Ultimate Travel Guide to Vancouver

I’ve been calling Vancouver my home for more that 5 years now and truly consider it one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Its incredible combination of a modern city lifestyle, wildlife, and multiculturalism is really worth flying halfway around the world to see for yourself.

In this super guide, I’ve tried to gather all the important information, restaurant/entertainment recommendations, travel destinations, life-hacks, favorite places, and answers to the most popular questions. If the tips were helpful to you or you couldn’t find what you were looking for – please let me know in the comment section.

Have a great trip!

General Information

Population

The population of Vancouver is about 662,000 people (2021)

Metro Vancouver metropolitan area (combined with nearby cities) – 2.6 million people (2021)

Province of British Columbia – 5 million people (2021)

The population of Canada is about 37 million people (2021)

Top 10 by ethnic diversity

Time in Vancouver

Vancouver’s time zone is UTC -8. When it’s night here, it’s already a new day in Europe. So be prepared for a powerful jetlag when you arrive in Canada and don’t plan too many evening activities for the first few days

• Time difference with London: -8 hours
• Time difference with Toronto: -3 hours
• Time difference with Sydney: -17 hours
• Time difference with Hong Kong: -15 hours

Vancouver turns the clocks forward one hour in March and back in early November.

Language

The main language of Vancouver is English, but since Canada has two official languages, many people speak French. Also popular: Chinese, Punjabi, quite often you can hear Spanish as well.

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD). On price tags and menus it is marked with the same symbol as the American one – $

• American dollar (USD) = 1.35 Canadian dollars (CAD)
• English pound (GBP) =1.63 Canadian dollars (CAD)
• Euro (EUR) = 1.45 Canadian dollars (CAD)
• Australian dollar (AUD) = 0.92 Canadian dollars (CAD)
• Chinese Yuan (CNY) = 0.20 Canadian dollars (CAD)

*Last fx-rate update January 1, 2023

How long is the flight to Vancouver?

• Sydney: direct flight is 14.5-15.5 hours, flight to Brisbane is about 15 hours.
• Beijing: direct flight – 11 hours
• San Francisco: direct flight – 2.5 hours
• From Europe – an average of 9.5 hours. There are direct flights from London, Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Munich, Dublin, Reykjavik, Zurich
• From Toronto – about 4.5 hours. There are direct flights from there too

Tourist visa to Canada

Read more about the Electronic Travel Autorization (eTA) here

Citizens of most countries need a tourist visa to enter Canada:

• Documents are submitted online or at the visa center
• Visa fee is $100CAD + $85CAD for biometrics
• Tourist visa allows to stay in the country for up to 6 months
• Canadian visa can be issued for 5 or 10 years
• The review process takes about a month
• List of documents, necessary steps and tips on registration can be found on the official website

EU citizens arriving by plane can obtain an electronic permit for $7CAD instead of a visa. In case they travel by car, train, boat or bus, a passport is enough. Read more about the Electronic Travel Autorization (eTA) here

American citizens only need a passport to visit Canada.

Indigenous Peoples of Canada

Canada’s constitution recognizes 3 Aboriginal groups: Indians (more commonly referred to as First Nations), Inuit, and Métis. Each has its own history, languages, cultural practices, and territories (easily identified by totems and road signs with obscure symbols). According to the 2021 Census, about 5% of Canada’s population identify themselves as Aboriginal.

British Columbia (where Vancouver is located) is home to >200,000 Indigenous Peoples who speak more than 30 local languages and about 60 dialects.

READ MORE: Vancouver’s Indigenous Peoples: 16 Places to Explore Local Culture

Why Vancouver?

Nature: Vancouver is like a living postcard. There are mountains, the ocean, rain forests, and abundant wildlife. Outdoor activities all year round for all tastes: hiking, skiing, diving, surfing, etc.

Skyscrapers: unlike noisy metropolises like New York or Toronto, Downtown Vancouver is a cozy, compact, green, friendly city, but no less photogenic! More than half of all American films and TV series are shot here. Vancouver even has the nickname “North Hollywood.”

READ MORE: 10 Interesting facts about Vancouver

Multicultural: Vancouver is home to amazing people from all over the world. Vancouver is home to amazing people from all over the world. While in the city you can dance bachata at the Latin American festival, celebrate the Chinese New Year in style, eat with a Hindu friend in an Ethiopian restaurant.

Safety: Vancouver is a tolerant and safe city. However, don’t leave things unattended and walk around the East Hastings at night.

Sakura: Cherry trees blossom in Vancouver all March and April. And I’m not talking about two or three trees in the center, but entire neighborhoods, alleys, and streets that are covered with pink flowers, petals, and photographers. According to recent official calculations, there are about 43,000 cherry blossoms of 50 varieties in the city!

When is the best time to go to Vancouver?

Vancouver in winter: Christmas, Festival of Lights, ski season, hockey, Chinese New Year. The best time to travel is December-January.

Vancouver in spring: cherry blossoms, tulip fields, running marathons, TED conference, great prices on lodging and airfare. The weather is getting better and daylight hours are longer. The best time to travel is April

Vancouver in summer: hikes, music and art festivals, beaches, U-pick farms, whales, surfing, country travel. This is the main tourist season, so be prepared for high prices on hotels and airline tickets. The best time to travel is June-July.

Vancouver in fall: whales, salmon migration, red maples, pumpkin fields, Halloween, Thanksgiving. The best time to travel is September.

Weather in Vancouver by month

Vancouver has probably the mildest climate compared to other Canadian cities. It rarely snows in the winter (snowstorms in the mountains). In summer, the temperature is comfortable and not very hot. In July and August there may be wildfires and smoke.

READ MORE: What to do in Vancouver when it rains

How long should be the trip to Vancouver?

Three days is enough to see the city. If you plan to take excursions (Sea-to-sky, whale watching), hike, take a boat to Victoria and drive to Whistler – you will need at least a week and a half. To explore the province a little further (Kelowna, Hope, Sunshine Coast, Tofino) – prepare to spend two weeks or more.

How much does it cost to go to Vancouver?

The table below suggests approximate costs, depending on your budget and travel style (of course it may differ for each specific traveler).

READ MORE: How much does it cost to go to Vancouver? Prices, budgets and travel tips

The sums are daily averages, in U.S. dollars, per person.

Backpacker: live in a hostel, cook your own food (not organic) or buy fast food. Travel around the city on a bicycle or by public transport. Entertainment choices should be free (museums on charity days for example). Use free public WiFi. Approximate budget for a day: $135CAD (≈$100USD)

Low budget: get a room in an inexpensive 2-3 star hotel, Airbnb or Metro Vancouver, eat breakfast and dinner at home, lunch at inexpensive cafes and food courts + coffee, ride a bike or use public transportation, stick to free entertainment options and visiting 1 museum a day. Use free public WiFi or eSim. Approximate budget for a day: $286CAD (≈$212USD)

Medium budget: get a room in an average Downtown hotel or Airbnb. Choose mid-priced restaurants + coffee/beer. Use public transportation or bicycle, sometimes cab or inexpensive rented car. You can afford museums and 1-2 field trips. Buy eSim, a local sim card or a pocket WiFi router. Approximate budget for a day: $543CAD (≈$403USD)

Luxury: feel free to stay in a 5-star hotel, eat in restaurants and drink whatever you want. Travel around the city on a cab or a rented car, go to museums and take field trips. Use eSim, an unlimited local sim card or a pocket WiFi router. Approximate budget for a day: $1030CAD (≈$762USD)

Where to stay in Vancouver?

A crash course in Vancouver geography

• The airport is located in the south, the mountains – in the north
• The most beautiful sunsets can be seen from English Bay, Third Beach (Stanley Park), West Dyke Trail (Richmond)
• The best beaches are in Point Grey
• The closer to UBC, the richer are the houses
• Downtown Eastside is one of the oldest and sketchiest neighborhoods
• There are two Vancouvers: the city itself and Metro (Greater) Vancouver, consisting of 21 municipalities

Vancouver’s tourist areas:

Mount Pleasant + Main – murals, coffee houses and breweries

Stanley Park is the best place to bike along the waterfront, with totems and views of Downtown

Granville Island (False Creek) – art district, market, music venues, designer shops

English Bay (West End) – is a popular beach with a long promenade, palm trees, and stunning sunsets

UBC (University)- youth district around the University of British Columbia, Antropology Museum, Botanical Gardens

The Olympic Village is one of Vancouver’s modern neighbourhoods. Breweries, views of Downtown, Science World Museum, waterfront

Gastown – is “where it all started”, a historic neighborhood downtown. Restaurants, souvenirs, lookout Restaurants, souvenirs, lookout and sketchy folk.

Coal harbour is an upscale neighborhood in Downtown. The tallest skyscrapers, an embankment with a great view.

Canada place – tourist center, exhibition halls, port of Vancouver.

Chinatown – authentic Chinatown, Rogers Arena hockey stadium, Vancouver Canucks brand store

Yaletown – is a beautiful residential area of Downtown with a lovely embankment, a center of street festivals and design studios

Kitsilano – beaches, food, yoga, Vancouver Museum

Commercial Drive – little Italy, breweries, delicious food, bakeries

A bit judgmental, but fairly accurate map of Vancouver:

Metro Vancouver map:

Richmond – Steveston tourist village, Buddhist temples, Asian food, airport, pumpkin and cranberry fields (in fall), Oval Olympic Center-Arena

Burnaby – Burnaby Village Museum, Deer Lake

North Vancouver – Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Cleveland Dam, Seabus trips, pier with cool views of Downtown, Maplewood Farm, Lynn Canyon, Grouse Mount

West Vancouver – Lighthouse Park, beaches

Langley – Old Fort Langley, Aircraft Museum

Where is the best place to stay in Vancouver?

Downtown, entertainment, restaurants: West End, Yaletown, Coal Harbour, Fairview, False Creek, Cambie, Main, Mount Pleasant

Near the beaches: Kitsilano, West End, Point Grey

Kids-friendly: Kitsilano, False Creek, West End

On budget: Richmond, North Vancouver, Burnaby

To avoid: DT East, Gastown, Chinatown

Check the map of the homeless shelters to make sure your hotel/apartment is not too close to them.

Transportation

Vancouver has excellent public transportation (buses, subways), ferries, and cabs. There is more than 450 km of bicycle paths and several major car rental companies.

How to get there from Vancouver airport?

• Метро Skytrain – is an easy and budget-friendly way. The price is the regular subway fare +$5CAD extra for a one-way ticket. Learn more about fares.
• At night there is also the N10 bus to and from Downtown Airport. The schedule is here.

• Cabs and Uber drivers are waiting right at the exit. A flat rate by zone has been introduced recently for all airport cabs.

How to travel around the city?

SkyTrain subway in Vancouver:

There are 53 Skytrain stations located almost all over metro Vancouver. Trains are operated without a driver. Tickets are sold in vending machines at the entrance. You can also use a credit card/apple pay (put it to the turnstile instead of a ticket).

One SkyTrain trip cost starts from $3.1CAD (≈$2.3USD). The price depends on the number of zones you need to travel. There are three zones: Zone 1 (Downtown), Zone 2 (Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster, North Vancouver), and Zone 3 (Delta, Port Moody, Surrey, Coquitlam). If you are going from the airport to Downtown, it makes two zones and you have to pay for a ticket accordingly.

You can ride the bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus for 90 minutes on a single ticket, and transfers are free. Read more on types of passes and prices here.

SkyTrain lines operate daily, with the first train leaving around 5:30 a.m. on weekdays (later on weekends) and the last train leaving around 1:00 a.m.

Buses:

Buses – are another popular way to travel around Vancouver. There are bicycle holders in the front and retractable ramps for strollers. The front seats are usually reserved for children/older people/people with disabilities/pregnant women.

In order for the bus to pull over at the desired stop you must press the red “stop” button by the exit or pull the yellow cord stretched along the windows. Push the door slightly on the way out (where it says “Push”) and don’t forget to thank the driver loudly.

You can use the same passes as on the SkyTrain. You can buy tickets in vending machines at SkyTrain stations or from the driver (cash/card).

Plan your bus itinerary here.

Seabus to North Vancouver:

SeaBus is a passenger ferry that runs between Downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver. Crossing the bay takes about 12 minutes (use a SkyTrain/bus ticket). Ferry departs every 15 minutes from Waterfront Station (and back from Lonsdale Quay).

Bicycle rental:

Vancouver has all the infrastructure for cyclists: dedicated lanes (map), parking lots, many rental companies. There are also Mobi city bikes.

Read more in the article ““How much does it cost to go to Vancouver? Prices, budgets, tips“

Taxi:

Local cab and Uber services are popular in Vancouver. Prices are affordable, but the cost varies greatly depending on location, weather and time. Sometimes it is cheaper to order an Uber for a family of several people than to take the skytrain, bus, or water taxi with transfers. Book via apps or by phone.

Water Taxi:

Vancouver’s False Creek is usually bustling with traffic: yachts, dragon boats, canoes, and water taxis. The latter is a convenient way to get from Yaletown to Granville Island and from Olympic Village to the Vancouver Museum.

• Aquabus sails with stops from Hornby Street to Olympic Village and back (20-25 minutes one way). You can take on board pets, bicycles, and it’s also designed for wheelchairs. Prices, schedule, itinerary – here.
• False Creek ferries travels with several stops from Olympic Village to Heritage Harbour and back (35 minutes one way). You can bring pets, but there’s no room for bicycles, only folding strollers. Prices, schedule, itinerary – here.

Tickets are sold online or on the boats for cash/card.

What is the Compass card and is it worth buying?

The compass card is a plastic card for travel on Vancouver’s SkyTrain/bus/Seabus system. You can recharge it online or at SkyTrain machines for a fixed amount, or you can buy day/month/year passes.

The main advantage of the compass card is that it saves about 50 cents per trip (instead of $3.1CAD you pay $2.5CAD)! It’s quite convenient if you come to Vancouver for a few days and plan to use public transportation extensively.

The card costs $6 (at any SkyTrain machine). At the end of the trip, you can turn in your compass card at the Stadium-Chinatown station and get $6 back.

Car rental:

You will need a car in Vancouver if you plan to travel out of town (Whistler, Vancouver Island, etc.). Downtown itself has plenty of public transportation and cabs.

If possible, don’t rent a car at the airport! Take a skytrain or taxi to the nearest car rental office in town and save a quarter of the rental price (additional airport fees)

READ MORE: 30 Ways to Save Money in Vancouver

Ferries

Vancouver has two ferry terminals:

• Tsawwassen: trips to Victoria (90 min), Nanaimo (2 hours), and the Southern Gulf Islands (55 min to 3 hours)
• Horseshoe Bay: trips to Sunshine Coast (40 minutes), Nanaimo (1.5 hours), Bowen Island (20 minutes)

I advise you to book tickets in advance on the BC ferries website. You need to arrive at the port 40-60 minutes before departure, because registration ends 40-30 minutes before ferry leaves, and then they let everybody on board in turn.

Seaplanes

HarbourAir seaplanes offer daily flights to 12 destinations, including Vancouver Island, Whistler, Salt Spring Island, Seschelt, Seattle and private tours.

The main terminal is located in Downtown Vancouver, Coal Harbour.

On a sunny day, I suggest taking a ride over the city with the Vancouver Classic Panorama tour.

What to see in Vancouver?

Top Sights in Vancouver

Stanley Park is a giant public park in downtown Vancouver. There is a pedestrian and bicycle paths along the perimeter. Stunning panoramas of Downtown Vancouver, the totems, the Aquarium, the beaches and much more.

Granville Island is a tourist peninsula under the bridge with designer workshops, unusual gift stores, music/theater stages, delicious cafes and a farmers’ market. There is a small park, floating houses, a bay with yachts, a children’s entertainment center and a water play area.

READ MORE: What to visit in Vancouver? Top 15: Best of the Best

Steveston is a colorful old fishing village on the outskirts of Richmond. A museum stationed in a real well-preserved cannery. Various film shootings often take place here.

Capilano Park is a popular park with suspension bridges. In winter, the forest is decorated with lanterns. Nearby there’s a beautiful dam and hike along the canyon.

Sea to Sky Gondola is one of British Columbia’s most beautiful attractions. You take the scenic Sea to Sky road to the town of Squamish, where the gondola takes you 880 meters up above sea level. Mountain, forest and lake views, suspension bridge, hiking trails and Shannon Falls.

My favourite places and neighbourhoods in Vancouver for walks: Granville Island, Mount Pleasant/Olympic Village, Jericho Beach, Coal Harbour, Steveston

READ MORE: Non-touristy Vancouver – time to put down the guidebook

Vancouver and Vancouver Island itinerary

Itinerary: Vancouver and Vancouver Island in 2 weeks – with photos, maps, recommendations and a downloadable PDF-file.

Other Canadian itineraries can be found here.

Vancouver Museums and Attractions

Vancouver is full of free entertainment and attractions: hiking trails, skyscrapers, parks, street art, beaches. Some museums have charity days (for example, every Tuesday night at Art Gallery, the entry fee starts from $5). There are music and art festivals every week during the summer.

In general, the city is all about outdoor activities. There are no unique collections or world famous theater shows here. But whales, surfing, mountains, sunsets and cuisines of all nations of the world are provided in unlimited quantities.

Look for information on the cost of the most popular museums and attractions for 2023, here.

Entertainment

Hiking trails

Since Vancouver and British Columbia are full of mountains, forests, lakes, and other natural beauty, hiking is one of the must-do activities. Bring comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, some sandwiches, and a great mood. Below are a few of my favorite trails in BC:

Easy hikes (for hikers with kids and sore knees)

Lighthouse Park (30 minutes from Vancouver) is one of the most beautiful rainforests near the city. 500-year-old cedars, ocean and Vancouver views, rock climbing, seals. The best view of the lighthouse is along the West Beach Trail. Download a trail map. Arrive early in the morning, the parking lot gets filled up quickly.

Ionna Jetty (30 min from Vancouver) is a 4 km long jetty that goes into the sea on Sea Island (near the airport). The most romantic sunsets.

Panorama Trail (50 minutes from Vancouver) – an easy trail from the top of the Sea to Sky gondola with panoramic views. Starting from the parking lot, also check out Shannon Falls.

Lynn Canyon (25 minutes from Vancouver) – a walk through the rain forest at the canyon, there is a suspension bridge along the way.

Othello Tunnels (about 2 hours from Vancouver) – a flat hike through a beautiful canyon and old railway tunnels. Open from April 1 to October 31. Check the website. This hike can be combined with a trip to Hope and Bridal Veil Falls.

Medium difficulty hiking trails

Garibaldi Lake (1.5 hours from Vancouver) – a 5-6 hour hike to a fantastic turquoise lake.

Stawamus Chief First Peak (1 hour from Vancouver) is a 2.5-3 hour hike. One of the busiest and most beautiful trails. Be prepared for a lot of stepstones and roots. Wear hiking boots and stock up on water.

St Mark’s summit (30 min from Vancouver) – Cypress Mountain, 4-5 hours, lots of chipmunks, eagles and views of the islets and Howe Sound Bay.

READ MORE: Vancouver: hikes with stunning views (medium difficulty)

Hard level hiking trails

Mount Rohr (2.5 hours from Vancouver) is an incredible hike across the lake to the mountain top (2,423 meters). Distance – 16km, elevation gain – 1000 m, hike time – 9-10 hours

Frosty Mountain (2.5 hours from Vancouver) – 22 kilometers with an elevation gain of 1200m. There are larch trees and flowering alpine meadows (in August), at the top part the trail runs along the ridge. By the parking lot there’s a large lake where you can crash and soak after the hike.

Look for other trails on alltrails and vancouvertrails

Whale watching tours

Orcas swim in British Columbia waters all year round. In summer, humpback whales come for plankton and small fish. In early spring you can see gray whales migrating north from Mexico to Alaska (more than 20,000 individuals!).

Organizations to book a tour from:

• Wild Whales – Vancouver
• Vancouver Whale Watch – Vancouver
• Prince of Whales – Vancouver, Victoria
• Eagle Wing Whale & Wildlife Tours – Victoria
• BC Whale Tours Victoria – Victoria
• Ocean Outfitters – Tofino
• Jamie’s Whaling Station – Tofino, Ucluelet
• The Whale Centre – Tofino

Canada has strict rules for preserving the peace of wildlife, so boats cannot get too close (fines of up to several thousand dollars and loss of license for violation). Bring binoculars and warm clothes!

It is best to take tours from Victoria and Tofino. Average cost – $180CAD/person

READ MORE: Whale Museum at Telegraph Cove

Hockey in Vancouver

Canada is considered the birthplace of hockey. The whole country plays this sport in winter, regardless of gender or age. Every Canadian has his favorite team’s jersey at home. Tickets for the season are already sold out six months before the start and it is almost impossible not to join this mass worship and joy. Every year I try to get on the stands of the hockey arena and soak the atmosphere in.

Vancouver’s local team is Vancouver Canucks. They have their own stadium, Rogers Arena, and a gift store.

Other popular tourist attractions

• A bike ride on the Seawall. Useful links – map of bicycle paths, route planner, where to rent a bike
• Festivals and holidays by month
• Things to Do in Vancouver on a Rainy Day
• Pub Crawling in Vancouver Tours: craftbeer tours, East Van Brewery Tour, Craft Beer Bike Tour
• Chilling on the Beaches. Some beaches (like Kitsilano and Jericho) have picnic tables and volleyball nets. Useful links – Vancouver Beaches
• Flights on an airplane (over the city and over the mountains). There’s several organizations for that: Sea to Sky Air, Harbour Air SeaPlanes, Seair Seaplanes
• 11 Ski Resorts Near Vancouver
• Photo walk- city tour with redhairtravel
• Informative tours in and around the city: Landsea Tours and Adventures, Cycle City Tours, Vancity Tours, Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours. Free tours: Guruwalk, Strawberry tours, Freetour
• Nightlife: Clough Club, Bar None Nightclub, The Alibi Room, Steamworks Brewing Company
• Hop on Hop Off – city tour buses

For non-touristy and seasonal entertainment in Vancouver by month, check out my Instagram Guide on the Facebook page (hashtag #non-boring_vancouver)

Where to eat in Vancouver?

You can take a food tour and discover city’s restaurants. Chinese, Italian, Korean, Mexican, Indian, Lebanese, vegetarian– all this splendor you will find in one block, on one street. Get ready for culinary experiments and bring some looser pants/skirts.

• Where to eat in Vancouver: hearty cheap breakfasts
• Traditional Afternoon Tea in Vancouver
• Vancouver’s best bakeries
• Vancouver: restaurants and bars with live music
• Pub crowling in Vancouver and why I stopped drinking orange juice
• How to save money on food in Vancouver

Must-try meals in Vancouver

1. Japadog – a mix of American hot dog and Japanese street food. It was invented by a couple from Japan who moved to Vancouver. Try the Japadog Café at 530 Robson St or the food truck (check the schedule at the official japadog web-site)

2. Vancouver is famous for its Japanese restaurants. The famous California Roll was invented here. Try aburi (burnt) and oshi (pressed) sushi.

• Vancouver’s favorite Japanese restaurants
• Where the California Roll comes from and how to make it
• Where to look for Japanese omakase in Vancouver?

3. Salmon dishes. There are five species of salmon in British Columbia. Almost every café and restaurant in Vancouver serves salmon, and fishermen at the marinas sell the freshest fish from the boats every day. Try the salmon sandwich from the Go Fish food truck and salmon chowder at A La Mode.

4. Coffee is another reason to fall in love with Vancouver. High-end rosteries and coffee shops are literally all over the place here! Try the classic flat white or sweet Earl Grey Tea Latte (or London Fog), which was invented in Vancouver.

Vancouver’s Top 10 Coffee Shops

5. Indigenous cuisine: Bannock buns, Candied salmon – smoked salmon dipped in maple syrup and spices (you can buy on Granville Island Market or Wholefoods), bison meat. I recommend the traditional Salmon n’ Bannock restaurant

6. Nanaimo Bar is one of Canada’s most famous desserts from Nanaimo. The tastiest Peanut Butter Crunch at Hearthstone Artisan Bakery – in Nanaimo. In Vancouver try it on Granville Island Market. Also you can cook it quickly and easily at home:

Nanaimo Bar: The tastiest recipe for a popular Canadian dessert

Where to go from Vancouver?

Below are some cool ideas for where to go from Vancouver. In parentheses – the number of days that I recommend to spend there (travel time not included).

Vancouver Island

Victoria is Canada’s most English city, a 2-hour ferry ride away. Castles, English tea parties, Parliament, Royal Museum, Canada’s narrowest street, world-famous Butchart Gardens. (3-5+ days)

Tofino – Canadian surfer town, UNESCO sanctuary, Wild Pacific Trail, whales, hot spring island. (2-3+ days)

North Vancouver Island is picturesque and slightly less touristy. Waterfalls, whale museum, underground caves, Alert Bay Indigenous Island, eagles on the beach. (3-5+ days)

Rocky Mountains

The Rocky Mountains are a must-visit place in Canada. From Vancouver, you can get there fairly quickly by car (8-9 hours). There are frequent low-cost flights to Calgary and Edmonton.

• Itinerary: Rocky Mountains from Vancouver by car in 8 days
• Canada’s Rocky Mountains: 17 Must-see Places
• Jasper National Park: The Complete Guide
• Yoho Park, Canadian Rockies: 7 Must-See Places
• 3 Days in the Canadian Rockies hiking Brazeau trail (Jasper National Park)
• Mt Robson: How We Walked Canada’s Most Beautiful Hike
• Itinerary: rom Vancouver to Calgary and back in 5 days

Gulf Islands

Gabriola Island – sandy beaches, caves in the shape of a frozen wave, old forests, artists’ workshops, diving, ancient petroglyphs and incredible views. (1+ days)

The islands of Mayne, Pender, and Galiano – national reserves, beaches, lighthouses, mountains, and caves. (3+ days)

Squamish

Britannia Mine Museum is the former largest copper mine of the British Empire. Underground tours in the tunnels, a giant factory where the top TV series were filmed, Boom! attraction, golden sand. (0.5+ days)

Sea to Sky – gondola, views, Shannon Falls, suspension bridge, hikes. (1 day)

Whistler

Whistler – Canada’s largest ski resort, site of the 2010 Olympics, colorful Olympic village, mountain activities, hiking, Brandywine Falls. (1+ days) (1+ days)

Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast is a peninsula with a name that speaks for itself. Atmospheric towns, beautiful beaches, wild hikes, famous Skookumchuck waves (3-5 days)

Canadian Gold Rush Trail

• Fort Langley is an old 19th century trading fort. The fur trade, the gold rush, the birth of British Columbia. (0.5+ days)
• Hope is a small town with wooden sculptures in the streets, Hell’s Gates attraction over Fraser River Canyon, Yale Goldfields Village, Bridal Falls and Flood Falls, old Othello Tunnels, historic Alexandra Bridge, and Harrison Hot Springs. (1 day)
• Barkerville is a village museum, a collection of old gold rush houses, and costume shows. (1 day + drive from Vancouver)

READ MORE: Along the Canadian Gold Road from Vancouver in 5 days (itinerary)

Richmond

• Steveston is a fishing village with a rich history. Britannia Shipyards museum-village, Gulf of Georgia cannery, fishing pier. (1+ days)
• Buddhist Temples of Richmond (0.5 days)

The Okanagan

Kelowna is a large town in the Okanagan Valley on the lakeshore. Wineries, cultural life, Myra Canyon, Kangaroo Farm, restaurants. (3-5+ days) (3-5+ days)

Osoyoos is a Canadian desert. Warm lake (you can swim there in summer), wineries, Indigenous Peoples and Nk’Mip Cultural Center, Hobbit House Hotel, Area 27 Raceway. (2+ days)

To Vancouver with kids

What to see in Vancouver with kids?

• Stanley Park: walk, rent bikes and ride a horse-drawn carriage
• Granville Island: huge kids market, water park playground. Take a trip on water taxi
• Science World Museum: a lot of interactive exhibits, adults will also be interested
• Capilano: The park with its suspension bridge is one of the most popular tourist attractions. Nearby there’s a dam and a salmon farm
• Grouse Mt: views of the city, (2 grizzlies live behind the fence)
• Maplewood Farm: paddock with goats (you can enter), horses, cows, and other animals
• Fly Over Canada: children are allowed if they’re 102cm or higher
• Bloedel Conservatory: A tropical dome in Queen Elizabeth Park with parrots and other birds.
• Burnaby Village Museum: free admission. You can ride on the real carousel from 1912!
• Jericho and Kitsilano beaches
• Steveston: A full day trip to an atmospheric fishing village. Nearby at Terra Nova Park there is a cool playground
• Britannia Mine copper mine: get a tour, attend the Boom! attraction and visit the gold mining station. Combine with Sea-to-Sky and Shannon Falls
• Fort Langley: an old fort with entertainment programs for kids, a real blacksmith shop, and a cooperage
• Ice cream at La Casa Gelato (listed in the Guinness Book of World Records due to the number of flavors)
• 37 stroller trails

Shopping in Vancouver

Outlets, malls, and streets

Shopping streets: Robson Street (clothing, souvenirs), Alberni Street (luxury retail), West 4th Ave in Kitsilano (clothing), Granville Island (souvenirs, designer and home collectibles), Water Street in Gastown (clothing, souvenirs),

Shopping centers: CF Pacific Centre, CF Richmond Centre, Metropolis in Metrotown

Outlets: McArthurGlen, Tsawwassen Mills

Souvenirs: Water St. Gastown, Robson St (museums have great quality souvenirs), Granville Island

Souvenirs from Vancouver

Popular local brands:

• Lululemon – sportswear, based in Vancouver
• Herschel – backpacks, founded in Vancouver
• Arc’teryx – sportswear and outdoor clothing, based in Vancouver
• Kit & Ace – clothing, based in Vancouver
• OAK + FORT – casual wear, based in Vancouver
• MEC – sportswear, outdoor, camping and sporting goods store, founded in Vancouver
• Aritzia is a women’s clothing company based in Vancouver.
• Saje Natural Wellness – essential oils and skin care products, based in Vancouver
• Purdys Chocolatier – chocolate, based in Vancouver
• Rogers’ Chocolates, founded in Victoria
• Blue Ruby – jewelry, based in Vancouver
• Fluevog Shoes – shoes with unique design, based in Vancouver
• Roots – sports and casual wear, based in Toronto
• MAC Cosmetics is a cosmetics company based in Toronto.
• DAVIDsTEA – tea company, founded in Montreal
• Marc Anthony – hair care, based in Toronto

Top souvenirs from Vancouver:

There are many beautiful souvenirs in Vancouver. Most of the magnets, cups, key chains and other small items are stamped in China as usual, but the quality is not bad. I love the local Indigenous products and the brands listed above (Lululemon, Purdys Chocolatier, Blue Ruby, etc.). Below are some ideas for other souvenirs and gifts to bring from Vancouver.

• Ice wine – wine made from late grapes that are practically frozen on the vine. Although it has been first invented by the Germans, Canada is one of the world’s largest manufacturers. Hainle Vineyards and Estate Winery are credited with creating Canada’s first ice wine in 1974.
• Salmon: sold in dried, smoked, and canned form in almost any store.
• Maple Syrup
• Stuffy Elk, Beaver and Bear – Canadian symbols, for children
• Inuksuk figurines: human-shaped stone sculptures were used by the northern tribes as directional markers. The little inuksuk figures symbolize friendship and safe travel.
• Souvenirs made of local gems. British Columbia is the world’s largest producer of jade. Amber and opal are also common here.

Tax Free

In Canada there is no Tax Free system – tax refunds for tourists making purchases.

Flying a drone in Vancouver

General rules

A drone weighing more than 250g must be registered with Transport Canada and tagged.

To fly a drone weighing from 250g to 25kg inclusive, you need a flight certificate in Canada (one has to retake and renew it every 2 years).

During the flight, the drone should always be in view, no higher than 122 m above the ground and 30 meters horizontally from people.

Without a special permit, you cannot fly over crowds, in the city, the airport area, over private property, in national and provincial parks.

READ MORE:

• More about types of flight licenses and a link to an online test
• How we passed the basic drone control exam in Canada at 91% with minimal preparation
• Where you can fly a drone and to whom send requests for special permits?

Fines and penalties

Flying without a valid flight certificate up to $1,000CAD

Control of a drone that has not been tagged and registered – up to $1,000CAD

Flying over forbidden territories and parks without special permits – up to $1,000CAD (the website of Banff National Park indicates a fine up to $25,000CAD)

If your drone endangers people and planes – up to $3,000CAD

P.S. All the above amounts are for private owners, the fines for organizations are 5 times higher

11 helpful tips for travelers in Vancouver

1. Politeness is a special Canadian thing they are very proud of. Smile and don’t hesitate to make full use of it: feel free to ask for help, advice and directions, accept compliments, and be polite in return
2. Leave your dress shoes and tuxedos at home. The simpler and more comfortable your clothes are, the more likely you are to pass for one of their own in the city. Sports pants and sweatpants are quite popular here
3. Vancouver is all about nature. Don’t expect ancient sarcophagi, exquisite architecture, and a large-scale cultural program
4. Prices on menus and in the stores are listed without taxes! Add +13% to the price
5. There are many First Nations reservations in British Columbia. Respect the signs at their borders
6. Vancouver is known for its unpredictable weather (especially during the off-season) and cold nights. Waterproof shoes are a must!
7. You can ride a bike around the perimeter of Downtown Vancouver along the waterfront in a few hours.
8. Tipping in the restaurant is not only welcome, but expected, the usual amount is 15-20%
9. Going to Vancouver Island on a day trip is a bad idea. It’s a big island with all sorts of interesting things on it. Only for Victoria you need at least 3 days
10. Vancouver recycles garbage, so pay attention to waste sorting signs and pictures on garbage cans (plastic, paper, etc.)
11. Be careful while outdoors, there are bears, caguars, and wolves roaming around B.C.

Other useful information

Currency exchange and credit cards

Cash or card?

In 99% of cases, you will not need cash in Vancouver. Stores, restaurants and transport accept Visa and Mastercard. Apple Pay is actively developing here as well. If possible, it is better to bring a dollar Visa card.

Some occasions when cash is still needed:

• In some small Chinese restaurants and shops
• At the Steveston Fish Market
• As a souvenir: Canadian money has a stylish design and lamination
• To thank a street musician
• To wash your clothing in a coin-operated laundry

Will my card work in Canada?

You should check with your bank in advance if the card will work in Canada, what are the extra fees for using it abroad, the approximate conversion rate and limits. Also let the bank know the dates of your travel so that transactions are not considered suspicious (I once had my card blocked while traveling in America).

Where to withdraw cash in Vancouver?

ATMs are installed in lobbies and near bank branches, shopping malls, supermarkets, and gas stations.

The largest banks are RBC, TD Canada, Scotiabank, BMO and CIBC. They have their own branded ATMs. There are also private unbranded ATMs.

Most ATMs are compatible with Cirrus, Maestro, Plus (check the icon on the back of your card). Finding the nearest one is easy with the Visa (for Plus cards) and MasterCard (for Cirrus and Maestro cards) online locators.

Almost all ATMs charge a flat fee of 2-5 CAD for cash withdrawals (private ones are often higher than in the banks). This is in addition to the currency rate and other fees of your home bank, just FYI.

What currency should I bring to Vancouver?

It is easier and more profitable to exchange cash U.S. dollars in Vancouver.

Where to exchange?

Charlie’s Currency Exchange (827 Granville St) is a small exchange in the heart of Downtown with good exchange rates which is always in high demand. No fee. They only accept cash. Current rates are here

Vancouver Bullion & Currency Exchange (800 W Pender St #120) – the rate is usually slightly worse than at Charlie’s. But it’s still a worthwhile alternative to waiting in line at Charlie’s (10 minute walk from it). No fee. They accept cash and debit cards from Canadian banks. Current rates are here

Gastown Currency Exchange – excellent USD-CAD rate, quality service. No fee. Current rates are here

Do not change money at the airport and hotels, as they put up the worst rates and extra fees.

What are loonies and toonies?

The loonie is a Canadian one-dollar coin, gold in color, with an image of the Loon bird on one side.

Toonie is a bi-metallic Canadian two-dollar coin.

Metric system

Canada officially uses the international metric system. But as well as in neighboring America, imperial pounds, fahrenheit, miles, inches, etc. are commonly used.

In grocery stores, the price per pound (454g) is written in bold print on the price tag, while price per kilogram is hidden somewhere in the corner in small print.

• Pound (pound, lb) = 16 ounces = 453.6 g
• Inch = 2.54 cm
• Mile (mile, mi) = 1.61 km

Electricity and outlets

• Type of outlets – A, B
• Voltage: 120 В
• Frequency: 60 Hz

If you are traveling from Europe or Asia – do not forget to take the adapter and check the voltage on your devices!

Internet and mobile communications in Vancouver

WiFi

Vancouver has free WiFi in hotels, cafes (there’s a Starbucks on almost every corner), stores, parks, libraries, and simply on the street ( over 600 street spots already!). In the near future they plan to install WiFi routers in public transport as well.

How to connect to WiFi:

• Select a non secure (no lock symbol) network name (#VanWiFi, COV-Public, or VPL) from the WiFi settings menu on your device
• Open your browser. On the auto redirect page, agree to the WiFi terms of use
• If a cafe or restaurant has a secure network (with password) – ask a waiter or look around to see if the password is hanging somewhere on the wall

Remember that public WiFi is not safe! Use a VPN and do not log into the personal accounts of online banks.

Mobile communications and the Internet

Canada has quite expensive cell phone service and many areas that are not covered by any provider (especially up north and on the road to the Rocky Mountains). For convenience, order eSim Airalo (I recommend it), a pocket wifi router (such as a WiFi Cube or Pocket Wifi), or a local SIM card (Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile or Chatr Mobile)

READ MORE: How much does it cost to get Internet and cell phone service in Vancouver? Which SIM card to choose for traveling?.

Alcohol, tobacco, cannabis

Alcohol sale age restriction is 19 years or older.. In most cases, you will be asked to show some sort of ID

Smoking and vaping are prohibited in any premises (including restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and casinos), as well as in the streets, closer than 6 meters from any door or window. It’s prohibited to sell cigarettes to individuals younger than 19 years.

As of 2018, people over the age of 19 in Canada can legally buy marijuana.

There are some restrictrictions for what tourists and residents can bring into Canada:

• No more than 200 cigarettes
• Alcohol: 1.5 liters of wine or 8.5 liters of beer/alcohol or 1.14 liters of other alcoholic beverages
• Cannabis can neither be imported nor exported from the country (only with special permits). More information here

Public toilets

There are free public toilets in almost every park in Vancouver, malls, restaurants, cafes, gas stations, and stores. Most are open from dusk to dawn.

Healthcare

Non-residents of Canada pay in full for local medical services if needed. It is very expensive (a bed in a hospital – up to $2500CAD/per night), so I recommend buying health insurance as a must for the trip.

Without a prescription, Shoppers Drug Mart and London Drugs sell only some drops, head tablets, cough candies, throat syrups and Band-Aids.

In the emergency rooms you should be ready to spend three to five hours in a waiting line.

News on the coronavirus pandemic in Vancouver

Rules for entry into Canada

• Beginning January 5, 2023, travelers from China, Hong Kong or Macau must present a negative covid test. Information is here.
• On October 1, 2022, Canada lifted all restrictions on entry. Now travelers (with the exception of China, Hong Kong and Macau) are not asked for vaccines, psr tests, quarantines and masks on board. More details here

Want an unusual, memorable tour of Vancouver?

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