Published on December 13, 2023 · Written by Zack Fenech
If you’re travelling to Canada, Vancouver is well worth the trek out West. There’s something so wonderfully funky and laid-back about it: a massive coffee scene, endless Asian cuisine options, crows on every corner pecking at discarded Timbits, and a backdrop of mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Vancouver is a testament to the fact that nature can exist in abundance within the modern city. It’s perfect.
Located in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver is one of the only places in Canada with mild weather. While snowstorms aren’t out of the question entirely, you’re likely to experience mild weather even in the heart of winter and still be able to hit the slopes.
I have a bold opinion: Vancouver is Canada’s most beautiful major city, and the Vancouver travel guide below explains why. For more destinations in the country, check out our Canada travel guide.
Essential Things to Know: Vancouver Travel Guide
Location: Vancouver is spread apart, with long distances between many points of interest. You will benefit significantly from renting a car to visit many locations, though public transit is exceptional and can be used to visit most places in this guide.
Safety: Be sure to get travel insurance before your trip. Vancouver is a charming city, but sadly it’s also home to one of the roughest areas in North America: East Hastings. Be cautious around East Hastings Street. Do not confuse it with East Vancouver, which is a place you’ll absolutely want to visit.
Climate: Vancouver offers exceptional weather for a city in Canada, but it’s also known as “Rain City.” Winters are among the warmest in Canada. Summers are mild thanks to the Pacific Ocean breeze.
Transportation: Vancouver has an excellent public transportation system, with buses, boats, and a SkyTrain subway system. Uber and Lyft are both available. Avoid taxis due to poor customer reviews.
Money and Tipping: Vancouver uses the Canadian dollar. It can be a costly city to visit — Vancouver has the highest cost of living in Canada. Like the rest of Canada, tipping is expected at almost every restaurant or bar.
Transportation in Vancouver, Canada
Use Skyscanner to find and compare the best flights to Vancouver.
Vancouver’s SkyTrain is split into three zones. The base rate is $3.15 CAD. As a traveller, you’ll spend most of your time riding the Canada Line in Zone One, which runs directly from the airport into Vancouver’s downtown core. Uber and Lyft are both available throughout the city.
Things to See and Do in Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver might be an expensive city to live in or visit, but there are many things you can do without breaking the bank, especially if you love the great outdoors.
1. Stanley Park
Stanley Park is one of the most beautiful parks I’ve ever visited. Located in West Vancouver, it features the Seawall — an iconic path that wraps around the park’s outer edges and faces English Bay, which leads into the Pacific Ocean. Entry is free, making it perfect for the budget-conscious traveller. You might accidentally catch yourself whale watching in the summer, or stumble upon beautiful Indigenous totem poles. Reward the walk with cold ones at Stanley Park Brewery.
2. Gastown
One of the most affluent areas in downtown Vancouver, with historical significance as an early trading hub. Today, cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture are home to high-end boutiques and restaurants. The Steaming Clock attracts tourists from around the world — it steams constantly and rings every 15 minutes.
3. Granville Island
A short boat ride from Vancouver’s shores, offering a view of the city’s beautiful skyline. The Granville Island Public Market features a wide selection of food and drink options, fish markets, cheese booths, and high-end grocery stalls, surrounded by arts and crafts shops.
4. University of British Columbia (UBC) and Wreck Beach
Walk through the UBC campus, then descend a long flight of stairs to the breathtaking Wreck Beach below — renowned for shipwreck remnants, ocean liners, and mountains in the backdrop. Famous as a clothing-optional beach among Vancouver’s student community in the summer.
5. East Van
Vancouver’s trendiest neighbourhood, ripe with microbreweries, record stores, indie art galleries, and vintage clothing stores. Also home to Trout Lake, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, and Queen Elizabeth Park — you might see a peacock or two.
6. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Built in 1889, spanning the North Shore with a winding observation deck and several hiking trails. Among the most breathtaking views in Vancouver, perched in the middle of the forest over the Capilano River. Note: it has a rather expensive entrance fee.
7. Vancouver Chinatown
One of the oldest Chinatowns in North America and a national historic site. Notable for its Millennium Gate and various unique Chinese stores and restaurants. Some say the best Dim Sum in the country can be found here.
8. Grouse Mountain
Located near Vancouver, rising 4,100 feet above sea level. Hiking in the summer, skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and a wildlife refuge to see various animals who call the area home.
Food and Drink to Try in Vancouver
Vancouver is a culinary city, with many local and international cuisines and a diverse range of dishes ranging from fresh seafood to bánh mì to craft beer.
Asian Cuisine
Half of Vancouver residents are of Asian heritage, meaning there’s a lot of Asian influence and culture throughout the city. Ramen and sushi are must-haves — all the fish comes fresh from the sea. Chinese cuisine is another staple, especially in Chinatown: dim sum, Peking roasted duck, dumplings, and kung pao chicken. Vietnamese, Filipino, and Korean options are also plentiful.
Doughnuts
Doughnuts are cherished among Canadians, and Vancouver boasts exceptional establishments like Lee’s Donuts in the Granville Island Public Market and 49th & Parallel, a beloved modern coffee and doughnut shop.
Japadog
A unique fast-food chain serving traditional hotdogs with a Japanese twist — for example, Wagyu beef dogs with teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, fried onions, and seaweed. Uniquely Vancouver.
Craft Beer
Vancouver’s thriving craft beer scene is what makes it so amazing. Many local microbreweries have popped up in recent years, each with its own unique taste profile. West Coast-style IPAs are a highlight, with on-site taprooms where you can sample beforehand or order a flight.
My Final Thoughts: Visit Vancouver, Canada
For the best deals on places to stay, book hotels online ahead of your visit.
Vancouver is a wonderful Canadian city with so much to offer all year round. If you’re only there for a short time, be sure to make the most of it by taking in the beautiful mountain air and scenic views. I guarantee that you’ll love every second of your stay in Van City.
FAQs about Vancouver, British Columbia
What are the top tourist attractions in Vancouver?
The most popular attractions include Stanley Park, Chinatown, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and Grouse Mountain.
What are some popular neighbourhoods in Vancouver to explore?
Popular neighbourhoods include East Van, Gastown, Yaletown, Granville Island, Kitsilano, and Commercial Drive.
What are the best tips for planning a trip to Vancouver on a budget?
Vancouver is an expensive city. You can save money by staying outside of the city, limiting restaurant visits to one each day, and enjoying the many free public parks and hiking trails.
When is the Vancouver International Jazz Festival?
The Vancouver International Jazz Festival happens annually in June.
Related Travel Guides
- Ottawa Travel Guide
- Montreal Travel Guide
- Toronto Travel Guide
- Victoria Travel Guide
- Niagara Falls Travel Guide
- All Canada Guides
