Vancouver
Canada
Why Vancouver is a great destination
Vancouver is a room‑to‑breathe coastal city where you swap queues for mountain‑and‑ocean adventures, with culture and cuisine to match any big‑name hotspot.
- Atmosphere: Relaxed, outdoorsy rhythm—cycle the 9 km Stanley Park Seawall, wander rainforest trails minutes from downtown, and catch sunset at Third Beach.
- Authenticity & value: Core experiences are low‑cost or free—240+ parks, beach days at Kitsilano and Spanish Banks, cherry blossoms in spring, and by‑donation ecology walks—more city for your money, fewer crowds.
- Culture & food: Pacific Rim flavours and arts without the crush—dim sum and the Dr. Sun Yat‑Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown, indie theatres and galleries at Granville Island and Mount Pleasant, craft breweries, and summer traditions like Bard on the Beach.
- Neighbourhood character: Distinct areas with a local feel—heritage Gastown, bohemian Commercial Drive, leafy UBC with Pacific Spirit Park and Nitobe Garden—authentic street life over selfie lines.
Who should go to Vancouver?
Nature‑curious city lovers will thrive in Vancouver, where rainforest, beaches, and mountains sit within minutes of downtown. Culture seekers can weave Indigenous histories and global gardens into easy urban days. From leisurely seawall strolls to rugged regional trails, it rewards both slow travellers and high‑energy adventurers.
- History lovers: Explore Indigenous stories at Slhx̱í7lsh and the totem poles in Stanley Park, then contrast them with the authentic Dr. Sun Yat‑Sen Classical Chinese Garden for a layered sense of place.
- Scenery seekers: Capture best‑in‑city views from Queen Elizabeth Park, trace the ocean‑hugging Seawall, and watch epic sunsets from Third Beach or the headlands of Lighthouse Park.
- Active travellers: Run or cycle the 9 km Seawall, dive into rainforest trails in Stanley Park and Pacific Spirit Park, or tackle the Grouse Grind—nature as your outdoor gym.
- Families: Opt for budget‑friendly thrills at the suspension bridge in Lynn Canyon, a local favourite over Capilano (boldly, free vs pricier), plus kid‑pleasing mazes at VanDusen and tropical birds in the Bloedel Conservatory.
- Wildlife watchers: Time autumn’s salmon run, birdwatch at Beaver Lake, and explore rich intertidal life at low tide—bring waterproofs and curiosity.
- City‑breakers: Go car‑free with buses into Stanley Park, SkyTrain to Queen Elizabeth Park, and False Creek ferries linking parks, cafes, and markets for an easy urban escape.
Who should go to Vancouver?
Nature‑curious city lovers will thrive in Vancouver, where rainforest, beaches, and mountains sit within minutes of downtown. Culture seekers can weave Indigenous histories and global gardens into easy urban days. From leisurely seawall strolls to rugged regional trails, it rewards both slow travellers and high‑energy adventurers.
- History lovers: Explore Indigenous stories at Slhx̱í7lsh and the totem poles in Stanley Park, then contrast them with the authentic Dr. Sun Yat‑Sen Classical Chinese Garden for a layered sense of place.
- Scenery seekers: Capture best‑in‑city views from Queen Elizabeth Park, trace the ocean‑hugging Seawall, and watch epic sunsets from Third Beach or the headlands of Lighthouse Park.
- Active travellers: Run or cycle the 9 km Seawall, dive into rainforest trails in Stanley Park and Pacific Spirit Park, or tackle the Grouse Grind—nature as your outdoor gym.
- Families: Opt for budget‑friendly thrills at the suspension bridge in Lynn Canyon, a local favourite over Capilano (boldly, free vs pricier), plus kid‑pleasing mazes at VanDusen and tropical birds in the Bloedel Conservatory.
- Wildlife watchers: Time autumn’s salmon run, birdwatch at Beaver Lake, and explore rich intertidal life at low tide—bring waterproofs and curiosity.
- City‑breakers: Go car‑free with buses into Stanley Park, SkyTrain to Queen Elizabeth Park, and False Creek ferries linking parks, cafes, and markets for an easy urban escape.
Top things to do in Vancouver
Vancouver is defined by its extraordinary parks and green spaces—wild rainforest, coastal shores and exquisite gardens. Here are the unmissable highlights to experience the city’s outdoor soul.
- Walk the 9 km Stanley Park Seawall for sweeping ocean, skyline and North Shore mountain views.
- Explore Queen Elizabeth Park’s Quarry Gardens and Bloedel Conservatory at the city’s highest point.
- Visit VanDusen Botanical Garden’s global plant collections and leafy maze for a serene escape.
- Take in a glowing summer sunset at Third Beach or the vast low-tide sandflats of Spanish Banks.
- Hike Lynn Canyon’s forested trails to the free suspension bridge and the crystal-clear 30 Foot Pool.
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Top things to do in Vancouver
Vancouver is defined by its extraordinary parks and green spaces—wild rainforest, coastal shores and exquisite gardens. Here are the unmissable highlights to experience the city’s outdoor soul.
- Walk the 9 km Stanley Park Seawall for sweeping ocean, skyline and North Shore mountain views.
- Explore Queen Elizabeth Park’s Quarry Gardens and Bloedel Conservatory at the city’s highest point.
- Visit VanDusen Botanical Garden’s global plant collections and leafy maze for a serene escape.
- Take in a glowing summer sunset at Third Beach or the vast low-tide sandflats of Spanish Banks.
- Hike Lynn Canyon’s forested trails to the free suspension bridge and the crystal-clear 30 Foot Pool.
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3-day Vancouver itinerary
Day 1: The Seawall and Stanley Park to Chinatown A perfect first taste of Vancouver’s indoor–outdoor rhythm: start on the waterfront and ease into the city’s rainforest heart before a quiet cultural interlude. Pack a lightweight waterproof and proper walking shoes; even in summer, showers blow through and seawall breezes can feel cool.
- Morning: Cycle or stroll the Stanley Park seawall (9 km). Bikes travel counter‑clockwise only; keep to your lane, use a bell, and yield to pedestrians. Pause at Brockton Point for the totem poles and views to the North Shore mountains and at Slhx̱í7lsh (Siwash Rock).
- Midday: Leave the seawall for the forested interior: Cathedral Trail’s towering conifers and the stillness of Beaver Lake feel a world away from downtown. Picnic at Second or Third Beach, or grab a bite in the West End; the #19 bus runs into/out of the park if you’re done walking.
- Afternoon: Hop to Chinatown for the Dr. Sun Yat‑Sen Classical Chinese Garden, an authentic Ming‑style sanctuary that’s magic in any weather; guided tours often run and are worth it. Nearby bakeries and tea shops make an easy mid‑afternoon stop.
- Evening: Return to English Bay or Third Beach for a sunset that lingers late in summer. Seasonal extras: Theatre Under the Stars at Malkin Bowl (Jul–Aug) or Bright Nights lights in Stanley Park (Dec–Jan); bring a layer for cool evenings by the water.
Day 2: Little Mountain, Gardens and Kitsilano Beaches Today blends curated horticulture with wide‑open shorelines. It’s an easy day to do mostly on foot and transit; the Canada Line (King Edward Station) puts you close to the morning’s start.
- Morning: Wander Queen Elizabeth Park’s Quarry Gardens and the summit viewpoint (Vancouver’s highest point). If it’s wet or chilly, duck into the Bloedel Conservatory’s warm tropical dome; spring brings riotous magnolias and cherry blossom.
- Midday: Head to VanDusen Botanical Garden (15–20 minutes’ walk or a short bus) for themed collections and the Elizabethan hedge maze; the café is a convenient lunch stop. Winter note: the Festival of Lights (late Dec–early Jan) runs in the evenings with timed tickets.
- Afternoon: Make for Kitsilano/Vanier Park and the False Creek shore. Stroll the waterfront path, ferry-hop on the Aquabus to Granville Island, or laze at Kits Beach; if you’d prefer space and sandflats, aim for Spanish Banks at low tide (check tide tables).
- Evening: Sunset picnic at Spanish Banks (quieter and more local than Kits); on warm nights, it’s superb for skimboarding and beach games. In summer, consider Bard on the Beach in Vanier Park; in cooler months, cosy up on West 4th Avenue for dinner.
Day 3: Pacific Spirit Park, Nitobe Garden and the West Side shore Ease into rainforest trails at the edge of the city, then spend a lazy afternoon by the beaches. Bring grippy shoes—trails can be slick after rain—and know off‑leash zones if you’re walking a dog.
- Morning: Explore Pacific Spirit Regional Park from a 16th Avenue or Chancellor Boulevard trailhead; Camosun Bog’s boardwalk is a short, fascinating loop. Keep to marked paths and mind cyclist and runner etiquette on shared trails.
- Midday: Unwind at UBC’s Nitobe Memorial Garden, a meticulously crafted Japanese stroll garden—quiet, reflective and beautiful in all seasons. Grab lunch on campus or pack a picnic; if the sun’s out, head to Wreck Beach via Trail 6 (steep stairs, clothing‑optional, superb views).
- Afternoon: Beach‑hop east along the shore: Locarno, Jericho and then Spanish Banks. On very low tides the sand stretches far—great for long walks and tidepooling; in breezier weather, watch windsurfers and kiters.
- Evening: Roll or ride back towards Kits and continue the seawall to Olympic Village for golden‑hour skyline views and dinner. Weekend spring–autumn option: detour to Trout Lake (John Hendry Park) for the Saturday farmers’ market and a laid‑back lakeside stroll.
Notes and tips woven through the days:
- Waterproof jacket year‑round; layers even in summer evenings.
- Seawall etiquette matters: keep right, pass on the left, and don’t stop in cycle lanes.
- Wildlife respect: don’t feed animals; give coyotes space even in city parks.
- Transit is easiest for popular parks (parking is limited/paid); consider Mobi bike‑share for short hops.
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Food and drink in Vancouver
Vancouver’s food culture blends Pacific Northwest ingredients, Indigenous roots, and global Asian flavours. It’s seafood‑forward, sustainably minded, and delightfully casual‑luxe. Expect bustling markets, food trucks, and craft breweries.
- Sushi & Sashimi – Ocean‑fresh salmon, tuna, and spot prawns, from value rolls to refined omakase. Atmosphere: busy neighbourhood sushi bars and intimate izakayas.
- Cedar-planked Salmon – Wild salmon grilled over cedar for a smoky, gently sweet flavour with Indigenous inspiration. Atmosphere: waterfront patios and upscale West Coast restaurants.
- Japadog – A street‑food icon: hot dogs topped with seaweed, teriyaki, and wasabi mayo. Atmosphere: street carts downtown and lively late‑night queues.
- BC Craft Beer & Wine Flights – Sample local IPAs, sours, and Okanagan wines, often paired with seafood or farm‑to‑table bites. Atmosphere: convivial tasting rooms, taprooms, and wine bars.
Eat like a local: Discover Vancouver top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Food and drink in Vancouver
Vancouver’s food culture blends Pacific Northwest ingredients, Indigenous roots, and global Asian flavours. It’s seafood‑forward, sustainably minded, and delightfully casual‑luxe. Expect bustling markets, food trucks, and craft breweries.
- Sushi & Sashimi – Ocean‑fresh salmon, tuna, and spot prawns, from value rolls to refined omakase. Atmosphere: busy neighbourhood sushi bars and intimate izakayas.
- Cedar-planked Salmon – Wild salmon grilled over cedar for a smoky, gently sweet flavour with Indigenous inspiration. Atmosphere: waterfront patios and upscale West Coast restaurants.
- Japadog – A street‑food icon: hot dogs topped with seaweed, teriyaki, and wasabi mayo. Atmosphere: street carts downtown and lively late‑night queues.
- BC Craft Beer & Wine Flights – Sample local IPAs, sours, and Okanagan wines, often paired with seafood or farm‑to‑table bites. Atmosphere: convivial tasting rooms, taprooms, and wine bars.
Eat like a local: Discover Vancouver top-rated restaurants on Tripadvisor
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Where to stay in Vancouver
Choosing where to stay in Vancouver is about matching the neighbourhood to your vibe and plans. Each area offers a distinct rhythm—beachy calm, nightlife buzz, or family-friendly streets—with different access to parks, the Seawall and transit. Pick based on what you’ll do most: beaches, dining, cycling, or local browsing.
- West End — Leafy and residential beside Stanley Park and English Bay; ideal for walkers, cyclists, sunset chasers and low‑key nights.
- Yaletown — Polished warehouse district of patios and cocktail bars on the Seawall; suits style seekers and diners, lively in the evenings.
- Kitsilano — Beachy, wellness vibe near Kits and Jericho; great for families and longer stays, cafés and playgrounds, quieter after dark, easy bus to UBC/Pacific Spirit.
- Mount Pleasant/Main Street — Creative strip of indie shops, murals and craft breweries; perfect for foodies and vintage hunters, quick transit to Queen Elizabeth Park.
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Where to stay in Vancouver
Choosing where to stay in Vancouver is about matching the neighbourhood to your vibe and plans. Each area offers a distinct rhythm—beachy calm, nightlife buzz, or family-friendly streets—with different access to parks, the Seawall and transit. Pick based on what you’ll do most: beaches, dining, cycling, or local browsing.
- West End — Leafy and residential beside Stanley Park and English Bay; ideal for walkers, cyclists, sunset chasers and low‑key nights.
- Yaletown — Polished warehouse district of patios and cocktail bars on the Seawall; suits style seekers and diners, lively in the evenings.
- Kitsilano — Beachy, wellness vibe near Kits and Jericho; great for families and longer stays, cafés and playgrounds, quieter after dark, easy bus to UBC/Pacific Spirit.
- Mount Pleasant/Main Street — Creative strip of indie shops, murals and craft breweries; perfect for foodies and vintage hunters, quick transit to Queen Elizabeth Park.
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Good to know before you go to Vancouver
Travel in Vancouver is straightforward: compact neighbourhoods, excellent transit and abundant parks make it easy to explore. A few details on costs, transport and crowds will help you plan smoothly.
- Affordability: Overall on the pricey side; expect mains at CAD 25–45 (coffee CAD 4–6), mid‑range hotels at CAD 250–400 in summer (budget CAD 120–200 farther from downtown), with most parks free but parking often paid.
- Transport: The core is very walkable and bike‑friendly; for longer hops use TransLink (SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus) and False Creek ferries, rent a car for Whistler or the Okanagan, and take BC Ferries from Tsawwassen to Victoria or the Gulf Islands.
- Language: English is the main language and widely understood across services, with French and many Asian languages also common, so visitors rarely face language barriers.
- Safety & comfort: Generally very safe for families and solo travellers; use standard city sense (watch valuables and don’t leave anything in cars—especially at trailheads), carry rain gear, and give wildlife space in larger parks and on the North Shore.
- Crowds: Peak season is June–August (plus cherry blossom weeks and cruise season May–September, which swell downtown and the Seawall), while autumn and winter are quieter aside from holiday light events—arrive early on sunny weekends.
Good to know before you go to Vancouver
Travel in Vancouver is straightforward: compact neighbourhoods, excellent transit and abundant parks make it easy to explore. A few details on costs, transport and crowds will help you plan smoothly.
- Affordability: Overall on the pricey side; expect mains at CAD 25–45 (coffee CAD 4–6), mid‑range hotels at CAD 250–400 in summer (budget CAD 120–200 farther from downtown), with most parks free but parking often paid.
- Transport: The core is very walkable and bike‑friendly; for longer hops use TransLink (SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus) and False Creek ferries, rent a car for Whistler or the Okanagan, and take BC Ferries from Tsawwassen to Victoria or the Gulf Islands.
- Language: English is the main language and widely understood across services, with French and many Asian languages also common, so visitors rarely face language barriers.
- Safety & comfort: Generally very safe for families and solo travellers; use standard city sense (watch valuables and don’t leave anything in cars—especially at trailheads), carry rain gear, and give wildlife space in larger parks and on the North Shore.
- Crowds: Peak season is June–August (plus cherry blossom weeks and cruise season May–September, which swell downtown and the Seawall), while autumn and winter are quieter aside from holiday light events—arrive early on sunny weekends.
Best time to go to Vancouver
Seasonality in Vancouver runs from mild, wet winters to dry, pleasantly warm summers, with shoulder months bringing cherry blossoms in spring and vivid autumn colours. Parks are enjoyable year-round; pack waterproofs outside summer.
- Spring (Mar–May): Fresh, showery days with cherry blossoms and rhododendrons; moderate crowds and a laid-back, locals-at-leisure vibe.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm, mostly dry and sunny with long evenings; peak crowds on beaches and the Seawall; lively festival energy.
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Cool, rainy and occasionally stormy in the city; few tourists and a calm, misty-forest vibe; festive light displays, with reliable snow only on nearby mountains.
Best time to go to Vancouver
Seasonality in Vancouver runs from mild, wet winters to dry, pleasantly warm summers, with shoulder months bringing cherry blossoms in spring and vivid autumn colours. Parks are enjoyable year-round; pack waterproofs outside summer.
- Spring (Mar–May): Fresh, showery days with cherry blossoms and rhododendrons; moderate crowds and a laid-back, locals-at-leisure vibe.
- High Summer (Jun–Aug): Warm, mostly dry and sunny with long evenings; peak crowds on beaches and the Seawall; lively festival energy.
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Cool, rainy and occasionally stormy in the city; few tourists and a calm, misty-forest vibe; festive light displays, with reliable snow only on nearby mountains.
Share Vancouver with friends and start planning your trip together.
How to get to Vancouver
By Air
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Richmond – 12 km from downtown.
- Canada Line SkyTrain: ~25 minutes to downtown (Waterfront/City Centre).
- Taxi/rideshare: ~25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
- Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) – ~70 km east.
- Driving: ~1–1.5 hours to downtown; limited low‑cost and regional services.
- Seaplanes (Harbour Air/Seair)
- Downtown Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (Coal Harbour) and YVR South Terminal.
- Frequent flights to Victoria, Nanaimo, Sechelt and Whistler (approx. 20–45 minutes; weather dependent).
- Nearby US airports (border crossing required)
- Bellingham (BLI): ~90 km; ~1.5–2 hours by car.
- Seattle–Tacoma (SEA): ~230 km; ~3–3.5 hours by car/train/bus.
By Train
- Pacific Central Station (adjacent to Main Street–Science World SkyTrain).
- Amtrak Cascades: 2 daily services to/from Seattle (about 4 hours; onward to Portland). Customs/immigration on arrival/departure at station.
- VIA Rail “The Canadian”: transcontinental service to/from Toronto (2–3 times weekly; multi‑day journey).
- Rocky Mountaineer: seasonal tourist trains to/from Banff/Lake Louise, Jasper and Whistler (separate Vancouver station near Terminal Ave).
By Bus
- Primary hub: Pacific Central Station.
- Ebus: Vancouver–Kelowna/Okanagan and Kamloops.
- Rider Express: Vancouver–Banff–Calgary (via Kamloops).
- FlixBus: Vancouver–Seattle/Bellingham and intra‑BC routes.
- Quick Shuttle: Vancouver–Seattle/SEA airport (via border).
- BC Ferries Connector (Wilson’s): downtown Vancouver–Victoria via Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay (through‑ticketed coach + ferry; ~3.5–4 hours total).
- Typical times: Vancouver–Seattle 4–5 hours (border dependent); Vancouver–Kelowna ~5 hours; Vancouver–Kamloops ~4–4.5 hours.
By Ferry
- Terminals serving Metro Vancouver:
- Tsawwassen (Delta) – ~35–45 minutes’ drive from downtown.
- To Swartz Bay (Victoria): ~1 h 35.
- To Duke Point (Nanaimo): ~2 h.
- Horseshoe Bay (West Vancouver) – ~25–30 minutes’ drive from downtown.
- To Departure Bay (Nanaimo): ~1 h 40.
- To Langdale (Sunshine Coast): ~40 minutes.
- Tsawwassen (Delta) – ~35–45 minutes’ drive from downtown.
- Reservation strongly recommended in summer/holiday periods. Foot passengers can connect with public buses; through coaches to Victoria available.
By Car
- From the USA: I‑5 becomes BC‑99 at the Peace Arch/Pacific Highway crossings; ~45–60 minutes from border to downtown (plus border wait).
- From the east: Trans‑Canada Highway 1 links the Interior/Okanagan/Kamloops to Vancouver.
- From Whistler: Highway 99 (Sea to Sky) ~1.5–2 hours.
- From Vancouver Island/Sunshine Coast: BC Ferries to Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay, then 25–45 minutes’ drive to downtown.
- Notes: No bridge tolls in Metro Vancouver. Winter tyres required on many BC highways 1 October–31 May. Parking in central Vancouver can be limited/expensive; good public transport alternatives.
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