Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is situated on the mainland of North America, in the southwest corner of British Columbia, which is the westernmost province of Canada. This cosmopolitan city balances urban living with nature, offering the perfect blend of city life and outdoor exploration. Whether you prefer walking, a short drive, a ferry ride, or using the local transit system, everything you want to experience in Vancouver is within reach.
Stanley Park, a prime tourist spot in the city, has beautiful beaches, extensive well-kept trails, and a variety of family-friendly attractions like a pool, water park, and miniature railway, spread across its 1,000-acre’s. The Vancouver Aquarium, the largest in Canada, is a popular attraction within Stanley Park along with The Seawall, an impressive 5.5-mile paved pathway encircling the park. The Seawall links the park to downtown Vancouver, skirting the inner waterfront and connecting to seaside paths. This pathway is a favorite for walking, jogging, biking, and rollerblading, suitable for all ages and fitness levels due to its mostly flat terrain.
Chinatown in Vancouver, North America's third largest by population, has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s. Initially a settlement for Chinese immigrants working on railroads and mines, it evolved into a cultural hub with traditional establishments and a growing business scene. Today, Chinatown combines its heritage with a modern renaissance, blending historic sites with trendy bars and restaurants.
Explore Vancouver's Punjabi Market on Main Street, a vibrant multicultural neighborhood known for its Indo-Canadian community. The area offers shops with silk fabrics, gold bangles, and delicious Indian cuisine. The six-block district at East 49th Avenue is a must-visit for a taste of the diverse culture and friendly atmosphere.
Gastown is a neighbourhood that seamlessly combines old with new. A visit to Gastown should include a stroll along Water Street, where you’ll find a picture-perfect collection of old buildings, cobblestones, the Steam Clock, and vintage lampposts. Continue to the end of Water Street to visit a statue of the man who started it all, Gassy Jack Deighton.
Powered (partially) by steam, Gastown's well-known antique-style clock was built in 1977 and whistles every 15 minutes to tell the time.
Yaletown, a former warehouse district turned into a vibrant center, is just a short stroll away. It's now packed with trendy boutiques, bars, and some of the finest restaurants in the city.
A 15-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, make your way to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. You can walk across the swaying Capilano suspension bridge, which stretches across a canyon and the Capilano River. Then explore the beautifully lush forests via a series of elevated suspension bridges in the Treetops Adventure, the thrilling Cliffwalk, guided nature tours and so many other fun things to do in the park.
Visit VanDusen Botanical Garden and it’s large outdoor space with thousands of plant species, wildlife spotting, a hedge maze, and a serene atmosphere.
FlyOver Canada is a flight simulation ride suitable for all ages. Experience taking off into a massive dome screen equipped with cutting-edge projection and ride technology, providing a realistic flying sensation enhanced with wind, scents, and mist.
Head to Vancouver Lookout and take a glass elevator up to enjoy a 360° view that includes Stanley Park, historic Gastown, the Northshore mountains and the vibrant downtown core.
Rising 4,100 feet above Vancouver and just 15 minutes from the city’s downtown is the expansive alpine playground of Grouse Mountain. The Skyride takes visitors to the Alpine Station near the Peak Chalet in only 8 minutes. The Eye of the Wind is a large wind turbine, the world's first with an elevator leading to a viewPOD™ observation area enclosed in glass, including a section of the floor.
At the summit of Grouse Mountain, you will discover The Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, a facility dedicated to research, education, and conservation efforts.
Granville Island is a favorite among locals and a popular destination for visitors. Although technically a sandspit rather than an island, this neighborhood is located just south of the downtown peninsula, directly below the Granville Bridge.
To reach Granville Island, consider taking one of the charming mini-tugboat ferries that traverse False Creek. Once you arrive, the main highlight is the Public Market. Indoors, you'll find a plethora of stalls offering fresh produce, gourmet foods, baked goods, and seafood. For those with a culinary interest, a guided tour of the market can provide valuable insights. Beyond the market, enjoy a performance at one of the island's many theaters, explore an art gallery exhibition, or satisfy your adventurous spirit with a kayaking or paddleboarding excursion.
Experience the thrill of traveling by train and soak in the breathtaking sights of British Columbia. Enjoy the scenic views from the observation lounge or dining car as you travel across Canada, connecting Vancouver to Toronto via Jasper. For travelers coming from the U.S., the Cascades route from Eugene, Oregon to Vancouver, passing through Portland and Seattle, is a convenient option.
Take a trip to nearby Bowen Island, which is only a 20-minute ferry ride away from West Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay. Here, you can take in the laidback vibe of rural island life while exploring small art galleries, cute shops, casual eateries and waterfront patios along Snug Cove. This island also offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking through lush rainforests, swimming at serene beaches and mountain biking along forested trails.
Victoria
Victoria, referred to as the Garden City, is a quick journey from Vancouver.
The journey by car and ferry, or bus and ferry, typically takes around 4 hours each way from downtown Vancouver. Alternatively, a 35-minute flight is also available.
Explore the charming downtown area with its British colonial architecture, perfect for shopping, sightseeing, and marveling at heritage structures. Rent bicycles to discover the city's numerous paths and trails, or go on a whale watching adventure on the water.
A must-visit is the Butchart Gardens, famous for its stunning floral arrangements and themed gardens spread across 55 acres.
Whistler
Located just a 1.5-2 hour drive from downtown Vancouver, Whistler is known worldwide as a premier ski resort, consistently earning top rankings from travel and lifestyle magazines, as well as snow sports associations each year.
Exploring the resort during the summer presents opportunities for mountain biking, golfing on one of Whistler's four courses, hiking the scenic mountain trails, and savoring outdoor dining.
Reaching Whistler involves a scenic drive from downtown Vancouver along the stunning Sea-to-Sky Highway, passing through Horseshoe Bay, Britannia Beach, and Squamish. Along the way, you can make stops at attractions like the Britannia Mine Museum, the Sea to Sky Gondola, and natural wonders such as Shannon Falls and Brandywine Falls. Travel options include driving, scheduled bus services, escorted tours, and during the summer, scheduled floatplane service.
Vancouver's weather is unpredictable, but by Canadian standards it is mild. Generally speaking the best time to travel to Vancouver is between May and September, when you are likely to catch the most sunshine. In winter, between December and February, the city is usually snow-free, but the mountain resorts just outside the city get plenty of snow; the best time to ski in Vancouver is during February.
Highway 1, the Trans-Canada Highway, accesses Vancouver from points east.
4 hours from Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley
12 hours from Calgary
5 days from Montreal
3 hours from Seattle
If you’re arriving in Vancouver from Victoria or Vancouver Island, you’ll need to take your car on a BC Ferries vessel across the Strait of Georgia to the mainland.
The cruise ship facilities at Canada Place serve as a departure point for major cruise lines travelling to Alaska, primarily between April and early October. Throughout the rest of the year, there are also sailings to California, Hawaii and points further afield.
Canada Place, located in the heart of downtown is within easy walking distance of top-rated hotels, buzzy restaurants, and must-see attractions.
