- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Vancouver
Gastown, established in 1867, showcases Victorian architecture, notably the Hotel Europe building, Vancouver's Flatiron. Explore early logging history in Yaletown's brick warehouses, now trendy lofts. This rich past is among the best reasons to visit Vancouver.
Stanley Park offers 1,001 acres of rainforest trails, seawall access, and iconic totem poles. Beyond nature, Robson Street provides diverse shopping. For a local night out, experience a Canucks game at Rogers Arena. Visiting Vancouver offers this blend of urban and wild.
Granville Island Market, a public market since 1979, offers local produce and artisan foods. Sample the "JapaDog" food truck innovation for a unique fusion. Discovering these culinary gems is a key part of what is Vancouver famous for.
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Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Augwarm, busy
- Wintercool, occasional rain
- #ComfortableShoes
- #RainJacket
- #Sunscreen
- #PortableCharger
- #Layers
- #WaterBottle
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 days with beaches & day trips
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- English & French
- Both are official languages here
- #StanleyPark
- #GranvilleIsland
- #CapilanoSuspensionBridge
- #Gastown
- #VancouverAquarium
- #GrouseMountain
- #ScienceWorld
- Cycling around Stanley Park
- Exploring Granville Island Market
- Hiking Grouse Mountain
- Strolling through Gastown
- Visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Enjoying sunset at English Bay
Recommended Hotels in Vancouver by Experience
Things to do in Vancouver
Discover
Take in Vancouver attractions, from the lush trails of Stanley Park to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Vancouver Art Gallery. Experience breathtaking views from Grouse Mountain and breathtaking nature at Lynn Canyon Park.
Experience
Engage in outdoor adventures like hiking, cycling, and kayaking. Delve into Vancouver cultural activities with local festivals, workshops, and art exhibits to experience the city's diverse heritage and vibrant arts scene.
Stanley Park
Urban park with scenic views and lush trails.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Suspension bridge with stunning forest views.
Vancouver Art Gallery
Gallery featuring Canadian and indigenous art.
Grouse Mountain
Mountain offering skiing and hiking trails.
Lynn Canyon Park
Natural park with waterfalls and hiking paths.
English Bay Beach
Popular beach for sunbathing and beach sports.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
To get to Vancouver, arrive at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). For Vancouver airport to city center travel, use the Canada Line SkyTrain (26 min, ~$9.45). A private shuttle or taxi is available. Amtrak connects via Pacific Central Station.
Getting Around
For public transport in Vancouver, utilize TransLink's SkyTrain, buses, and SeaBus ferries. A reloadable Compass Card offers the best fares. Bike-sharing is popular for exploring neighborhoods. Taxis and ride-shares offer direct options.
Local Essentials
For Vancouver travel tips for first-timers, use contactless payments; cash is less common. Book popular attractions online in advance. Driving involves busy rush hours, consider carpooling. Explore Granville Island market early to beat crowds.
Where to Stay in Vancouver
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Vancouver like fresh salmon sashimi and savory butter chicken. The city is known for its coastal seafood, including BC spot prawns and halibut. Its large Asian community influences menus with ramen, dim sum, and sushi.
Enjoy
Taste popular dishes at the best restaurants in Vancouver like Joe Fortes for seafood and steaks. For laid-back drinks, visit Steamworks, expect a buzzing scene. Relax at Café Medina, open for breakfast through lunch, no reservations needed.
Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
Classic seafood and chop house, perfect for special occasions.
Cactus Club Cafe
Casual spot with a diverse menu.
Cardero's Restaurant & Live Bait Marine Pub
Waterfront dining with fresh seafood, stunning views await.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Celebrate tradition and heritage with Vancouver cultural activities like Lunar New Year parades in Chinatown, reflecting Vancouver's multicultural history. Explore local Indigenous gatherings, showcasing ancestral customs.
Enjoy
Explore modern creativity with things to do like the Vancouver International Film Festival (VIFF) and the contemporary music scene at the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. These events offer cutting-edge art and performance, key Vancouver attractions.
Vancouver International Film Festival
Annual October film festival showcasing global cinema.
Honda Celebration of Light
August fireworks competition over English Bay.
Vancouver Folk Music Festival
July music festival with diverse folk and roots artists.
Bard on the Beach
June-September Shakespeare festival in Vanier Park.
Chinatown Spring Festival Parade
February parade celebrating Lunar New Year with lion dances.
Granville Island Market
Food stalls, artisan shops, and local produce.
CelebrASIAN Festival
Festival celebrating Asian heritage with music, food, and displays.
Stanley Park is something else
The seawall around Stanley Park is just stunning. You've got the ocean on one side and forest on the other - it doesn't get much better than that. The city itself is easy to get around and the food scene is really solid.
Whistler day trip was totally worth it
Did a day trip up to Whistler from the city and the drive alone through the Sea-to-Sky Highway was incredible. Snow was perfect, runs were great for all levels. Back in Vancouver the ramen spots in the West End kept us warm every evening.
Best city I've visited in North America
Granville Island is a must. The public market there is packed with fresh seafood, local cheeses, and baked goods - we kept going back. The mountains in the background make even a regular walk feel pretty special. Clean, safe, and easy to navigate.
Great spot for a winter city break
Didn't expect Vancouver to feel this lively in winter. Gastown looks gorgeous with the old brick buildings and the steam clock is a fun little landmark. Tried the salmon at a fish shack near the waterfront - fresh and perfectly cooked. Highly recommend.
Beach and mountains all in one place
Kitsilano Beach in summer is genuinely lovely. The water is cool but totally swimmable and the views of the North Shore mountains are unreal. The whole Kits neighbourhood has great coffee shops and a pretty relaxed feel. Really enjoyed it.
So much to do and eat here
Richmond's night market was a highlight - so many Asian street food options in one place and super affordable. The dumpling stalls especially were next level. Vancouver as a whole just has an incredible food scene across every budget. Came hungry, left very happy.