaur in a well-known myth.

• Cost:  $8-$11 depending on the season.
• Getting there:  Bus #17 stops in front of the gardens.

Science World at TELUS World of Science

TELUS World of Science building is one of the most unique and recognizable structures in the city. Inside, you’ll find an even more interesting assortment of exhibits though. This is a great place for all age groups and will fascinate everyone, even if they don’t already think science is sweet.

At Science World, you will see a huge variety of exhibits that delve into the discoveries made across different topics throughout the years.

There are also permanent interactive displays that will allow you to take your learning to a new level.

This place is overflowing with inspiring things to do and see. You will also find amazing displays of artistic developments that incorporate scientific knowledge, making it another fantastic place to gaze into the mind of Vancouver’s visionaries!

• Cost:  Adult’s tickets are $27.15, children (3-12) get in for free.
• How long should I stay here?  3-4 hours.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

When planning your vacation in Vancouver, it is essential to know the weather patterns of the city and understand what you can expect during the months that you want to visit. We will go over everything you need to know about the seasons and give a month-by-month breakdown in this Vancouver itinerary, so you can relax and leave the planning to us!

British Columbia and all of the PNW for that matter has a reputation for being dark and rainy all year long. Whilst this is certainly true in the winter and part of the spring, Vancouver is not always dreary. In fact, summers in Vancouver are almost always sunny!

As such, the best time of the year to visit is between April to October, when you are guaranteed more sunny days than any other time of the year. Vancouver’s peak seasons typically occur during late spring, between April and May, as well as during the fall between mid-September and October.

Summers in Vancouver are mild, with moderately hot days but no scorchers! As for winter, those can get icy and quite rainy, but it also adds a sense of nostalgia to the landscapes of British Columbia. This makes it a great time to go see the mountains and old-school architecture.

Vancouver’s off-season includes November through mid-December, with January being the quietest, most tourist-free month of the year. February to mid-March is also considered Vancouver’s off-season.

Deciding when to visit Vancouver is about choosing the most convenient time for you, whilst factoring in what to expect from the crowds and the weather.

Here is a table showing you exactly what is in store from month-to-month in Vancouver!

As with most big cities, there is a lot of crime, and it is an unavoidable reality in every part of the world. However, all things considered, Vancouver is a safe place to visit, and you won’t have any hassles if you keep general safety tips in mind during your travels.

Firstly, it’s important to know that Downtown Vancouver is one of the city’s biggest places for crime. This does not mean you should avoid this part of the city entirely, because it is also a magnificent place for sightseeing, but be vigilant when you are in this neck of the woods.

Try not to appear too ‘touristy’ and make sure of that when you travel Downtown. Know exactly where you are going so that you can avoid slipping down the wrong alley or getting stuck in a dodgy part of the city.

When you go out, be sure to have a group of trusted friends and companions with you, and be sure to keep an eye out for each other.

You also don’t want to drive drunk, so for women and men, take a taxi if you feel like having a night out on the town and indulging in the many bars of Vancouver.

Petty crimes can happen if you leave your stuff unattended, so make sure you have your belongings close at hand, or at least in viewing range of wherever it is that you are. When walking in the busy streets, keep your bag close, or have it in the middle of your chest and be sure it is zipped.

If you follow all of these simple precautions, you minimize any chance of a mishap, and you can enjoy your time in Vancouver knowing you’re likely to stay safe!

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Vancouver

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Final Thoughts

Even if you spent an entire one week in Vancouver exploring one neighborhood, you would still be finding new things to do and see! This aspect of the coastal city’s atmosphere will have you coming back for more every time with another one of your new Vancouver vacation ideas.

We know that each of our daily Vancouver itineraries will have you enjoying the best of this city, allowing you to delight in the many sensations it has to offer. If you are trying to have a longer holiday in Vancouver, you can simply pace yourself and take your time at each of these stops. Consider heading to Vancouver Island on a day trip; this one of the most beautiful places in all British Columbia and you may find yourself wanting to stay a couple of extra days here.

Book your favorite hotel or hostel and pack your bags. Don’t forget to bring your best travel camera !

Sheridan Cahoon

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Vancouver, Canada   Travel Guide

Courtesy of danbreckwoldt | Getty Images

Getting Around Vancouver, Canada

The best ways to get around Vancouver are on foot, by bike and via public transportation. Many major attractions and popular neighborhoods are located within walking distance of one another in this condensed city. However, if you feel your feet growing weary, the TransLink system – which includes the SkyTrain, the SeaBus ferry and numerous bus routes – is both manageable and affordable.

Getting into town from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is also easy: you can use the Canada Line rail system or you can hop in a cab. Taxis fares from the airport to downtown Vancouver cost roughly CA$32 to CA$39 (about $25 to $31). The airport is located about 10 miles southwest of the city center. If you've chosen to fly into the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), you'll find plenty of car rental companies there, too. You can also take a  shuttle  from Sea-Tac to several locations in Vancouver: Ticket fees vary depending on your drop-off location.

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Getting Around Vancouver on Public Transport: A Visitor’s Guide

Vancouver’s natural beauty isn’t the only thing that’s captured travelers’ hearts. Its public transit system is considered one of the best in North America, meaning that you can easily savor the city’s coffee shops and restaurants without having to rent a car. In this guide, you’ll discover all the nitty-gritty details of Vancouver public transport, as well as tips for getting from Vancouver to surrounding regions.

VANCOUVER PUBLIC TRANSPORT GUIDE

Before you arrive: what to prepare

To get a handle on Vancouver’s public transportation, you’ll want to have maps, directions, and schedules handy. Google Maps is perfectly reliable transit app in Vancouver for checking live arrival times and routes; I haven’t needed any other apps here. Google Maps will even show if the SkyTrain (metro/subway) and bus services are interrupted or delayed. Of course, Citymapper is still a great option if you want accessible transport routes, or bicycle/weather-friendly walking routes.

What’s more important, though, is getting mobile Internet data for your transport apps. Canada is infamous for having the most expensive telco plans in the world, so be prepared and get the best deal with our guide on prepaid mobile data in Canada for tourists!

Arriving in Vancouver: get the Compass Card

If you’re traveling by plane, you’ll almost definitely land at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). To literally get going, get yourself a Compass Card: the local fare card for public transport in Vancouver.

Where can I buy a Compass Card?  At the Vancouver airport, Compass Cards can be purchased from vending machines at the SkyTrain station. Exit the terminal after collecting your luggage and follow the signs to the YVR–Airport SkyTrain station. You’ll need to take the lift/elevator up to the station platform.

Each card requires a $6 refundable deposit, and any excess loaded onto it becomes stored value used to pay your fare.

Can the Compass Card be shared?  No. You’ll need to get one card per person, as the system doesn’t allow tapping in more than once with the same card. However, up to four children under 12 can travel with one adult cardholder for free.

Does the Compass Card expire?  Nope! However, if you’d like to return your Compass Card and get a refund on your deposit and stored value, you can only do so at the TransLink Customer Service Centre at Waterfront Station (in downtown Vancouver).

Do I have to use a Compass Card?  No, you don’t. Vancouver’s public transit system accepts contactless (NFC) tap-to-pay from your credit card or mobile phone. However , you’ll have to pay up to 30% more per ride for this convenience, compared to using a Compass Card. Same goes for using cash. See the fare pricing details here .

Getting from Vancouver airport to downtown Vancouver

Vancouver International Airport is connected to the city by the SkyTrain’s Canada Line, which is a regular commuter line. Since the airport is located so close to the city, there isn’t really any need for an express service – the ride will only take 25 minutes.

An additional $5 is charged for trips from the airport (but not to the airport), so make sure you’ve loaded around $10-20 to your Compass Card on top of the $6 deposit.

Getting around Vancouver: the SkyTrain

The Vancouver SkyTrain actually comprises both above-ground and underground stops, but in the downtown region almost all stations are underground. Each station is small and functional with well-marked entrances and exits, making them more similar to metro systems in Europe than the labyrinthine stations of East Asian cities.

Public transit in Vancouver follows a zone-based pricing system . As a tourist, you’ll likely spend most of your time in Zone 1 and a few instances going into Zone 2 (such as going to/from the airport). You might head into Zone 3 if you plan to go hiking or exploring the outdoors.

Riding the SkyTrain is straightforward: tap your Compass Card at any station gantry to enter, ride, and tap again when leaving any station to exit. Here are a few things to note:

• At some stations, the platforms are on either side of the tracks. Check that you’re heading to the right platform for where you’re going.
• The Canada Line (between downtown Vancouver and the airport) also has another terminus station, Richmond-Brighouse. When traveling back to the airport, make sure the SkyTrain you board is going to YVR-Airport station.

One unique element of Vancouver’s transit network is the SeaBus, which is a ferry connecting downtown Vancouver to North Vancouver across the Vancouver Harbor. The SeaBus runs every 15 minutes and is a pretty fun experience!

Getting around Vancouver: taking public buses

Public buses in Vancouver are very easy to navigate, thanks to the city’s grid layout. Most buses travel in east-west or north-south routes, with minimal turns. Vancouver’s accessible public transit also extends to public buses: each bus’s front door is equipped with an automated ramp to allow those on wheelchairs to get on and off.

To take the bus:

• Wait at any bus stop with the service you want. Google Maps will show you the estimated arrival time of the next bus – this has always been highly accurate for me.
• Stand near the bus stop sign when the bus is arriving. There’s no need to flag the bus in Vancouver, but I still do a little wave out of habit if the bus stop is served by several lines or if it’s dark.
• Board through the front door, tap in with your Compass Card, and find yourself a seat. There are automated announcements for each stop. Press or pull the bell when your stop is coming up to let the driver know you want to get off.
• Lightly touch the rear bus doors to open them. If that doesn’t work, just yell “back door!” to the bus driver.
• There is no need to tap off when alighting as all bus rides cost a 1-zone fare. Each fare lasts 90 minutes, so you can make multiple transfers on your journey without worrying about additional charges.

Etiquette & safety

When getting around Vancouver by public transport, take note of the following:

• On escalators, stand on the right and walk on the left.
• Vancouverites are extremely polite in general. Even if there’s no visible queue for the SkyTrain or bus, make sure to allow passengers to alight before boarding and do not cut ahead of people who were waiting before you.
• Fold-down seats at the front of some buses are meant for seniors, pregnant people, parents with strollers, and the disabled. Give up your seat or make room if needed.
• Shout “thank you!” to bus drivers as they alight. You’ll probably notice this yourself – as far as I know, this is a uniquely local custom that you won’t find elsewhere in Canada!

Where to Eat in Vancouver, as Recommended by a Local

Vancouver tourist passes and transit passes: are they worth getting.

There are currently no tourist passes in Vancouver that include transit. However, you can opt to buy a DayPass ($11.25 for adults) if you plan to be out and about all day. This will give you all-day unlimited rides on the SkyTrain, SeaBus, and public buses in Vancouver, and will be worth the cost with just 3-4 rides.

The DayPass is available at all Compass Card vending machines.

Other ways to get around Vancouver

Mobi bike share.

If you’re familiar with city cycling and want to explore Vancouver in a greener, more flexible way, check out Vancouver’s bike share system Mobi . It has great distribution throughout the city, and is easy to use – I even used to it to cycle around Stanley Park!

The Aquabus and False Creek Ferry

Vancouver’s odd shape, with its bays and rivers, means traveling by water is especially efficient – and scenic. For instance, you can take a shortcut across False Creek from Yaletown to Granville Island on the privately-run Aquabus and False Creek Ferries . These ferries cost slightly more, ranging around $3.75-$11 per trip, but stop at several docks around the creek.

Both ferry services accept credit, debit, and cash when paying on board.

Beyond Vancouver: getting around BC’s Lower Mainland

Thinking of venturing beyond Vancouver to discover British Columbia’s breathtaking landscapes? Here’s where it gets a little tricky. Outside of Metro Vancouver, public transport in the rest of the province is run by BC Transit.

Instead of the Compass Card, you’ll need the Umo app or card to ride on public buses. (That there are no light rail or metro systems in the rest of the province – it’s all buses.)

Getting from Vancouver to Squamish and Whistler

The mountains and ski resorts of Squamish and Whistler are popular winter destinations, but even in the off seasons you’ll find incredible beauty and magic in the outdoors. The best way to get to Squamish and Whistler from Vancouver is to book a shuttle bus. Here’s a quick comparison of the two most popular shuttle bus services, YVR Skylynx and Epic Rides :

Getting from Vancouver to Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands

Vancouver Island is home to the provincial capital Victoria and devastatingly beautiful regions like Tofino, Ucluelet, and more. Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands (Gabriola Island, Salt Spring Island, Pender Island etc.) are served by BC Ferries , with ferries departing from Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal and Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal. Both terminals are located a distance from downtown Vancouver and private shuttle buses are available to take you to either terminal.

Alternatively, you can also travel from downtown Vancouver to Nanaimo on the new (private) Hullo ferry , which departs straight from the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre. This ferry is faster, cheaper, and more convenient, but you must be traveling light: only carry-on luggage is allowed on board.

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The Best Time to Visit Vancouver

Weather & Climate

Vancouver International Airport

Neighborhoods to Know

Vancouver Public Transportation

The Best Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Where to Ski Near Vancouver

The Best Vancouver Beaches

Hiking Near Vancouver

Vancouver's Best Parks

Vancouver's Best Museums

Shopping in Vancouver

Itinerary: Three Days in Vancouver

Day Trips From Vancouver

Best Tours in Vancouver

The Best Food to Try in Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver's Top Restaurants

Nightlife in Vancouver

Breweries in Vancouver

Your Trip to Vancouver: The Complete Guide

James O'Neil/Getty Images

Two hours away from world-class ski resort  Whistler/Blackcomb  and perched on the Pacific Ocean coast, the city holds appeal for soft to extreme adventure lovers and attracts more than 11 million visitors each year .

Vancouver is surrounded both by water and mountains and its proximity to nature gives residents love for the environment and a laid-back charm and friendliness. And although Birkenstocks are more the norm than Manolos, this cosmopolitan city also has upscale shopping, fabulous restaurants, and a happening nightlife.

Vancouver is on the southwest coast of British Columbia, Canada's most westerly province. It is about a three-hour drive from Seattle, Washington .

The City of Vancouver is one of more than 20 municipalities that makes up Greater Vancouver and sits on the edge of the Strait of Georgia, which separates it from Vancouver Island—home to the provincial capital of Victoria.

Vancouver's location is beautiful as it is surrounded by water and tucked into the slopes of the BC Coast Mountain Range.

Planning Your Trip

Best Time to Visit: Vancouver is the Canadian city with the best climate and the worst weather according to writer Allan Fotheringham. Mild and wet in winter, there's no bad time to visit Vancouver but the springtime brings cherry blossoms and the summer is typically high travel season in Vancouver; hotel rates and flights will be more expensive at this time of year. But the extra cost does assure you of better weather (generally speaking, August is the least rainy month). Whilst summer has plenty of festivals, including the incredibly popular  Honda Celebration of Light  fireworks display, there's always something amazing happening in Vancouver—from  fall foliage  to  winter snow sports  or springtime whale watching. 

Language: English, French.

Currency : Canadian Dollars are the official currency but US Dollars are also widely accepted, especially in the tourist shops of Gastown near the cruise terminal at Canada Place.

Getting Around: Vancouver's transit system TransLink is affordable and reliable, with an extensive system of buses, ferries, and Skytrain lines. Monthly, weekly, and daily passes are available and 90-minute passes can be bought onboard transit with exact change (starting at $3 for adults). Use contactless Visa or buy a Compass pass for $6 from 711s and London Drugs; it can be loaded with money to use during your visit.

Travel Tip: Vancouver is an outdoorsy city so be sure to bring your activewear to get out on adventures. It's also a casual city so there's no need to waste luggage space by bringing fancy clothes.

Things to Do

Vancouver is famous for its beautiful surroundings. From the sandy beaches of English Bay, Kitsilano, and Wreck Beach to the extensive forest and lakes of Stanley Park and the snow-sprinkled mountains of the North Shore, there are plenty of outdoor adventures from hiking and biking to kayaking and sailing.

• One of the city's top attractions , Stanley Park sits on almost 1,000 acres of land and offers plenty to do and see. With 6 miles of Seawall around the perimeter of the park, it's the perfect place to take a stroll or bike ride and see all the scenery, from Lions Gate Bridge to Point Grey. Visit Vancouver Aquarium or take a horse and carriage ride to explore the park.
• Canada Place is home to Vancouver's cruise terminal but it also has the incredible FlyOver Canada attraction and the seaplane terminal. Visit one of the waterside restaurants to watch the planes take off, with a stunning backdrop of Stanley Park and the North Shore mountains.
• Granville Island Market is a popular place to visit, thanks to the colorful produce stalls, delicious eating establishments, and variety of artisan shops.

Explore more attractions with our guide to the best things to do in Downtown Vancouver and the top things to do in Vancouver in the springtime .

What to Eat & Drink

Vancouver is a foodie paradise and here you'll find everything from hole-in-the-wall sushi joints to award-winning fine dining. The cuisine is varied but fans of Asian food such as sushi and ramen will be blown away by the selection on Robson Street and in Richmond. Fusion food such as West Coast meets Asian is a popular combination and fresh seafood can be found on most menus. Look out for Vancouver Aquarium's Oceanwise logo, which is a sign of sustainable seafood.

The city also has its share of cocktail bars, from Tiki-themed ones at The Waldorf and Shameful Tiki Room to Chinese apothecary-inspired bars ( The Keefer) and high-end hotel bars.

Explore our articles about the best restaurants in Vancouver and great restaurants to try in Downtown Vancouver .

Where to Stay

Vancouver has a lot of options when it comes to accommodations. There are luxury hotels, romantic hotels, budget hotels, hostels, and Airbnb rentals (including apartments and houses).

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is an elegant, historic favorite. The Listel Hotel is a smaller, art-infused downtown hotel with many perks, and the  Sandman Hotel  is a perfectly acceptable less-expensive alternative. Downtown and the West End are the most desirable places to stay as they are safe, central and on the main tourist tour routes .

Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or a romantic partner, use these guides to find the perfect accommodations for your next trip:

• Why You Should Stay in Downtown Vancouver
• Boutique Hotels in Downtown Vancouver 
• Top 10 Family Hotels in Vancouver

Getting There

By Air: The  Vancouver Int'l Airport  (YVR) is 25 min by car to downtown. Airport bus service is frequent and the Canada Line Skytrain travels between downtown and YVR.  Seattle, WA , airport is a three-hour drive.

By Train: Rocky Mountaineer Tours  go through the Rockies between BC and Alberta. ​ Amtrak Cascades  travels between Seattle and Vancouver. Check ​ VIA Rail .

By Bus: Greyhound Lines  serves Vancouver from numerous cities in the US and Canada.

By Water: Clipper Ferry  and ​ BC Ferries  sail between Seattle and Vancouver via Victoria.

By Car: Highway 1, the Trans-Canada Highway, reaches Vancouver from points east. If driving, allow 12 hours from Calgary and five days from Montreal. Vancouver is three hours north of Seattle. Take Interstate 5, which becomes Highway 99 at the  U.S.-Canada border .

Money Saving Tips

• Vancouver Art Gallery is open by donation (suggested $10+) on Tuesday evenings between 5-9 pm.
• Stanley Park is free to visit and can be explored via foot, bike, rollerblades or even a horse-drawn carriage ride.
• Don't bother paying for Wi-Fi at any hotels or elsewhere—Vancouver's downtown area (and most of the surrounding areas) is equipped with free public Wi-Fi   .
• Vancouver's Tickets Tonight website offers discounts on tickets for arts, sports, attractions, and music events around the city.

Tourism Vancouver. "Vancouver's Tourism Industry Fast Facts."

City of Vancouver. "Stanley Park."

Tourism Vancouver. "Free Public Wi-Fi."

20 Top Things to Do in Downtown Vancouver, Canada

How to Travel From Seattle to Vancouver by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

The Top 10 Things to Do in Coal Harbour, Vancouver

12 Top Things to Do in Vancouver in Spring

19 Best Things to Do in Vancouver, BC, on a Budget

Best Vancouver Day Trips & Weekend Getaways

Top 16 Things to Do with Kids in Vancouver

5 Reasons You Should Stay in Downtown Vancouver

Attractions and Hotels Near UBC in Vancouver, BC

8 Best Things to Do on the Downtown Seattle, Washington Waterfront

Getting Around Seattle: Guide to Public Transportation

Complete Guide to Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, BC

Foodie Travel Guide to Vancouver, BC

Toronto Guide: Planning Your Trip

The 28 Best Day Trips From Seattle

A Travel Guide for How to Visit Seattle on a Budget

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10 Ways to Get to Around Vancouver

• By Nikki Bertrand

There are many modes of transportation that can get you around Vancouver. You can drive, walk, sail, cycle, or take any of Vancouver’s excellent public transit options. Getting around downtown Vancouver can be incredibly fast and easy even if you don’t have a car at your disposal. Getting out into the surrounding cities of Greater Vancouver, such as Richmond, Langley, Burnaby, and Coquitlam, takes no time at all with the help of the rapid transit Skytrain system. Wherever you’re going, Vancouver has plenty of options to get you there quickly, safely, and cost effectively. 

Rent a Car or Car Share

If you’re travelling to Vancouver without your own car but need a set of wheels when you get here, there are a few ways to get your hands on a vehicle. You can rent a car from any number of car rental services, such as Enterprise , Avis , or Budget . If you don’t need a car for your entire trip and just want some wheels for a couple of hours at a time, try one of Vancouver’s many car sharing services like Car2Go , Evo , or Zipcar .

Taxis are a great solution if you need a quick ride somewhere and don’t want to worry about parking in the crowded city streets of Vancouver. Whether you’re coming from the airport, trying to get to the other side of the city, or running late for an event and need to get there as quickly as possible, the taxis in Vancouver are always ready to grab a fare. The best cab companies to get you around downtown and the surrounding areas are Vancouver Taxi , Black Top & Checker Cabs , MacLure’s Cabs , and Yellow Cab .

While you’re visiting Vancouver you might be interested in checking out the gorgeous outlying areas along the coast and over into Vancouver Island. BC Ferries provides trips between Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen over to Nanaimo and Swartz Bay. From Swartz Bay, it’s a quick drive or bus ride into Victoria, BC’s capital city. There are also many routes that will take you all over the Gulf Islands and up along the central coast. Call toll free at 888-223-3779 for more information about sailing times, fares, and reservations.

Translink Bus

The Translink bus system is a fantastic travel method when you’re touring around Vancouver. The bus lines reach nearly every nook and cranny of Greater Vancouver, allowing you to sit back, relax, and not worry about where to park in this busy city. You can plan a trip from the Translink website, look up the next bus times for any stop, or see routes for the NightBus. For travellers who need a little extra assistance, the HandyDART service provides door to door service for passengers with physical or cognitive disabilities.

Translink Skytrain

The Skytrain is one of the best and fastest ways to get around Vancouver. Operating on three different lines, the Expo Line, Millenium Line, and Canada Line will take you from the heart of Vancouver out into Surrey, Coquitlam, and Richmond, as well as every stop in between. The Canada Line will also take you directly to the airport, allowing you to unload just steps away from the main terminal. You can check for first and last train times, route information, and schedules on the Translink website.

Travel by Train

There are four different trains servicing Vancouver that will take you out of the city and into the further reaches of British Columbia, even into Alberta and the United States. The Rocky Mountaineer will take you to Seattle, Lake Louise, Banff, Jasper, or Calgary through BC’s scenic coastal and mountain landscapes.

If you’re looking to go even further, Via Rail can take you all the way from Vancouver, British Columbia to Halifax, Nova Scotia, or anywhere in between. You can relax in comfort as you take in the gorgeous views of Canada’s nature, culture, and history.

The Translink West Coast Express commuter rail service operates Monday to Friday at peak times in the morning and evening. It will take you from downtown Vancouver all the way out to Mission City, with stops along the way at Moody Centre, Coquitlam Central, Port Coquitlam, Pitt Meadows, Maple Meadows, and Port Haney.

Aquabus and SeaBus

The Aquabus is a colourful little boat that makes a total of 8 stops along False Creek, from Hornby Street to The Village. They run every 15 minutes or so and they’re the perfect way to get from one spot to the next while also enjoying the sights of the Vancouver waterfront.

The Translink SeaBus is a passenger-only ferry that connects Waterfront Station to the Lonsdale Quay. It departs every 15 minutes, 7 days a week, and operates on most holidays. It’s definitely the quickest and most scenic way to get from downtown Vancouver into North Vancouver.

Rent a Bicycle

Vancouver is proud to strongly support the use of bicycles as an ecologically friendly way to travel around the city. There are miles of bike lanes, nature-rich greenways, and bike-friendly public transit options to help you go from one place to the next with your bike. Check out Vancouver’s cycling map to plan the safest, easiest, and most scenic route for your travels. If you aren’t travelling with your own bike you can rent one from one of the rental shops in Vancouver. You can head over to Cycle Vancouver , Van City Bikes , or Spokes to choose a set of wheels to cruise around on.

Mopeds and Scooters

If you’re looking for something with a little more power than a bicycle, rent a moped or scooter to buzz around the city with. Driving around on one of these little motorized bikes will get you where you need to go quite quickly and you’ll have a ton of fun along the way. You can check out Metro Scooter Rentals , Cycle BC , or Access Rent a Car to see their hourly, daily, and weekly rates.

Walk Through the City

Spending a lot of time in the downtown Vancouver area means it’s going to be pretty easy to walk from one point to the next. Vancouver is so jam-packed with shops, restaurants, lounges, and entertainment that unless you have a specific destination in mind, it’s incredibly easy to just set out on foot and come across all kinds of interesting sights. Using the various public transit options to take you a little further is the perfect way to supplement your walking tours.

Vancouver is a huge, bustling city. There’s always a ton of stuff going on and people are endlessly rushing from one place to the next. If you don’t choose to rent a car, the many different transportation options will give you the ability to avoid traffic, search for parking, or try hopelessly to navigate the many one way streets and crowded intersections of this bustling metropolis. Every different method can show you a new view of this beautiful city so try a few different ways to get around and experience a bit of everything.

Nikki Bertrand

You want to know where to eat, where to shop, where to stay, and where to people watch in Vancouver BC. And we just so happen to want to give you the inside scoop.

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Visitor's guide to public transit

We work with TransLink who plans and manages public transit services for the Metro Vancouver area. Check out tips for getting to and from the airport and how to use transit to get you where you need to go External website, opens in new tab

Get to know the names of the city's public transportation modes so you can get around the city more easily.

Rail rapid transit

Three automated SkyTrain routes run above and below the ground from downtown Vancouver. The Expo line provides service to Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey. The Millennium Line provides services to Burnaby, Port Moody, and Coquitlam. The Canada Line provides service to Richmond and the airport 

Plan your SkyTrain/Canada Line trip External website, opens in new tab

TransLink provides a vast network of bus services to specific areas of the city throughout the day. RapidBus routes and the 99 B-Line provide faster service with fewer stops.

Plan your bus trip External website, opens in new tab

HandyDART is a door-to-door shared-ride service for people who are unable to navigate conventional public transit without assistance. 

Find eligibility requirements and more  External website, opens in new tab

The SeaBus crosses the Burrard Inlet to provide travel between Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver.

Plan your SeaBus trip External website, opens in new tab

West Coast Express

The West Coast Express is a train that connects Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver to Mission, with select stops along the way. On weekdays, five trains travel into Vancouver in the morning, and leave Vancouver in the afternoon.

Plan your West Coast Express trip External website, opens in new tab

Public bike share

With bicycles located through the city, Mobi  by Rogers, our public bike share system offers a convenient and affordable way to get around Vancouver.

Bike and ride

How you can take your bike on buses or the SkyTrain External website, opens in new tab

Review the schedule to taking a ferry to a BC island.

Aquabus and False Creek Ferries

View False Creek and its surrounding area by taking the Aquabus or a False Creek Ferry.

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Getting Around in Vancouver

Getting lost as you wander around a fascinating new neighborhood is part of the fun of traveling. And getting lost in Vancouver, or at least losing your directional bearings, is possible, mostly because the main grid of streets doesn't run strictly north-south, but rather northwest to southeast like a parallelogram.

If you do become directionally challenged, just look for the mountains. They are to the north, across a body of water called Burrard Inlet. If you're facing the mountains, east is to your right, west is to your left, and the back of your head is pointing south. That one tip will generally keep you pointed in the right direction, no matter where you are. You'll also find that Vancouverites are incredibly friendly: If you're scratching your head over a map, almost inevitably someone will ask if he or she can help.

By Public Transportation

Vancouver’s public transportation system is the most extensive in Canada and includes service to all major tourist attractions, so you really don’t need a car, especially if you’re staying in the downtown area.

The Translink (tel. 604/953-3333; www.translink.ca) system includes electric trolley and diesel buses, the SeaBus catamaran ferry, and the light-rail SkyTrain. It’s a reliable, safe, eco-friendly, and inexpensive system that allows you to get everywhere you want to go, including the beaches and ski slopes. Regular service runs from about 5am to 2am, although schedules vary depending on the line, and some routes have reduced service on Sundays and holidays. Schedules and routes are available online, at tourist information centers, and at many major hotels.

At some point in 2014, all the current passes and tickets will be replaced by a reloadable electronic fare card called Compass. The rollout is being done gradually, so you can expect some confusion regarding fares and how to pay them throughout the year. Until Compass is fully in place, you will still be able to pay cash on buses, buy tickets for SkyTrain and SeaBus at machines in the stations, and purchase FareSavers and DayPasses at retailers displaying the FareDealer sign. Fares are based on the number of zones traveled and one ticket allows you to transfer from one mode of transport to another, in any direction, within 90 minutes. A one-way, one-zone fare (everything in central Vancouver) costs C$2.75. A two-zone fare—C$4—is required to travel to nearby suburbs such as Richmond or North Vancouver, and a three-zone fare—C$5.50—is required for travel to the far-off city of Surrey. To depart the airport costs an additional C$5 over the two-zone fare. After 6:30pm on weekdays and all day on weekends and holidays, you can travel anywhere in all three zones for C$2.75. DayPasses, good on all public transit, cost C$9.75 for adults and can be used for unlimited travel.

Both diesel and electric-trolley buses service the city. Regular service on the busiest routes is about every 5 to 15 minutes from 5am to 1am, although hours will vary depending on the route. Wheelchair-accessible buses and bus stops are identified by the international wheelchair symbol. Some key routes to keep in mind: no. 5 (Robson St.), no. 6 (Davie St.), no. 10 (Granville St.), no. 4 (UBC), no. 2 (Kitsilano Beach to downtown), no. 50 (Granville Island), no. 19 (Stanley Park), no. 240 (North Vancouver), and no. 250 (West Vancouver–Horseshoe Bay). The Translink site (www.translink.ca) has a handy “Next Bus” feature that lets you plug in the number of your bus stop, and it’ll let you know when the next bus is due.

By SkyTrain

SkyTrain is a fast, light-rail service between downtown Vancouver and the suburbs. All stations are wheelchair accessible. The Expo Line trains operate along a scenic 27km (17-mile) route from downtown Vancouver east to Surrey in 39 minutes. The Millennium Line loops from Waterfront through Burnaby, Port Coquitlam, New Westminster, and East Vancouver. Trains on both lines run every 2 to 8 minutes. Canada Line links Richmond and Vancouver International Airport to downtown. Trains run every 4 to 20 minutes, and departures from YVR cost an additional C$5.

Double-ended catamaran ferries take passengers, cyclists, and wheelchair riders on a scenic 12-minute commute across Burrard Inlet between downtown’s Waterfront Station and North Vancouver’s Lonsdale Quay. The SeaBus travels every 15 minutes from 6am to 7:30pm on weekdays and 10am to 6:30pm on weekends; outside of peak hours, it departs every 30 minutes. There’s a countdown clock in each terminal that lets you know whether you need to run or be prepared to wait for the next crossing. The crossing is a two-zone fare on weekdays until 6:30pm.

Cab fares start at C$3.20 and increase at a rate of C$1.85 per kilometer. In the downtown area, you can expect to travel for less than C$12, plus tip. Taxis are easy to find in front of major hotels, but flagging one down can be tricky, especially late at night or on rainy days. Most drivers are usually on radio calls, and thanks to built-in satellite positioning systems, if you call for a taxi, it often arrives faster than if you go out and hail one. Call for a pickup from Black Top (tel. 604/731-1111 ), Yellow Cab (tel. 604/681-1111 ), Vancouver Taxi (tel. 604/871-1111 ), or MacLure’s (tel. 604/731-9211 ).

If you’re staying in Vancouver proper, you don’t really need a car. Parking can be a hassle in both cities and is quite expensive in downtown Vancouver. But if you must drive, keep in mind that driving in Vancouver can be quite a leisurely experience—there are no freeways through the city, plus the addition of new bike lanes has meant the loss of driving lanes, which has slowed traffic even further. Add a few major construction projects and a landscape that doesn’t necessarily lend itself to a grid system, and you can see why a short trip can take such a long time. At least the view is nice while you wait.

You can find rental cars at Avis (757 Hornby St.; tel. 800/879-2847 or 604/606-2868; www.avis.ca), Budget (416 W. Georgia St.; tel. 800/472-3325 or 604/668-7000; www.budget.ca), Enterprise (550 Bute St.; tel. 800/736-8222 or 604/689-7377; www.enterpriserentacar.ca), Hertz Canada (1270 Granville St.; tel. 800/263-0600 or 604/606-4711; www.hertz.com), National (999a Canada Place; tel. 800/387-4747 or 604/609-7160; www.nationalcar.ca), or Thrifty (413 Seymour St.; tel. 800/847-4389 or 604/606-1666; www.thrifty.com). These firms all have counters and shuttle service at the airport as well . Driving Rules -- Canadians drive on the right-hand side of the road and pass on the left. Distance is measured in kilometers, which everyone calls “clicks,” and speed is counted in kilometers per hour, or kmph. In the city, the average speed is usually 50kmph (30 mph) and on the highway 100kmph (60 mph). Also, remember that seatbelts and car insurance are compulsory in British Columbia.

Breakdowns -- Contact the British Columbia Automobile Association ( BCAA; tel. 800/222-4357; www.bcaa.com) for emergency roadside assistance.

Gasoline -- Most service stations are self-service and open 24 hours a day. Remember that gas is measured in liters, not gallons, and is more expensive than it is in the U.S., though not as pricy as it is in Europe.

Vancouver is a cyclist’s paradise. Along Robson and Denman streets near Stanley Park you will find plenty of places to rent bikes. Paved paths crisscross through parks and along beaches, plus several major thoroughfares now have designated bike lanes. Helmets are mandatory, and riding on sidewalks is illegal except on designated bike paths. SkyTrain, SeaBus, and many buses will carry your bike at no extra charge. For more information on cycling in B.C., visit www.th.gov.bc.ca/BikeBC .

By Mini Ferry

Crossing False Creek to Granville Island or Vanier Park on one of the zippy little mini-ferries is a cheap and fun way to get around. There are two lines— Aquabus (tel. 604/689-5858; www.theaquabus.com) and False Creek Ferries (tel. 604/684-7781; www.granvilleislandferries.bc.ca)—which dock at the south foot of Hornby Street, Granville Island, Science World, and other locations. They operate daily from about 7am to 10:30pm (9:30pm in winter) and run every 3 to 15 minutes or so, but schedules change monthly and depend on the route. They are not part of Translink, so your public transit pass or ticket is not valid. One-way fares are C$3.25 to C$5.50 for adults and C$1.75 to C$3.75 for seniors and children. Various passes are also available.

On Foot Vancouver proper is a great place to explore by foot. It’ll take you about half an hour to cross the peninsula from north to south, and about twice that to wander west to east from, say, Stanley Park to Chinatown. There’s plenty to see while you’re walking that you’ll miss from a car or bus. Just make sure you have a map, comfortable walking shoes, layers, and an umbrella, because you never know what Vancouver’s unpredictable weather will throw at you.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Best of Vancouver: The Ultimate Travel Guide & Travel Tips

Vancouver – you dream city! When it comes to Vancouver and us – it was love at first sight. It’s not the typical sights that make Vancouver so special. Rather, it is the relaxing flair, the abundance of water and close proximity to wild nature that rightfully give Vancouver its fantastic reputation.

It’s no wonder Vancouver is frequently voted one of the most liveable cities in the world. And if you bike through Stanley Park or admire the sunset at English Bay Beach, you will see why. Vancouver simply has it all!

Perhaps you are planning to travel to Vancouver and are looking for the best tips and the perfect travel guide? You’re in the right place! In this travel guide we show you the most beautiful sights and day trip destinations and reveal our personal tips for really cool tours, cafés and restaurants.

1. Vancouver: Overview of Initial Travel Tips & FAQs

2. vancouver travel guide: the top sights in vancouver, 3. eating & drinking: culinary vancouver travel guide, 4. tips for tours in vancouver, 5. day trip destinations around vancouver, 6. staying the night: our hotel tips for vancouver, 7. map: overview of all sights and tips.

What makes Vancouver so special?

• Untouched nature on your doorstep:  Sounds like a cliché, but it’s a reality in Vancouver. Vancouver is nestled between mountains and the Pacific – it doesn’t get much nicer than that. So if you are interested in a city trip combined with a healthy portion of nature, Vancouver is the right place.
• Water, water, water:  Related to the previous point – water is omnipresent in Vancouver. Afterall, Vancouver is located on the Straight of Georgia, an arm of the Pacific Ocean.
• Great gastro-scene:  Whether hip cafés or trendy restaurants – if you enjoy good food and drinks, you will love Vancouver. The Granville Public Market is also awesome, but more on that later.

How many days should I plan for Vancouver?

There is a lot to see in Vancouver. We ourselves were in Vancouver for almost a week and found this to be the perfect amount of time. We dedicated one day to taking a day trip up north to Whistler. Then there was still enough time to extensively explore Vancouver and its sights.

In our opinion, the absolute minimum stay in Vancouver is two nights . All of the sights are a bit scattered, so you need adequate time to gain a good insight into the city.

Which sights in Vancouver should I not miss?

Before we go into details in the next chapter of this travel guide about all the sights in Vancouver, here is our small but mighty bucket list to give you an initial overview.

• Marvel at the view from the Vancouver lookout .
• Discover the hip peninsula Granville Island and enjoy the treats at the Public Market.
• Cycle around Stanley Park along the Seawall Promenade.
• Try out the cafés in the trendy Gastown .
• Take a stroll across the dizzying Capilano Suspension Bridge .

Stanley Park: Bike Tour along the Seawall Promenade

Park? More like a nature oasis ! Stanley Park is a peninsular of over 400 hectares and definitely one of our favourite sights in Vancouver.

Our tip: we can highly recommend walking around Stanley Park and along the Seawall Promenade . Depending on your pace, you should allow around 1.5 to 2 hours for the 9 kilometre long stretch.

There are no bikes to hire in the park itself, but there are right outside the entrance, more precisely at the north end of Denman Street. Many hotels also offer their guests bicycles to use for free. 

Coal Harbour & Canada Place

South of Stanley Park is Coal Harbour – a combination of a residential area, marina and shopping district. If you feel like taking a stroll along the waterfront, you are in the right place. A promenade runs along the shore here.

The iconic small sea planes also leave from Coal Harbour. If you want to watch them take off, or perhaps even take a round trip yourself, you can do it here. A round trip is no cheap undertaking, but of course it is a very special experience.

To the south of Coal Harbour you come to Canada Place , a building that looks like a ship and houses a congress centre, among other things.

Gastown: Vancouver’s hipster district

Gastown is a historic district in Vancouver. With its brick houses, retro shops and many cafés, Gastown exudes a historic charm that you can’t find anywhere else in Vancouver.

The main attraction in Gastown is the famous steam clock. It looks very old at first glance, but is actually from the 70s. It plays music every 15 minutes, so crowds regularly gather in front of the clock.

Gastown is the perfect spot for a coffee break , because there are many hip cafés to be found here. Two of our favourites are the charming “Nelson the Seagull” and the pure minimalist “Nemesis”.

Vancouver Lookout

Possibly the most famous viewpoint in Vancouver is the Vancouver Lookout. The viewing platform can be found at the top of a high-rise building and offers an incredible 360 degree panorama view .

A glass elevator takes you comfortably up to the 169 metre high viewing platform. The one downside: the lookout is only indoors, there is no outdoor terrace. Nevertheless, you can still take great photos from here.

Our tip: if the opening times and weather allow, then it is best to come at sunset. Vancouver looks pretty impressive from this height when the sun casts a soft light on the skyscrapers and the mountains beyond.

You can book your ticket in advance here: Vancouver Lookout

Granville Island and Public Market

Granville Island is a very hip peninsula south of the city centre. It is home to arguably the most famous market in Vancouver and one of the city’s most popular attractions, the vibrant Granville Island Public Market.

It opens its doors daily at 9am. Food is sold from all over the world : from tropical fruits to seafood, from what is said to be the best bread in Vancouver to unbelievably delicious donuts. Here are a few solid tips for really great market stalls:

• Lee’s Donuts:  The best donuts far and wide.
• Terra Breads:  Said to be the best bread in Vancouver.
• JJ Bean Coffee Roasters:  Delicious coffee.

We ourselves explored the Public Market on a food tour , which we can warmly recommend.

You can book the tour here: Foodtour Granville Island Public Market

English Bay Beach

There are several beaches in Vancouver. One of the most popular is English Bay Beach, which in our opinion offers the perfect spot for a visit at sunset .

You can stick your toes in the sand and listen to the street artists in the distance while watching the sun slowly sink into the ocean on the horizon. If you would rather have a sundowner in a bar, you will also find what you are after.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Stanley Park’s little sister is Queen Elizabeth Park. In contrast to Stanley Park, this green oasis is not located by the water, but in the South Cambie district in the south of Vancouver.

A beloved local recreation destination awaits you here as well as the highest point in the city , the so-called Little Mountain. From here you have a nice (although not overwhelmingly spectacular) view of Vancouver. Overall, definitely one of those sights we would recommend when you have already seen plenty of Vancouver.

The gastro scene in Vancouver is huge. There are countless cool cafés and restaurants, deciding on one is very difficult. In this chapter of our travel guide we reveal some of our favourites.

Café Medina:  one of the most popular brunch spots in Vancouver. People line up in front of the café for their Mediterranean-inspired dishes and the tables usually fill up very quickly on the weekend. Be sure to try the fresh waffles (salted caramel – yummy)!

Nelson the Seagull:  Hip café in Gastown that also serves homemade sourdough bread. Perfect for breakfast or a coffee break in between.

Belgard Kitchen:  This restaurant is part of the craft brewery Postmark Brewing. It is located east of Gastown and serves fusion dishes in small portions to share: from classic burgers and burrata to roasted cauliflower, it has it all. There are also enough options for vegetarians. The atmosphere is great: a bit industrial, not too fancy, but still very hip.

Guu with Garlic:  A rather small japanese restaurant that cuts, roasts, boils, fries and serves before your eyes. A really nice experience!

You can find even more tips for really cool cafés in this travel guide: Cafés in Vancouver .

Boat tours along the Indian Arm 

Time for a bit of adventure ! It’s hard to believe untouched nature is actually directly on the doorstep of the city of Vancouver. One of the best ways to get a glimpse of Vancouver’s majestic location is to cruise along the Indian Arm, a gigantic fiord that borders Vancouver.

We decided to go with Granite Falls Tour , which we can warmly recommend. Wrapped up in thick thermal suits, you roar along the water for three hours on a speed boat and marvel at the breathtakingly beautiful nature around Vancouver from the water.

Small warning: you should not be shy of water, because you will definitely get wet during the boat ride (sometimes more, sometimes less). Take a spare change of clothes with you just to be sure, in case you are not going back to your hotel afterwards.

You can book the tour here: Granite Falls Boat Tour

Craft brewery tour

Would you have thought that there are over 60 micro-breweries in Vancouver ? Crazy, right? Craft beer is a huge thing in Vancouver and we can highly recommend a brewery tour as an activity.

The company Canadian Craft Tours offers tours several times a week to select breweries. You can get a look behind the scenes at the breweries and of course also taste a craft beer or two.

You can book the tour here: Craft Brewery Tour

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the sights in Vancouver and is located north of Vancouver in “North Vancouver”, around a 10-minute drive from the centre of Vancouver.

First, an important tip: Capilano Suspension Bridge is part of the park of the same name – you could also call it an adventure park . You definitely shouldn’t expect to find undisturbed wilderness here, although the nature is undoubtedly worth seeing.

The main and most popular attraction in the park is most certainly the suspension bridge itself. The free-swinging rope bridge spans 70 metres high over a river – already quite impressive we must say.

In addition, next to the bridge a type of treetop path awaits you (“Treetops Adventure”) and the Cliffwalk. We would allow around two hours all together for the visit.

You can book your ticket in advance here: Capilano Suspension Bridge

Grouse Mountain & Cypress Mountain

Grouse Mountain and the neighbouring Cypress Mountain north of the city centre, along with the rest of the North Shore Mountains, are Vancouver’s home mountains . They are all popular recreation destinations located unbelievably close to the city.

In winter you can ski on both mountains (with a view of the city!), in summer most people come to hike. A popular gondola (“Skyride”) goes up Grouse Mountain. Sporty people can navigate the “Grouse Grind” – a path that takes you up the mountain where you have to conquer around 853 vertical metres.

We ourselves took a small excursion up Cypress Mountain. A road makes its way up here – not all the way up, but at least far enough that you can enjoy a beautiful view of Vancouver . The spot is called “Cypress Lookout” on Google Maps.

Squamish & Whistler

If you want to experience more of British Columbia’s spectacular nature (the province where Vancouver is located), then we warmly recommend a mini road trip to the “Sea to Sky Gondola” in Squamish and to the Olympic Village in Whistler .

This tour makes for a great day trip because Whistler is about a 1.5 hour drive north of Vancouver. Therefore, the stretch is easily doable in one day and, above all, the landscape is incredibly spectacular .

You can find more tips in this blog: Day Trip from Vancouver to Squamish and Whistler (available soon)

We stayed in two hotels in Vancouver in two different price brackets, both of which we can recommend. You can find an account of our experiences below. 

The Westin Bayshore: fantastic water views

This very popular hotel, The Westin Bayshore , is located directly on the harbour (“Coal Harbour”) and is therefore perfect for those longing for a beautiful view . You must to be sure to book a room with a harbour view for this.

The rooms are very comfortably furnished , the beds very relaxing and there is also everything you could wish for in a 4-star hotel.

The hotel location is great: you can quickly reach Stanley Park. (The hotel has bicycles for hire, with the first two hours free.) You can reach Gastown and Downtown Vancouver in around 15 minutes on the bus. If you aren’t in a rush, you can also walk along the harbour promenade in around 25 minutes – really beautiful!

You can book the hotel here: The Westin Bayshore

The Burrard: inexpensive & central

The hotel, The Burrad , located in Downtown Vancouver is much cheaper , but just as recommendable. This hotel is more catered towards younger people – it is much less fancy.

The rooms are very small and more functionally furnished – but you have all the comforts you need such as a Nespresso machine or air conditioning. The Café Elysian, which is directly attached to the hotel, serves very good coffee as well as some breakfast meals.

Another plus: You can hire bicycles for free at from hotel. The green, very relaxing inner courtyard is also noteworthy. Overall, a nice city hotel with good value for money.

You can book the hotel here: The Burrard

We have marked all of our tips of our travel guide on this map to help you navigate. The red dots are sights, the green cafés/restaurants, and the blue are our hotel tips. We wish you a wonderful time!

Disclaimer: Invitation & Affiliate Links

We were invited to travel to Vancouver by TUI and Tourism Vancouver. A million thanks for the many helpful tips and the amazing organising! This travel guide contains our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something through the links, we receive a small commission. This does not change the price for you at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

Have you already been to Vancouver? How did you like it? Which sights can you recommend? We really look forward to your additional tips in the comments below this travel guide.

You might also be interested in this

The 7 best Cafés and Coffee Shops in Vancouver for Breakfast and Brunch

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The Ultimate Travel Guide To Vancouver: Navigating The Best Neighborhoods & Getting Around

Vancouver is a diverse coastal city with something to offer travelers on every budget. Explore the top attractions and best places to eat.

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What to know when visiting vancouver, best time to go (and weather), the best ways to get around vancouver, popular neighborhoods and where to stay, foodie’s paradise: where to eat in vancouver, vancouver’s top-rated attractions, tips for budgeting your trip to vancouver, how to spend the perfect day in vancouver.

Vancouver is Canada’s third-largest city and is the largest in the western province of British Columbia. It’s a beautiful coastal metropolis with beaches overlooking the Pacific Ocean, hiking trails in the north of the city, a massive park, and lots of delicious dining options .

Travelers planning a trip to Vancouver can hit the highlights of the city in 3-4 days, but it’s possible to spend a full week there and never get bored. Here’s everything visitors need to know about how to get around, the best season to plan a trip, must-try restaurants and cafés, and what attractions are worth spending time and money on while in Vancouver.

Before planning a trip to Vancouver, travelers should know what the city is famous for and how to see the best of it in on a short visit. Vancouver is a popular jumping-off point for exploring the Canadian Rockies and the ski resort town of Whistler.

While the city itself has plenty of arts, sports, and entertainment attractions to satisfy all types of travelers, this region of Canada is especially appealing to outdoor enthusiasts who want to immerse themselves in the sprawling forests and beautiful nature of Canada’s west coast.

Vancouver is a great destination for travelers who like to experience a city like a local. It’s possible to stay in some charming residential neighborhoods close to the downtown core, use public transit to get around, and enjoy low-key activities that make it feel like Vancouver is your temporary home.

Vancouver is a beautiful city in all seasons, and it maintains mild temperatures for a large portion of the year. Due to its location on the Pacific Coast, Vancouver doesn’t experience the same cold winter temperatures as Toronto or Montreal. This makes it pleasant in any season.

The hottest month in Vancouver is August, which sees an average temperature of 18 °C. The coldest month of the year is January, which sees an average temperature of 3.5 °C.

Although Vancouver doesn’t usually receive snowfall or freezing weather, it does have a rainy season.

During November and December, rainfall is above average for the city, making this the wettest time of year. Travelers looking to avoid the rain, but visit in the winter would prefer to spend time here in January.

The driest months of the year are July and August.

These are the best month(s) to visit for each season:

• Winter: January
• Spring: March through May
• Summer: July and August
• Fall: October

The easiest way to get around Vancouver is to use public transit. Vancouver has an impressive combination of train, bus, and ferry services to get visitors around the city with ease.

Vancouver SkyTrain

From the airport, the best option is to purchase a ticket for the SkyTrain on the Canada Line which takes passengers from YVR to downtown Vancouver. The SkyTrain has two other lines for getting travelers around the city during their stay, the Millennium Line and the Expo Line.

• Cost Per Ride: Adult fare is ~$2.27 ($3.10 CAD) for Zone 1, ~$3.26 ($4.45 CAD) for Zone 2, ~$4.44 ($6.05 CAD) for Zone 3.
• All Zones Day Pass: ~$8.06 ($11 CAD)

The Vancouver transit system is free for children under 12 when they travel with a paying guardian. TransLink buses also serve passengers in the city trying to get around less popular routes.

False Creek Ferries

For travel from areas like the Granville Island Public Market to downtown Vancouver, travelers can also hop on the False Creek Ferries which provide comfortable and efficient water transport.

• Cost Per Ride: From ~$2.93 ($4 CAD) return
• Day Pass : $11.73 ($16 CAD)

Bicycle Rental

The city of Vancouver has a bike rental program that active travelers can take advantage of during their stay. They’ll find these bikes situated around the city available to rent along with a helmet.

All travelers have to do to particulate in the Vancouver Bike Share program is download the Mobi app and pay online to unlock their specific bike.

Bike rental costs are based on how long the bike is in use.

Travelers can also opt to rent a car for their visit to Vancouver but should keep in mind that parking in the city can be challenging. When staying downtown, they’ll need to search specifically for accommodation that offers a parking space for the vehicle.

To find parking around the city, travelers can download the EasyPark App which shows the available parking lots on a map of Vancouver.

However, keep in mind that Vancouver is an extremely walkable city so renting a car can be an unnecessary expense. It’s more affordable to pay for transit as needed and rent a car when leaving Vancouver to explore other areas around British Columbia.

When visiting Vancouver a great way to decide where to stay is to look at the various neighborhoods in the city and select a hotel or hostel in your preferred area. Yaletown, Downtown, West End, Gastown, and Stanley Park are some of the best areas to base yourself in for exploring the city.

There are accommodation options to suit a variety of travel styles in Vancouver, ranging from luxury hotels to budget hostels.

Luxury hotels:

• Cost: $364 per night for 2 adults
• Address: 1038 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 0B9
• Amenities: Outdoor Pool, Restaurant, Spa and Wellness Center
• Cost: $251 per night for 2 adults
• Address: 801 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7
• Amenities: Indoor Pool, Spa and Wellness Center, Restaurant

Budget accommodation:

• Cost: $79 per night for 2 adults
• Address: 515 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 3H6
• Amenities: Night Club, Laundry Facilities, Bar/Lounge
• Cost: $82 per night for 2 adults
• Address: 1114 Burnaby Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 1P1
• Amenities: Bicycle Rental, Laundry Facilities, Game Room

Related: Visiting Vancouver? Check These Unique Accommodations

The food in Vancouver is one of the top reasons to visit this diverse city. There is something for every palate. In particular, Vancouver has a wide range of Asian cuisine options.

This is largely because the city has the highest percentage of Asian population outside of Asia, at 43% , putting it ahead of San Francisco. Travelers will find authentic options for Vietnamese, Cambodian, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine, and more around the city.

Related: 10 Fun Things To Do In Downtown Vancouver

The city also has lots of culinary events for travelers to incorporate into their visit. In the Greater Vancouver Area, a must-visit event is the Richmond Night Market , which runs through the summer each year.

The market returns near the end of April until the end of summer for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings. The Richmond Night Market is an international food experience with vendors selling delicious street food from around the world.

The market starts at 7 pm Fridays and Sundays and 6 pm on Saturdays and closes at midnight.

• Dates: April 28 to October 2023
• Entrance Fee: ~$4.40 ($6 CAD) for ages 7 to 59 (Under 7 and 60+ enter for free)

Related: Try These Tasty Treats On Your Next Visit to Vancouver’s Granville Island

Another must-visit foodie attraction in Vancouver is the Granville Island Public Market. This quaint market is accessible on foot or by transit from downtown Vancouver or via the False Creek Ferry. The market is open 7 days a week from 9 am to 6 pm and includes a variety of vendors and shops.

Lee’s Donuts is a fantastic spot for homemade local donuts in a ton of different flavors. Petit Ami is a must-try spot for coffee inside the market.

• Date: Open year-round
• Entrance Fee: Free

In addition to the food markets in Vancouver, the many restaurants lining the streets of downtown are a highlight of any trip to the city. For breakfast, there are plenty of quaint cafés and coffee shops.

There are lunch and dinner options serving authentic options for every style of cuisine imaginable. Vancouver is a foodie’s paradise.

These are some top places to check out during your stay:

• Best restaurants for breakfast: Medina Café, The Templeton, Jam Café, Twisted Fork, etc.
• Top eateries for lunch and dinner: Phnom Penh Restaurant, Joojak, Tacofino, JINYA Ramen Bar, MeeT in Yaletown, etc.
• Greatest bars: The Diamond, The Narrow Lounge, Electric Bicycle Brewery, Alibi Room, The Keefer Bar, etc.

Vancouver’s top-rated attractions are many and varied. There is something for everyone, which is why Vancouver is such a popular destination.

Stanley Park is a must-visit spot in the city. It’s an expansive green space of 400 hectares on the Pacific Coast . There is an 8.8 km Seawall which is great for walking, jogging, or cycling.

• Recommended Tour: Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tour
• Duration: 1 hour
• Cost: From $36.1 USD per adult

Book this tour

Lynn Canyon Park is located in North Vancouver and is worth visiting from downtown for travelers who want a taste of the West Coast’s wildlife without venturing to Squamish or Whistler. Hike the trails and walk across the suspension bridge for epic views of the water rushing below.

• Recommended Tour: Mesmerizing Nature Walk in Lynn Canyon Park
• Duration: 3 hours
• Cost: From $102.57 USD per adult

Related: 9 Best FREE Tourist Attractions In Vancouver

The Capilano Suspension Bridge Reserve is a must-visit attraction near Vancouver.

There are relatively easy hiking trails to enjoy plus a chance to take a photo on the Capilano Suspension Bridge . This is known as one of Vancouver's most Insta-worth spots.

The Vancouver Art Gallery is a great place to appreciate the local artistry. There are beautiful displays of visual artwork along with events held monthly. General admission starts from ~$21.23 ($29 CAD) .

• Recommended Tour: Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
• Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Cost: From $162.59 USD per adult

Like most of Canada, Vancouver is not an extremely affordable travel destination, but it’s possible to do a trip here on a budget by staying in hostels and using public transport.

The average cost of a trip to Vancouver for 7 days for a solo backpacker is $1,513. For a couple, the cost comes down slightly at $2,717 for two people.

A family of four should budget approximately $5,000 for a week in this city.

What does the ideal day in Vancouver look like? It starts by waking up early for breakfast and a latte at Medina Café near Yaletown. Then, walk down Robson Street and browse the many shops en route to Stanley Park.

Once at Stanley Park, download the Mobi app and rent a bicycle and helmet for a ride around the Stanley Park Seawall. It takes about 45 minutes-1 hour to complete the entire Seawall and return the bike to the bike rack.

Related: Vancouver Vs. Toronto: Which Canadian City Makes For A Better Vacation?

After working up an appetite, travelers can make their way to the Granville Island Public Market. This is a fun area by the water to explore during the afternoon. There are shops and food vendors, so it’s the perfect place to grab lunch and some souvenirs while supporting local artisans.

Then, take public transit to Downtown Vancouver to visit the Vancouver Art Gallery. End the evening in Gastown where the cobbled streets are romantically illuminated with streetlamps and twinkling lights.

There are tons of amazing restaurants and fun bars in this area to eat and drink the night away. Have dinner at Tacofino and then grab a drink at The Diamond.

Q: How Safe Is Vancouver?

Vancouver is considered to be one of the safest major cities in Canada, though some areas are statistically safer than others . The crime rate is low and none of the crime that occurs specifically targets tourists or tourist attractions.

As with any destination, travelers should be alert and cautious, especially after dark. Pickpocketing can occur, but overall Vancouver is an extremely safe city.

Q: Is Vancouver Cheaper Than Toronto?

The cost of living and traveling in Vancouver is slightly higher than in Toronto. Public transportation in Vancouver is slightly more affordable than in Toronto however, the price of taxis and ride-share services are more expensive.

Travelers will find the biggest difference in cost is purchasing food, which is more expensive (yet still tasty) in Vancouver than in Toronto.

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Shortcut Guides

Essential travel guide to vancouver british columbia.

Vancouver is a city with vast beauty and heaps of charm. It’s a great place for adventure travelers who like to hike and bike, as well as foodies who enjoy beer, great food, and markets.

In order to find all the best parts of the city when you visit, we’ve put together this essential travel guide to Vancouver that will lead you to all the best things to do, see, eat, and drink in the city.

The beautiful city of Vancouver is located in the southwestern corner of British Columbia, Canada ; on the coast of the Pacific ocean. Being overlooked by the Coast Range Mountains and surrounded by water on three sides, the city has a landscape that truly takes your breath away.

Greater Vancouver has everything from beaches, mountains, and 192 beautiful parks to a cosmopolitan downtown area, fabulous shopping and entertainment. In fact, Vancouver itself is made up of 23 different neighborhoods – each having its own distinct character – so there’s an endless supply of new things to see and do.

Foodies will love the city’s street food and markets , like the one on Granville Island, plus the many cocktail bars and craft breweries .

» Interested in other parts of Canada? Read our full Canada travel guide for inspiration and additional tips. Also see our road trip guide . We also have info on Montreal and Toronto .

Table of Contents

When to Visit Vancouver

There is no “best time” to visit Vancouver. The weather is a bit drizzly in the winter, but it never really gets too cold or two hot. Summers are downright incredible, but there are plenty of things to do in winter too.

Due to it’s location, it has a mild climate, which means not too much snow in the winter and pleasant temperatures in the summer, but it does tend to have a lot of rain. The average annual rain and snow fall is 1219mm.

During the winter, Vancouver is a great place to be for skiers and sledders, because of the many mountains and snow sports options, including nearby Whistler ski resort.

Vancouver’s Best Neighborhoods

Gastown is the historical part of the city with cobblestone streets, heritage buildings, shops, restaurants and galleries. It’s located just south of the harbor and is a vibrant part of the city.

Located just under the Granville Street Bridge is Granville Island Market which offers a mix of food, arts and crafts, shopping and theaters. Water taxis ferry shoppers to and from the market or you can stroll there.

Stanley Park , located close to downtown, has over 1000 acres of forest and is a firm favorite with both locals and tourists. The park has many miles of pathway, an aquarium, a pitch and putt golf course, a miniature railway, tennis, restaurants, beaches and on summer evenings live theater.

Robson Street is in the heart of downtown and offers boutiques, side walk cafes, world-class shopping, and restaurants.

Commercial Drive , also known as “the drive” is a confluence of international culture and cuisine. You can walk along the drive and eat at any of dozens of international restaurants.

How to Get Around in Vancouver

There is an excellent public transport system which consists of buses, Seabus, Skytrain and a commuter rail service called the West Coast Express. This is an integrated system and you can use the same tickets for different modes of transport.

There is also an extensive system of bikeways, so cycling is another good way to get around. The city has many tree lined streets and no highway cutting through the city so walking is encouraged.

It is illegal to cross the street anywhere but at a marked intersection crossing in the city.

What to Do in and Around Vancouver

Vancouver is alive with activity at all times. We love to just wander around the downtown core, popping into shops, eating street food, and visiting the Granville market. There are tons of breweries, distilleries, and cocktail bars to enjoy. If you’re up for a walk, you must check out Stanley Park and it’s incredible walks and views.

Fun Things to Do

• Hike around Stanley Park
• See the Gastown steam clock
• Hang out at Katsilano Beach
• Visit Grouse Mountain (skiing, see the bears, ride the gondola)
• During summer, check out the Richmond Night Market
• Get an adrenalin rush at the Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Granville Island Public Market

What to Do When It’s Raining

• Vancouver Art Gallery
• Science World
• Vancouver Aquarium
• Afternoon tea

For a comprehensive list of the top things to do in Vancouver, read this post , and check out the infographic at the bottom of this post.

Tours & Day Trips in Vancouver

Want to plan ahead and book a few of the things we’ve mentioned to do? It’s always a good idea to pre-book for popular tours. They sell out fast. These are our favorite tours that can be booked (with our affiliate links) on Viator .

• Vancouver city tour
• Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Granville Island Market Tour
• Whale watching Tour from Vancouver
• Vancouver Highlights Bike Tour

What to Eat & Drink in Vancouver

Vancouver has a plethora of great food, from street food to international cuisine and local specialties. You’ll definitely want to plan to include some of these top food activities and restaurants in your itinerary.

Where to Go For Brunch

• Twisted Fork Bistro (Gastown)
• Cafe Medina (near Robson Square)
• Brunch (Granville Street)

There are so many great breweries in Vancouver. Check out our full post with details on where to go beer tasting.

• Main Street Beer
• Brassneck Brewery

Top Restaurants

• Vij’s – celebrated Indian food restaurant
• Miku – delicious Japanese food
• Au Comptoir – Parisian bistro in Kitsilano
• Maenam – Thai dishes with a B.C. twist

Wine, Cocktails & Distilleries

• The Diamond
• The Keefer Bar
• The Liberty Distillery
• TWB (The Wine Bar)
• The Narrow Lounge (Main Street)
• Uva Wine Bar

Where to Stay in Vancouver

We always choose to stay somewhere in downtown Vancouver, because of the easy walking proximity to just about everything. You can park your car and use your legs instead.

Popular areas include Gastown, Yaletown and Downtown. No matter which area you choose, you’ll find some really great restaurants and bars within a block or two that exemplify the neighborhood.

Here are our recommended hotels:

Sutton Place Hotel

4.5-star hotel in downtown Vancouver (West End), stellar location, great restaurant.

Read Reviews | Book a Stay

Listel Hotel

Comfortable 4-star hotel with a spa, restaurant, and free wifi in downtown.

Shangri-La Hotel

5-star luxury hotel with beautiful, well-appointed rooms and an outdoor pool.

More on Canada

5 Inspiring Canada Road Trip Tips & Itineraries

What to Do & Eat in Montréal, Canada

How to Plan the Perfect Niagara Falls Vacation

7 Epic Activities in Banff National Park

Shortcut travel guide to vancouver, british columbia.

(Note: This graphic guide is no longer being updated. It may not contain current information).

You might also like this post: Weekend Trips from Vancouver (from Carpe Diem Our Way blog)

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

15 Best Breweries in Vancouver BC (with maps)

What & Where to Eat in Vancouver BC

Vancouver Highlights: 14 Best Places to Visit in Vancouver BC

Like this post? Why not save it to Pinterest? FOLLOW US  on  Pinterest ,  Instagram ,  Facebook  for more great travel inspiration and tips.

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

24 thoughts on “ Essential Travel Guide to Vancouver British Columbia ”

What a great guide! I have only been to Vancouver once so this is really helpful. Now there is Japadog poutine?!?! I definitely missed out!

What a useful compilation! I’ve been to Vancouver a few times, but it’s never been an actual destination. I would love to visit these markets and that suspension bridge looks awesome!

It’s definitely worthy of visiting it as a tourist. There are so many things to do and see there. I really love it.

I have never been to Vancouver but I already heard so many about and seen so many pictures, that I should really come and visit it finally. 🙂

I really want to visit and try out that suspension bridge too! I really like this visual guide. It is so nice to just see what my choices are for fun and food!

Yes, the suspension bridge is awesome! It’s a bit expensive to go there, but it’s worth it.

Yep, those are definitely some of the many awesome things to do in Vancouver 🙂 Love that city!

We really do too. Hopefully we’ll call it home sometime in the future. It’s a great place to live.

May I just say… Your shortcut guides are so useful!! Everything you need for a quick visit. Good work!

Thanks Tatiana, glad you like them!

Laura I love the way you have presented this, perfect for printing off and sticking in your bag when you’re on your travels (or the fridge in the meantime!). So useful! A great all-round guide as well, something for everyone, everything from food to where to go…Vancouver I’m coming for you 😉

Thanks Mel. I want them to be as useful as possible. It’s pretty easy to take a one-page printout with you.

Fun distillation of what to do in Vancouver.

Great guide Laura! We especially loved Stanley Park while in Vancouver – there’s so much to do, that we can’t wait to head back.

Kudos for puttinng efforst in making this wonderful guide. I am sucre it would be very useful.

I love Vancouver! Grew up about two hours, give or take depending on traffic, you know what I mean, from the city. The Richmond night market and China town are certainly places you wouldn’t want to miss while visiting! 🙂 Ps, love the infographic!

Thanks Dawn! It’s such a fun city. We go as often as possible from Seattle.

I’m from Vancouver and love dawdling over a good meal out. You’ve picked some really great restaurants.

Glad you think so, Adelina! We love Vancouver and it’s awesome food scene!

Great list, but I have to point out that Kitsilano beach is spelt incorrectly. I think also, highlighting other areas locally would be a great addition. I much rather prefer White Rock Beach or Crescent Beach, but it’s also a fair distance from downtown Vancouver so I can see why people wouldn’t travel that distance.

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Hello, wow, is an amazing article I like it so much, you give me an opportunity to know more about it, vancouver is my favorit city thank you for sharing with us this

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A local’s guide to Vancouver

Discover Canada’s artful and adventure-filled urban oasis in the Pacific Northwest.

A kayaker paddles along the Coal Harbour near downtown Vancouver.

“Vancouver is a wonder city,” Canadian author Stephen Leacock once wrote. “It has the combined excellence of nature’s gift and man’s handiwork.” Today this statement rings truer than ever. The glittering glass metropolis—set against temperate rainforest, ocean inlets, and the Coast Mountains of British Columbia —keeps finding new ways to shine.

Over the past five years, the city has taken important steps toward reconciliation with the native Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh people, and a thriving indigenous tourism industry has grown along with it. More restaurants and bars are sourcing local ingredients—from foraged berries to Douglas fir infusions—and a booming brewery and distillery scene rivals that of Portland .

An ethic of sustainability permeates the culture of Vancouver , which brims with community gardens and farmers markets, plus LEED-certified buildings and more than 275 miles of bike paths. You can now pedal from the cedars of Stanley Park to the nudists of Wreck Beach. From there, mountains, islands, and wonder await. ( See Vancouver like a Nat Geo Explorer. )

Coolest neighborhood: Chinatown

When you spot the terracotta-tiled Millennium Gate and the dragon-topped red lampposts, you know you’ve arrived in Vancouver’s vibrant Chinatown . For a primer on the neighborhood, join Historical Chinatown Tours to venture inside 100-year-old clan houses, where Chinese elders play mah-jongg, and behind the scenes at Sai Woo , the modern rendition of a restaurant that first opened in 1925. The sign out front is a crowd-funded replica of the original, which pays homage to Pender Street’s neon glory days. ( See a Nat Geo photographer’s favorite Canadian places .)

The Millennium Gate welcomes visitors into Vancouver’s Chinatown.

Other highlights include the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden , an oasis of flowering trees, koi ponds, and stone courtyards built in Ming dynasty style, and the Rennie Museum , showcasing one of Canada’s biggest contemporary art collections (by appointment) in the district’s oldest building. In summer 2019, the Chinatown Storytelling Center opened with displays detailing the arduous path from Chinese immigrant to Canadian citizen. After dark, get a taste of the dining scene that’s redefining Chinatown. Opt for mantou buns and “kick-ass fried rice” at Bao Bei or Japanese-accented Italian fare at its raved-about sister spot, Kissa Tanto . For a nightcap, try the Opium Sour at The Keefer Bar , a sexy twist on a traditional Chinese apothecary.

The Rennie Museum, which features the works of more than 300 artists, has one of the largest assemblages of contemporary art in Canada.

Choose your adventure

For nature lovers : Walk through the rainforest of Stanley Park with Candace Campo, the First Nations owner of Talaysay Tours , and you’ll start to see cedar bark as clothing, hemlock needles as the makings for tea. “The forest is our grocery store, our pharmacy,” Campo says. Take that notion to Deep Cove , for a paddle up Indian Arm before checking out the North Shore Spirit Trail , a new greenway luring pedestrians, joggers, bikers, and in-line skaters.

For culture vultures: The UBC Museum of Anthropology curates innovative programs and in 2017 opened the Gallery of Northwest Coast Masterworks. Led by Vancouver Art Gallery , the contemporary art scene has expanded with the new Polygon Gallery , dedicated to Canadian photography. Fans of Coast Salish art should stay overnight at Skwachàys Lodge , where 18 rooms were designed by indigenous artists like Richard Shorty, whose work is sold in the lodge gallery. ( Journey through the indigenous art scene in Canada .)

From historic music venues to a brewing bar scene, nighttime adventures are in abundance in the Granville neighborhood.

For music mavens: Downtown’s Granville Entertainment District is still one of the best spots to catch a show, thanks to a trifecta of historic venues— Vogue , Orpheum , Commodore Ballroom —that attract top talent. In other areas, discover hidden gems such as the Rogue Folk Club , which stages bluegrass and roots music in a churchlike hall in Kitsilano. Below the cobblestone streets of Gastown, Guilt & Co offers pay-what-you-can jazz, soul, and cabaret.

For craft connoisseurs: Vancouver Foodie Tours will shepherd you to the tastiest treats at the Granville Island Public Market : Oyama sausages, Benton Brothers cheeses, Lee’s honey donuts. The neighborhood of East Van, aka “Yeast Van,” hosts breweries and distilleries including Bomber and Off the Rail brewing and Odd Society Spirits . Go behind the tanks with Canadian Craft Tours . Nearby, the semimonthly Eastside Flea is a hip gathering of indie makers.

What to eat

Native roots: A pioneer of First Nations–inspired cuisine, the indigenous-owned Salmon n’ Bannock serves the namesake bannock (a traditional quick bread) with mushrooms, as well as maple-cured salmon and slow-cooked bison. Mr. Bannock , the city’s first indigenous food truck, began offering Squamish-style smoked meats and clay-oven creations last year. Head to Forage for dishes made with wild ingredients, and belly up to Botanist for cocktails like Candy Cap Magic, which arrives in a cloud of wood-scented dry ice. ( Explore authentic food cultures around the world .)

Standout sushi: The restaurant that introduced flame-seared aburi and pressed oshi sushi to Canada, Miku makes its own sake to pair with the Aburi Prime platter of nine rice bites topped with everything from jalapeno-spiced sockeye to Japanese Wagyu. Kishimoto offers six types of oshi—rectangular rice pedestals for delicacies such as pickled mackerel and flamed eel. Be sure to arrive early at Raisu for the Oceans Offering: 12 multicolored oshi squares presented in a bamboo box. The izakaya makes only 10 orders each night.

Miku’s Aburi Prime sushi platter features nine tasty varieties.

Dumpling trail: Dumplings reign supreme in Richmond, an epicenter of Asian cuisine. Start at Su Hang Restaurant with intricately pleated xiao long bao (Shanghai soup dumplings) stuffed with pork and broth. The nearby Dinesty Dumpling House serves eight types of soup dumplings, plus pan-fried guo tie and water-boiled shui jiao . In summer, stroll to The Dumpling Master at the Richmond Night Market, whose gyoza range from kimchi beef to vegan spinach. Korean dumplings, or mandu, are a popular side dish at Samsoonie Noodle & Rice .

Tea time: The Vancouver version of a London fog means a frothy Earl Grey latte laced with vanilla syrup. Just about every café makes one, and the flavor has seeped into Earnest Ice Cream , baked goods, and local beers. Granville Island Tea Company supplies 12 loose-leaf varieties of Earl Grey for custom cups, while Parallel 49th Café & Lucky Doughnuts boils its own vanilla bean syrup. Cartems Donuts has created a London fog variety stuffed with tea-infused whipped cream and iced with Earl Grey glaze. It also sells tasty vegan options.

Runners passing through Brockton Point in Stanley Park will find stunning views of the century-old lighthouse and totem poles.

Where to stay

A star of the new Parq Vancouver casino complex, The Douglas mixes playful sophistication with Pacific Northwest earthiness. An illuminated, glass-enclosed Douglas fir tree presides over the check-in counter, and wood features in the decor throughout, along with mid-century furnishings and views of Vancouver. On the sixth-floor rooftop, The Victor restaurant sends out classic steaks plus regional seafood such as Dungeness crab and British Columbia king salmon.

Unveiled in 2018, the EXchange Hotel occupies 11 floors of the 1929 Stock Exchange Building. During its LEED Platinum conversion, the first in Canada, the Edwardian facade was integrated into a modern tower. A Mediterranean restaurant, bar, and café—named after the Greek island Hydra—opened this spring.

The marble fireplace and grand staircase in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia ’s 1927 lobby hark back to the days when Nat King Cole stayed here. In 2011 the hotel debuted the indulgent Sense spa and sleek new rooms with soaking tubs. In the basement speakeasy, Prohibition, find a throwback haunt for live music, creative cocktails, and traditional pours of absinthe.

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Vancouver Travel Guide

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to Vancouver, Canada. It's too cold, it rains all the time, it gets so dark, etc. Not only are these preconceived notions misguided, Vancouver actually has some of the most temperate weather in the entire country, making it an ideal destination to play, explore, and have adventures inside and out.

Once you realize you're not going to be swept away by freezing rain year-round, you can begin digging into the wide variety of things to see, do, eat, and explore. Canada's third largest city is a multicultural hub with stunning architecture that sits on the Strait of Georgia and is surrounded by epic mountains and lush green forests.

Because of its natural beauty, the city is set up for outdoor adventurers, whether cruising the streets of one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, riding bikes along the city's seawall, or hiking in nearby woodlands for some of the freshest air on earth.

Vancouver is a city that is proud of its diversity, its indigenous history, and its tolerance. Davie Village is a neighborhood in the city's West End where a thriving LGBTQ+ community comes out to play, while the city also boasts the third-largest urban Indigenous population in all of Canada.

So, throw your mistaken beliefs out the window and think about booking a ticket to Canada's western hub, you will not regret it.

Pacific Standard Time

Best Time to Go

There aren't any bad times to go to Vancouver, but because it's a northern city, there are reasons for every season. The summer months draw in the most tourists and boast the longest daylight hours, but the winter (which is surprisingly mild) is the least crowded time of year and has sprouting trees and flowers as early as February. Keep in mind that the rainiest months are from November to March, which leaves the month of September as the most idyllic time with changing leaves, cooling temps, and dry skies to get outside.

If you're into whale watching, April through November is prime time. For events and festivals, think about Chinese New Year, which lands between January and February, the Vancouver Marathon in May, Vancouver International Jazz Festival in June, or the Vancouver Pride Parade in July or August.

Things to Know

One of the best things about Vancouver is how easy it is to get around. Not only is the city incredibly walkable and bike-able, but there is also a plethora of public transit options. Don't bother renting a car here as hotel parking is pricey and taxis, buses, ferries, trains, and ride-share apps make moving around a cinch. Check out this handy transit guide by the Vancouver Tourism Board.

Another great item to note about Vancouver is that the city boasts 550 separate locations with free WiFi service. Look for the #VanWifi public network to connect in case you need touring advice at your fingertips. Also, if you're visiting Vancouver from the United States, you do not need an adapter for your electronics as all of Canada runs on standard 120 V.

As far as the geography of the city, Vancouver is broken up into neighborhoods. Popular hoods include the Downtown Centre, which is in the middle of the city; Gastown, which is known as the historic quarter filled with cobblestoned streets and trendy restaurants; Kitsilano for the beach and water enthusiasts; Yaletown for high-end shopping and eating; Chinatown for great eats and sites; and the West End, which leads outdoor lovers to the expansive Stanley Park.

Lastly, Vancouver is considered one of the safest cities in the world. But like all major metropolises, mind your belongings — especially in the highest touristy areas of the city.

Currency: Canadian Dollar – nicknamed the "loonie." (Check the current exchange rate )

Language: English

Calling Code: +1 604

Capital City: Victoria (capital of British Columbia)

How to Get Around

Trains: Vancouver SkyTrain is one of the most-efficient means of getting around the city. There are three lines: the Expo Line with four downtown stations, including Chinatown and the Waterfront; the Canada Line, which can take you to and from the airport, in addition to Vancouver City Centre and Yaletown; and the Millennium Line that links with the Westcoast Express commuter train. Depending on where you're going, fares run from $1.95 to $5.75.

Buses: Vancouver has an extensive bus system that typically runs from 5am to 1am with stops in every major neighborhood and beyond. Vancouver's TransLink website has a simple plug and play that can help you get to wherever you need to go and includes fare prices.

Taxis: If you plan on taking a taxi from the airport, the fares will change depending on the zone of your destination. Airport rates range from $20-$40. All taxis are regulated in the city and run on meters.

Ferries: Connecting downtown Vancouver with the North Shore is the SeaBus, a passenger-only ferry that departs every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night. SeaBus fares are similar to SkyTrain fares.

Car service: When you arrive at the Vancouver International Airport, you have a bevy of transportation options. One of the most comfortable rides is hailing a luxury vehicle to whisk you into the city in style. There are officially-licensed limousine services from the airport that do not require any advanced bookings.

Best Hotels

Fairmont hotel vancouver.

Address: 900 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2W6, Canada Phone: +1 604-684-3131 Website

Arguably the nicest hotel in the entire city, the Fairmont resides in the central part of the city with epic waterfront views. The classic Châteauesque-styled hotel was built in the 1930s, has more than 500 rooms, and features an indoor pool. Other highlights of the property include its lavish afternoon tea and a pet-friendly policy.

Shangri-La Hotel

Address: 1128 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6E 0A8, Canada Phone: +1 604-689-1120 Website

Part of the luxurious Shangri-La chain of hotels, the Vancouver iteration is home to 119 rooms and 15 floors within the tallest building in the city. This central downtown spot is known for its Zen-inducing spa, award-winning service, and excellent dining at Miantiao — a Chinese/Italian fusion spot that's filled with surprises.

Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Address: 801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7, Canada Phone: +1 604-682-5566 Website

This vintage downtown hotel was originally opened in 1927 and has played host to A-list celebrities and British royalty alike. In 2011, the hotel unveiled a massive renovation, bringing the property into the 21st century with today's finest amenities. Guests here are treated to an incredible spa, 52-foot indoor saltwater lap pool, and personalized experiences that range from rainforest hikes to helicopter journeys.

Skwachàys Lodge

Address: 31 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1R3, Canada Phone: +1 604-687-3589 Website

Indigenous-owned and operated, the Skwachàys Lodge is a hotel in the Gastown areas of the city. This arts-forward property hosts an urban Indigenous artist residence and a gallery featuring Indigenous art. If you're looking for the soul of the Indigenous experience, the hotel offers a private sweat lodge purification ceremony on the rooftop garden, in addition to a smudging ceremony meant to purify the body.

Address: 1177 Melville St, Vancouver, BC V6E 0A3, Canada Phone: +1 604-669-5060 Website

This boutique hotel is close to Stanley Park and is constantly recognized as one of the best hotels in Vancouver. Known for its health and wellness program, each room comes with its own yoga mat and a 24-hour yoga channel on the in-room TVs. Other unique amenities include an infrared sauna and free use of electric cruiser bikes that can zip you around the city with ease.

Hotel Belmont

Address: 654 Nelson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6K4, Canada Phone: +1 604-605-4333 Website

For tourists wanting to be in the fray of Vancouver's bustling nightlife, Hotel Belmont is in the perfect spot. This funky hotel is right off Granville Street, which is home to some of the city's best bars, pubs, and nightclubs. Inside, the hotel leans into kitsch with multicolored layouts and retro design. And if you want to keep the entertainment going at the property, The Basement has a neon-lit arcade with a bowling alley and late night DJ-led dance parties.

Address: 322 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5Z6, Canada Phone: +1 604-642-6787 Website

A Yaletown mainstay, Opus Hotel is a hip boutique that features in-house Muses who are there to design your entire stay in Vancouver – virtually anyway. The pre-ordained characters give you a helpful guide to the city based on your mood or personality. In addition to making your stay more personalized, the hotel also features a delectable Italian restaurant called Capo with tasty pizzas and slick cocktails.

Best Restaurants

Address: 200 Granville St #70, Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4, Canada Phone: +1 604-568-3900 Website

Not only does Miku have some of the best sushi in Vancouver, but it also prides itself on its sustainability. The restaurant is part of the Ocean Wise Program, which is overseen by the Vancouver Aquarium and recognizes restaurants for their commitment to sustainable fishing practices. As a result, you can feel good when you devour the specially curated Kaiseki meals or a la carte albacore, yellowtail, and king salmon nigiri.

L'Abattoir

Address: 217 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2, Canada Phone: +1 604-568-1701 Website

There isn't a Michelin Guide in Vancouver, but if the French publication ever decided to review the city, L'Abattoir would be star worthy. Located in Gastown, the restaurant leans into West Coast cuisine with heavy French influences. Menu highlights include chilled marinated octopus, fillet of wild Pacific halibut "à la nage," and pigeon paillard.

Address: 207 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1K6, Canada Phone: +1 604-688-1655 Website

If you're looking for some of the best vegetarian and vegan options wrapped in Middle-Eastern flare, Nuba is the restaurant for you. This Lebanese spot is famous for their falafel, red lentil soup, Merguez meatballs, and creamy hummus. There are four separate locations, so you can generally fill up on Mediterranean delights anywhere in the city.

Cioppino's

Address: 1133 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5P6, Canada Phone: +1 604-688-7466 Website

Easily the best Italian restaurant in the city, Cioppino's is helmed by chef Giuseppe Posteraro, who is as much an artist as he is a cook. The restaurant is the recipient of the coveted three-fork rating from Italian food and wine magazine, Gambero Rosso—basically the Italian version of the Michelin guide. You'll quickly understand why when Pino whips up original, artistic meals on a nightly basis themed on whatever is in-season and whatever has inspired him on that day.

Burdock & Co.

Address: 2702 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E8, Canada Phone: +1 604-879-0077 Website

Burdock & Co. was one of the first restaurants to adopt the concept of the 100-mile meal. The idea is to source all ingredients from the area and make out-of-this-world farm-to-table dishes that literally can't be seen anywhere else. As a result, the menu is chock-full of locally-forested mushrooms, freshly-caught mussels, charcoal-grilled steaks from local farms, and more. If you care about true sustainability, this is the restaurant for you.

Address: 801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7, Canada Phone: +1 604-673-7000 Website

Typically one of the top-rated restaurants in the city, Hawksworth is a proponent of modern West Coast Canadian dining that sources only the finest-quality ingredients and delivers them in the most innovative of ways. A walk through chef Hawksworth's menu is a foodie's dreamscape that seems to travel around the globe with specialties like Korean-fried cauliflower, wagyu beef carpaccio, spring ricotta agnolotti, and his take on baby-back ribs.

Salmon n' Bannock

Address: 1128 W Broadway #7, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G5, Canada Phone: +1 604-568-8971 Website

The focus of Salmon n' Bannock is to highlight First Nations' traditions within the culinary space. The staff is a cacophony of First Nations' peoples, and the food represents a variety of First Nations' cultures. Classics include a bison pot roast, a "Fiss n' Rice" that's a wild sockeye atop Ojibway wild rice, and loads of Bannock breads with creative toppings.

Things to Do

Vancouver mural festival.

Address: 2410 Columbia St, Vancouver, BC V5Y 3E6, Canada Phone: +1 604-675-1793 Website

The Vancouver Mural Festival is a non-profit that was formed in 2016 with the aim of enhancing the artistic side of the city. Murals are created throughout the city every year and culminates in a yearly, multi-week event that spans 11 neighborhoods, and includes art walks, live shows, and more.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Address: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada Phone: +1 604-985-7474 Website

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a 450-foot-long, 230-foot-high bridge that crosses the Capilano River and has been freaking out acrophobes since 1889. The bridge is also part of an expansive park that traipses tourists through bridges and walkways among the coastal rainforest.

Talaysay Tours

Address: 334 Skawshen Rd, West Vancouver, BC V7P 3T1, Canada Phone : (800) 605-4643 Website

The guiding ethos of the Talaysay Tours is to simply 'love the land.' If you want to discover authentic cultural experiences, Talaysay Tours can give you an inside look at indigenous culture throughout Vancouver's history and ventures through Stanley Park and other historic sites.

Museum of Anthropology

Address: 6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada Phone: +1 604-822-5087 Website

Since 1947, the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) has been displaying and celebrating the arts and cultures of First Nations' peoples and other communities in and around British Columbia. MOA is a teaching museum that houses upwards of 50,000 works from across the globe and is famous for its vast collection from the Northwest Coast.

Vancouver Art Gallery

Address: 750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7, Canada Phone: +1 604-662-4700 Website

One of the largest museums in all of Canada, the Vancouver Art Gallery was first established in 1931 and features art from around the world with an emphasis on First Nations and Canadian art. Past exhibits include everything from Picasso and Monet to Murakami and anime.

City Cycle Tours

Address: 648 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2G2, Canada Phone: +1 604-618-8626 Website

Vancouver is an incredibly bike-friendly city and riding is one of the best ways to see all the sites. A guided bike tour by City Cycle Tours can take you through Stanley Park, into Chinatown and Gastown, around the Public Market at Granville Island, and so much more. One of the true highlights is biking the seawall that has views of Vancouver's stunning seascapes and architecture.

Stanley Park

Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada Phone: +1 604-681-6728 Website

Vancouver's largest play area, Stanley Park is a massive green space on the northwest side of the city that is home to Vancouver's famous Seawall, the Vancouver Aquarium, multiple beaches, and dozens of walking and biking trails. The 400-hectare park is a local's favorite and includes multiple dining outlets, swimming pools, ice rinks, golf courses, and more.

Grouse Mountain

Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9, Canada Phone: +1 604-980-9311 Website

If you want to take in the overwhelming beauty of Vancouver and British Columbia, think about jaunting up Grouse Mountain aboard the Super Skyride. Grouse Mountain is only 15 minutes from the city center and the gondola rises 4,100 feet to the summit for mesmerizing views. The mountain is also home to disc golf, paragliding, zip lines, and more.

Best Shopping

Granville island public market.

Address: Public Market, 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada Phone: +1 604-666-6655 Website

Just across the Granville Bridge, Granville Island Public Market is home to dozens of food stalls that can provide a full sampling of Vancouver's entire culinary scene. Outside the market are theaters, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Access to the island is via the Granville Bridge or one of Vancouver's SeaBuses.

Alberni/Robson Street

Address: 800 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A7, Canada Website

For all kinds of shopping finds, the parallel streets of Robson and Alberni are a spender's paradise. Stores run the gamut from Zara and Lululemon to Tiffany & Co. and Jimmy Choo. If you can't find what you're looking for, you're not trying hard enough.

West 4th Avenue

Address: West 4th From Fir Street to Balsam Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M4, Canada Phone: +1 604-617-9070 Website

West 4th Street has been a shopping hub in Vancouver since the 1920s and shows no signs of slowing. There are more than 250 unique businesses along the street that include clothing, sporting goods, homeware, health and wellness, and a wide variety of specialty shops.

Address: 1100 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1B2, Canada Phone: +1 604-684-3251 Website

This Vancouver-born brand is known for high-end ladies' fashion. Since 1984, the brand has grown to more than 100 locations in North America and eight in Vancouver alone.

Herschel Supply Co.

Address: 347 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B8, Canada Phone: +1 604-620-1155 Website

Another Vancouver-born brand, Herschel Supply Co. is known for its wide range of bags, backpacks, duffels, totes, and so much more. The company now has more than 40 locations around the globe as their fine craftsmanship sees higher demand every year.

Saje Natural Wellness

Address: 2252 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N8, Canada Phone : +1 604-738-7253 Website

Saje Natural Wellness is a Canadian-owned-and-operated wellness business that prides itself on all-natural products. The company is known for their soothing oils, lotions, diffusers, soaps, and shampoos. There are multiple Saje locations around Vancouver.

Neighborhoods to Know

Coal Harbour : Sitting on the north side of central Vancouver, Coal Harbour is a sleepy narrow neighborhood that is bordered by Canada Place to the east and Stanley Park to the west. Canada Place is home to the Vancouver Convention Centre that attracts international expositions. One of the main attractions of the neighborhood is the waterfront views where pedestrians can stroll and peer out into Vancouver Harbour while browsing small shops and eating at quaint cafés.

Chinatown : Vancouver's Chinatown dates back to the late 1800s and is considered a National Historic Site in Canada. One of the largest Chinatowns in the world, the central Vancouver neighborhood is filled with incredible Chinese restaurants and bakeries, apothecary shops, Asian markets, and more. A must-stop is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which is a Ming Dynasty style garden, and plays host to festivals, concerts, and educational activities.

Davie Village : Vancouver has an incredibly diverse and thriving LGBTQ+ community, and Davie Village is a stretch of streets where you'll find rainbow-colored flags flying with pride. You'll know you're in the right place when you step over the vibrant rainbow crosswalk that leads to a bevy of great restaurants and cafés during the day and buzzing bars and clubs at night.

Gastown : For lovers of historic areas, the cobblestoned streets of Gastown are the place to be. The neighborhood dates back to 1867 and features buildings with classic Victorian architecture and restaurants that are a foodie's dream. Instagrammers might want to take a picture in front of Gastown's most famous landmark, an antique clock that's partially powered by steam.

Granville Island : Technically not an island (it is bordered by water on three sides), Granville Island is a short ferry ride or bridge drive across False Creek on the southwest side of town. Once there, a must-stop attraction is the Granville Island Public Market where vendors hawk every type of local food imaginable. Around the market are theaters, galleries, and waterfront restaurants and breweries.

Kitsilano : Across the water to the west, Kitsilano is one of Vancouver's bigger neighborhoods. Within its confines includes West 4th Avenue, which is one of the best shopping streets in the city, the Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver's Greektown, and lots of green space for joggers, bikers, and lazy weekend hangouts. Kitsilano was once considered the Haight-Ashbury of Vancouver and its hippy roots can still be seen with loads of healthy vegan restaurants and wellness shops. It's also the birthplace of famed clothing brand Lululemon.

West End : The West End is the largest neighborhood on the peninsula, encompassing Davie Village, and is bordered by Stanley Park on the northwest, and Nelson Park and Robson Square to the southeast. Within the area is the Vancouver Art Gallery, the shopping Meccas of Robson and Alberni Streets, and multiple beaches. One of the more popular attractions is biking the Stanley Park Seawall that hugs the west side of the neighborhood.

Yaletown : This tony neighborhood is home to some of the nicest restaurants in the city alongside chic boutiques and luscious green space. To the southeast is BC Place, Vancouver's largest sports complex for soccer and football matches, as well as mega concert performances. The parks along the waterfront draw in locals and tourists alike.

Summer is peak tourism season with the least amount of rain and long sunny days that are rarely unbearably hot. Winters are milder than you'd expect for a Canadian city, but you'll encounter more rain from November to March. Shoulder seasons of spring and fall feature stunning blooms and changing leaves.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month. January: 37°F to 44°F February: 38°F to 47°F March: 40°F to 51°F April: 44°F to 56°F May: 49°F to 63°F June: 54°F to 67°F July: 58°F to 72°F August: 58°F to 72°F September: 53°F to 66°F October: 47°F to 57°F November: 41°F to 49°F December: 37°F to 44°F

Apps to Download

Mobi-Bikes : Vancouver is such a great biking city with dozens of trails that weave in and around the streets, parks, and boardwalks. Mobi is cheap and easy way to find bikes anywhere in the city. iOs | Android

Uber : For quick ride services, download the popular Uber app to zip you around the city with ease. iOs | Android

Street Food Vancouver : Vancouver has an excellent street-food scene and if you want to know where, when, and how to find it all, download this app and you'll be street-feasting in no time. iOs | Android

Vancouver Transit : This app will help you catch a train, bus, or ferry to anywhere you want or need to go in Vancouver. iOs | Android

OpenTable : For all your restaurant reservation needs, download OpenTable. iOs | Android

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Mint Notion

Feel rich living within your means

12 Vancouver Travel Tips to Know Before Visiting

By Eden Ashley MintNotion.com is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this site, we will earn a commission at no added cost to you. This helps keep the content on this website free for everyone to enjoy. Disclosure Page

Visiting Vancouver for the first time? Follow these insider travel tips to help you plan your Vancouver itinerary, know where to stay in the city, where to find the best eats, and experience the best things to do in Vancouver.

My parents grew up in Vancouver and I’ve been visiting there every couple of years over the past 30+ years to visit my relatives and enjoy the city.

It’s one of my favorite cities in the world because you can be in an urban environment one minute, then just a few minutes later you can be exploring the wilderness.

It’s not a cheap city to visit, but after visiting many times over the years, I’ve learned how to discover the best of what Vancouver has to offer without breaking the bank.

Follow these Vancouver travel tips to help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

What do I need to know before traveling to Vancouver?

Best time to go : The best time to visit Vancouver is between April and October. This is when there is less chance of rain and the weather is warm.

Best area to stay : Downtown , West End , Gastown , Yaletown , or Coal Harbour & Waterfront .

Best way to get around : The best way to get around Vancouver is to ride the SkyTrain or bus. While the city’s public transportation is not perfect, it’s a great way to get around to all the popular neighborhoods and attractions.

Top 5 things to do in Vancouver : Stanley Park , Granville Island , Vancouver Aquarium , Museum of Anthropology , and Capilano Suspension Bridge .

What’s Vancouver known for? Vancouver is known for is scenic views of the mountains and ocean, mild climate, and friendly people. It also has the largest Chinatown in Canada and tons of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts.

Top 10 things to do in Vancouver

• Stanley Park
• Granville Island
• Vancouver Aquarium
• Museum of Anthropology
• Capilano Suspension Bridge
• Grouse Mountain
• Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden
• Vancouver Whale Watching
• Sea-to-Sky Gondola
• VanDusen Botanical Garden

I like to book my attraction tickets and tours through GetYourGuide . Sometimes they offer discounts to save money on sightseeing.

But most importantly, they offer FREE cancellation. If your plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your activity starts for a full refund. This can give you peace of mind when traveling.

Which part of Vancouver is best to stay?

After visiting Vancouver over a dozen times, these are the best 5 neighborhoods to stay in for tourists:

• Downtown – This is the best part of the city to stay in if you’re visiting Vancouver for the first time. It’ll provide the perfect base to get around the city and do some sightseeing.
• West End – This is a popular neighorhood near Stanley Park and English Bay.
• Gastown – This is Vancouver’s oldest neighborhoods. You’ll love the cobblestone streets, brick buildings, and vintage charm.
• Yaletown – This is trendy neighborhood is perfect if you want to check out chic cafes, interesting shop, and stay in upscale accommodation.
• Coal Harbour & Waterfront – This is one of the quietest areas of downtown Vancouver, especially at night. It’s close to Vancouver’s cruise ship terminal, so it can be a convenient place to stay if you’re exploring the city before or after a cruise.

Besides using Booking.com to find affordable hotels, I’ve also had good luck using  Hotwire  to score 4 or 5-Star hotels for cheap.

Best hotels in Vancouver for every budget

If you’re traveling on a budget, these are the best  affordable hotels  in Vancouver:

• Blue Horizon Hotel – Downtown on Robson Street which is a popular shopping district.
• Residence Inn by Marriott Vancouver Downtown
• Times Square Suites Hotel – In the West End near Stanley Park and English Bay.

If you have some more wiggle room in your budget, below are some of the best  mid- range hotels in Vancouver:

• Granville Island Hotel
• Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Vancouver Downtown
• Holiday Inn Vancouver Downtown

If you want to splurge on your accommodations, below are some popular  luxury hotels  in Vancouver:

• Fairmont Pacific Rim – Close to Canada Place cruise ship terminal.
• L’Hermitage Hotel – Located in the heart of Vancouver’s downtown shopping district.
• Loden Vancouver – Located in Coal Harbour.

Where should I avoid staying in Vancouver?

Vancouver is a very safe city to visit, but you should avoid staying in the Downtown East Side (DTES).

Avoid walking through Hastings Street between Abbott and Main as this area can be a dangerous place for pedestrians. Here you’ll see the homeless, mentally ill, and drug addicted population of Vancouver.

Is it safe to stay in downtown Vancouver?

Yes, Vancouver is one of the safest large cities in Canada.

Stick to the popular tourist areas which include Gastown, Yaletown, Davie Village, Stanley Park, Kitsilano, West End, Mount Pleasant, Chinatown, and Coal Harbor.

Avoid going to the Downtown East Side (DTES) where the homeless, mentally ill, and drug addicted hang out.

Getting around Vancouver

Vancouver’s downtown is geographically the smallest of Canada’s five largest urban regions. For example, downtown Toronto is 16.6 sq km whereas downtown Vancouver is about 5.7 sq km.

This means the downtown area is very walkable and it’s easy to get around on foot. It will take around 35 minutes to walk from Gastown to the beginning of the Vancouver Seawall at Stanley Park.

Should you rent a car for your Vancouver trip?

If you’re planning on spending most of your time in or near downtown Vancouver, then there’s really no reason to rent a car. You can easily walk, ride a bike, or hop on Vancouver’s public transit.  

If you’re planning on visiting attractions outside of the downtown area or taking daytrips to explore other Vancouver neighborhoods and nearby cities, then I highly recommend renting a car.

While Vancouver offers good public transportation, it can take twice as long to reach some areas of the city than it would be if you were driving.

How to use Vancouver’s public transit:

TransLink is Metro Vancouver’s regional transport authority, and its public transit system is made up of buses, the SkyTrain, and the SeaBus.

There are 3 fare zones across Metro Vancouver and the number of SkyTrain or SeaBus boundaries you cross during your trip will determine your fare.

All bus and HandyDART trips are a 1-Zone fare, regardless of zones crossed, time of day, or day of the week.

A single fare is valid for 90 minutes on bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and HandyDART.

Kids under 12 years of age can ride TransLink services free of charge, which can make it more affordable for families traveling around Metro Vancouver.

Paying your fare on the bus and HandyDART – You can use a Compass Card, Compass Ticket, contactless credit card, or pay cash (no change will be given).

Paying your fare on SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express – You can use a Compass Card, Compass Ticket, or contactless credit card.

You must tap your card at the fare gates as you enter and exit a station to validate your fare.

Make sure to tap out after you complete your trip so the system will calculate the fare zones you’ve travelled and charges you the correct fare.

What’s a Compass Card? A Compass Card is a reloadable fare card that you can use to pay your fare when taking public transit around Metro Vancouver.

The Compass Card can be loaded with Store Value or with prepaid passes (such as a Day or Monthly Pass).

If you’re planning to ride public transportation a lot during your trip, then I highly recommend getting a Compass Card to save time and money.

Other ways to get around Vancouver:

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – This is a great way to see the sights of Vancouver at your own pace with a 24 or 48-hour pass. You’ll discover neighborhoods such as Gastown, Yaletown, and Chinatown.

Bike – Vancouver has lots of dedicated bike lines throughout the city. You can choose to rent a bike or go on a bike tour of Vancouver.

Walk – Make sure to pack your comfortable walking shoes. This is the best way to get around downtown Vancouver.

Taxi – Taxis can get expensive, but they are convient if you’re traveling with multiple people. Otherwise, I recommend just riding the SkyTrain.

Below are some useful things to know before traveling to Vancouver.

1. It rains a lot in Vancouver

Yes, it rains a lot in Vancouver, but never too hard that it makes it difficult to enjoy the outdoors.

You may notice that on rainy days in Vancouver, you won’t see many people using umbrellas. Most of the locals are used to the rain and prefer to just wear rain jackets and waterproof shoes when walking outside.

We even went hiking in Lynn Canyon during the rain, which gave the park a rainforest ambiance.

If you are worried about the rain though, consider visiting Vancouver in July and August, which are the driest months of the year .

And if it does rain during your trip, below are some of the best rainy day activities to do in Vancouver:

• Visit the Museum of Anthropology
• Check out a craft brewery in East Vancouver or North Vancouver
• Head to Granville Island
• Visit the Vancouver Aquarium
• Check out Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – This is a great spot to visit on a rainy day because it usually keeps the crowds away. You might even be able to take a photo with no one in it!
• Check out the cafes or bars on Commercial Drive
• Eat authentic Chinese food in Richmond – Chinatown is great, but the best Chinese food is in Richmond.
• Tour the Fraser Valley wineries
• Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery
• Tour a museum
• Check out a local food tour

2. Vancouver is a tiny city

Vancouver is the third largest city in Canada, based on population (Toronto is #1 and Montreal is #2). However, many people who visit Vancouver are surprised how tiny the city actually is.

For example, you can walk from Gastown (Central Vancouver) to English Bay (the West End of Vancouver) in under 45 minutes.

And for attractions outside of the downtown core, you can take the Metro Vancouver bus, SkyTrain, or SeaBus.

3. There is free WiFi available in downtown Vancouver

There’s no need to pay for WiFi at your hotel because residents and visitors to Vancouver can enjoy free public WiFi access on their smartphone, tablet or laptop at a variety of locations.

There are 590+ free public WiFi locations in Vancouver. Just look for the network name (#VanWiFi, COV-Public, or VPL) from your device’s WiFi settings menu to connect.

4. Splurge on at least one Vancouver tourist attraction

In 2020, Insider ranked Vancouver as the second most expensive city in the world to live (Hong Kong is #1).

It’s also one of the most livable cities in the world and a top tourist destination in Canada. All the best cities are expensive, right?

While Vancouver has several paid attractions that are worth the money, if you’re traveling on a budget, I recommend picking just one or two attractions to splurge on.

If you’re like most people, this means going on a whale watching tour . It’s an incredible experience to see whales in their natural environment.

You can get the chance to spot orcas, humpback, minke, gray whales, porpoises, and seals on this popular whale watching tour.

Then you can fill the rest of your itinerary with free things to do in Vancouver. Below are some other great attractions you may want to consider checking out:

• The Vancouver Art Gallery
• Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

5. Take advantage of free things to do in Vancouver

A trip to Vancouver doesn’t have to break the bank. Below are some of my favorite free things to do in the city:

Visit Granville Island – Explore the public market and shops. Here you’ll find delicious food and unique stores.

Check out Stanley Park – Get here early to walk along the Seawall and visit the Totem Poles.

Hike the Grouse Grind – If you really want to feel like a local, this is one of the most popular things to do. Remember to wear comfortable shoes!

Window shop – The best shopping districts in Vancouver include Robson Street, Yaletown, and Commercial Drive. If it’s raining, head indoors to Pacific Centre or Metrotown mall.

Check out Lonsdale Quay – This is another great public market to explore and enjoy a beautiful view of downtown Vancouver.

Hear the Gastown Steam Clock whistle – While Gastown was around since the 1870s, the Steam Clocks was built in 1977 to help bring tourists to the area. It whistles every 15 minutes.

Take a stroll in Queen Elizabeth Park – This is one of the best things to do on a sunny afternoon. You can marvel at the panoramic views of Vancouver.  

Lynn Canyon – The Capilano Suspension bridge is worth every penny, but if you’re looking for a free option, check out the Lynn Canyon Suspension bridge. It’s not as big as the Capilano suspension bridge, but it’s a favorite among locals.

To compare, Lynn Canyon Suspension bridge is 48 meters and Capilano Suspension Bridge is 140 meters!

6. Take a daytrip from Vancouver

Many people who visit Vancouver seem to think that it’s easy to take a daytrip to Vancouver Island . While it is possible to do a daytrip to Vancouver Island, you’ll feel very rushed trying to see everything that Victoria, BC has to offer in just a few hours day. 

My dad used to the live in Victoria for a few years, so I’ve gotten used to getting up early to take the first ferry over to the mainland (from Vancouver Island) to visit my relatives in Vancouver for the day. But let me tell you, it makes for an extremely LONG day.

I highly recommend spending at least two nights in Victoria to give yourself enough time to truly enjoy the sights and everything that Victoria has to offer. You’ll definitely want to check out Butchart Gardens .

If you’re driving, allow yourself at least 3.5 hours each way, including the 90-minute BC Ferry crossing between the mainland and Vancouver Island.

If you’re not driving, allow yourself at least 4.5 hours each way, assuming you’ll be taking public transportation from downtown Vancouver to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal. For more information, check out my weekend in Victoria, BC guide .

Below are some more popular daytrip ideas from Vancouver:

• Squamish – Don’t miss the Sea-to-Sky Gondola.
• Steveston Village – This is a quaint fishing village that’s full of history and charm.

7. Vancouver is an outdoorsy city

Vancouver is often described as a place where urban life and the great outdoors intersect.

There’s a good chance you’ll see people wearing hiking shoes or outdoorsy attire. In fact, Lululemon the popular athletic apparel company was started in Vancouver.

The region offers some of the best hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities in the world.

Here you’ll find mountains, beaches, plenty of nature, and top-rated parks. It’s one of the best cities in Canada for outdoor enthusiasts.

Below are some of the best parks and nature tours to check out in Vancouver:

• Pacific Spirit Regional Park
• Everett Crowley Park
• Renfrew Ravine Park
• Capilano Regional Park
• Lighthouse Park
• Lynn Canyon Park

8. Take a food tour

Vancouver is a foodie city and has some of the best seafood and ethnic food in the world.

If you have time, consider taking one of these popular food tours in Vancouver. This can be a great way to learn about the history of the area and enjoy some local food and drinks.

• Vancouver 2.5-hour sunset dinner buffet cruise ***Most Popular***
• Gastown walking food tour
• Vancouver Guided Food & City Tour
• Granville Island 2-hour market tour

It’s also said to be the most Asian city outside of Asia. So whether you’re craving Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, or Korean food, you’ll find some of the best restaurants here.

Vancouver is also known for their craft beers with over 50 breweries in the city and surrounding areas.

If this is your first time visiting Canada (or British Columbia), then I recommend trying poutine . This is a classic Canadian dish which is fries topped with warm gravy and cheese curds. You usually eat it with a fork.

The best places to get poutine in Vancouver are Mean Poutine, Belgian Fries, Wallflower, La Belle Patate, and Fritz European Fry House.

White Spot is also a popular restaruant chain in British Columbia. They are famous for their hamburgers served with their Triple ‘O’ sauce . I always get this when I’m in Vancouver.

When choosing where you want to stay in the city, it’s also important to consider what you want to eat. Below are some of Vancouver’s best foodie neighborhoods:

• Chinatown – Excellent Chinese food and classic bakeries.
• Gastown – Modern cuisine and fusion foods with great nightlife.
• Granville Island – Great public market where you can find everything you need to have a picnic.
• The West End – Great for ramen and Korean food.
• Kitsilano – Offers contemporary cuisine.
• Richmond – Considered to have the best Chinese food outside of China.

9. Make time to visit Chinatown

Vancouver’s Chinatown is the third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. You can easily spend half a day here exploring the different streets and sampling all the delicious food.

Best things to do in Chinatown:

• Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
• Jimi Hendrix Shrine
• Vancouver Police Museum
• Check out the Millennium Gate as you enter Chinatown

Best places to eat in Chinatown:

• Goldstone Bakery & Restaurant – Great for Hong-Kong style diner food.
• DD Mau Chinatown – Great place for tasty Vietnamese eats.
• Kokomo – Delicious plant-based eatery in Chinatown
• Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie – Chinese sharing plates and upscale cocktails.
• Phnom Penh – Cambodian and Vietnamese eats.
• Chinatown BBQ – A great place to get the best bang for your buck.

10. Check out Commercial Drive

Located in East Vancouver and also known as “The Drive”, this is one of the most culturally diverse shopping, dining, and nightlife districts you’ll find in Vancouver. It’s also home to the city’s Little Italy, which represents more than 60 years of Italian heritage.

Best cafes on Commercial Drive:

• Uprising Breads Bakery – Just a block away from Commercial Drive, this is one of my favorite bakeries in the area.
• Joe’s Café Bar
• Café Calabria
• Moja Coffee
• Turk’s Coffee Bar

Best restaurants on Commercial Drive:

• Havana – Inspired by the colors and culture of Old Havana, Cuba. They have great margaritas.
• Lombardo’s Pizzeria & Ristorante
• Sopra Sotto Pizzeria
• Lunch Lady – One of the best places for Vietnamese noodle soup.
• La Mezcaleria – Great for elevated Mexican fare.
• Fets Whiskey Kitchen – Whiskey bar serving up Southern favorites like fried chicken.
• Kishimoto Japanese Restaurant
• The Cannibal Café – Punk-rock themed burger joint.
• SULA Indian Restaurant – Offering chicken korma and other popular Indian fare.
• Tangent Café – Malaysian fusion dishes.

11. Check out the food markets in Vancouver

If taking a food tour is not on your Vancouver bucket list, another good way to experience the city’s food and culture is to explore one of its food markets. Below are the most popular markets to visit.

Lonsdale Quay Market

Located in North Vancouver, this iconic market is home to 60+ locally-owned businesses. You’ll find fresh produce and artisan products here.

Grab something to eat and enjoy a beautiful view of Vancouver’s waterfront. Then if you have time, make sure to check out the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain .

Granville Island Market

This Vancouver’s most popular public market. Paid parking is available, but it fills up quickly so make sure to arrive early or take public transit to get here. You could easily spend half a day here exploring the market and local shops on the island.

Best things to eat at Granville Island Market :

• Petit Ami – A local coffee chain.
• Lee’s Donuts – You’ll definitely want to grab a donut to go with your cup of coffee.
• The Stock Market – Great for warm soups on a cold day.
• Terra Breads – Offering creative bread selections and loaves.
• A La Mode – Offering sweet and savory pies.
• Tony’s Fish & Oyster Café – Great spot for fish and chips.

Richmond Night Market

This is the largest night market in North America. With over 70 food and 100 retail stalls, you can enjoy some of the best Asian food in the country. It’s open from the end of April to October.

12. Recreational marijuana is legal in Vancouver

Adults 19+ can smoke or vape cannabis in public spaces where tobacco smoking is allowed. You can purchase cannabis and cannabis accessories from licensed private retailers in the city.

What to pack for your Vancouver trip

Waterproof jacket – It rains approximately 192 days throughout the year in Vancouver. Even if you’re traveling during the summer months, it’s still a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket just in case the weather changes.

Waterproof shoes – If it does rain during your trip, it’s no fun to walk around in soaking wet shoes. I always make sure to bring a pair of waterproof shoes when traveling to Vancouver just in case.

Comfortable shoes / Hiking boots – Whether you’re walking downtown or through Stanley Park, it’s important to wear comfortable shoes. If you plan on doing any hiking, then hiking boots are a must!

Travel umbrella – No matter where I’m going, I always like to bring a travel umbrella with me. You never know when it’ll rain in Vancouver.

Vancouver travel guidebook – A smartphone is great for looking up restaurant reviews, but I like using travel guidebooks to discover less-touristed attractions and insider tips. Plus there’s no charging required.  

Camera – I like to travel with my Sony mirrorless camera. While my smartphone can take decent photos, there’s no comparison when it comes to photos taken with my Sony camera.

Small backpack – I always travel with a small backpack. It’s perfect for carrying all my day-to-day travel essentials. Plus you’ll fit in with the Vancouver crowd as most people wear outdoorsy attire.

Bug spray – If you’re planning to go hiking, bug spray is a must.

How to get from Vancouver International Airport to downtown

There are a few different options to get from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to downtown.

Public Transit

You can take the SkyTrain from YVR to downtown Vancouver and parts of Richmond. The ride from the airport to downtown takes around 26 minutes.

Trains leave from the airport around every seven minutes and there are 16 stops along the line.

If you’re traveling with multiple people, then taxi a taking might be cheaper than riding the SkyTrain. You can use one of the taxi stands located on Level 2 of the airport.

Vancouver Travel Guide FAQs

Is vancouver worth visiting.

Yes, Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world because it’s surrounded by the ocean and mountains. The people are friendly and it’s a foodie’s paradise.

How many days is enough in Vancouver?

3-4 days is ideal for first-time visitors. This will give you enough time to see the main attractions in Vancouver, explore the different neighborhoods, and experience the city’s nature.

What is the best month to visit Vancouver?

June, July, August are the best months to visit Vancouver. These are also the driest and warmest months of the year. Other good times to visit Vancouver are from March to May and September to November when the climate is mild and hotel rates are more affordable.

Is 3 days enough for Vancouver?

3 days is plenty of time for first-timers to see Vancouver’s most popular attractions and explore the city’s neighborhoods.

Is 5 days enough for Vancouver?

5 days is enough time to explore the main attractions in Vancouver and combine it with a second destination like Vancouver Island or Whistler.  

Is Vancouver expensive to visit?

Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada and the world. However, with some careful planning, you can visit this amazing city without breaking the bank.

You should plan to spend $154 CAD ($119 USD) per day on your vacation in Vancouver. The average visitor spends around $34 CAD ($27 USD) on meals per day and $13 CAD ($10 USD) on transportation.

Hotel rates per couple are an average of $188 CAD ($146 USD) per night. This means a trip to Vancouver for one week will cost an average of $2,160 CAD ($1,672 USD) for two people. ( Source )

Do you need a car in Vancouver?

If you’re staying in downtown Vancouver and just plan on visiting the main attractions within the city, then there’s no need to rent a car. However, if you plan to explore outside of Vancouver, such as North Vancouver, East Vancouver, or do daytrips, then renting a car is more convenient than taking public transit.

Do they have Uber in Vancouver?

Yes, both Uber and Lyft operate in Vancouver.

Does Vancouver have good public transportation?

Yes. Vancouver’s public transit system is made up of buses, the SkyTrain, and the SeaBus. This will easily take you to most of the main attractions in Vancouver.

About Eden Ashley

Eden has an MBA and a degree in Psychology. As a new mom (and homeowner), she knows the importance of having a budget that works. She's helped thousands of women get good with money using the same strategies she used to save $100,000 by age 25. Click here to learn how to create a better budget!

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How to Travel to Vancouver on Points and Miles

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The busy port of Vancouver, British Columbia, is a popular Canadian destination for outdoor junkies no matter the season. Take a stroll in the roughly 1,000-acre (400-hectare) Stanley Park, experience the Sails of Light display at Canada Place or hit the slopes at one of the ski resorts outside of the city. If you’re on a budget, here’s your points and miles guide to visiting Vancouver with little out-of-pocket cost.

Getting to Vancouver

Nearest airports.

When it comes to flights, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is your gateway to British Columbia. To connect with the city by public transport, take a Canada Line train and arrive downtown in less than 30 minutes. Trains are accessible from a platform between the airport's domestic and international terminals.

Major airlines flying to Vancouver

Vancouver International Airport represents one of Air Canada’s three major hubs — the others are Toronto Pearson International Airport and Montreal-Trudeau International Airport.

Other than that, more than 50 domestic and international carriers fly to Vancouver.

The South Terminal Building, also known as Airport South, is where you’ll find a hub for regional and coastal air services, such as charter planes, seaplanes and helicopters.

Airport South serves the following airlines and seaplane companies:

Cascadia Air.

Central Mountain Air.

Gulf Island Seaplanes.

Iskwew Air.

North Cariboo Air.

Pacific Coastal Airlines Ltd.

Pacific Seaplanes.

Seair Seaplanes.

Sunshine Coast Air.

Flying to Vancouver on points and miles

Because Vancouver is an Air Canada hub and there’s a chance it flies nonstop to your departure city, let’s start there.

Air Canada Aeroplan

Air Canada’s program divides the world into four zones and prices its award flights based on distance between two cities and demand. Aeroplan also has different redemption rates for its own flights and partner flights, so let’s just say that the rate you find for your specific city pair on your specific dates can vary.

An award flight within North America ranges from 6,000 Aeroplan points for an economy ticket shorter than 501 miles to 22,500 Aeroplan points for a flight longer than 2,751 miles in distance. The final redemption rate is also tied to how much a ticket costs in cash.

How to earn Aeroplan points: It’s easy to obtain Air Canada miles if you collect:

American Express Membership Rewards.

Capital One Venture Miles.

Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Just transfer any of these currencies to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio. Marriott Bonvoy points also convert to Aeroplan points but at a less lucrative ratio of 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 points converted.

Aeroplan is also a member of the Star Alliance , so if you have points stashed away in programs like United MileagePlus, you can easily book partner awards.

» Learn more: Plan your next redemption with our airline points tool

Hotels on points in Vancouver

Numerous hotel chains have set up shop in downtown Vancouver. Let’s take a quick look at what the big players — Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott — have to offer travelers looking to redeem points for a stay.

Vancouver Hilton hotels

Hilton vancouver downtown.

Only a couple of lodging options in the city center are available to Hilton Honors members, one of which is the Hilton Vancouver Downtown .

Located on the iconic Robson Street, Hilton Vancouver Downtown is in the thick of it all: restaurants, bars and high-end shopping boutiques. Also, a great choice for sports enthusiasts, this Hilton property is near BC Place. The home of the Vancouver Whitecaps and BC Lions is just a five-minute walk away.

Cost to book in points: Hilton no longer uses an award chart and prices out its award nights based on demand. Standard room rewards at Hilton Vancouver Downtown go for anywhere between 37,000 to 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night, depending on your preferred travel dates.

» Learn more: Your guide to booking award nights with Hilton Honors

Vancouver Hyatt hotels

Hyatt regency vancouver.

Photo courtesy of Hyatt

Hyatt loyalists don’t have many options for an award stay in Vancouver. In fact, just one Hyatt property is available.

Located in the heart of the city center, Hyatt Regency Vancouver is just around the corner from Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art and the Vancouver Art Gallery. The hotel is also close to Robson Street, a must for those who like to shop and people-watch.

Cost to book in points: Hyatt Regency Vancouver is a Category 4 hotel and will set you back 15,000 World of Hyatt points per night for a standard room. The rates vary based on seasonality — off-peak dates require fewer points than peak dates.

» Learn more: The complete guide to the World of Hyatt loyalty program

Vancouver Marriott hotels

Sheraton vancouver wall centre.

With six hotels downtown, Marriott Bonvoy provides the most options for lodging in the downtown Vancouver area on points.

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre is conveniently located downtown near Robson Square and is also an easy walk to BC Place as well as Canada Place, an iconic waterfront landmark and venue. It’s also a great hotel for making use of your free night certificates that come with a number of co-branded Marriott credit cards .

» Learn more: How to use a Marriott free night certificate

Use points and miles to book an inexpensive trip to Vancouver

If Vancouver is on your list, it’s doable to travel there with the help of points and miles. Using credit card rewards to plan a trip to British Columbia leaves more money in your pocket for other expenses, such as shopping, entertainment, sporting events and skiing.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

The 10 best things to do in Vancouver

T here’s something about being surrounded by dazzling wild nature that makes you want to dive straight in to explore, and Vancouver gives plenty of opportunity to indulge. Join its sporty locals running, climbing, biking, and paddling the city parks, mountains and waters – just minutes from the downtown core – to understand why Vancouver so frequently makes it into the top of any Most Liveable City poll.

Within that compact downtown there’s also a treasure trove of arts and culture to explore; although a young city, Vancouver has a storied past, and thanks to the Indigenous Peoples of the Musquem, Tsleil-Watuth and Squamish First Nations, a fascinating depth of culture.

Below our expert shares her tips for the best attractions in Vancouver. For further inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels , restaurants and bars , plus how to spend a weekend in Vancouver . If planning a longer trip, use our expert's ultimate itinerary  here .

Learn the secrets of the forest with a First Nations guide

Join one of the Talaysay Cultural Ambassadors to discover the rich heritage and living culture of the Coast Salish First Nation. Learn how plants and trees provided everything from medicine and food to clothing, shelter and transport – the myriad uses for cedar alone are amazing. Taste wild salmonberries (which do not taste fishy) and hear traditional songs and perhaps learn a few words of Squamish.

Insider tip: Book a Talaysay tour at the start of your time in Vancouver to gain a deeper understanding of the Skwxu7mesh Uxwumixw – Coast Salish People and their traditional unceded territory, where Vancouver now stands. Far more than just a city tour, the Talaysay experience shines a fascinating light on one element of the Indigenous experience in Canada. 

Contact:   talaysay.com

Dive into marine life at the aquarium

As well as being one of the city’s most popular attractions, handily placed in the heart of Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium operates as a centre for marine research, conservation and marine animal rehabilitation. The perfect rainy day activity, it’s home to more than 50,000 animals covering 30 exhibits from the tropics to the Arctic. Don’t miss snapping an arty silhouette photo by the jellyfish wall. Timed entry tickets are sold online due to capacity limits.

Insider tip:  Children aged eight and younger may enjoy the Clownfish Cove interactive learning area which features an animal rescue centre, underwater tunnels and a touch table and reading nook. 

Contact: vanaqua.org

Bike the world's longest uninterrupted waterpath

There can be few more iconic Vancouver experiences than pedaling Stanley Park along its paved and pleasingly flat five-and-a-half-mile Seawall. Pack a camera and water bottle, and expect glorious scenic views: the Lion’s Gate Bridge, Elek Imredy’s Girl in a Wetsuit life-size bronze sculpture and the intricately carved totem poles at Brockton Point are highlights but it’s the wild nature which wows from the North Shore Mountains to the sandy beaches and cooling shade of cedar, hemlock and Sitka spruce trees.

Insider tip:  Throughout spring and summer, the park glories in a riot of colourful blooms, the Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron gardens are especially beautiful; take a stroll through the little road off the main cycle path. Bikes may be hired from outlets along Denman Street by the Park entrance. Try Spokes .

Contact: vancouver.ca

Price: Free (unless you hire a bike)

Pack a picnic and people watch

Vancouver is packed with greedily tempting neighbourhoods, but the West End – with its beaches, Stanley Park, summertime firework Festival of Lights celebrations and Pride festival, and smörgåsbord of affordable pan-global cuisine – easily takes the biscuit. Choose barbecue from Buckstop (the deep-fried pickles and fall-apart brisket are life changing), Five Spice Pork Belly Banh Mi from Café Phin and Pho , or sushi from Yummy to Go and head to English Bay to people watch, leaning on a log as the sun slowly sets.

Insider tip: Drinking alcohol in Vancouver’s many parks and beaches is only permitted in designated zones. To avoid a $230 fine (and your alcohol being confiscated!) make sure you only pop those corks and cans within the marked boundaries; bylaw officers are infuriatingly zealous about enforcing this law.

Granville Island

Take in the glittering skyline from false creek.

It’s well worth heading out for a paddle at False Creek to see the glittering skyscrapers and soaring mountains of Vancouver from a different perspective. Vancouver Water Adventures rent out stand-up paddleboards, jetskis and kayaks, but it’s fun (and likely safer for newbies) to join a guided tour from their Granville Island location to take in the sights (hopefully including seals, herons and eagles) and hear stories of the city.

Insider tip: Splurge on a dinner trip with a difference and book a guided Seadoo (jetski) tour to nearby Bowen Island, splash through English Bay and Howe Sound, snap photos of the seal colony and  enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before zipping back as the sun sets. 

Contact:   vancouverwateradventures.com

Price:  £

Stop for a culture fix in the heart of the city

Architecture fans will love the F.M Rattenbury-designed Vancouver Art Gallery, which was originally Vancouver’s law courts; the elegant staircase is a work of art all by itself. The gallery is an easily managed dip into culture, spread across three relatively compact floors, (there are plans to move to a larger space in 2026). Start with the permanent collection of Emily Carr and the Group of Seven, before exploring what’s new in the visiting collections.

Insider tip:   Throughout summer the gallery can become quite busy, especially at peak times, so avoid waiting in the queues and purchase a ‘skip the line’ ticket. Entrance on Saturdays and Sundays also includes a free guided tour of select exhibits. Check the schedule to join .

Contact: vanartgallery.bc.ca

Nearest metro: Vancouver City Centre

Sip tea in a classic Chinese garden

Vancouver has one of the highest concentrations of overseas Chinese people in North America, and a long history of Chinese Canadians. Constructed from hand-fired roof tiles, carved woodwork, lattice windows, and prized limestone rocks from Lake Tai, the Dr Sun Yat Sen Garden was the first authentic Chinese garden built outside China. Take a tour and enjoy a tea ceremony and learn about the Tao principals of yin and yang; the more you understand, the more significance this tranquil garden reveals. 

Insider tip: One of the most extraordinary facts of this beautiful spot is that it was wholly constructed in dougong style without using glue, nails or screws. Time slot tickets are available online.

Contact: vancouverchinesegarden.com

See a world-famous statue up close

Although somewhat out of the way at the UBC campus, it’s well worth the trip to the Museum of Anthropology to admire 'The Raven and the First Men', Bill Reid’s large shining yellow cedar sculpture which shows the Haida legend of when Raven found the first humans in a clamshell on the beach. Home to the largest collection of Pacific Northwest First Nations art, this is a rare chance to explore this captivating style.

Insider tip: Amble over to the neighbouring Nitobe Memorial Garden, a ravishing Japanese garden cultivated to delight the sense year-round, but especially lovely in spring and autumn with cherry blossoms and maple leaves.

Contact: moa.ubc.ca

East Vancouver

Party at the pne.

From big name live music shows to farmers’ markets, and the annual fun festival that is the summer fair, the Pacific National Exhibition - or PNE - just 10 minutes from downtown Vancouver is where locals go to let their hair down. The summertime fair is unmissable if you are in the city; running from late August till early September, it showcases outrageously calorific North American-style fair food at its very best from double-donut fried chicken burgers and rainbow-dyed gooey grilled cheese sandwiches to lava whip soft serve; attractions include the impeccably trained Superdogs troupe, and adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters and rides. Retro live acts such as Culture Club and the Pointer Sisters play each night. The fair returns for Fright Night around Hallowe’en for a spooky-themed thrills and chills with elaborate haunted houses and rides. 

Insider tip: If the Smoke & Bones BBQ stall is open for business, loosen your belt, grab a stack of napkins and dive into one of their sauce-smothered brisket and ribs platters for the ultimate in carnivorous gluttony. 

Contact :  pne.ca

Price:  £

North Vancouver

Soar above the city.

You can easily spend the whole day on Grouse Mountain exploring the trails, zipping up and down on the ski lifts, learning more about the flora and fauna in a talk from one of the knowledgeable rangers, or watching films in the high-definition Theatre in the Sky. But frankly, it’s worth the admission alone for the Skyride tramway, which climbs to 1,100m (3,700 feet) in 12 minutes, with spectacular views over the bushy Douglas firs, Pacific Ocean and glittering beauty of Vancouver.

Insider tip:   Embrace peak Canadiana and chomp on a Beaver Tail (a fried flat doughnut, dipped in maple sugar) whilst enjoying the vaudeville humour and impressive feats of the free Lumberjack show. 

Contact: grousemountain.com

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A first-timer's guide to Saskatoon, Canada

Apr 26, 2024 • 6 min read

From timing your visit right to planning your activities, here's our first-timer's guide to Saskatoon © K. D. Kirchmeier / Getty Images

Surrounded by gentle wheat fields beneath a dome of great prairie skies, Saskatoon is the largest city in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan .

Straddling the South Saskatchewan River, it has been the province’s cultural and economic hub since its settlement in the late 19th century (but not its capital – that falls to Regina).

The Northern Plains Indigenous Peoples had been guardians of this land for over 6000 years when, in 1883, white Methodists founded the town as a temperance colony, naming it after the purple berry growing in the region. While the railroad eventually reached the fledgling town in 1890, Saskatoon still only had 113 inhabitants at the turn of the century. A boom period of new settlers and entrepreneurs soon followed, and Saskatoon grew into a thriving city, albeit isolated from big cities like Vancouver , Toronto and Montréal .

Today, the sometimes stark prairie landscapes around the city look like nowhere else in the country. Downtown, you’ll find street art tours, compelling museums, craft beer breweries, a variety of architecture and some fine riverside trails. And Saskatoon now proudly explains and celebrates the Indigenous Peoples who have been here for thousands of years, with the Wanuskewen complex a majestic and poignant monument to that past and present.

These top tips can help you plan a trip to Saskatoon.

When should I go to Saskatoon?

Though Saskatoon – one of the sunniest cities in Canada  – receives plenty of sunlight (2350.4 hours annually), winters are long and cold so plan to visit during the glorious summer months between June and August. This is the busiest time of year, but since Saskatoon is a little more under-the-radar than other Canadian cities, it’s not overwhelmed by tourists and offers much better value for money regarding accommodation and eating out. 

The city comes alive with music on those effulgent summer days with magnificent festivals across multiple genres including the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival , Rock the River and the Ness Creek Music Festival . And for those who do want to embrace Saskatchewan winter scenes, the Nutrien Wintershines Festival hosts ice sculptures, cook-offs, stargazing and more. 

How long should I spend in Saskatoon?

Allow two to three days to explore Saskatoon, but also leave time for attractions on the city’s outskirts that make use of the abundant prairie space. You’ll spend the majority of your time in downtown Saskatoon, on the river trails and the Broadway neighborhood, which is ideal for a weekend. More planning is needed for the excursions out of the city, so map out an extra day or two for those depending on time and budget. 

Is it easy to get in and around Saskatoon?

Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport is 7km (4 miles) northwest of downtown Saskatoon, which is about 18 minutes by taxi, the most convenient form of travel to any downtown hotel. The number 11 bus also runs from the airport, and takes around 30 minutes to make the same journey (without factoring in walking to the hotel).

Though its streets are wide, Saskatoon’s downtown core is highly walkable and there are several bridges spanning the South Saskatchewan River that link to Broadway Ave’s bars, cafes and stores. Consider hiring a bike too, as the relatively flat landscape and serpentine river trails are ideal for cycling. Visitors to Wanuskewen will need to hire a car or take a taxi.

Traveling elsewhere in Canada? Here are our top tips on transportation

6 of the best things to do in Saskatoon

1. explore the meewasin valley trail.

Saskatoon’s huge prairie skies are evocative and entice you outside, so the best way to experience the great outdoors here is by following some of the Meewasin Valley Trail . Flanking the serpentine river, the 25km (15 mile) trails are a fine introduction to Saskatoon’s cityscape, and are best experienced on two wheels (look out for the motivational chalk murals and messages along the way).

2. See artworks in the Remai Modern

The river winds south to River Landing in downtown’s southern tip, and it’s here that the Tetris-like Remai Modern  museum rises up on a small bluff. Alongside a permanent collection featuring over 8000 works from Canadian and international artists, there’s also a quirky permanent exhibition of ceramics and linocuts by Pablo Picasso in this spacious museum bursting with natural light. 

3. Enjoy the buss of Broadway Avenue

A short walk across the Broadway Bridge brings cinematic city views followed by a stroll into arguably the most vibrant corner of Saskatoon. Airy breweries , buzzing bistros, kitsch vinyl stores and the iconic Broadway Theatre fringe Broadway Ave, which is a fine spot to spend a morning, afternoon or evening (perhaps even all three?). 

4. Take yourself on a tour of downtown's murals and architecture

Back in downtown, discover an art-splashed city on a self-guided street art tour passing by huge murals and multicolored installations spanning 20th and 23rd Street East. Even if you’re not staying there, the Delta Bessborough Hotel is something of a work of art itself. Completed in 1935, the Bessborough is a soaring Châteauesque turreted and gabled affair reminiscent of Bavarian castles that looks startlingly out of place.

5. See how Saskatoon was

Towards the edge of the city, the Western Development Museum’s compelling Boomtown exhibit is an indoor reconstruction of a typical Saskatchewan small-town main street from 1910, complete with a blacksmith, church and train station.

6. Taste local produce at the farmers market

And for a true experience of this land, it’s worth a visit to the Saskatoon Farmers Market  – an institution running since 1975 and stuffed with vendors selling everything from wild berries to handmade moccasins.

My favorite thing to do in Saskatoon

There’s a magical quality to watching the sun sink behind the widescreen horizon at Wanuskewin Heritage Park . Not like the picture-postcard sunsets you see on Caribbean beaches, it’s more of a calming, spiritual feeling as the sun’s soft glow fades across the marshy creeks and wooded ridges of the Opamihaw Valley. Shortly after, I watched the moon rise against a blue evening canvas. Known as nēhiyawēwin in Plains Cree, Wanuskewin roughly translates to "seeking peace of mind" and that name couldn’t be more apt. 

Around 20 minutes north of downtown Saskatoon, Wanuskewin tells the story of the Northern Plains Indigenous People’s spiritual relationship to this land and the living creatures they share it with, most notably the repopulated bison. You can explore panels, artwork, interactive classes, traditional food and much more, but most importantly that story – which is never sugarcoated – is told by Indigenous People themselves. Few experiences I’ve had in North America have felt deeper and more enlightening than this one.

How much money do I need for Saskatoon?

• Hostel room: $79
• Hotel room for two: $94
• Public transport ticket: $3
• Coffee: $3.60
• Sandwich: $3
• Dinner for two: $73
• Beer/pint at a bar: $5.80

Budget for your time in Canada with out money-saving tips

Should I visit in winter?

With an average temperature of -13°C (8°F) in January, winter in Saskatoon is only for the hardiest of souls. However, one bonus of a visit in this season – along with budget-friendly prices – is the chance of seeing the northern lights, with the aurora's stunning swirls sometimes visible if the stars align (no pun intended). Just remember to pack plenty of layers.

What language is spoken in Saskatoon?

Though English and French are official languages in Saskatchewan, English is by far the most spoken language in Saskatoon and you’ll need it for all of your interactions. 

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