vancouver tourism card

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• 1.1 City Centre
• 1.2 Outside the city centre
• 2.1 Climate
• 2.2 Visitor information
• 3.1.1 Vancouver International Airport
• 3.1.2 Seaplane
• 3.1.3 Helicopter
• 3.1.4 Other nearby airports
• 3.4 By train
• 3.5.1 By ferry
• 3.5.2 By cruise ship
• 4.1.1 Fares and zones
• 4.1.2 Paying for your fare: Compass
• 4.1.3 Passes and stored value
• 4.1.4 Buses
• 4.1.5 SkyTrain
• 4.1.6 SeaBus
• 4.2 By ferry
• 4.3.1 Parking
• 4.3.2 Car sharing
• 4.4 By taxi
• 4.5 By ride hailing
• 4.6 By bicycle
• 4.7 By scooter
• 5.1 Landmarks and historic buildings
• 5.2 Museums and galleries
• 6.1 Culture and festivals
• 6.3 Live music
• 6.4 Outdoor activities
• 6.5.1 Hockey
• 6.5.2 Football
• 6.5.3 Soccer
• 6.5.4 Rugby
• 6.5.5 Roller derby
• 6.5.6 Baseball
• 6.5.7 University sports
• 11.1 Coffee
• 13.1 By mail
• 15.1 Publications
• 15.2 Wireless
• 15.3 Religious services
• 15.4 Hospitals
• 15.5 Consulates
• 16.1 Nearby municipalities
• 16.2 Day trips
• 16.3 Further afield

Vancouver occupies an enviable spot in the world. Blessed with miles of coastline, lush vegetation and crowned by the North Shore Mountains, it's hard to be there and not stop at some point and be amazed by what you see.

But scratch beneath that setting and you find a cosmopolitan city of many faces. It is a mix of old and new, a stopping place for immigrants that have infused the city's neighbourhoods, festivals and food. On one hand, Greater Vancouver is the third largest metropolitan area in Canada , the second biggest destination for visitors to the country and the economic hub of British Columbia . A modern city of glass towers with a variety of festivals, cultures and attractions, it has also been host to world events like the 1986 World Exposition and the 2010 Winter Olympics . To others, it's Vansterdam , the laid-back socially progressive city with the laissez-faire attitude to marijuana. With its Asian heritage and relative proximity to China and Japan, some see it as the gateway to Asia ; often called Hongcouver due to the large number of immigrants and political refugees from Hong Kong living in the area. And with all that nature minutes from your door, Vancouver is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts . It's one of those rare places you could ski in the mountains, hit one of the many sandy beaches and play a round of golf all in the same day. Vancouver is one of the most culturally diverse and cosmopolitan cities in the world, with just under half its residents born outside Canada.

All of this makes it easy to be a local. Walk the Seawall. Spend a day in one of the parks. Indulge in food and treats from around the world at a neighbourhood restaurant. Or just grab a spot at the beach or on a patio and watch it all go by – Vancouver is, after all, one of the most beautiful spots in the world.

Districts [ edit ]

Vancouverites broadly split the City of Vancouver in three: the Westside, the Eastside (or East Van) and city centre. This split is simply geography: everything west of Ontario St is the Westside, everything east is East Vancouver and everything north of False Creek is the city centre. Each of these areas have their own attractions and neighbourhoods, so time permitting, explore as many as you can. This list covers only the City of Vancouver. For the rest of Greater Vancouver, see Lower Mainland .

City Centre [ edit ]

Outside the city centre [ edit ]

Understand [ edit ].

While Vancouver is a comparatively young city, founded in 1867, its history begins long before. The Coast Salish indigenous peoples (First Nations) have lived in the area for at least 6000 years. The present city's namesake Captain George Vancouver sailed through the First Narrows on 13 June 1792, naming Burrard Inlet after his friend Sir Harry Burrard. The first settlement on the downtown peninsula was Granville , on the spot of today's Gastown . In 1867, the year of Canada 's confederation, a saloon was built on this site and gave birth to a small shantytown of bars and stores, adjacent to the original mill, on the south shore of what is now the city's harbour. A seemingly endless supply of high-quality lumber was logged and sold through the ports of Gastown and Moodyville, across the inlet. Some of the trees were gigantic beams which were shipped to China to construct Beijing 's Imperial Palace. One account maintains that the world's windjammer fleets could not have been built without the trees of Burrard Inlet.

Vancouver's first City Hall was little more than a hand-painted sign nailed to a wooden tent post. The arrival of the transcontinental railway, a few years later, spurred growth even more, and by 1892 the area had over 20,000 residents. 18 years later, this figure was over 100,000.

Factor in constant growth every year since (many in the double digits), and Greater Vancouver today is Canada's largest metropolitan area west of Toronto by far, with more than 2,600,000 residents, more than half of British Columbia's population as a whole. It is also the fastest growing part of Canada. Greater Vancouver is one of the most ethnically diverse metropolitan areas in the world, home to the second largest Chinese population in North America after the San Francisco Bay Area , and with about half its population being born outside Canada. It is also home to a large and influential Sikh community, and one of the main centres of the Khalistan movement that advocates for the carving out of an independent Sikh nation from India.

For many, Vancouver truly "arrived" in 1986, when the city hosted the Expo 86 World's Fair. Media attention from around the world was consistently positive, though many saw the resulting gentrification of poorer areas as being harmful to Vancouver's lower-class citizens, as many residents of the Downtown Eastside were evicted from their homes . Vancouver also hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics , which was largely seen as another success, though it brought some similar criticisms.

Vancouver is perhaps best known for its scenic beauty, and the opportunities afforded by its natural environment. Vancouver is one of those rare places where you could theoretically ski in the mountains, windsurf in the ocean, and play a round of golf all in the same day. Surrounded by water on three sides, and crowned by the North Shore mountains, Vancouver is a great destination, and a great starting point for discovering the area's many outdoor activities.

Vancouver is a major sea port on the Pacific Ocean, and a base for many Alaska cruise ships in the summer. It has the same name as another city in the region, Vancouver, Washington ( USA ).

Climate [ edit ]

Depending on who you talk to, or perhaps, when , Vancouver's climate is either much maligned or envied. Late fall and winter are typically damp with clouds smothering the sky like a wet grey blanket (there's a reason Vancouver is sometimes referred to as the "Wet Coast"). But there are benefits to all that rain: it's usually not snowing (unlike most of the rest of Canada) and it leads to a gorgeous display of colour with the start of spring in early March. And that's where Vancouver really shines – the spring and summer. Springs can still be wet, but it gets warmer and the shrubs, blossom trees and flowers put on a pretty show. Summer days are long and usually sunny with little humidity. Summer daylight lasts from 5:30AM to 8:45PM.

Daytime highs from mid-June to early-Sept are mostly comfortable in the low to mid-20s°C (70-80°F). Overnight temperatures are usually in the teens (55-70°F). Spring and fall are cooler and wetter, so packing a mix of cool and warm weather clothing is recommended. If visiting Vancouver between November and March, be prepared for wet weather and cool temperatures. Daytime highs are typically around 5-8°C (40-50°F) while overnight lows will get close to 0°C (32°F) and sometimes colder. December and January are the coldest months, with the most rain and a chance of snow. While Vancouver's winters are not as harsh as those in other major Canadian cities, the city does get a few days of snow in the winter months every year. Daylight lasts from 8:15AM to 4PM.

Visitor information [ edit ]

• 49.287927 -123.115394 1 Tourism Vancouver Visitor Centre , 200 Burrard St ( Plaza level, Burrard & Cordova ), ☏ +1 604-683-2000 , fax : +1 604-682-6839 . 8:30AM-6PM . Offers maps, brochures and other information for visitors.  

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ], vancouver international airport [ edit ].

YVR is the second busiest airport in Canada, with frequent flights from cities in British Columbia , the rest of Canada , other North American countries, Asia , and Europe . It is also the only Canadian airport to have regular flights to Australia and New Zealand because of its westerly location.

TransLink's SkyTrain ( Canada Line ) provides direct service to downtown Vancouver in 25 minutes. The fare from YVR to Vancouver is $9.55 (July 2023), which includes the two-zone base fare of $4.55 plus a $5 surcharge (the " YVR AddFare ") incurred only for departures from the airport. Bus N10 runs overnight to Vancouver when the Skytrain service is closed. Route C92 connects the South Terminal with Bridgeport station on the Canada Line during limited daytime hours.

The typical travel time from the airport to downtown by taxi is 20-30 minutes. Fares for a taxi ride from the airport to Vancouver or Richmond are fixed and vary depending on the zone of the destination. The zone map and fixed rates are posted at YVR Taxis . Metered fares apply for all trips going to the airport, and for trips from outside the zones. All taxis that serve the airport are required to accept credit cards.

Seaplane [ edit ]

There are floatplane facilities about 300 metres south of YVR's South Terminal and in downtown Vancouver at:

These floatplane facilities offer frequent flights to downtown Vancouver and/or YVR. Flight to downtonwn Vancouver from Comox (50 minutes, summer), Nanaimo harbour (20 minutes), Powell River (40 minutes), Tofino (1 hours, summer), Victoria's Inner Harbour (35 minutes), Whistler (45 minutes, summer) the scenic Southern Gulf Islands and other local destinations. Some float plane operators also offer spectacular tours of the central city and nearby attractions starting at about $80-100 per person. A great way to see a panoramic view of downtown. A quick search of Google will bring up websites for most of these float plane operators. See Vancouver International Airport for seaplane flights that land at that airport.

Seaplane airlines operating to downtown Vancouver:

• Harbour Air , ☏ +1-604-274-1277 , toll-free: +1-800-665-0212 . Operates seaplane flights mostly to coastal communities in southwestern British Columbia . ( updated Apr 2022 )
• Seair Seaplanes , ☏ +1-604-273-8900 , toll-free: +1-800-447-3247 . Operates seaplane flights to coastal communities in southwestern British Columbia . ( updated Apr 2022 )

Helicopter [ edit ]

There are heliport facilities at YVR's South Terminal, though most flights operate to:

Other nearby airports [ edit ]

By car [ edit ].

The main highway into Vancouver from the east is Highway 1 ( Trans-Canada Highway ). This road skirts the eastern edge of Vancouver, so if you want to get into the city, you will need to exit off it at Grandview Highway (exit 28A), 1st Avenue (exit 27) or Hastings Street (exit 26). Most major highways from interior British Columbia converge at Hope , 143 km (89 mi) east of Vancouver, then following the Trans-Canada Highway west into Vancouver.

From the U.S./Canada border south of the city, Highway 99 , which links up with U.S. Interstate 5 , runs north to Vancouver. The freeway ends after the Oak Street Bridge, turning into Oak Street heading north. Drivers with a downtown destination will need to get onto Granville Street (parallel to Oak St to the west), or Cambie Street (parallel to the east), in order to get on the Granville Street or Cambie Street bridges which cross False Creek into the downtown peninsula.

If you are coming from the North Shore or other points further north, the only way into Vancouver is by bridge. Your options are the Lions Gate Bridge (Hwy 99) which brings you into Stanley Park and Vancouver's West End or the Second Narrows Bridge/Ironworkers Memorial Bridge (Hwy 1) which brings you into the neighbourhoods of East Van .

By bus [ edit ]

Many bus services reach the Vancouver area, most of which terminate at Pacific Central Station (see "By train" below for the location and directions). A number of bus services also have additional pick-up and drop-off stops at hotels in downtown Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey, White Rock and in a number of places in the surrounding areas as well as from the airport. Not all bus lines serve the Pacific Central Station either. Buses cross the U.S./Canada border at an alternate crossing point (for trucks and buses) 5 mi/8 km east of the Peace Arch Park (BC Hwy 99/I-5) along BC Hwy 15/WA Hwy 543. Below are examples of bus lines with scheduled routes that reach the Vancouver area from various places nearby and afar in Canada and the United States:

• BC Ferries Connector ( Wilson's Transportation Group ) ( Stops at Pacific Central Station ), ☏ +1 250 475-3235 . Connects Vancouver to Victoria via Tsawwassen-Swartz Bay ferry. Trip time to Vancouver from Victoria is 4 hours. ( updated Apr 2022 )
• BC Transit (Central Fraser Valley Transit System) ( Stops at Lougheed Town Centre station on SkyTrain's Expo Line and Millennium Line ), ☏ +1-604-854-3232 . Offers a route between Burnaby and Chilliwack with stops in Langley and Abbotsford . Trip time to Burnaby from Chilliwack is 90 minutes and from Abbotsford is 52 minutes. ( updated Mar 2022 )
• Cantrail ( Amtrak Thruway ) ( Stops at Pacific Central Station ), ☏ +1 604-294-5541 , toll-free: +1-877-940-5561 . Operates express buses between the Seattle King St Station (Amtrak) and Vancouver. They also make an additional scheduled stop at the Sandman Signature Hotel (10251 St Edwards in Richmond) to pick-up on the southbound trip and drop off only going northbound. Travel time to Vancouver from Seattle is 3.5 to 4 hours. To pay in US dollars or Amtrak rewards points, book on the Amtrak website. $40 for one-way, $75 round trip; discounts for students, military, seniors & children ages 4-11 . ( updated Mar 2022 )
• Ebus ( Stops at Pacific Central Station ), toll-free: +1 877-769-3287 . Travels daily between Kamloops and Vancouver, and Kelowna and Vancouver on two separate routes. Both routes have stops in Merritt , Hope , Chilliwack , Abbotsford , and Surrey . Travel times to Vancouver from Kamloops is 4.5-4.75 hours, from Kelowna is 5.5 hours, from Hope is 2.5 hours, and from Abbotsford is 1.25 hours. Same day transfers at Kamloops to and from Prince George are available on three days per week per direction. ( updated Mar 2022 )
• Epic Rides ( Stops at Hyatt Regency hotel, which is adjacent to Burrard station on SkyTrain's Expo Line. The stop is outside of the Hyatt's Melville St entrance. ), ☏ +1 604-349-1234 , toll-free: 5 . Direct bus to Whistler from the downtown Vancouver (year round). Additional winter stops at UBC (Thunderbird Blvd), Indigo Bookstore at Broadway & Granville, and Sheraton Wall Centre on Burrard & Comox. Travel time to downtown Vancouver from Whistler is 1.75 hours. $24 OW or $35 RT . ( updated Apr 2022 )
• Mountain Man Mike's Bus Service ( Stops at Pacific Central Station ), ☏ +1-778-382-7729 , [email protected] . Twice per week service between Kaslo and Vancouver with stops in Balfour , Nelson , Castlegar , Christina Lake , Grand Forks , Greenwood , Rock Creek, Osoyoos , Keremeos , Princeton , Manning Provincial Park , Hope , Chilliwack , Abbotsford , Langley , and New Westminster . Trip time to Vancouver from Kaslo is 10.75 hours, from Nelson is 9.75 hours, from Castlegar is 9 hours, from Grand Forks is 7.5 hours, from Osoyoos is 6 hours, from Princeton is 4.75 hours, from Hope is 2.25 hours, and from Abbotsford is 1.5 hours. This service provider also offers a weekly route between Kalso and Calgary via Nelson. ( updated Mar 2022 )
• Perimeter Transportation ( Stops at Fairmont Hotel & Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Vancouver. The Hyatt Regency is adjacent to Burrard station on Skytrain's Expo Line. ), ☏ +1 604-717-6600 , toll-free: +1-877-717-6606 . Travel between Whistler and Vancouver International Airport with stops in Squamish and in downtown Vancouver. Travel time to downtown Vancouver from Whistler is 2 hours, from Squamish is 1 hour, and from the airport is 1 hour. ( updated Apr 2022 )
• Quick Coach ( Stops at Canada Place Pier at 999 Canada Place and at several Vancouver downtown hotels ), ☏ +1 604-940-4428 , toll-free: +1-800-665-2122 . Express bus between SeaTac Airport and Vancouver via downtown Seattle, Tulalip Casino in Marysville , Bellingham Airport . Northbound buses going to Canada only pick up passengers in the U.S. while southbound buses going to Seattle only drop off in the U.S. They make additional scheduled stops at the downtown Holiday Inn (1110 Howe St); River Rock Casino (8811 River Rd Resort) and the Campbell River Store (790 176th St, Surrey). Additional hotel stops can be arranged with a 24hr reservation. Southbound buses pick-up in Vancouver while northbound bus drop off only. Trip time to downtown Vancouver from Seattle International Airport is 6.25 hours, from downtown Seattle is 5.25 hours, and from Bellingham International Airport is 3 hours. ( updated Apr 2022 )
• Rider Express ( Stops at Pacific Central Station ), toll-free: +1-833-583-3636 . Multiple days per week service along the Trans-Canada Highway from between Calgary and Vancouver with stops in Canmore , Banff , Lake Louise , Golden , Revelstoke , Sicamous , Salmon Arm , Sorrento, Chase, Kamloops , Merritt , Hope , Chilliwack , Abbotsford , and Surrey . Trip time to Vancouver from Calgary is 14 hours, from Banff is 12.5 hours, from Lake Louise is 11.75 hours, from Golden is 10.25 hours, from Revelstoke is 8.25 hours, from Salmon Arm is 6.5 hours, from Kamloops is 4.75 hours, from Hope is 2.25 hours, and from Abbotsford is 1.25 hours. From Calgary, this service provider offers routes that enable passengers to reach Edmonton , Regina , Saskatoon , and Winnipeg . ( updated Apr 2022 )

By train [ edit ]

Taking the train to Vancouver is unlikely to be the cheapest option, but it is a scenic one. Train stations:

• Amtrak Cascades operates between Vancouver, BC and Eugene via Bellingham , Mount Vernon , Everett , Edmonds , Seattle , Tukwila , Tacoma , Lacey ( Olympia ), Centralia , Kelso ( Longview ), Vancouver, WA , Portland, Oregon City , Salem , and Albany . Travel time to Vancouver, BC from Portland is 8 hours, from Tacoma is 5.5 hours, from Seattle is 4 hours, and from Bellingham is 2 hours. There is one round trip daily between Vancouver and Portland, and one round trip between Vancouver and Seattle. Over the whole route, there are two round trips daily along the portion between Vancouver and Seattle, four round trips daily along the portion between Seattle and Portland, and two round trips daily along the portion between Portland and Eugene. No train departures travel the whole length of the route. Additional service between Vancouver and Seattle, and between Portland to Eugene are provided on the Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach. Connections to additional Amtrak trains are in Seattle . When traveling on the Amtrak Cascades, border control takes place at Pacific Central station both for departing travelers to the United States and arriving passengers from the United States.
• Operates The Canadian up to three trips per week between Toronto and Vancouver with stops in both directions in medium to large cities and tourist destinations such as Sudbury , Winnipeg , Portage la Prairie , Saskatoon , Edmonton , Jasper , and Kamloops . This route can offer a scenic view of the Canadian Rockies , depending on the train schedule, as the train operates day and night. Travel time to Vancouver from Toronto is 4 days 1.25 hours, from Sudbury is 3 days 18 hours, from Winnipeg is 2 days 10.5 hours, from Saskatoon is 1 day 22.25 hours, from Edmonton is 1 day 9 hours, from Jasper 23.5 hours, and from Kamloops is 11 hours. This service connects with another route that travels between Jasper and Prince Rupert .

By boat [ edit ]

By ferry [ edit ].

• 49.29029 -123.11638 11 Hullo , 28 - 1055 Canada Place . Operates daily passenger only ferry trips between Nanaimo and downtown Vancouver, taking 1.25 hours each way. A single carry-on-sized bag and a personal bag are permitted with passengers, and otherwise there is an additional charge per bag. Compared to BC Ferries, Hullo has the advantages of the trip to or from Vancouver being faster and that there will be WiFi on board, but the least expensive fare on Hullo is more than double the fare to travel on BC Ferries. The nearest public transit to Hullo's Vancouver ferry terminal is about 400 metres away and there is public transit that stops at Hullo's Nanaimo ferry terminal. ( updated Feb 2024 )

By cruise ship [ edit ]

Port Metro Vancouver is the home port for the popular Vancouver- Alaska cruise. From late April to early October, more than 3/4 million visitors pass through the cruise ship terminal in Port Metro Vancouver.

US passport holders may be able to participate in "Onboard Check-in” and “US Direct" to streamline processing at the cruise ship and the airport. US Direct allows passengers arriving at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to transfer directly to a same-day-departing cruise ship by participating in expedited immigration and customs clearance process. Onboard Check-in allows passengers arriving on a cruise ship and flying out of YVR on the same day to transfer directly to YVR by participating in an expedited immigration and customs clearance process.

These programs do not apply to passengers who are planning a pre- or post-cruise stay in Vancouver. Not all cruise lines participate, so check with your cruise line to see if you can take advantage of the Onboard Check-in/US Direct program.

Get around [ edit ]

Vancouver is one of the few major cities in North America without a freeway leading directly into the downtown core (freeway proposals in the 1960s and 1970s were defeated by community opposition). As a result, development has taken a different course than in most other major North American cities resulting in a relatively high use of transit and cycling, a dense, walkable core and a development model that is studied and emulated elsewhere.

By public transit [ edit ]

TransLink's website and customer information line both offer trip planning and information about fares, where to buy tickets and the refund policy. A regional transportation map is widely available at convenience stores and on TransLink’s website. TransLink does not have a mobile app, but Google Maps , Transit and Citymapper all have access to TransLink's GPS data to show current route information and estimated arrival times.

Fares and zones [ edit ]

TransLink breaks Metro Vancouver into three fare zones; your fare depends on the number of zones you travel in. The standard adult fare is $3.15 for all bus trips across Metro Vancouver and SkyTrain travel within the City of Vancouver (Zone 1). It also covers all travel system-wide at off-peak times: weekends, holidays, and weekday evenings after 6:30 PM. Travel out of Vancouver on the SkyTrain or SeaBus crosses fare zone boundaries and costs $4.55 to $6.20 on weekdays before 6:30 PM.

After paying fare, you can transfer or re-board an unlimited number of times at no extra charge for 90 minutes. Compass Card and Compass Ticket users have no restrictions on transferring between modes of transit, but bus riders paying cash fare can only transfer to other buses.

Upon final tap-in within the 90-minute window, Compass Card and Compass Ticket users have an additional 120 minutes to tap out at their final destination. Tapping out after this time will result in another fare being charged.

Fares paid using Compass Card (see next section) are discounted and cost between $2.55 and $4.80 for an adult fare.

Concession fares are available for Vancouver high school students and seniors (65+). If you're a student, you must carry a photo ID to receive the reduced concession fare. Children age 12 or younger are free.

Paying for your fare: Compass [ edit ]

Compass is the electronic fare system for buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus and the West Coast Express. Buses still accept cash when you board, but fare gates at SkyTrain and SeaBus station only accept Compass. There are two Compass choices:

• Compass Ticket — A white ticket that is good for one trip. The DayPass – unlimited travel on bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus across all zones for one day – can also be purchased as a Compass Ticket; and
• Compass Card — A reusable smart card that can store value, load passes and offers discounted fares. Blue cards are for adult fares, orange cards are for concession fares. See the infobox for more information.

Compass Tickets and Adult Compass Cards can be purchased from the Compass Vending Machines in SkyTrain and SeaBus stations and some London Drugs locations. All types of cards and tickets may be purchased over the counter at some 7-Eleven, Safeway, London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart locations, and the TransLink Customer Service Centre at Waterfront station. TransLink's website has a handy map showing the locations of Compass retailers and Compass Vending Machines. The vending machines accept cash, Interac debit cards, and Visa or MasterCard credit card. American Express can only be used to buy a card or ticket from a retail location.

The purchase of a Compass Card requires a $6 deposit. The deposit is refundable if you return your Compass Card to or mail a Refund Request form to the Compass Customer Service Centre, but if your remaining cash balance is above $20, the only way to get back the balance is to have a cheque mailed out, so make sure to use up your balance before you do so.

Tap in with your Compass Card or Ticket at the start of every trip on any vehicle, and tap out every time you exit through a fare gate. Bus riders do not tap out . Doing this lets the system calculate the right fare.

If you're travelling in a group, Compass Tickets and Cards cannot be shared between group members. Each person will need their own ticket or card to tap in and out of the fare gates.

Mastercard and Visa credit cards can also be used at Compass readers/fare gates for a adult fare. When you tap-in, your card will be pre-authorized for a three zone fare. When you tap-out, the fare will be calculated according to the zones travelled. Mobile wallets (such as Apple Pay and Google Pay) also work, just make sure your phone will have enough battery so you can tap-out at the end of your journey. Debit cards still work at Compass vending machines, but not at Compass readers.

Find out how to pay fares and where to buy passes and TransLink's refund policy .

Passes and stored value [ edit ]

If you are going to make heavy use of the transit system, passes can be loaded onto a Compass Card.

• A DayPass is a money-saving option for travellers who will use public transit heavily for one day. For $11.25 (or $8.85 concession) (July 2023), it offers unlimited travel across Metro Vancouver on bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus until the end of the service day, late at night.
• Monthly passes can save you money if you will be using transit almost daily for a month. They cost between $104.90 and $189.45 (or $59.95 concession) depending on the number of zones.

Buses [ edit ]

The bus service covers the widest area and travels along most major streets in the city. Many of the routes within the City of Vancouver are electric trolley buses, powered by overhead wires.

A limited stop express bus line called the RapidBus serves, not only Vancouver, but the entire lower mainland (Metro Vancouver) RapidBus gets a priority lane in traffic, There are 6 different RapidBus Routes. When boarding the RapidBus, It's all door-boarding, and passengers must either tap in with their Compass Card or Compass Ticket, buy a ticket with cash, (exact change required, coins only), or present a ticket to the driver. To buy a ticket with cash, passengers must enter through the front door. The 6 RapidBus Routes are:

• R1 King George Blvd (operates in Surrey)
• R2 Marine Drive (operates in North Vancouver and West Vancouver )
• R3 Lougheed Highway (operates in Coquitlam , Port Coquitlam , Pitt Meadows , Maple Ridge )
• R4 41st Ave (operates in Vancouver's UBC and South Vancouver areas)

• R6 Scott Road (operates in Surrey)

Similar to RapidBus, is the 99 B-Line , which is a limited stop express bus route that travels along Broadway Avenue (operates in Vancouver's UBC , Kitsilano , Mt Pleasant , and East Van ). Much of this route is to be replaced by a SkyTrain extension opening in 2025.

Cash fare on any bus to anywhere at any time is a flat $3.15. Because of this, Compass Card users only tap in when boarding the bus, and never tap out when stepping off, unlike with all other modes of transit.

Every bus stop in Metro Vancouver has a unique five-digit bus stop number (the yellow number at the top of the bus stop sign). Send an SMS with that stop number to 33333 to get the next six scheduled bus arrival times. Standard text messaging rates apply. TransLink does not operate an app, but many third party apps (such as Google Maps) can be used to get transit times, additionally a mobile website is available. Many popular bus stops include a digital display with estimated bus arrival times. The stops for the RapidBus, have an electronic, real time, bus schedule.

SkyTrain [ edit ]

The SkyTrain is a mostly elevated, fully automated rapid transit system connecting downtown Vancouver with some of its suburbs to the south and east.

• The Expo Line runs from Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver through Burnaby and New Westminster to Columbia Station, where it splits with some trips going to King George Station in Surrey and the other track going to University/Production Way station in Burnaby.
• The Millennium Line runs east-west from VCC-Clark in East Van through northern Burnaby to Lougheed Station, and then continues on to Port Moody and Coquitlam via the Evergreen Extension.
• The Canada Line runs from Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver south to Bridgeport Station, where it splits with some trips to Richmond 's city centre and some trips to Vancouver International Airport Airport's domestic and international terminals.

Key SkyTrain stations include:

• Commercial-Broadway – accesses restaurants and shopping on Commercial Drive in East Vancouver and transfer point to the 99 B-Line bus to UBC
• Burrard and Granville – the most central stations in the central business district . You can also connect to the R5 Hastings Street RapidBus route at Burrard Station.
• Waterfront – meeting point for Expo and Canada lines, the SeaBus, numerous commuter and rapid bus routes, and the commuter rail West Coast Express. It also accesses Gastown and is right next to the Canada Place Convention Centre/Cruise Ship Terminal facilities.

The fare on SkyTrain depends on how many zones you travel through and what time you're travelling. The City of Vancouver is Zone 1. Close-in suburbs like Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond, and North Vancouver are Zone 2. Farther-out suburbs south of the Fraser River or east of Burnaby are Zone 3. At peak times, Compass Card users pay between $2.55 and $4.80, and riders paying cash fare pay $3.15 to $6.20 (all fares are standard adult fare). At off-peak times, passengers pay the one-zone.

Compass Card users tap in and out each time they pass through the fare gates. If you forget to tap in or out, you will be charged the maximum fare. People choosing not to use Compass Cards can buy single-use Compass Tickets instead.

SeaBus [ edit ]

The SeaBus is a passenger ferry that connects Waterfront Station downtown to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver . It generally runs every 15 minutes until the 9:16PM departure, after which it runs every 30 minutes until last sailing (M-Sa 1:22AM, Su 11:16PM).

During peak times, two-zone fare is required. That is $3.75 for passengers with Compass Cards and $4.55 (July 2023) for those with Compass Tickets. At off-peak times, passengers pay one-zone fare.

Private operators have scheduled ferry service to destinations around False Creek. A quick trip across on a cute little-boat-that-could ferry can be the most fun, traffic-free, and convenient way to get around between the following destinations (from west to east):

• Maritime Museum in Vanier Park on the south shore in Kitsilano (False Creek Ferries)
• Aquatic Centre at Sunset Beach on the north shore in the West End (False Creek Ferries)
• Hornby St on the north shore in the city centre (Aquabus)
• Granville Island and its famous Public Market on the south shore (Aquabus / False Creek Ferries at different docks)

• Stamp's Landing/Monk's and Spyglass Place on the south shore in the False Creek area (Aquabus / False Creek Ferries)
• Plaza of Nations and Edgewater Casino on the north shore in Yaletown (Aquabus / False Creek Ferries)
• Science World, the geodesic dome at the south-east end of False Creek (Aquabus / False Creek Ferries)

Service is offered by:

The two ferries run slightly different routes, and their docks on Granville Island are on either side of the Public Market. As of Jan 2017, prices for adults are $3.25 for short routes, $5.50 for long routes, or $15 for a day pass. For seniors and children, the prices are $2, $3.75, and $11-13. Aquabus offers a 25-minute "mini-cruise" around False Creek for $8 per adult and $4 per child or senior.

Vancouver's road network is generally a grid system with a "Street" running north-south and an "Avenue" running east-west. Arterial roads follow the grid fairly well (although not perfectly), but side streets frequently disappear for blocks at a time and then reappear. Most of the "Avenues" are numbered and they always use East or West to designate whether it is on the east side or the west side of Ontario Street. Some of the major avenues use names rather than numbers (Broadway would be 9th Ave, King Edward Ave would be 25th Ave).

Downtown Vancouver has its own grid system and doesn't follow the street/avenue format of the rest of the city. It is also surrounded by water on three sides, so most of the ways in and out require you to cross a bridge. This can cause traffic congestion, particularly at peak times (morning and evening commutes, sunny weekend afternoons, major sporting events), so factor that into any driving plans, or avoid if possible.

One of the best ways to avoid traffic congestion is to listen to traffic reports on AM730. This station reports only about traffic and can be quick to report any accidents and congestion, as well as B.C. ferry reports, bridge and tunnel updates, border wait times, and other information pertaining to getting around the city and its many suburbs. It also posts frequent weather updates and local news.

A unique feature of Vancouver and the rest of British Columbia is intersections with flashing green traffic signals. These do not indicate an advance left turn as it would in many other parts of North America. Instead, a flashing green light indicates a traffic signal that can be activated only by a pedestrian or a cyclist on the side street, but not by a motor vehicle. When the signal turns red, traffic stops as at any traffic signal. Any side street traffic must obey the stop sign on the side street and must yield to any pedestrians crossing the side street, even if traffic is stopped on the main street.

Parking [ edit ]

Parking downtown generally costs $1-2.50/hour or $12-20/day. Commercial areas will typically have meter parking on the street, with meters accepting Canadian and American change only (American coins accepted at par value). Residential streets may allow free parking, but some will require a permit. If you do not have cash with you, most meters allow you to text the lot and stall number to PayByPhone , allowing payment through Visa or Mastercard. Each meter will specify if available.

Easy Park lots (look for an orange circle with a big "P") rank as the most affordable of the parkades, but generally the cost of parking will not vary greatly among parkades within a certain area. Most will accept payment by credit card, as well as coins. Beware of scammers hanging around in some parkades, trying to sell parking tickets for less than their face value — typically, they have purchased the tickets with stolen credit cards. Also be careful parking overnight, as vehicle break-ins are not uncommon.

City meters and parking regulations are enforced regularly. Meter-related offenses will result in fines. Violations in private lots are generally unenforceable, but may result in your car being towed. If your vehicle is towed on a city street, you can recover it at the city impound lot at 425 Industrial Ave.

Some new meters at private parking lots throughout the city no longer accept cash, make sure to also have a credit card with you. Most parking facilities also accept payment using the PayByPhone app.

Car sharing [ edit ]

Vancouver is often referred to as the car share capital, with over 2,000 available vehicles. Car sharing which allow vehicle rentals by the hour and minute. With the departure of Car2Go and Zipcar, the only companies left in this space are Evo and Modo . If you are a BCAA member, you can get a free Evo membership through their website. To sign up for Modo, if your license was issued from outside BC, you will need to put down a $750 damage deposit or provide a copy of your driving records from your home country (including an translation to English made by an approved translator if it is not already in English.)

By taxi [ edit ]

• Black Top Cabs , ☏ +1 604-731-1111 . ( updated Jul 2022 )
• MacLures Cabs , ☏ +1 604-831-1111 . ( updated Jul 2022 )
• Vancouver Taxi , ☏ +1 604-871-1111 . ( updated Jul 2022 )
• Yellow Cab , ☏ +1 604-681-1111 . ( updated Jul 2022 )

By ride hailing [ edit ]

Apps legally permitted to operate in the Vancouver area include:

• Kabu . ( updated Jul 2022 )

By bicycle [ edit ]

Vancouver is a very bicycle-friendly city. In addition to the extremely popular seawall bicycle routes along Stanley Park, False Creek and Kitsilano, there is a network of bicycle routes that connect the whole city, with many of the downtown bike lanes separated from traffic. The City of Vancouver provides a map of the bicycle routes that is available at most bike shops or online. Also, all buses have bicycle racks on the front to help riders get to less accessible parts. North American visitors will find that drivers in Vancouver are more accustomed to sharing the road with cyclists than many places.

The city of Vancouver operates a bike share program called Mobi . A 24-hour pass costs $19 for an unlimited number of 30-minute trips, with each additional minute costing 25 cents. Monthly passes are available for $39 (30-minute trips). Trips on a monthly pass that take longer than the allowed time will be charged an extra 25 cents per minute. Bike stations are spread across downtown, the West End, Gastown, Yaletown and False Creek, Granville Island and Kitsilano. Bikes are unlocked via a user code and PIN that are provided after you complete registration on Mobi's website. It's highly recommended that visitors complete registration before their visit, as you cannot do it at bike share stations.

Longer term bike rentals are available at a number of independent shops, where you can rent bicycles by the hour, day or week. Many places also rent tandem bikes. Shops can be found in the central business district , the West End , Yaletown and near Granville Island . Alternatively, buy a used bicycle and either sell it on or donate it to someone in more need of it at the end of your stay.

By scooter [ edit ]

Renting a scooter is a good compromise between a bike and a car. Scooters are not allowed on the famous bike path, but it is possible to travel in the inner roads, park and walk at all the attractions. Average cost is ~$80 for 24 hours + gas.

• Cycle BC , Location 1: (next to harbour air terminal) Location 2: 73 East 6th Ave , ☏ +1 604-709-5663 .  
• Vancouver Scooter Rental , 501-2050 Scotia St , ☏ +1 604-787-9177 .  

See [ edit ]

While Vancouver is still a young city, it has a variety of attractions and points of interest for the visitor.

Landmarks and historic buildings [ edit ]

Many of the city's landmarks and historical buildings can be found in the central business district . Canada Place , with its distinctive sails, the nearby Olympic Cauldron , the intricate Art Deco styling of the Marine Building and the old luxury railway hotel of the Hotel Vancouver are in the central business district . Stanley Park (the city's most popular attraction), along with its neighbouring Coal Harbour walkway and the Vancouver Aquarium are in the West End . Gastown , the original town site of Vancouver, has a number of restored buildings and its steam clock is a popular spot to visit. Modern architecture worth visiting also includes Shangri-La, the tallest building in the city, and the Sheraton Wall Centre, both located in central business district . Another popular city landmark, the bustling markets and shops of Granville Island , is just to the south of downtown in an area called South Granville .

Museums and galleries [ edit ]

If you're looking to learn about the people of the Northwest Coast and some of its history, one good spot is the impressive Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia , which houses several thousand objects from BC's First Nations. The museum is also home to significant collections of archaeological objects and ethnographic materials from other parts of the world.

The Vancouver Art Gallery in the central business district combines local with international through a variety of exhibitions and a permanent collection that focuses on renowned British Columbia artist, Emily Carr.

The Central Library location of the Vancouver Public Library , in the central business district at Homer and Robson Streets, is modelled after the Roman Colosseum, and houses the city's largest library.

Another sight in the central business district is the small Contemporary Art Gallery on Nelson Street, which features modern art. Also nearby, on the east side of False Creek is the shiny geodesic dome of the Telus World of Science (commonly known as Science World), which has a number of exhibits, shows and galleries aimed at making science fun for kids.

Another great spot to check out is the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum at Gate A of BC Place Stadium in Yaletown. The BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum preserves and honours BC's Sport heritage by recognizing extraordinary achievement in sport through using their collection and stories to inspire all people to pursue their dreams.

There are also some smaller sights in Kitsilano , including the Vancouver Maritime Museum, Museum of Vancouver, and H.R. Macmillan Space Centre.

Parks [ edit ]

The city has a wealth of parks and gardens scattered throughout. The most famous is Stanley Park at the tip of the West End . Its miles of trails for walking and cycling, beaches, magnificent views and the attractions (including totem poles) within the park gives it something for everyone. The most popular trail is the Seawall , a paved trail that runs around the perimeter of Stanley Park and now joins with the seawalls in Coal Harbour and Kitsilano, 22 km in length. The Vancouver Aquarium is in Stanley Park. Other notable parks and gardens include VanDusen Botanical Garden in South Vancouver and Queen Elizabeth Park near South Main , the Nitobe Memorial Garden (commonly known as the Nitobe Japanese Garden) and UBC Botanical Garden at the University of British Columbia and the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown .

Admission to Vancouver's various attractions can range from $10 to up to $30 per person. There are a variety of attractions passes available that help visitors save on retail admissions such as the See Vancouver Smartvisit Card .

Nature [ edit ]

Finally, a trip to Vancouver wouldn't be complete without a glimpse of the skyline and the Coast Mountains rising above the city (clouds permitting, of course!). Popular spots to view it include Stanley Park in the West End , Harbour Centre in the central business district , Spanish Banks and Jericho Beaches in Point Grey , and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver . Other interesting views can be seen from City Hall at 12th and Cambie in Mt Pleasant , Queen Elizabeth Park in Mt Pleasant, and East Van's CRAB Park.

Do [ edit ]

Culture and festivals [ edit ]

Vancouver isn't all about the outdoors. It offers a variety of theatre, concerts and other cultural events. There are symphony and opera venues in the central business district and much of the city's live theatre can be found in South Granville , particularly on Granville Island with its thriving arts scene.

The city's Chinese heritage comes alive during Chinese New Year . Chinatown , in the east side of downtown, is awash in colour and has many festivities, including a parade. June sees the annual Dragon Boat Festival on False Creek.

There is no shortage of festivals around the city, with many local ones particular to a neighbourhood. The festival that draws the largest crowds is the Honda Celebration of Light , a three-night extravaganza of fireworks over English Bay in late July. Countries compete with 20-30 min displays choreographed to music. The fireworks start at 10PM and are best viewed from Sunset Beach in the West End or Kits Beach/Vanier Park in Kitsilano . It is strongly recommended to take public transit and to get there a few hours early as the crowds are huge. Roads in the vicinity of English Bay are typically closed from 6PM onwards.

EAT! Vancouver - The Everything Food + Cooking Festival takes place every year. The festival takes place in early November. Celebrity chefs, popular local restaurants, wineries, food & beverage manufacturers, cookbook authors, retailers, artisans, & many others from the culinary world come together for a 6-day event.

Other notable festivals include the Vancouver International Film Festival that runs in Sept-Oct; the Fringe Festival that presents live theatre in a variety of styles and venues; Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival that runs May - September at Vanier Park in Kitsilano ; and the three day Folk Fest on the beach in Kitsilano that features a large selection of current and upcoming folk, roots and world music acts. Another notable event is Vancouver's annual Vancouver Pride Parade , in early August, which attracts over 600,000 spectators.

Laugh [ edit ]

Vancouver is also home to an enormous stand-up comedy scene. With 3 dedicated clubs, and more than two dozen venues hosting regular events, the Lower Mainland plays host to nearly 10,000 improv, stand-up, and open mic shows a year, such as by the Improv Centre on Granville Island . Catch touring comics, well-seasoned locals, or up and coming newbies at shows from theaters to pizza joints and experience some of the local, underground culture.

Live music [ edit ]

Vancouver has lots and lots of live music venues ranging from BC Place (over 60,000 seats) to local bars, pubs and coffee shops. There are also a plethora of festivals especially throughout the summer months. The Vancouver International Jazz Festival runs for two weeks in late June and early July and attracts big name jazz and avant garde acts.

Outdoor activities [ edit ]

Vancouverites love the outdoors and one of the most popular things to do is to walk, jog, bike or rollerblade the Seawall . It starts at Canada Place downtown , wraps around Stanley Park and follows the shoreline of False Creek through Yaletown , Science World and Granville Island to Kits Beach in Kitsilano . The most popular sections are around Stanley Park and along the north shore of False Creek. Bike and rollerblade rentals are available from a few shops near the corner of Denman & West Georgia in the West End if you prefer wheeled transportation over walking. If the weather's nice, go out to Granville Island, rent a speedboat and take a boat ride on the waters around Stanley Park and Coal Harbour. Golf courses are also abundant in the city, along with more cost-conscious pitch-and-putt courses.

If you'd rather lie in the sun than play in the sun, Vancouver has a number of beaches . While certainly not glamorous and lacking waves, there's sand, water and lots of people on sunny summer days. Kitsilano has a string of beaches, the most well known being Kitsilano Beach, Jericho and Spanish Banks. Kits Beach is the most popular and has beach volleyball, Spanish Banks is a bit quieter and popular with skimboarders. There are a few beaches on the south and west sides of downtown , with English Bay Beach (near Denman & Beach in the West End ) being the largest and most popular. Finally, no discussion of Vancouver beaches would be complete without mention of Wreck Beach at the tip of Point Grey in UBC . As much rock as it is sand, it holds a place in the Vancouver identity and is the only city beach where you can bare it all. [2]

For many, Vancouver is synonymous with skiing and snowboarding . While there are no ski hills within the city itself, there are three "local" hills (Cypress, Grouse Mountain and Seymour) across the harbour on the North Shore . And of course, Vancouver is the gateway to Whistler , the biggest and one of the most highly rated snow destinations in North America.

Spectator sports [ edit ]

When you tire of doing stuff outdoors, or prefer that someone else do the hard work, you can always grab a seat and take in the local sports teams.

Hockey [ edit ]

The biggest draw in town is hockey (the variety played on ice, not a field) and the local professional team is the Vancouver Canucks . The team plays at Rogers Arena in Yaletown and the season lasts from October to April (and possibly longer when they make the play-offs). Tickets are pricey and the concessions are even worse, but it's a good game to watch live. The local junior hockey team, the Vancouver Giants , offer a cheaper but no less exciting experience, but play in the Langley Events Centre some distance from Vancouver.

Football [ edit ]

The BC Lions , the city's Canadian Football League team (think American football with 12 players a side, three downs, a slightly larger field, and much larger end zones) plays during the summer and fall at BC Place in Yaletown .

Soccer [ edit ]

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC , the third team to bear the "Whitecaps" name, began play in Major League Soccer in March 2011, becoming the second MLS team in Canada (they have since been joined by a third Canadian team). They have played at BC Place since September 2011, when that venue reopened after post-Olympics renovations. The Whitecaps initially planned to build a new stadium of their own near the waterfront, but local opposition led the Whitecaps to make BC Place their long-term home.

Rugby [ edit ]

BC Place also hosts the Canada Sevens , an annual event in the World Rugby Sevens Series , a worldwide series of tournaments for men's national teams in rugby sevens, a variant of rugby union featuring 7 players per side instead of 15 (on the same full-size field) and halves of 7 minutes instead of 40. The event is typically held on the second weekend of March as part of a North American swing that also includes an event in Las Vegas .

Roller derby [ edit ]

The Terminal City Rollergirls are Vancouver's first female roller derby league and are members of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association. Created in 2006, the league now has four full teams (Faster Pussycats, Bad Reputations, Public Frenemy, and Riot Girls) as well as an All-Stars team made up of the best players in the league. The players are a diverse group of women, from nurses to construction workers, graphic designers, television producers, teachers, stay-at-home moms, PhD students and aspiring rock stars. The bouts are exciting and fun (there is usually an entertaining half-time show). If you're thinking about attending a bout and know nothing or very little about flat track roller derby, check out the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association's (WFTDA) explanation . Bouts are generally held April to September and at various arenas around Metro Vancouver, although the PNE Forum in East Van has been a popular venue.

Baseball [ edit ]

Vancouver has a single A baseball team, the Vancouver Canadians , who play out of Nat Bailey Stadium in the Mt Pleasant area.

University sports [ edit ]

The two major universities in the Vancouver area both have comprehensive athletic programs, though not at the high profile of similar institutions south of the border:

Tours [ edit ]

If you want to orient yourself in the city, there are a variety of tours – bus, walking, hop-on, hop-off – based out of the City Centre that will regale you with Vancouver lore while taking you to many of the main attractions.

Learn [ edit ]

Vancouver is a city with a rich assortment of educational institutions offering programs on nearly every possible occupation &/or avocation. There are two main universities (SFU & UBC) with a number of polytechnic institutions offer degrees in addition to certificates & diplomas. Vancouver is also a popular destination to learn English; expect to see many learners from Asian countries, such as South Korea, and from Brazil.

Places of study within the city of Vancouver include:

• Langara College is publicly funded and in South Vancouver . It offers a number of programs in the arts, humanities, business and technology, as well as continuing education and ESL classes.
• The Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design is publicly funded and in East Van . It offers a number of programs focused primarily on design and the visual arts.
• The Centre for Digital Media (CDM) is publicly funded and in East Van . It is a collaborative university campus environment put together with the help of all of the major local universities, focusing on arts, technology, and the environment.
• Vancouver Community College (VCC) is publicly funded and has two campuses: Broadway in East Van , and downtown . VCC offers a number of different certificate and diploma programs.
• University Canada West is a private, for profit university that offers undergraduate and graduate business degrees.
• The Vancouver Film School is a private institution in downtown Vancouver .

Places of study in suburbs outside of the city of Vancouver include:

• Simon Fraser University (SFU) , is publicly funded and is the second highest enrollment of any university in British Columbia. With over 30 000 full-time students, SFU is consistently ranked as the best Comprehensive University in Canada by Macleans. Its main campus on the top of a mountain in Burnaby with spectacular views. SFU also has the largest post-secondary presence in the city centre area , with the Beedie School of Business, the Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue , SFU Harbour Centre and SFU Woodwards, not to mention a satellite campus in Surrey .
• The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) , is publicly funded and a technical college based in Burnaby . It has a satellite campus in downtown Vancouver.
• The Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) is publicly funded and is a post-secondary institution focusing on public safety vocations. Its main campus is in New Westminster .
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is publicly funded with campuses in Richmond , Surrey , and Langley . It offers over 120 programs, including career, vocational trades and technology certificates, diplomas, and degrees across numerous disciplines.
• Douglas College is a publicly funded and offers degrees with campuses in New Westminster and Coquitlam .
• Trinity Western University (TWU) is a private Christian university with undergraduate and graduate studies programs. Its main campus is in Langley and it has a smaller campus in Richmond .
• Brighton College is a private institution and offers numerous diploma and certificate programs with practicums in healthcare, business, construction, international trade, information technology, internet marketing, and accounting. It has two campuses in Burnaby .
• Stenberg College is a private institution and specializes in Health Care and Human Services education. It offers multiple diploma and certificate programs. The College's main campus is in Surrey .

Work [ edit ]

Traditionally, much of Vancouver's industry has centred around its port facilities and the forestry and mining sectors. Although these industries are still important to the economy, Vancouver's largest employers are now the various hospitals and educational institutions in the area and companies with head offices in Vancouver such as Telus Corp and the Jim Pattison Group. Vancouver however has expanded as a centre for software development and biotechnology, while streets provide a backdrop for an active film industry. Many jobs exist in the varied small and medium sized businesses that operate in the region. As with many cities, jobs are posted on-line or in the newspaper, but it helps if you have some contacts within the industry that can point you to the jobs that are open but not posted.

As with any tourist centre, there are a number of service jobs available. The attractions, restaurants and hotels downtown frequently need staff. Other areas to consider are Granville Island and the North Shore with its ski areas and Grouse Mountain.

Buy [ edit ]

This is only a sample of things you can look for in Vancouver. Visit the separate district pages for other info.

Tip - There are two local taxes that are charged on the vast majority of goods, the 7% PST (Provincial Sales Tax) and the 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax) . The PST does not apply to restaurants, motor fuel, food (including non-alcoholic drinks), vitamins, books, newspaper, magazines, bicycles, and children's clothing.

• Yaletown . Is also popular for its non-mainstream fashion boutiques and high-end salons. A few Popular Yaletown Shopping Streets are: Mainland St., Hamilton St., and Pacific Blvd. ( updated Oct 2023 )

There are some unique shopping areas in Kitsilano and East Van . In Kits you can visit the first store of Vancouver-born and based athletic retailer, Lululemon Athletica , sporting popular yoga-inspired apparel. Gore-tex jackets are ubiquitous in Vancouver and the best place to buy them is at Mountain Equipment Co-op , Taiga Works or one of the other outdoorsy stores clustered together on the east-west main drag called Broadway (equivalent to 9th Avenue, running between 8th and 10th) between Cambie St. and Main St., just east of the Kitsilano area.

Eat [ edit ]

Where to begin? There is something for everyone in this cosmopolitan city, and the variety of cuisines and price points have been described as a foodie's delight. In particular, you will find many different kinds of Asian food available. If you fancy sushi many places offer "all you can eat" lunches for $12, which offers food of a wildly varying quality. In general, the city is up there with some of the best cities in North America when it comes to food. If you can do without alcohol, you can usually have a pretty reasonable meal for under $12, and at one of the more expensive restaurants in the city, $70 will get you a four course feast with exquisite service.

The highest density of restaurants is in Kitsilano or the West End . The central business area has many of the high end restaurants either along Robson Street or associated with the many hotels in the downtown area. East Van tends to have many authentic ethnic restaurants.

Vancouver is also famous for its Cantonese restaurants, in particular because it received a huge number of top chefs from Hong Kong fleeing the impending handover back to China in the 1980s and 1990s. Because of this large diaspora from Hong Kong, the price and quality of dim sum, siu mei and other Cantonese dishes here is among the best in the world, with many even claiming that Vancouver's Cantonese food is better than that of Hong Kong and Guangdong. However, Vancouver's Chinatown is now a shadow of its former self, with most of the remaining restaurants being tourist traps serving mediocre food. These days, the best Chinese food can be found in the suburb of Richmond , with a majority of its inhabitants being ethnically Chinese. Restaurants are all over the place on No. 3 Rd, Westminster Hwy, Alexandra Rd, and on the many side streets just east of Richmond Centre.

Vancouver has become a lot more vegetarian and vegan friendly. For exclusively veg-fare, there is Indigo Age downtown, the Naam in Kits, the Acorn on Main St, Meet in Gastown, Kokomo in Chinatown, Roots + Fruits in Strathcona, Eternal Abundance on the Drive, and Chomp in Hastings-Sunrise- to name only a few.

Many Vancouver restaurants recommend you have a reservation, the majority of them use OpenTable , or other similar software; however, some require you to phone. Check on the restaurants website or Yelp page before you go to be sure you will be seated in a timely manner.

For budget travellers, pick up a Georgia Straight (a free local paper available all over the place), and clip two-for-one coupons from the food section.

Every January, the city holds a food festival with over 270 local restaurants, which offer prix-fixe menus. The program, Dine Out Vancouver , runs over 17 days and includes the cities new eateries, neighbourhood favourites and award-winners. In 2017, to will be held from January 20 to February 5.

Although the vast majority of stores around Vancouver accept credit cards, small family-owned Chinese businesses and restaurants, more often than not, accept only cash. Very few businesses in the city accept cheques.

Vancouver is also known for its gourmet ice cream shops, with some of the more notable chains including Rain or Shine Ice Cream , Earnest Ice Cream and Bella Gelateria . While in Vancouver, make sure you try the "London fog" flavour, which is earl grey tea with fresh milk.

Food safety inspection reports are available online from the local health authority, Vancouver Coastal Health .

Drink [ edit ]

Most of the nightclubs are in the central business district , especially along the Granville Street strip, south of Robson and along Water Street in Gastown. There are a number of good local pubs in the various quieter neighbourhoods of the city, such as along Main Street or Broadway. Closing times for most of these pub-like establishments begin at 1AM; nightclubs close between 2AM-3AM with a very small number operating after-hours. Nightclubs with music, a DJ and a dance floor usually charge an entrance fee. Be aware that many nightclubs often have long lineup queues on weekends, which are usually self-imposed regardless of whether or not the establishment is near capacity to attract business. Flexibility and willingness to go early is key should nightlife become part of your travel plans.

Liquor stores by 11PM at the latest close, while many are closed by 9PM, and there will exist no other legal options apart from drinking at an establishment beyond this time.

Coffee [ edit ]

• On Robson and Thurlow, there used to be two Starbucks kitty-corner to one another, hardly surprising as Starbucks is the most dominant of the three coffee shop chains found in Vancouver and it is claimed there are more Starbucks per capita in Vancouver than anywhere else. The other chains, Caffe Artigiano and Blenz , are found throughout downtown. JJ Bean is favoured among the locals and it's a great place to spend a few minutes to a few hours nursing a coffee and one of their ginormous muffins; there are ten locations scattered throughout the city. Bean Around the World is a popular coffee house chain with ten locations. Waves Coffee is popular with students for its 24-hour operations, and free Wi-Fi internet. For independent chains try Mario's on Dunsmuir and Howe; they have a unique feel and a slower pace than other coffee shops. Make sure not to miss Trees' cheesecakes and its roasted on-site organic coffees.

Vancouver has seen a rise of new independent coffee shops in the past three years, most of which focus on single-origin beans and a simpler approach to delicious coffee devoid of syrups and flavourings. Examples include: Matchstick , Kafka's , Revolver , 49th Parallel .

Tea [ edit ]

A distinctive local drink in Vancouver is called the London fog , which is similar to a latte except that it uses a shot of earl grey tea instead of espresso coffee. It is available at virtually every coffee shop in Vancouver.

Bubble tea (or boba tea) is also a popular drink among the Vancouver youth. There are countless tea houses throughout Vancouver, the most notable being Dragon Ball Tea House on West King Edward Ave and Oak St.

Beer [ edit ]

Vancouver offers a number of destinations for beer drinkers. The largest is the Granville Island Brewery on Granville Island (tours are available). Other microbreweries are housed in brewpubs, popular ones include the Yaletown Brewing Company in Yaletown and Steamworks at the entrance to Gastown . The Alibi Room , near Gastown, specializes in beers by Northwestern microbreweries as does the Cascade Room in South Main . Portland , also in South Main, is another craft beer venue that specializes in beers by Oregon based microbreweries.

East Vancouver , near Commercial Drive and E Hastings St, has become a hot spot for smaller craft breweries. This area is popular with locals who like to hit up a few different breweries, sampling beer and eating snacks like pepperoni sticks. There are over 10 breweries within walking distance of each other. Check out Storm Brewing , Callister Brewing , and Parallel 49 Brewing Company to name a few. $6 for a flight of 6 samples is standard, though some breweries such as Storm Brewing provide samples by donation.

Olympic Village, in False Creek , is another craft brewing hot spot, with multiple craft breweries within walking distance of eachother, including 33 Acres Brewing Company , Brassneck Brewery , Main Street Brewing Co , and more. All of these breweries are easily accessible by public transit.

If you fancy a short journey outside of Vancouver proper, Port Moody is easily accessible by Skytrain and has another great strip of small local breweries. North Vancouver , a 15 min SeaBus ride from downtown, offers another cluster of breweries, cider mill, distillery, winery, and braggotery along their newly developing "Brewery District".

Sleep [ edit ]

In general, accommodations in Vancouver are on the expensive side. Most upscale hotel rooms begin at $200-250/night, although you can find reasonably priced ones in the $100-180 range quite often. Most motel rooms cost somewhere between $80-150/night. If you are lucky to find hostel accommodation, the cheapest of these will cost around $30 /night, more reasonably between $35-50.

The City Centre is centrally for attractions and has the bulk of Vancouver's accommodation, including most of the high-end hotels and backpackers hostels. If you don't mind getting away from the chain hotels, there are a number of smaller boutique hotels outside of the central business district but still close to the action that are cheaper than the four and five star options downtown. Backpacker hostels are another cheap option with beds starting at $25 if you don't mind sharing a room.

Staying outside the City Centre area may give you a wider choice of affordable accommodations. There are a few budget hotels/motels along Kingsway in East Van and Broadway in South Granville . A number of B&Bs and AirBnB rentals are also scattered throughout the city in each district. If you want/need to stay close to the airport, Richmond has a number of hotels with varying degrees of luxury and price.

Finally, if you don't mind driving or commuting in to see Vancouver, the suburbs also have some cheaper options. North Vancouver , Burnaby and New Westminster all have easy access to Vancouver via the public transit system. The closest Provincial Parks with campgrounds are near Maple Ridge ( Golden Ears Provincial Park ), Chilliwack , and Squamish .

Camping in city parks is prohibited under Vancouver’s by-laws. Travellers may hear a claim that it is legal to camp overnight in city parks in Victoria and Abbotsford; (due to court cases that permit the homeless to do); but whether this would also apply to Vancouver or extend to travellers looking to free camp is unknown. That said, a small number of mostly homeless people do camp in city parks and it seems the bylaw is not always enforced. If you decide to do this, avoid the Downtown Eastside ( Gastown-Chinatown and points directly east), don’t be disruptive, don’t light fires and be aware of the risks of free camping/sleeping rough .

Connect [ edit ]

In an emergency, dial 9-1-1 from any phone, even mobile phones with no service. If you're subscribed to Rogers for mobile service, or you're roaming on their network, they support 1-1-2 as well as 9-1-1. All other carriers only support 9-1-1.

The telephone area codes 604, 778, and 236 overlap Vancouver and the surrounding area. This means the Lower Mainland requires ten-digit dialing, so you must dial the area code when making a local call. Calls out of the region (east of Langley, or north of Squamish, including to Whistler) require a 1 before the area code.

At payphones, local calls cost a flat 50 cents each. Be aware that many public phones have been removed, especially in the suburbs, due to the rise of cell phones. Downtown payphones are often broken, but the payphones at the downtown SkyTrain stations are almost always in service. Payphones can be used to call 911 free of charge.

Free Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, cafés, and restaurants, as well as practically everywhere downtown. The city operates over 500 free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the city. A full list of the city operated wireless hotspots can be found here . Some Translink buses, skytrains, seabuses, as well as some stations and terminals also provide free Wi-Fi for transit passengers. Internet cafés are not as popular as they once were, but several remain in Vancouver, charging hourly with all-day passes available.

By mail [ edit ]

• 49.2813 -123.1156 2 Vancouver Main Post Office ( Canada Post ), 495 W Georgia St ( W George St & Richards St ). (retail counter) M-F 9AM-6PM . Postcodes for the greater Vancouver area typically range from V5J through V6Z. There are also other postcodes in the surrounding cities making up the greater Vancouver metropolitan area ranging from V4A to V5J and from V7A to V7Y. Neighbourhood post office branches are within and operated by London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart, 7 Eleven and other retail stores contracted by Canada Post. They are marked with the red "Canada Post" signage and logo. ( updated Nov 2022 )

Stay safe [ edit ]

Vancouver is a great place to visit if you use common sense like keeping an eye on your possessions, knowing where you are going and avoiding alleys and unfamiliar areas at night should keep you out of trouble. Unless involved in illegal activities (such as the drug trade), it is highly unlikely you will fall victim to any sort of violent crime. If you need emergency help, dial 911 .

Like any major metropolitan city, Vancouver has areas that should be travelled with caution. The most notable is the Downtown Eastside (specifically Hastings Street between Abbott and Gore). This neighbourhood is infamous for homelessness, drug-use, and prostitution. As a result of these conditions, violence is quite a common problem. If you do accidentally stroll into the Downtown Eastside it is not difficult to find your way out, but if you get lost or feel uncomfortable the best thing to do is approach a police officer. Tourists exploring Gastown and Chinatown can easily wander into the Downtown Eastside unwittingly. Chinatown turns into a ghost town in the evening, and is mainly filled with homeless people, so you should avoid the area at night.

It's also wise to exercise caution in the Granville Mall area (Granville St between Smithe St and Hastings St) in the central business district on Friday and Saturday nights. As Vancouver’s bar and nightclub district, the sheer volume of people combined with alcohol consumption make disorderly conduct and rowdy behaviour fairly common. But this shouldn't act as a deterrent - if you're not looking for trouble, you probably won't find it, and there is a strong police presence. The streets at night in the Granville Mall area are usually (and quite literally) clogged with people at night time. Such an enormous mix of people and alcohol can be a dangerous mix if you are not cautious.

Some parts of the city have high rates of property crime. Theft from vehicles is especially problematic and parked cars with foreign or out-of-province plates are frequently targeted. The best thing is to not leave any money and valuables in plain view. Many of the locals use steering wheel locks to prevent vehicle theft.

While using public transit, if you feel unsafe, approach a Transit police officer (usually at SkyTrain stations). For non-emergency requests, you can call ☏ +1-604-515-8300 .

Panhandling is common in some parts of downtown, but is unlikely to pose a problem. Don't be rude, as there may be negative consequences.

Drugs [ edit ]

Cannabis can be purchased from private dispensaries or the government-run BC Cannabis stores, which also offer online sales. It's legal for adults over 19 to consume and possess up to 30 grams of cannabis. It is not permitted to smoke or vape cannabis anywhere tobacco use is prohibited.

There are serious penalties for driving under the influence of THC, which include fines and vehicle seizure. Also, while Washington State has legalized recreational cannabis at the state level it remains illegal to bring any cannabis products over the border in either direction. Do not buy cannabis in Canada and attempt to take it into Washington State, or vice versa, not even at out of the way crossings like Point Roberts.

The province of British Columbia is the first jurisdiction in the world to decriminalize possession of hard drugs. Possession of up to 2.5 grams of cocaine (crack and powder), methamphetamine, MDMA, and opioids (including heroin, fentanyl and morphine) is no longer a criminal offence. In some areas such as Downtown Eastside, the government provides safe injection sites where you can safely dispose off needles after injecting yourself. The exemption is scheduled to last until until Jan 31, 2026.

Driving while under the influence of drugs is a crime. Anyone caught selling drugs or trafficking them will still face criminal penalties. Possessing hard drugs at airports and many other locations remains illegal.

Cope [ edit ]

Publications [ edit ].

• Vancouver Is Awesome . Free daily online paper focusing primarily on cultural events, food, and civic current affairs. ( updated Jul 2022 )

Other free weeklies include the Vancouver Courier, Westender, and Xtra West (gay and lesbian bi-weekly newspaper). Free dailies include 24 Hours and Metro.

Wireless [ edit ]

There are a number of wireless network providers in BC's lower mainland, all with store locations throughout Vancouver, including Telus / Koodo , Rogers / Fido / Chatr , Bell / Virgin , and Freedom Mobile . Another option is Public Mobile , which operates mostly online only, but SIMs can be purchased at London Drugs and generally costs less than other providers. Many wireless carriers offer out of country travel plans; inquire with your carrier regarding pricing before your trip.

Religious services [ edit ]

• Anglican (Episcopal): Christ Church Cathedral , 690 Burrard St , ☏ +1 604-682-3848 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• Buddhist: Tilopa Kadampa Buddhist Centre , 1829 Victoria Diversion ( Just south of 18th & Commercial in the Trout Lake neighborhood ), ☏ +1 604-221-2271 . Offers relaxation meditations and meditation classes to increase inner peace. ( updated Aug 2022 )
• Muslim: Masjid Omar Al-Farooq , 1659 E 10th Ave , ☏ +1 604-873-2040 , [email protected] . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• Presbyterian: Central Presbyterian Church , 1155 Thurlow St ( Davie Village, near Davie and Thurlow ), ☏ +1 604-683-1913 . Sunday 10:30AM . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• Protestant: St. Andrew Wesley United Church , 1022 Nelson St , ☏ +1 604-683-4574 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• Roman Catholic: Holy Rosary Cathedral , 646 Richards St , ☏ +1 604-682-6774 . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• Seventh-day Adventist: Oakridge Adventist Church , 5350 Ballie St two blocks north of Oakridge Mall/Canada Line Station . Saturday 10AM and 11AM . ( updated Aug 2022 )
• Sikh: Akali Singh Sikh Society , 1890 Skeena St , ☏ +1 604-254-2117 . ( updated Jan 2023 )

Hospitals [ edit ]

There are also a number of walk-in clinics around Vancouver. Unfortunately waits are usually around 30-45 min for an appointment.

Consulates [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ], nearby municipalities [ edit ].

There are a number of things to see and do just outside of Vancouver's borders. Some of the most popular are listed below. All of these places are accessible by public transit, or if you have a car, within an hour's drive.

• North Vancouver - Take in the views from Grouse Mountain (The Peak of Vancouver), go for a walk on a suspension bridge or enjoy one of the many outdoor recreation opportunities -- hiking, mountain biking, skiing/snowboarding, kayaking -- on offer. The most popular summer activity in the area is hiking the 'Grouse Grind', a 2.9-km, 853-m elevation gain hike up the side of Grouse mountain.
• West Vancouver - A municipality north of the Lion's gate bridge, en route to Whistler. Home to many beaches, coves, parks and expensive real estate, where breathtaking views of Vancouver can be scoped by driving its higher altitudes.
• Burnaby - Shop till you drop at Metropolis at Metrotown, the largest shopping mall in British Columbia, or relax at one of the large regional parks. Also home to Simon Fraser University's main campus (notable for its brutalist architecture), on top of Burnaby mountain.
• Port Coquitlam , Coquitlam and Port Moody (the Tri City area) - Half hour drive down Hastings street to the Barnet Highway will bring you to Port Moody, locally known as the City of the Arts.
• Richmond - City with a large Asian influence with many options for Chinese, Japanese and Korean dining and shopping, the largest Buddhist temple in North America and the historic seaside Steveston towards the south offers a quieter, small-town type atmosphere.
• Surrey / White Rock - A 45 minute drive away from Vancouver, famous for its moderate climate and sandy beaches. Surrey is also the place to go for South Asian shopping and watching Bollywood movies.
• Fort Langley - Village with unique shops, restaurants and the site of one of the first forts built in British Columbia.
• New Westminster - Small city on the banks of the Fraser River that was once the capital of British Columbia.
• Delta - Made up of three communities separated by farmland; North Delta, Ladner, and Tsawwassen. Ladner has a quaint village-like atmosphere which has attracted several movies to be shot there and is the home of the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary . Tsawwassen has Boundary Bay Regional Park with its walking trails and bird watching opportunities.

Day trips [ edit ]

• Bowen Island is a popular day trip or weekend excursion offering kayaking, hiking, shops, restaurants, and more. This authentic community is in Howe Sound just off Vancouver, and is easily accessed via scheduled water taxis departing Granville Island in downtown Vancouver or by ferry from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver.
• For those who enjoy outdoor activities, a trek up the Sea to Sky corridor is essential. Squamish has branded itself the "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada" and with an incredible amount of quality rock climbing, mountain biking, white water rafting, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, golf, walking trails and more, it certainly deserves the title. Squamish is about half way between Vancouver and Whistler. Whistler (1.5-hour drive from Vancouver) is expensive but well-known because of the 2010 Winter Olympics. In the winter, enjoy some of the best skiing in North America, and in the summer try some authentic mountain biking.
• Another good spot for outdoor activities is Mount Baker across the border in Washington . Driving time is about three hours, but border line-ups can add anywhere from a few minutes to several hours onto your trip.
• The nearby Fraser Valley has a number of parks and lakes that are nice for fishing, hiking or relaxing. A popular lake beach destination is in Harrison Hot Springs .
• A geopolitical oddity: Point Roberts , a village that's part of the United States but can only be reached by land through Delta , BC.

Further afield [ edit ]

• Vancouver Island is a good spot to move on to from Vancouver. Victoria , British Columbia's capital, is a relaxing place. Tofino is a pretty spot on the island's west coast, good for whale and storm watching and has some of Canada's best surf (if you can brave the cold water). The island is reached by ferry, seaplane and bus.
• The Southern Gulf Islands are also a short ferry ride or float plane flight away. The Southern Gulf Islands are known for their artist communities, wineries, fromageries and farms. These islands also boast incredible opportunities for boating, kayaking, hiking, camping and wildlife viewing in the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve .
• The Okanagan is a four to five hour drive east, with a large number of wineries, water activities in the summer and skiing in the winter.
• The scenery of Banff , Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains is a long day's drive (8-9 hours) east.
• To the south, in the United States, Seattle is a two and a half hour drive and Portland is a five hour drive (excluding any border line-up).

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VANCOUVER NEIGHBOURHOODS

Going for a walk.

Vancouver is home to many vibrant and interesting areas. Here are a few to start you on your exploration of our city!

Chinatownn : Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Vancouver’s Chinese population originally made the journey to work in local mines and build the Trans-Canada railway. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America's third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. The main commercial area runs is around six blocks, bordered by East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, East Georgia Street, and Carrall Street.

Coal Harbour : Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Vancouver’s Chinese population originally made the journey to work in local mines and build the Trans-Canada railway. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America's third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. The main commercial area runs is around six blocks, bordered by East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, East Georgia Street, and Carrall Street.

Commercial Drive : Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Vancouver’s Chinese population originally made the journey to work in local mines and build the Trans-Canada railway. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America's third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. The main commercial area runs is around six blocks, bordered by East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, East Georgia Street, and Carrall Street.

Davie Village : Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Vancouver’s Chinese population originally made the journey to work in local mines and build the Trans-Canada railway. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America's third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. The main commercial area runs is around six blocks, bordered by East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, East Georgia Street, and Carrall Street.

Gastown : Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Vancouver’s Chinese population originally made the journey to work in local mines and build the Trans-Canada railway. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America's third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. The main commercial area runs is around six blocks, bordered by East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, East Georgia Street, and Carrall Street.

Granville Island : Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Vancouver’s Chinese population originally made the journey to work in local mines and build the Trans-Canada railway. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America's third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. The main commercial area runs is around six blocks, bordered by East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, East Georgia Street, and Carrall Street.

Granville Street : Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Vancouver’s Chinese population originally made the journey to work in local mines and build the Trans-Canada railway. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America's third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. The main commercial area runs is around six blocks, bordered by East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, East Georgia Street, and Carrall Street.

Kitsilano : Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Vancouver’s Chinese population originally made the journey to work in local mines and build the Trans-Canada railway. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America's third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. The main commercial area runs is around six blocks, bordered by East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, East Georgia Street, and Carrall Street.

Lower Lonsdale : Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Vancouver’s Chinese population originally made the journey to work in local mines and build the Trans-Canada railway. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America's third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. The main commercial area runs is around six blocks, bordered by East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, East Georgia Street, and Carrall Street.

Robson Street : Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Vancouver’s Chinese population originally made the journey to work in local mines and build the Trans-Canada railway. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America's third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. The main commercial area runs is around six blocks, bordered by East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, East Georgia Street, and Carrall Street.

South Granville : Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Vancouver’s Chinese population originally made the journey to work in local mines and build the Trans-Canada railway. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America's third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. The main commercial area runs is around six blocks, bordered by East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, East Georgia Street, and Carrall Street.

South Main : Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Vancouver’s Chinese population originally made the journey to work in local mines and build the Trans-Canada railway. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America's third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. The main commercial area runs is around six blocks, bordered by East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, East Georgia Street, and Carrall Street.

West End : Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Vancouver’s Chinese population originally made the journey to work in local mines and build the Trans-Canada railway. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America's third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. The main commercial area runs is around six blocks, bordered by East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, East Georgia Street, and Carrall Street.

Yaletown : Established back in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colours, exotic cuisine and a vibrant culture. Vancouver’s Chinese population originally made the journey to work in local mines and build the Trans-Canada railway. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America's third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco. The main commercial area runs is around six blocks, bordered by East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, East Georgia Street, and Carrall Street.

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Pricing and Fare Zones

Learn how much a single trip costs, as well as all about fare zones, prices, and concession fares.

Compass Card

Learn more about fares and transit passes, concession fares, and available payment methods for Compass Card.

Transferring and AddFare

Understand how to transfer between services, when transfers are free, and when an extra charge (AddFare) applies.

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Find out what fare types and passes are available for the West Coast Express (WCE), how to transfer to and from WCE trains, and more.

Where to Buy

Compass Cards and Tickets can be purchased at Compass Vending Machines (CVMs), select retailers throughout the region, and by phone.

A U-Pass BC gives students access to the bus, SeaBus, SkyTrain, and discounts on West Coast Express.

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Vancouver Public Transport Mega Guide + Local Tips

Struggling to navigate Vancouver public transport? You’re not alone – even us locals are still adjusting to the intricacies of the Vancouver public transportation system.

I can empathize with the challenges travelers like you face while maneuvering through the city’s elaborate network of Skytrain (our subway/metro), bus, and ferry services.

Fortunately, you can put your worries aside, as I’ll be sharing my years of experience (including a few mishaps!) to guide you through the city stress-free!

Here’s my comprehensive Vancouver public transport mega guide.

• Vancouver transit fares + zone map
• Transit passes
• False Creek Ferries
• Bike sharing and rentals

The West Coast Express

Safety on transit, vancouver public transport.

People always ask me how easy it is to get around Vancouver without a car. I often hear people telling me that they’d heard that you absolutely need a car or taxi to get around town.

While having wheels definitely comes with its advantages, I’m here to show you that these people are wrong.

With a few useful travel hacks and a little patience, you’ll find that Vancouver public transit is clean , efficient, and affordable . You’ll have no problem accessing all of the city’s top attractions .

First, let’s cover the basics.

Vancouver Public Transportation Options

Translink is the regional transportation authority that oversees the Vancouver public transport system.

Translink operates a system that includes the following:

• The Skytrain : Greater Vancouver’s Metro system
• The Coast Mountain Bus Company :   A provider of an extensive network of bus routes
• The Seabus : A downtown to North Vancouver passenger ferry
• The West Coast Express : A commuter train that links downtown with Vancouver’s Eastern suburbs

Additionally, the city is one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America. You can use the regional bike share system known as Mobi or private bike rentals to access our vast network of bike lanes. Or better yet, take them for a spin on the legendary Seawall .

Lastly, two private companies, Aquabus and False Creek Ferries , provide a small passenger ferry service throughout False Creek.

Vancouver Transit Fares

The cost of your trip depends on four main factors:

• Distance travelled: (number of zones)
• Method of payment: (cash, compass card or day pass)
• Mode of transport: (transit option used)
• Time of purchase: (weekday, evening or holiday)

Each factor will be discussed in detail below, but in the meantime, here is a quick look at the fare list.

Cash Fares (cash/contactless payment)

Type              1-Zone     2-Zone     3-Zone

Adult              $3.15      $4.55       $6.20

Concession  $2.10       $3.10      $4.25

Compass Card (stored value)

Type               1-Zone     2-Zone     3-Zone

Adult              $2.55       $3.75       $4.80

Concession    $2.10      $3.10      $4.25

Monthly Passes

Adult           $104.90    $140.25   $189.45

Concession       –                 –            $59.95

Type                          All Zones

Adult                           $11.25

Concession                 $8.85

*Concession rates apply to seniors (65+), children (5-13) and youth (14-18) with valid ID.

Translink Zone Map

There are four transit zones in the Metro Vancouver area:

• One : Encompasses the entirety of the City of Vancouver, including Downtown and the city’s Southern peninsula.
• Two: Covers the neighbouring suburbs on the North Shore, Richmond, Burnaby, and New Westminster.
• Three: Constituted of the more distant suburbs to the East, including; Delta, Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam, and Port Moody
• Airport : Includes the three stations located on Sea Island, including YVR-Airport.

Vancouver Airport Transportation

In addition to any ticket purchased that departs from Sea Island, all travellers are required to pay the $5 YVR add fare surcharge.

This surcharge is not levied for trips to the airport from the City Centre.

For more information on travel from YVR, check out our Airport Transportation guide.

Mode of Transport

The Skytrain and Seabus require a 1, 2, or 3-zone ticket depending on the time of day and travel distance.

However, it is important to note that regardless of trip duration all bus trips are considered one-zone fares .

Translink Methods of Payment

All forms of Vancouver transit can accommodate here are four methods of payment:

• Single/Cash Fares: Cash or credit/debit/mobile wallet purchase of a single fare.
• Stored Value (Compass Card): Vancouver’s reloadable fare card.
• Day Pass: 24 hours of service across the transit system.
• Monthly Pass : Provides unlimited access for one month.

Each method of payment will be discussed in detail in the corresponding sections below.

Vancouver Transit Single/Cash Fares

With a single fare, you can transfer as often as you like between the Skytrain, buses, and Seabus within 90 minutes, with one notable exception listed below.

There are three methods of purchase for single fares:

• 1) Cash From a Compass Vending Machine (CVM): You can purchase a single fare (called a Compass Pass) from vending machines at any Skytrain or Seabus station or at most London Drugs locations.
• These fares can be purchased with cash, debit card, or credit card and allow for transfer across all modes of transport for up to 90 minutes. Single-fare passes expire at the end of the day of purchase, even if not used.
• 2) Cash Aboard a Bus: Cash payments aboard buses require an exact coin fare. This fare enables the user to have unlimited use of the Metro Vancouver bus system for up to 90 minutes with the acceptance of a transfer.
• Unfortunately, this does not extend to the Skytrain system.  A Compass Card or Compass Pass is required   for free transfer to Skytrain, Seabus, or West Coast Express services.
• 3) Tap to Pay: You can tap your contactless credit card (Visa or Mastercard), debit card or mobile wallet on any card reader at the front of the bus or Skytrain fare gates to begin your journey.
• On the Skytrain, be sure to tap your card or device when transferring/exiting the station (not required on buses). Otherwise, you may incur additional charges.

Vancouver Transit Passes

Compass Card

The Compass Card is Vancouver’s easy reloadable fare card that works on Translink’s entire Skytrain, Bus, West Coast Express and Seabus network.

As displayed in the fare table above, the Compass Card offers users travel at a  discounted rate  relative to regular cash fares.

Consequently, we strongly recommend a Compass Card purchase if you expect to use the transit system extensively.

Types of Compass Card

Three types of Compass cards are available for purchase in addition to the single-fare Compass Pass discussed above.

• 1) Adult Compass Card : The most popular option, this card can be loaded with stored value or pass products (daily or monthly passes). They are available online, at Compass Vending Machines (CVMs), or at select retail locations (see below.)
• 2) Concession Compass Card: The concession Compass Card offers discounted rates of travel for seniors aged 65 and over, children between 5-13 and youth 14-18 with valid photo ID (children under five ride free).
• They are available at the Compass Service Centre at Stadium-Chinatown Station, the West Coast Express Office, and select retail locations.
• 3) Compass Card Wearables: In addition to the traditional card format, the Compass Card is also available in recently introduced wristband and mini(keychain) versions. Both options can be purchased in adult and concessionary formats.
• Wearables are only available at the Compass Customer Service Centre at Stadium-Chinatown Station or the West Coast Express Office at Waterfront Station. They function exactly like the traditional card format and can be obtained for the same $6 deposit.

How do you purchase a Compass Card?

There are four different ways to purchase your card.

• 1) Compass Vending Machines (CVM): Located in all Skytrain, Seabus and West Coast Express stations and the Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen ferry terminals. Concession Compass Cards are not available at CVMs.
• 2) Local Retailers: Compass Cards are available at select retailers such as London Drugs, Save On Foods, 7-11, Shoppers Drug Mart and Safeway. This is the preferred option for the purchase of concession Compass Cards.
• Looking for an option close to you? Check out Translink’s find a retailer page .
• 3) Online: Since online purchase requires delivery, it is ill-suited for most tourists. However, if you have a suitable address to which you can send your pre-loaded Compass Card, they are available for purchase on the Translink website.
• For more details, click the link here .
• 4) The Compass Customer Service Centre: Located at Stadium-Chinatown Station. There is a refundable $6 deposit required to purchase a Compass Card. At the end of your trip, this amount can be returned to you, along with any remaining balance.

How do you use a Compass Card?

The skytrain, seabus & west coast express.

Simply tap your card on the card readers located at the entrance to the station. This will automatically initiate a three-zone fare.

Once your journey is over, be  sure to tap out upon exiting the station. And remember, this also applies to key transfer points.

Tapping out ensures that the proper amount will be deducted from your stored value. Otherwise, you’ll be dinged for a three-zone fare.

Vancouver Buses

When travelling by bus, tap on the card readers located on board at the front of the bus or on the rear doors upon B-line or Express buses.

You will only be charged for a one-zone journey, as the entire Coast Mountain bus network is considered one zone.

Consequently, you are not required to tap out at the end of your journey.

Vancouver Day passes

Purchase of a Vancouver transit day pass grants unlimited access to the Skytrain, bus, and Seabus networks on the day of purchase.

The passes cost $11.25 for adults or $8.85 for seniors and youths .

Unlike many cities offering passes with validity for 24 hours after validation, Vancouver transit day passes expire at the end of the service day they are purchased, even if unused.

For this reason, we only recommend purchasing a day pass Vancouver if you plan on getting an early start and need to travel extensively throughout multiple zones.

There are two ways to buy day passes:

• 1) Purchase a Day Pass Ticket: You can purchase a day pass from a Compass Vending Machine (CVM) located within any Skytrain, Seabus West Coast Express Station or any select retailer offering Compass products.
• 2) Load a Day Pass onto a Compass Card: You can add a day pass to your Compass Card online or at any CVM located within any Skytrain, Seabus or West Coast Express station.

*Note that the day pass will be used before any stored value already on your card, so only buy one when you intend to use it.

Now that you are well versed on the system’s fares, let’s get familiar with the various travel options on the Vancouver public transport system.

Still confused? Hit me up in the comments below .

The Skytrain

The Skytrain is the fully automated metro component of the Vancouver public transport system.

The system’s name is derived from the fact that the majority of its tracks are elevated well above the streets below.

This provides users with panoramic views of Vancouver’s skyline and the North Shore Mountains.

Fast, efficient, and cost-effective, Skytrain is fully equipped with all of the modern amenities regarding security and handicap accessibility.

This is simply the best way to get around Vancouver. Consequently, I highly recommend using the Skytrain as your primary method of using the Vancouver public transport system.

Skytrain Route Map

The Skytrain has three fully integrated lines, as displayed in the route map below:

• Canada Line (blue)
• Expo Line (navy)
• Millenium Line (yellow)

The Canada Line

Opened for the 2010 Olympics, the Canada Line is the newest line in Vancouver’s metro system.

As the principal method of airport transportation , it will likely be your introduction to the Vancouver public transportation system.

The Canada Line has two main branches:

• Richmond-Brighouse: This branch operates North-South between Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver and Richmond-Brighouse Station in the suburb of Richmond, BC.
• This means it provides service to most Vancouver airport hotels , the River Rock Casino and the wealth of dining and shopping options throughout Richmond.
• YVR-Airport: The line branches off from Bridgeport Station in Richmond and heads to YVR-Airport Station on Sea Island, which will form most visitors’ introduction to the city of Vancouver. In addition to YVR, this branch services the popular McArthurGlen Outlet Centre via Templeton Station.

If you’d like a more detailed look at the Canada Line, including schedules, hop on over to the Canada Line web page.

The Expo Line

The original Skytrain route was constructed for Expo ’86; this line contains two branches that provide service from Downtown through East Vancouver to the city’s Eastern suburbs.

From a tourist perspective, both branches will service the major sites and attractions located in Chinatown , Gastown , and Vancouver’s Little Italy, located on Commercial Drive .

It also provides service to Pacific Ce n tral Station , which offers the Vancouver to Seattle Train , the Rocky Mountaineer , the Victoria Bus and coach service to Whistler .

Most tourists will not venture far enough East to reach the divergence in lines. So unless you are heading to Surrey or New Westminster, by all means, jump on either train.

The Expo Line has two main branches:

• King George: The first branch operates from Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver and heads South-East through East Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster before terminating at King George Station in the suburb of Surrey, BC.
• Lougheed: The second route follows the same route from Waterfront Station but after Columbia Station in New Westminster branches off and heads North-East towards Production Way in Burnaby.

For detailed schedules and maps, visit the Expo Line  website.

The Millennium Line

The aptly named Millennium Line was opened shortly after the new millennium in 2002. As the line does not enter Downtown Vancouver, it will likely be of little use to most tourists.

It heads East from VCC-Clark Station in East Vancouver through Burnaby before heading North-East across the suburbs of Port Moody and Coquitlam. The newly opened Evergreen Extension will then take you to the terminus Lafarge Lake-Douglas Station.

*Construction of an extension from VCC-Clark down Broadway to Arbutus (and eventually UBC) are currently underway. The line is scheduled to open in 2026.

Check out Translink’s Millennium Line  site for more details.

Skytrain Hours

The three Skytrain lines have similar schedules with a few slight variations:

First Train (Weekdays)

• Canada Line: 4:48 am (Waterfront-YVR) / 5:07 am (YVR-Waterfront)
• Expo Line: 5:32 am (King George-Waterfront) / 5:08 am (King George-Waterfront)
• Millennium Line: 5:30 am (Eastbound) / 5:04 am (Westbound)

Last Train (Weekdays)

• Canada Line: 1:05 am (Waterfront-YVR) /12:56 am (YVR-Waterfront)
• Expo Line: 1:16 am(Waterfront-King George) / 12:38 am (King George-Waterfront)
• Millennium Line: 1:22 am (Eastbound) / 1:00 am (Westbound)

The above tables are offered only as a rough guide. Please consult Translink for exact schedules and interactive maps for all three lines. And always use Google or Apple Maps for specific recommendations from your place of lodging.

Each line offers peak hours service frequency of around 3-4 minutes . While this may extend to 6 or 10 minutes later in the day, you can rest assured that’ll you’ll never be waiting long.

• Canada Line hours stay the same
• The Expo and Millennium Lines begin service later, at 6:48 am and 6:30 am, respectively, with the last train running at regular hours
• All lines offer reduced service frequency

Sundays/Holidays

• Canada Line hours don’t change
• The Expo Line offers service from 7:48 am -12:16 am
• The Millennium Line runs from 7:30 am-12:29 am
• Frequency is reduced on all lines

Skytrain User Tips

• Use stored value: We recommend purchasing a Compass Card for ease of use and, most importantly, to receive discounted rates.
• Avoid public transit day passes: Day passes don’t provide the best value unless you get an early start and plan on travelling extensively throughout zones 2 and 3.
• Bring your things: The Skytrain has plenty of room for luggage, bicycles, and skis/snowboards. Plus, there are elevators in every station.
• Grab a window seat: If travelling outside the city centre on the Expo or Millennium Lines or in Richmond on the Canada Line, you will be afforded spectacular views of Vancouver’s skyline, the North Shore Mountains and the Fraser River.

The Vancouver bus network is extensive and offers efficient, safe, and reliable service throughout Vancouver and its many suburbs.

As valuable a transportation tool as the Skytrain is, it simply does not offer the same degree of coverage as many metro lines in comparably sized European and Asian cities.

As a result, the use of Vancouver’s bus network will become a necessity for travellers who wish to explore some of Vancouver’s more distant attractions in areas like Kitsilano and UBC.

Vancouver Bus Routes

Vancouver’s bus network operates on a grid system, with most routes generally terminating in Downtown Vancouver or at the University of British Columbia.

Trolley buses generally run North-South along the main thoroughfares, with diesel buses running East-West and usually terminating at the UBC bus loop.

Three specific bus routes will be of most use to visitors to Vancouver: The 99 B-Line, the Rapid Bus and the NightBus.

Vancouver Express Buses

The 99 B-line and the RapidBus provide a network of express routes that offer fast, reliable and high-frequency service along a number of main arteries in the Metro Vancouver area. There are currently five different express routes on offer:

• The #99 B-Line : Runs East to West from Commercial Drive and Broadway to its terminus station at the University of British Columbia. The #99 will likely be the most important express route for tourists, offering service to popular Vancouver neighbourhoods like Commercial Drive (Little Italy), Fairview, Kitsilano , and UBC.
• The route connects to the Expo Line at Commercial Drive-Broadway Station and the Canada Line at Broadway-City Hall station.
• For schedules, visit Translink’s  B-line next bus page.
• The RapidBus: The new RapidBus program offers fewer stops and up to 20% faster service than local buses. There are currently four routes on offer: R1 King George Blvd (Surrey), R3 Lougheed Hwy (PoCo, Pit Meadows, Maple Ridge), R4 (41st Ave from UBC-Joyce), and R5 Hastings (DT to SFU.)
• For more information and a complete list of RapidBus Schedules, visit the  Translink web page.
• Vancouver Night Bus: Provides Night Bus service from a hub at the intersection of Granville and West Georgia after the Skytrain has closed. After 2 am, the buses leave every 30 minutes from one safe, secure, well-lit downtown location 7 days a week. You can tell it’s a NightBus by the half-moon symbol beside the number on the bus stop sign and the N in front of the route number (N9, N19 etc.).
• For all the info, check Translink’s Night Bus  page.

Other Key Vancouver BusRoutes

• #19 Stanley Park: Runs along Pender Street to the heart of Stanley Park
• #22 Knight: Runs east through downtown from Burrard Station towards Chinatown
• #4 UBC: From Granville Street downtown through Kitsilano to UBC
• #236 Grouse : Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver to Grouse Mountain , including the Capilano Suspension Bridge .
• #257 Horseshoe Bay Express: Express service to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal
• #620 Tsawwassen: Bridgeport Station in Richmond to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal

For further information on routes and schedules, visit the  Translink  bus page.

The Seabus is a passenger-only commuter ferry between Waterfront Station in Downtown Vancouver and Lonsdale Quay in the suburb of North Vancouver .

The service will be useful to those who would like to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain or enjoy the bars, restaurants and Vancouver craft breweries in North Vancouver’s beautiful Lonsdale neighbourhood.

Seabus Fares

The Seabus is subject to the same fare structure as other forms of transit on the Vancouver public transport system and is thus considered a two-zone fare.

As such, a one-way ticket costs $4.55 or $3.75 with a Compass Card.

Sailing Times

The 12-minute long sailings depart at 15-minute intervals during peak hours (6:45 pm-9:16 pm on weekdays) and every 30 minutes before or after.

Departure intervals remain the same during weekends. However, peak hours are reduced by 2 hours (9:02 pm-9:02 pm).

First/Last Sailing

From Waterfront                       First            Last

Weekdays/Saturday                  6:16am        1:22am

Sunday/Holidays                       8:16 am 11:16 pm

From Lonsdale                           First             Last

Weekdays/Saturday                 6:02am         1:00am

Sunday/Holidays                      8:02 am         11:02 pm

Connections

The Seabus connects with the Canada and Expo Lines of the Skytrain at Waterfront Station.

At Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver, there is a public market, hotel, and bus loop connecting the attractions on the North Shore, such as:

• Grouse Mountain: Bus #236 (Bay 8)
• Capilano Suspension Bridge: Bus #236 (Bay 8)
• West Vancouver: Bus #239 (Bay 6)
• Lonsdale: Bus #230 (Bay 3)

Vancouver’s Beautiful North Shore is an attraction in its own right, so don’t let the distance get in the way.

Whether you’re skiing the local mountains , hiking up the famous Grouse Grind, or hitting one of Lonsdale’s numerous bars or restaurants. It’s a big part of any Vancouver itinerary .

The False Creek Ferries

The Seabus isn’t the only commuter ferry service offering travel across Vancouver waters.

Two small private companies offer ferry service amongst a variety of stops littered throughout False Creek . This allows visitors to travel from downtown to the attractions on Vancouver’s Southern peninsula.

This includes Granville Island , Science World and some of the city’s best beaches. You can also hit many of the best museums in Vancouver ( Museum of Vancouver , Planetarium & Maritime Museum ) located in the neighbourhood of Kitsilano .

The tiny ferries offer a brief reprieve from the urban environment and present travellers with stunning views of the Vancouver skyline, the North Shore Mountains and False Creek’s glittering waters.

The Ferries run from roughly 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, depending on season and station.

Be aware that Compass Cards and other Translink fare products are not accepted aboard the ferries. This is due to the fact the ferries are not part of the Vancouver public transport system.

*Cash is the preferred method of payment on board.

Need more info? Visit the Aquabus and False Creek Ferries websites.

Vancouver Bike Share

A bike share system offers public bicycles for short-term use to users for a small fee or subscription.

Vancouver has recently implemented its own system, allowing users to make use of the city’s extensive network of bike lanes in addition to the world-renowned Seawall as a transportation tool.

A bike-sharing network administered by the City of Vancouver, Mobi allows users to borrow a bike from any of over 100 stations and simply return it to any station in the network once they’re finished.

Each station also comes equipped with wifi, a valuable tool for visitors. Just be aware that Compass Cards and day passes do not apply, as Mobi is not considered part of the Vancouver public transport system.

To gain access to Mobi, users must sign up online or pick up the Mobi app in the App Store or Google Play .

Bike Share Payment Options

• 24-hour pass: $19.00
• 30-day pass: $39.00
• 365-day pass: $139.00

The 24-hour pass has traditionally been the most popular with tourists.

However, recent price increases have made the 30-day pass a more viable option for those who intend to use the system extensively. Just remember that the 30-day pass is auto-renew . So be sure to cancel before you leave town.

Mobi Things to Know

Each pass entitles users to 30 minutes of use of their bicycle.

The bike must then be returned to any Mobi station. If you download the Mobi app, you’ll see the location of all stations and the number of bikes present.

Otherwise, a $7.50 overage fee per 30-minute period (i.e. $15.00 for an hour, $22.50 for 1.5 hours).

However, the duration of your pass will entitle you to as many 30-minute rides as you would like within the duration of your pass.

Vancouver Bike Rentals

Mobi is aimed predominantly at local commuters, not tourists like you.

So, if you’re looking to enjoy a bike ride around Stanley Park or the Seawall, we strongly recommend using one of the city’s numerous bike rental companies.

Then you can take your time and enjoy the area’s beautiful views, Vancouver’s best beaches and attractions. Prices start at $13.00 using our Tiqets link below:

The West Coast Express is a commuter rail service that connects Downtown’s Waterfront Station with the distant North-Eastern suburb of Mission .

A one-way trip takes 75 minutes and costs between $11.25 and $13.40, depending on the distance travelled. Seniors and youth receive a slight discount.

The train offers a number of stops along the way

• Moody Centre*
• Coquitlam Central*
• Port Coquitlam
• Pitt Meadows
• Maple Meadows

*Denotes stop that intersects with the Millennium Line  of the Skytrain.

The service runs five times daily from Monday to Friday and only operates during the peak morning and evening rush hour.

As a result, it is not of much value to most visitors to the region and primarily targets suburban commuters.

West Coast Express Info

After tapping into the WCE, you’ll have 120 minutes before your trip expires. You can transfer across the entire Vancouver public transport system off of a single fare. And remember, your travel time begins when you tap your card or ticket to enter a transit area.

If you transfer onto WCE via other modes of transit, you’ll need to pay an additional fare.

Travelling to the burbs and needing it? Check out Translink’s West Coast Express  page for fare information and schedules.

HandyDART is a service provided by TransLink for added Vancouver public transport, offering door-to-door , shared-ride transportation for individuals who require assistance and cannot navigate traditional public transit independently.

HandyDART eligibility is open to individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities who require assistance to use regular public transit.

Children under 12 can also register for HandyDART services, and those registered or accompanied by a registered customer can travel for free without the need for fare products or identification.

Here are the prices for HandyDART through compass cards .

Type              1-Zone Cash     1-Zone Monthly Pass     1-Zone Stored Value

Adult              $3.15      $104.90       $2.55

Concession  $2.10       $59.95      $2.10

Booking and Preparing for Your Ride

• Subscription trips: Recurring journeys involving travel to and from identical destinations at consistent times, either on a daily or weekly basis.
• Casual trips: Journeys undertaken as a singular occurrence.

To reserve or cancel a HandyDART trip, dial 604.575.6600 for local calls or 1.844.475.6600 for toll-free calls.

Stay vigilant while using public transit. If you observe anything unusual, promptly report it to a transit staff member or text Metro Vancouver Transit Police at 87.77.77. Standard carrier text messaging rates may apply.

Dial 911 in case of an emergency, defined as:

• Immediate threat to a person or property.
• Ongoing or recently occurred serious crimes, such as a fight, sexual assault, or robbery.
• Immediate suspicion is raised by observations, such as an abandoned package or suspicious behavior by a passenger.

While using public transport in Vancouver, consider these rider guide safety tips :

• Use handrails on escalators or stairs.
• Hold on or sit when the transit vehicle is moving.
• Walk instead of running in stations and exchanges.
• Avoid the electrified SkyTrain tracks; do not venture onto them.
• Avoid using public transport when unwell.
• Minimize face touching, and cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Apply hand sanitizer both before and after using Vancouver public transport..

Vancouver Public Transport FAQ

Does vancouver have good public transportation.

Yes, Vancouver have good public transportation with buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express, providing convenient options for residents and visitors to navigate the city.

Is the SkyTrain in Vancouver free?

No, the SkyTrain in Vancouver is not free. Passengers need to purchase a valid fare before boarding. The fare system is based on zones and ticket types for seamless travel.

Which SkyTrain goes to Vancouver Airport?

The Canada Line SkyTrain goes to Vancouver Airport (YVR) to the city centre. It provides a quick and convenient transportation option for travelers between the airport and downtown Vancouver.

What modes of transport are available in the Vancouver public transport system?

The modes of transport available in the Vancouver public transport system include buses, SkyTrain (automated rapid transit), SeaBus (ferry service), and the West Coast Express (commuter rail).

How much does Vancouver transit cost?

Vancouver transit costs for adults on the Skytrain, Seabus and bus system all cost $3.15 or $2.55 with a Compass Card.

How do you pay for Vancouver transit?

For Vancouver transit, you can pay by cash, stored value (Compass Card), day pass, monthly pass or tap to pay with a credit card or mobile wallet throughout the Vancouver public transport system.

When does the Skytrain start running?

The Skytrain start running on weekdays at 4:48 am on the Waterfront to YVR Airport, 5:30 am from Waterfront going to the Richmond-Brighouse and 5:07 am from YVR Airport to Waterfront.

When does the Skytrain stop running?

The Skytrain stopped running on weekdays at 1:05 am on the Waterfront to YVR Airport, 1:15 am from Waterfront going to the Richmond-Brighouse and 12:56 am from YVR Airport to Waterfront.

Can you use Skytrain tickets on the bus?

Yes, you can use Skytrain tickets on the bus. You can transfer across the bus, Skytrain and Seabus if you have a Compass Card on a single fare for up to 90 minutes. However, bus transfers received after cash fares are not valid on the Skytrain or Seabus.

Still Have any Questions about the Vancouver Public Transport System?

That covers the essentials of Vancouver’s public transit, but did I overlook anything?

If you still have inquiries about the Vancouver public transport system or need recommendations for Vancouver’s many can’t-miss sites? Feel free to reach out in the comments below.

I’ll respond promptly!

Safe travels 🙂

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Vancouver in April: Top Events & Things to Do in 2024

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Great information about transport system in Vancouver does this come in a leaflet form .

Hi Catherine,

Unfortunately we haven’t created a leaflet or infographic or anything of the sort, though it is a great idea!

Do I understand correctly? If I get on the bus and pay cash I get a paper ticket valid for 90 minutes on other buses. But if I pay by tapping my debit card at the first bus I need to tap it in the next ones and I’m charged every time?

You’ll get a transfer with cash yes. The tapping can only charge once per 90 minutes so you should only be charged once even if you make a transfer.

That said, if you’re here a while just grab a compass card! Much easier, and don’t have to worry about cards being rejected. Some foreign cards don’t work for example.

Explore Vancouver

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Essential Vancouver

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Bring the action

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For the whole fam

• Blue Horizon Hotel
• Pan Pacific Vancouver
• Wedgewood Hotel & Spa
• L'Hermitage Hotel
• Hyatt Regency Vancouver
• Hydra Estiatorio Mediterranean
• Black + Blue
• The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
• Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie
• Five Sails Restaurant
• Granville Island
• Stanley Park
• VanDusen Botanical Garden
• Vancouver Aquarium
• Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver
• Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Vancouver Lookout
• Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
• Whistler and Sea to Sky Gondola Tour
• Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Granville Island & Stanley Park

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The 15 Best Things to Do in Vancouver

By Jennifer Van Evra

There are a few refrains Vancouverites always hear from travelers: “It’s so beautiful,” “Everybody's so nice here” and “There’s so much to do.” And they’re right on all three counts: surrounded by mountains to one side and the ocean to the other, the stunning city is a paradise for people who love the outdoors. You can ride out to see a pod of killer whales, hike over a jaw-dropping suspension bridge, take a kayak tour, climb a mountain—all 2,830 steps—or simply stroll the seawall in an urban park that’s ranked among the best in the world. But it’s not all about the elements: Vancouver has culture too, and boasts stellar museums, a public market that makes foodie hearts sing, and one of the most acoustically perfect concert halls in North America.

Read our complete Vancouver travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Capilano Suspension Bridge & Park Arrow

For people whose knees shake at the mere thought of walking a wooden suspension bridge 230 feet above terra firma, this is definitely not a top spot, but travelers who love the thrill of heights and gorgeous rainforest views are handsomely rewarded at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. First built as a tourist attraction in 1889, the North Vancouver park continues to draw droves of visitors who stroll the bridge and other high-level offerings.

Prince of Whales Whale Watching Arrow

The Prince of Whales tour is a sure-fire way to get an up-close look at some of British Columbia’s incredible marine life—orca whales, humpbacks, Pacific white-sided dolphins, elephant seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and more. The tours are conservation-focused—no cetacean-chasing cowboys here—and along the way, travelers also pick up fascinating facts about whale biology and behavior, marine conservation, and Vancouver’s history as a port city. Options include three- to five-hour tours from Vancouver or Victoria on a luxury catamaran, or if you’re departing from Victoria or Telegraph Cove, you can get down to water level on a Zodiac tour.

Snowshoe Tour on Cypress Mountain Arrow

If you’re not a downhill diehard or a Nordic racer but still want to find some "Frozen"-level winter magic, the snowshoe tours at Cypress Mountain are well worth the trek from downtown. After a fresh snowfall, there's nothing like walking through a forest of cedars and firs laden with snow, the ground sparkling all around, especially when you have certified guides leading the pack. The tours, which are currently on pause due to the pandemic , typically run daytime and evening, and range from a kid-friendly Hollyburn Meadows tour to the magical evening cheese and chocolate fondue tours. 

Stanley Park Arrow

Regularly heralded as one of the best parks in the world, Vancouver’s 988-acre Stanley Park is larger than the city’s entire downtown core, and is best known for its ocean and mountain views, its beaches and seaside swimming pool, its playgrounds and miniature train, and its walking trails through soaring fir and cedar forests. But it's especially beloved for its six-mile seawall, which draws millions of walkers, joggers, and cyclists every year.

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

CNT Editors

Chan Centre for the Performing Arts Arrow

When visionary Canadian architect Bing Thom designed this University of British Columbia landmark, he hired some of the world’s finest acousticians to create an optimal-sounding space. So it’s no wonder “The Chan,” this performing-arts venue is known, is famous for its impeccable acoustics, which draw top international musicians, many who typically play far larger venues. With curved maple walls, the distinctly modern concert hall is shaped like the inside of a cello, and features a striking 25-ton acoustic canopy over the stage. The lobby is equally breathtaking: floor-to-ceiling glass walls tilt at a perfect angle.

Granville Island Arrow

In the 1970s, a polluted waterfront industrial site got a massive makeover and became one of Vancouver’s most beloved attractions: a tiny island packed with everything from a huge indoor public market and cozy artisan studios, to sunny cafes and a two-level kids’ market that makes little eyes go wide. With butchers, bakers, cheesemongers, florists, tea companies, fishmongers, craftspeople, confectioners, and produce vendors—not to mention a food court filled with delectable local eats—the bustling public market alone can keep your senses rapt for half a day.

Vancouver Aquarium Arrow

Vancouver is surrounded by water, but the best way to get an up-close look at the area’s marine life—as well as aquatic animals from around the globe—is at the Vancouver Aquarium, located in picturesque Stanley Park. For more than 60 years, locals and visitors have flocked to the seaside facility, which houses more than 65,000 animals—sea otters, penguins, sea lions, fish, jellyfish, eels, sea turtles, birds and reptiles—among them Joey the sea otter, Señor Cinco the penguin, and the recently rescued Donnelly the harbor seal. But don’t expect Marineland-style dolphin shows; the Vancouver Aquarium is more focused on education, research, and conservation.

Grouse Mountain Arrow

Towering high behind downtown Vancouver’s gleaming towers, Grouse Mountain—known as “the Peak of Vancouver”—has been a top destination for locals and tourists for more than a century. What you do there depends on the season: in summer you can hike, mountain bike, zipline over the treetops, catch an uber-Canadian lumberjack show, tour a high-tech wind turbine, and meet giant orphaned grizzly bears. In winter it’s skiing, snowshoeing, sliding, ice skating, and other sports that lure snow lovers. And whether summer or winter, the Skyride gondola offers jaw-dropping views of the city, the ocean, the Gulf Islands, and beyond.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden Arrow

Step out of the downtown fray and into Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and it feels like you’ve entered an island of calm. Perched at the edge of Chinatown, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen is modeled after the Ming Dynasty–era scholar’s gardens in Suzhou, China. It’s also regularly named among the best city gardens on the planet. The serene spot is far from a touristy knockoff, too. A collaboration between governments in Canada and China, the garden and structures were designed and built by 53 Suzhou specialists using rare trees and prized rocks shipped in from Asia.

Museum of Anthropology at UBC Arrow

With its soaring totem poles, cedar canoes, bentwood boxes, Indigenous masks, sculptures, ceramics, weavings, and more, Vancouver’s Museum of Anthropology, or MOA, is the city’s most beloved museum, making it a must-see for visitors and locals alike. Designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, the iconic 1976 building is considered a modernist masterpiece, and regularly draws architecture buffs. Located on the University of British Columbia campus, MOA is also an academic institution that houses close to 50,000 ethnographic objects, as well as 535,000 archaeological objects in its building alone.

VanDusen Botanical Garden Arrow

An Elizabethan hedge maze made of 3,000 pyramidal cedars, an Instagram-ready walkway under glowing yellow laburnum blooms, more than 7,500 plant species from every continent, and a picturesque lake are just a few of the features that have kept travelers and nature-loving locals flocking to the 55-acre VanDusen Botanical Garden for more than half a century. Just don’t expect highly arranged and coiffed gardens of annuals; this place is purely perennials, and although they are beautifully arranged, they still have a wild side.

Pacific Spirit Regional Park Arrow

Pacific Spirit Regional Park is the real deal: more than 2,000 acres of wild, Douglas fir–forested lands vivisected by almost 50 miles of trails (including 22 miles suitable for bikes and horses), much of it set along the waters of the Georgia Straight. It’s a bit out of the way—the University of British Columbia is at Vancouver’s westernmost reaches—but it’s one of the city’s best gems. Don't miss Wreck Beach, Vancouver’s legendary clothing-optional beach.

The Commodore Ballroom Arrow

First, you don’t just walk in off the street and have a pint at The Commodore—it’s a performance venue, so you’ll have to buy a ticket to gain entry. A true piece of local history, the downtown Granville Street club dates back to the 1920s, although the 1,000-seat bar really came of age in the 1970s, when visiting bands ranging from the Police and The Ramones to KISS, David Bowie, and Tina Turner played here. Vancouver’s answer to the Sunset Strip’s Whiskey-a-Go-Go is truly one of the finest live venues in North America.

Queen Elizabeth Park Arrow

Built in on a former quarry 500 feet above sea level, the 130-acre Queen Elizabeth Park is the highest vantage point in Vancouver, with extraordinary views that extend to the North Shore Mountains and beyond. But there’s more to Queen E, as locals call it, than just the vistas. With manicured lawns and impeccably groomed flowering plant beds, the gardens are the main draw. There's also the Bloedel Conservatory, an exotic plant and bird arboretum contained within a geodesic dome, and Seasons in the Park Restaurant, a destination dining spot.

Chinatown Arrow

The neighborhood draws every type, from locals who have been shopping there for generations to upscale foodies checking out the latest culinary hotspots, and from history buffs to authentic culture seekers. It absolutely lives up to the hype, and makes you want to learn more—especially if you soak in the serenity of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, discover the neighborhood’s history at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, check out thought-provoking art at the Rennie Museum, and treat yourself to a world of food and drink. If you’re ever in town during Chinese New Year, it’s also well worth catching the parade.

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One of Vancouver's most iconic sites Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, is more exciting than ever! The cliffwalks stunning walkway, made partly of glass, hugs the granite cliffside as it offers a panoramic view of the rainforest and canyon far below.  Read More

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A Vancouver icon, the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is world-renowned for its collections, public programs, innovative temporary exhibits, and community connections.  Read More

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Tourism Vancouver Visitor Centre is now open!

by Inside Vancouver in Insider , Uncategorized on July 24, 2020

Aerial view of the city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

We are excited to announce the reopening of our Visitor Centre, at 200 Burrard Street , to help you plan your time in Vancouver.

Need a map? Want suggestions for dinner? Need help planning activities or booking a tour, attraction or hotel? The Visitor Centre is your one-stop-shop for planning your time in the city. Our multilingual, highly-trained staff can help you with free information, recommendations, and reservation services. Stop by and see our team, they are eager to once again help you make the most of your Vancouver experience.

Please note our new hours of operation: Wednesday to Sunday 9:00am–3:30pm Closed Monday and Tuesday

You can also chat with our staff via phone and email on 604-683-2000 or [email protected]

Health and Safety

Much like our attractions and restaurants, we have introduced enhanced safety protocols. Some of these protocols include:

• One-way traffic in and out of the Visitor Centre, with directional signage
• Encouraging the use of masks
•  Plexi-dividers between our guests and members of the Tourism Vancouver team when 2m social distancing is not possible
• Hand sanitizer at the entrance, exit, and each counselling station
• Increased cleaning of high contact surfaces
• Encouraging credit card payment to minimize contact
• Wi-Fi available inside and outside the Visitor Centre, allowing guests to use their own devices to do research and purchase tickets

For our full COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan, click  here .

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Inside the Vancouver Canucks’ team plane during a breakthrough season

Flying on an NHL team’s charter plane is a one-of-a-kind experience. The amenities and perks are five-star. There’s a distinct camaraderie in traveling with teammates as well as some traditions and guidelines to consider.

Dressing for flights, for example, has quirks. The collective bargaining agreement requires that players wear jackets, ties and dress pants while traveling to and from games. But since teams are relaxed with this rule once players have boarded the plane, it can result in a hilarious scene minutes before takeoff.

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“I remember my first (dad’s) trip (in the NHL), we get on the plane, all of a sudden guys start whipping their clothes off (and changing into sweats) and it’s like ‘What are you guys doing?’” said veteran defenseman Ian Cole .

“Long trips like three hours (or longer), you don’t wanna be sitting in your dress pants and a dress shirt,” he explained. “It’s pretty funny seeing 20 guys on the plane just shedding all their clothes as fast they can.”

Players then change back into their formal attire before deplaning. It’s just one example that shows how an NHL player’s charter plane experience isn’t a typical travel day.

As the Vancouver Canucks embark on the most pivotal trip of the year to date for Games 3 and 4 in Nashville of their first-round playoff series, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s been like on the team plane this season.

First-class seats, top-notch dining and special recovery tools

The Canucks are serviced by Air Canada’s Jetz division. Their aircraft features two first-class-sized seats on each row, two card tables and space in the exit row for recovery work. It’s comfy and spacious.

“Being a bigger guy, the bigger seats obviously are nice for me,” Tyler Myers said with a laugh. “We have the same flight attendants all year and they get to know you, you get to know them really well. They know exactly what we want when we get on the plane.”

Veteran players typically sit near the back, whereas players with fewer NHL seasons under their belt are farther up.

Brock Boeser explained that the team caters food from the airport when leaving Vancouver. During the rest of a road trip, plane meals are from a high-quality restaurant in the city where they’ve just played.

“The meals on the plane are nice, (especially) compared to stopping at the gas station after the games for food (in the minors),” said Dakota Joshua , who’s also experienced the much more unglamorous travel in the AHL and ECHL.

Some players like Conor Garland are fairly regimented about what they eat on board.

“I usually try to get a salad,” said Garland. “I don’t like the chopped salad but sometimes you gotta eat it. I eat the nuts, chopped salad and I bring my own coffee.”

Others like Phil Di Giuseppe like to rotate through dishes like steak, fish or pasta.

“Huggy’s ( Quinn Hughes ) by me and he’s always snacking on something,” said Boeser. “He’s a health nut.”

Another perk of flying on a charter aircraft is that the exit rows have space for players to do recovery work. This includes tools such as blood flow recovery (BFR) or Normatec technology, which is marketed to increase circulation and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness.

“BFR is good for your legs, you can jump on those for a bit, maybe for 25 minutes. You can lay down, stretch,” said Garland. “Anything you really need, they’ll get it for you on the plane recovery-wise.

“(Mark Cesari, Canucks strength and conditioning coach) and Alex Trinca (Canucks director of sports performance) are great, even if you have a question about like ‘What should I be drinking on the flight?’”

The card table: ‘Too much bickering’

How do Canucks players pass the time on flights? It varies.

Joshua tries to take a nap because he doesn’t like plane rides, but most players said they have trouble falling asleep.

“It takes you like 5-6 hours (after a game) to try to decompress and calm the central nervous system down,” said Cole. “There’s not a ton of sleeping going on unless it’s a long flight from one side of the continent to the other.”

There are book readers (such as Cole), movie watchers and players who rely on iPads to keep them entertained.

“Garly’s pretty chatty,” said Boeser. “He’ll always be in the aisle talking to other people. A guy that’s pretty dialed in on his laptop is Casey (DeSmith), I don’t know what he’s doing on there.”

“He’s pretty wild on the plane,” Joshua added about Garland.

There will usually be a group of Canucks playing cards for small sums of money, too.

“I’ve been on some teams where it (the money being wagered) gets real aggressive,” said Cole. “It’s not that aggressive here, which is good. We’ve got some boys trying to rein it in a little.”

The players have shuffled throughout the year, but Garland, Sam Lafferty , Filip Hronek and Pius Suter were at the card table early in the season playing a game called 13 Up.

“The highlight of the trips is getting to laugh at the card table,” said Garland. “In Arizona, my card table was my three best friends. it’s been new this year with guys you didn’t know before. Usually you end up going for dinner with those guys because you end up making plans on the plane.”

J.T. Miller and Boeser retired from the card table after spending most of last season with the group.

“(We were) taking too much of their money,” Di Giuseppe joked when asked why Miller and Boeser left. “No, I think they were saying they were playing for so long that they wanted to watch some movies. Maybe it was because of me.”

“Too much bickering,” Boeser said with a smile, explaining his departure.

Garland claimed that he’s been cleaning up this season because the newcomers aren’t very good.

“We have a bad table,” he said. “Last year, Millsy’s a really good player, (Jack) Studnicka was a good player. Boes is OK. This year they’re bad, so it’s pretty easy.” He acknowledged that Di Giuseppe’s “not bad.”

“I’m surprised he said I wasn’t bad, usually he gives it to me,” Di Giuseppe said with a chuckle.

“After a game, I like playing at the table because we’ll dissect the game. That’s another way to flush it out is if it’s good, everyone’s happy and you’re shooting the you know what. And if it’s bad, you just kinda let out the demons.”

The Nintendo Switch turned movie club

At the start of the season, Boeser bought Nintendo Switches and formed a group that would play a PGA Golf video game. Miller and Elias Pettersson were the other regulars, with Myers and Thatcher Demko joining once in a while, according to Boeser.

“It’s one of the only games that most guys would enjoy and play against each other,” said Boeser. “We’re all even right now. Nobody gives strokes yet.”

They still play every so often but over the season, it’s transitioned into a movie club.

“Millsy and Brock were just so much better than everybody else that they just kinda cut us out. They were just being really bad guys doing that,” Myers laughed. “Movie club kind of took over.”

The players will synchronize their iPads together to start a film at the same time. They take turns choosing the movie.

Who’s the best and worst at picking them?

“Best is between Demmer and I. Worst is between Brock and Millsy,” said Myers. “Millsy is a good movie guy but he has a tough time grasping the concept of what types of movies we’re trying to bring into movie club.

“Demmer and I seem to be quality control and Brock isn’t as familiar with movies so he tends to bring in a lot of random ones that probably would never make Demmer and I’s list.”

Forgotten passports and unwritten rules

Most of the Canucks’ plane rides are routine, but The Athletic was curious if the players could share any funny or unique travel tales from this season.

Boeser immediately turned when he heard the question, stared at Joshua in his dressing room stall and smiled: “Just Dak holding us up this year for 45 minutes.”

“Who forgot their passport?” Brock continued while still looking at Joshua.

“Bainsey! (Arshdeep Bains),” Joshua replied.

“Yeah, Bainsey, we had a preseason game going to Seattle and he forgot his passport so that was pretty funny,” said Boeser.

Speaking of passports, crossing the border and clearing customs is something players like to groan about because it adds another layer (and time) to the trip.

“If (it’s another Canadian team) you’re just pulling up to the plane but since you gotta go over the border it’s more of a hassle. It’s not that bad, but we like to complain about it,” said Joshua.

Once players board the plane, there are a couple of unwritten rules for etiquette.

“You can’t take a poop on the plane,” said Cole.

Cole also said that when the team gets off the plane or bus they’ll typically exit from the back forward, with veteran players off first.

“But it’s also not a hard and fast rule,” he explained. “If someone steps up and goes, whatever. Or if someone’s taking a while, guys go, it’s never like a ‘Hey, you guys need to wait.’”

Vancouver’s travel over an 82-game schedule is grueling, with substantially longer flights on average compared to Eastern Conference teams. For example, the trip between Vancouver and Nashville is by far the longest distance of any first-round series. Their travel situation is a disadvantage the Canucks have to accept, but they try to make the most of it.

“It’s a pretty chill group, we’re not the ’86 Mets on the plane, you know?” Joshua said with a laugh.
”We just go about the business, get on and get off.”

With the Canucks arriving in Tennessee on Wednesday, they’re preparing for arguably their biggest challenge yet. Many of Vancouver’s core players will be playing in front of an intimidating road playoff crowd for the first time, Demko remains out with an injury and the series is tied 1-1 after a Game 2 loss .

It’s a season-defining trip — and the result will swing the mood of the flight home to Vancouver after Sunday’s Game 4 for better or worse.

(Photos of Conor Garland and Dakota Joshua and Brock Boeser: Sam Hodde / NHLI via Getty Images and Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press via AP)

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Harman Dayal is a staff writer for The Athletic NHL based in Vancouver. He combines NHL video and data analysis and tracks microstats as part of his coverage. Follow Harman on Twitter @ harmandayal2

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New Air Canada seat selection fee paused following backlash

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Air Canada has paused changes to its seat selection policies following backlash from Canadian travellers.

Currently, travellers have to pay to pre-select seats before check-in on an Air Canada flight but can select seats for free during check-in. 

On April 19, Canada's largest airline announced a policy change to seating assignments that would automatically assign travellers a seat at check-in for free. But customers wanting to change their seats would have to pay a fee (see slide two).

Air Canada said the proposed change included "transparent pricing" and customers could skip the option and keep their assigned seat. 

The new seat assignment fee was slated to commence April 24 but the airline told V.I.A. that it has "paused implementation" for "operational reasons."

Air Canada noted that it sells several branded fares at various prices, including its Basic, Latitude and Business Class, and each has its advantages. 

"The ability to select your seat ahead of your flight is one such attribute (an extra bag, refundability are examples of other such attributes)," it said in an emailed statement. 

"For our branded fares that do not permit free seat selection, customers have the option to choose a seat prior to check-in and pay a seat selection fee, or wait for us to assign a seat at time of check-in for no fee."

While the airline has paused the new changes, it added that they are "consistent with our branded fares" and are similar to the policies of other carriers in Canada. 

Customers with children will not have to pay the fee to sit together, regardless of fare class. 

Air Canada will communicate further when it plans to implement the policy.

Travellers respond to Air Canada's proposed seat payment changes

Multiple people took to social media to share their frustration over the proposed changes. 

Traveller Steven Clark shared the changes in a post on X, noting that the airline can "now split your party at their discretion to force you to spend money to ensure your party sits together," adding that its current policy was "a safe gamble at 24 hours [that] you could find seats together."

JW Kite mentioned how "Delta has been doing this for a few years for those who book an Economy (lowest) fare."

Alishya Weiland  wrote, "That's quite annoying!"

Another frustrated flyer mentioned, "Westjet does this too and it’s disgusting…just another cash grab!" 

Air Canada launches program to prevent lost baggage

Air Canada recently launched a new program to  prevent travellers and their bags  from getting separated during their journey. 

A new feature in the Air Canada mobile app allows customers to track the progress of their baggage in real-time at "key points" while they travel. Travellers can see their bags move from the check-in at the airport to the plane and then through connections before arriving at their final destination. 

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