Vancouver Travel Guide

Sprawling mountains to one side and the vast Pacific Ocean on the other, Vancouver's natural canvas is one of the most breath-taking in the world. Whether you're a solo traveler seeking scenic solitude or a family looking for urban adventure, the city offers a blend of nature, culture, and culinary delights. In this comprehensive Vancouver travel guide, we'll map out the must-sees, must-tastes, and must-dos for any visitor to this gem of the Pacific Northwest.

Where to Stay in Vancouver

Finding the right accommodation is the foundation of any good trip. Vancouver offers a wide range of options for different tastes and budgets. Here are some of the hottest areas to stay in:

Downtown Vancouver

The very heart of Vancouver's urban pulse, Downtown is for you if you love the hum of a city. This is where you'll find many of the city's big attractions such as Canada Place, the Vancouver Art Gallery, and Robson Street's shopping district. Accommodations range from luxury hotels to budget hostels, making it a versatile choice.

Gastown and Chinatown

These historic neighborhoods are filled with character and charm. Think cobbled streets, independent boutiques, hipster cafes, and buzzing nightlife. It's perfect for those who want a slice of Vancouver's heritage with modern boutique hotels and trendy B&Bs.

Kitsilano (Kits)

Known as Vancouver's beachside oasis, Kitsilano offers a more laid-back atmosphere with easy access to the lovely Kits Beach, great local eateries, and a quaint selection of guesthouses. This area is popular with families and those who value a quieter stay.

Yaletown

This former warehouse district is now a chic residential zone packed with top-tier eateries and bars. It's a great middle ground between Downtown and the quieter neighborhoods with upscale hotels and a central location.

West End

The West End is a high-density residential area with a buoyant high-street atmosphere. Close to Stanley Park and English Bay Beach, it feels like an oasis within the city. You'll find hotels catering to various budgets, and it's an ideal location for a family stay.

Where we've decided to stay?

The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver

When it comes to accommodations, The Sutton Place Hotel does not disappoint. The rooms are spacious, elegantly decorated, and equipped with all the modern amenities you could need. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, the comfort and luxury of these rooms will make you feel right at home.

Best Ways to Get to Vancouver

By Air

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a major hub and the primary gateway to Vancouver. The airport is well-connected with flights from all over the world and a short drive from the city center. Several airlines offer direct flights to YVR from major cities, making it an accessible destination.

By Land

You can reach Vancouver from the rest of Canada or the United States by bus, car, or train. Amtrak's 'Cascades' service offers a stunning train ride from cities like Seattle and Portland. If you're driving, the routes through British Columbia are renowned for their scenic beauty.

Navigating the City

Public Transportation

Vancouver's public transport system, TransLink, is efficient, clean, and will take you almost anywhere in the Metro Vancouver area. With a combination of buses, the SkyTrain, SeaBus, and the West Coast Express, it's easy to get around without a car.

Cycling

Vancouver prides itself on being a bike-friendly city. With numerous cycling lanes and paths, renting a bike is a fun and environmentally friendly way to explore. There are also many bike sharing services available if you don't want to rent for your entire stay.

Walking

Many of Vancouver's top attractions are within walking distance of one another, particularly in the downtown area where sidewalks are wide and pedestrian-friendly. Exploring on foot is a great way to soak in the city's sights and sounds.

Best Activities and Attractions in Vancouver

Stanley Park

Stanley Park is the front yard of Vancouver. This 405-hectare public park offers miles of trails, a seawall path with panoramic ocean vistas, and a lovely collection of totem poles in Brockton Point. Inside, you'll find the Vancouver Aquarium, Lost Lagoon, beaches, and spectacular gardens.

Granville Island

A mecca for foodies and art enthusiasts, Granville Island is a public market embedded in the city's vibrant arts culture. The Granville Island Public Market is home to over 50 independent food and artisan vendors, while the surrounding streets are lined with galleries, theaters, and live music venues.

Grouse Mountain

Ski in the winter, hike in the summer, and soak in the view year-round. It's a 20-minute drive from downtown, and the Skyride gondola offers unparalleled views of Vancouver as it ascends. Adventurers can also hike up the "Grouse Grind" if they're up for a challenge.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

This is more than just a bridge – it's an entire park dedicated to experiencing the temperate rainforest from a bird's-eye view. Stroll through the treetops, traverse the bridge, and learn about the ecosystem in the associated educational programming.

Museum of Anthropology

Explore the world of indigenous Pacific Northwest Coast peoples through art, artifacts, and immersive exhibits showcasing their traditions and history. The museum is set against an incredible backdrop of ocean and mountains on the University of British Columbia's campus.

Vancouver Art Gallery

Located in the heart of downtown, the Vancouver Art Gallery houses a collection of over 11,000 artworks, including the largest Emily Carr collection in the world. The gallery hosts both permanent and visiting exhibitions, often featuring internationally renowned artists.

Adventure Beyond the City

Whistler

Just a 2-hour drive from Vancouver, Whistler is a renowned all-season resort town, perfect for skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and hiking. The spectacular Sea-to-Sky highway takes you through Squamish, where you can stop to view the stunning Shannon Falls.

Victoria and Vancouver Island

Catch a ferry from Vancouver to Victoria, the picturesque capital of British Columbia, located on Vancouver Island. Here, visit the iconic Butchart Gardens, take a stroll around the Inner Harbour, and enjoy the city's historic architecture and museums.

Richmond

Richmond, located south of Vancouver, is a multicultural city known for its Asian cuisine and the historic fishing village of Steveston. At the Steveston Fisherman's Wharf, you can buy fresh seafood or take a whale-watching tour into the Salish Sea.

A Gastronomic Journey Through Vancouver

Fresh Seafood

Vancouver's location makes it a haven for seafood lovers. For the freshest catches, head to restaurants near the waterfront or the Granville Island market. Don't miss out on trying local specialties like Pacific salmon and fresh oysters.

Asian Eateries

Vancouver is home to a vast array of Asian cuisines, reflective of the city's multicultural makeup. From traditional dim sum in Chinatown to sushi in the upscale neighborhoods of the city, you can explore a world of flavors without leaving the city.

Farm-to-Table Fare

The city's gastronomic scene extends beyond its international flavors, with a strong focus on sustainability and local ingredients. Many restaurants in Vancouver take pride in offering farm-to-table dishes, often with a West Coast twist.

Food Trucks

Vancouver's street food scene is vibrant and offers everything from classic fish and chips to modern fusion cuisine. Visit one of the city's food truck pods for a taste of local street eats.

Craft Breweries

Vancouver has become a hub for craft beer with a variety of breweries popping up throughout the city. Take a brewery tour, sample a flight, and enjoy the local beer culture.

Cultivating Your Cultural Itinerary

Theatre and Performing Arts

Vancouver has a thriving theater and performing arts scene. The city's theaters offer a diverse array of performances, from classical productions to contemporary works by local and visiting companies.

Music and Festivals

Throughout the year, Vancouver plays host to a number of music and arts festivals. The city's venues feature a range of musical acts, reflecting Vancouver's rich cultural diversity.

Museums and Galleries

In addition to the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Museum of Anthropology, the city is home to a range of smaller galleries and museums, showcasing everything from contemporary art to the history of flight.

Public Art

Vancouver is home to an extensive collection of public art, with pieces scattered throughout the city. Take a self-guided tour to discover these works and learn about the city's commitment to the arts.

Exploring Vancouver with a Love for Nature

Bird Watching in Stanley Park

Stanley Park's diverse ecosystems provide a home to a wide variety of bird species, making it an excellent destination for bird watching. Keep an eye out for herons, bald eagles, and the park's resident colony of great blue herons.

Cherry Blossom Viewing

During the spring, Vancouver's streets are lined with the delicate pink blooms of cherry blossoms. Take a stroll through one of the city's many cherry blossom hotspots, such as Queen Elizabeth Park or the University of British Columbia campus, for a truly magical experience.

Whale Watching

Vancouver is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Book a boat tour to see orcas, humpback whales, and other marine mammals in their natural habitat in the waters surrounding the city.

Sustainability Tours

Vancouver is committed to sustainability, and there are many tours available that highlight the city's green initiatives. Visit urban farms, take a food tour focused on locally sourced ingredients, or learn about the city's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

Vancouver Nightlife and Entertainment

Gastown's Bars and Clubs

Gastown is a hub for Vancouver's nightlife, with a variety of bars and clubs offering everything from craft cocktails to live music. The area's historic charm and cobblestone streets make it the perfect place for an evening out on the town.

Theatre and Performance

Vancouver's theater scene doesn't shut down when the sun goes down. If you're looking for a more cultured evening, check out a performance at one of the city's many theaters, ranging from intimate independent spaces to larger, professional venues.

Concerts and Festivals

Vancouver has a lively music scene, with concerts and festivals happening year-round. Check local listings to see what acts are in town, or plan your trip around one of the city's many music festivals.

Pub Crawls

If you're looking to experience the local bar scene, join a pub crawl to visit several of Vancouver's best pubs and meet other travelers. Many crawls take you to off-the-beaten-path spots that you might not find on your own.

In Summary, Vancouver Awaits

Engaging in the full spectrum of Vancouver's offerings is akin to a grand symphony – each aspect coming together to create a rhapsody worth experiencing. From its lush parks and vibrant arts, to its kaleidoscopic culinary scene and a vibrant mix of urban energy and serene coastal vibes, Vancouver's allure is undeniable.

Choosing to venture into Vancouver is choosing to explore a city that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, where every corner offers a tale of the past and a vision of the future. It's a patchwork of experiences that cater to every kind of traveler.