Vancouver
Vancouver, founded in 1886, is one of Canada’s youngest major cities but has a rich and diverse history shaped by its Indigenous Coast Salish peoples, whose presence in the region dates back thousands of years. The city grew rapidly during the late 19th-century Gold Rush and became a key Pacific port for trade, shipbuilding, and immigration. Its unique character reflects a blend of Indigenous, Asian, and European influences, seen in its neighborhoods, cuisine, and arts. The completion of the Canadian Pacific Railway made Vancouver Canada’s “Gateway to the Pacific,” linking the country from coast to coast. Today, it’s a global city known for its breathtaking natural setting between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, its commitment to sustainability, and its vibrant mix of cultures and outdoor lifestyle.
💡Vancouver: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: Citizens of the U.S., most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea do not need a visa for stays up to 6 months. Travelers from visa-required countries may need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) when flying to Canada.
✈️ Closest Airport: Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
💬 Language: English is the primary language. French is also official nationwide, and many locals speak Mandarin, Cantonese, or Punjabi.
🏷️ Price Level: Vancouver is one of Canada’s most expensive cities — about 10–15% higher than the national average.
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69/ Canada: US$5.50
💰 Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD) | 1 USD ≈ 1.35 CAD
☀️ Best Times to Visit: May–September for mild weather, outdoor festivals, and mountain views. October–April brings rain but fewer crowds and good skiing nearby.
🚘 Transportation: Downtown is highly walkable. SkyTrain, SeaBus, and buses make getting around easy. Compass Card works across all systems. Bike lanes and rentals are excellent for exploring Stanley Park and the seawall.
🔌 Adapter: Canada uses Type A/B plugs (120 V) — same as the U.S. Visitors from Europe or Asia will need an adapter and possibly a voltage converter.
🛜 Wi-Fi: Widely available and fast in hotels, cafés, public libraries, and SkyTrain stations. Free municipal Wi-Fi in many downtown areas.
🏧💰 ATM and “Cash or Card”: Cards are accepted almost everywhere. Small shops or food trucks may prefer cash. ATMs are common and dispense Canadian dollars.
💸 Tipping: Customary to tip 15–20% in restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and for taxis, guides, or hotel staff.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Canada Place Cruise Terminal, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC V6C 3T4 (docked)
✈️ 🚇🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ Vancouver’s public transportation system is modern, efficient, and easy to navigate. TransLink operates the city’s SkyTrain, SeaBus, and bus network, connecting downtown with surrounding neighborhoods and suburbs. You can pay fares using a Compass Card, Compass Ticket, or contactless credit/debit card directly at fare gates or on buses. The SkyTrain runs frequently from early morning to late at night, and the Canada Line provides a quick link between downtown and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Vancouver is also very walkable and bike-friendly, with dedicated cycling lanes and scenic routes along the seawall.
✈️ Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the closest airport to downtown Vancouver, located about 14 km (9 miles) south of the city center. The Canada Line SkyTrain provides the fastest and most convenient connection — reaching downtown in about 25 minutes for around CAD $10 (including the airport surcharge). Trains run every 6–10 minutes from early morning until late night.
The #100 and #480 buses also serve the airport area, though they’re less direct for travelers heading downtown.
Taxis and rideshares (Uber, Lyft) are readily available outside the terminal; a ride to downtown typically takes 25–30 minutes and costs around CAD $35–45, depending on traffic.
🚇 In Vancouver, the cruise terminal at Canada Place is perfectly situated in the heart of downtown, just steps from major attractions such as Gastown, Stanley Park, and the Vancouver Convention Centre. Most visitors can easily walk to hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas — so no shuttle is usually needed.
Taxis and rideshares (Uber, Lyft) are available directly outside the terminal for those with luggage or mobility needs; short rides within downtown typically cost CAD $10–15.
Vancouver doesn’t have a metro system in the traditional sense, but it’s served by the SkyTrain, a clean and efficient rapid transit network that connects downtown to neighborhoods and the airport. The Waterfront Station, located right next to the cruise terminal, is a major hub for the SkyTrain, SeaBus (to North Vancouver), and West Coast Express commuter rail. Announcements and signage are in English and French, with clear maps and multilingual visitor information available.
🚌 Big Bus Vancouver offers hop on hop off tours (more info here) while the Great Canadian Trolley offers an alternative (more info here).
⭐️ Top Sights in Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the few cities in the world where you can ski on a mountain, sail in the ocean, and stroll through a rainforest—all in the same day.
📸 Stanley Park & Seawall: Vancouver’s crown jewel, Stanley Park is a vast urban oasis surrounded by the world’s longest seawall path. Walk or bike the 9 km (5.5-mile) loop for sweeping views of the mountains, ocean, and skyline. Don’t miss the Indigenous totem poles, rose gardens, and lookout points like Prospect Point for incredible photo ops.
📸 Gastown & Steam Clock: Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood blends Victorian architecture with trendy boutiques and restaurants. The Steam Clock, which releases puffs of steam and whistles every quarter hour, is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. Cobblestone streets, vintage lamps, and public art make Gastown perfect for an afternoon stroll.
📸 Granville Island Public Market: A lively waterfront market filled with fresh produce, seafood, baked goods, and local art. Watch street performers, sample artisan foods, or browse unique handmade crafts. The island also offers beautiful harbor views and ferry rides across False Creek.
📸 Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: Just 15 minutes from downtown, this famous 450-foot (137 m) bridge sways 230 feet above the Capilano River amid lush rainforest. Explore the Treetops Adventure walkways and Cliffwalk, offering thrilling perspectives of British Columbia’s temperate wilderness.
📸 Vancouver Art Gallery & Robson Square: The Vancouver Art Gallery showcases works by Canadian and Indigenous artists, including the acclaimed Emily Carr. Outside, Robson Square buzzes with activity year-round — from outdoor concerts in summer to public ice skating in winter.
📸 Canada Place & Waterfront: The city’s iconic white-sailed landmark and main cruise terminal, Canada Place offers stunning views of Burrard Inlet and the North Shore Mountains. Nearby, stroll the Waterfront Promenade, visit FlyOver Canada for a 4D virtual flight experience, or watch seaplanes take off over the harbor.
📸 Queen Elizabeth Park: Perched high above the city, this manicured park offers panoramic skyline and mountain views. The Bloedel Conservatory, with its tropical plants and exotic birds, provides a lush contrast to the surrounding gardens. It’s a favorite spot for photography and picnics.
📸 Vancouver Aquarium: Located in Stanley Park, this leading marine conservation center features over 65,000 animals, including sea otters, jellyfish, and tropical fish. Engaging exhibits highlight the Pacific Northwest’s diverse ecosystems.
📸 Chinatown & Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden: One of North America’s oldest Chinatowns, this area brims with colorful markets, heritage buildings, and authentic eateries. The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden, modeled after a Ming Dynasty scholar’s garden, offers tranquil ponds, rock formations, and classical pavilions.
📸 Science World & False Creek: The futuristic geodesic dome of Science World houses hands-on exhibits about science and technology. The surrounding False Creek area is perfect for kayaking, cycling, or catching sunset views from Olympic Village or Cambie Bridge.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Vancouver’s food scene is a dynamic blend of Pacific Northwest freshness, global influences, and coastal creativity. As a multicultural port city nestled between the ocean and mountains, Vancouver draws on its Indigenous roots, Asian heritage, and West Coast sustainability to create a truly diverse culinary identity. Visitors can savor everything from fresh-caught salmon, sushi, and Dungeness crab to farm-to-table cuisine, dim sum, and food truck bites. Neighborhoods like Gastown, Commercial Drive, and Granville Island buzz with cafés, craft breweries, and innovative restaurants led by world-class chefs. Whether you’re sampling local oysters at the waterfront, grabbing poutine from a street vendor, or exploring the Richmond Night Market for authentic Asian flavors, Vancouver’s cuisine celebrates its fresh ingredients, cultural fusion, and love of the sea—making food an unforgettable part of the city experience.
🍽️ Pacific Northwest Salmon: Vancouver’s signature coastal dish, often grilled, smoked, or cedar-planked, showcases the region’s fresh salmon. Best enjoyed at waterfront restaurants or casual seaside eateries with views of Burrard Inlet and the North Shore Mountains.
🍽️ Sushi & Sashimi: Thanks to a strong Japanese influence and proximity to the Pacific, Vancouver offers some of North America’s freshest sushi. Try specialty rolls, nigiri, or sashimi at local sushi bars in Downtown or Richmond for a taste of the city’s seafood excellence.
🍽️ Dungeness Crab & Seafood Platters: A local favorite, featuring crab, shrimp, clams, and oysters, served steamed or in seasonal preparations. Perfect at seafood markets, casual eateries, or fine-dining restaurants along Granville Island or False Creek.
🍽️ West Coast Salads: Inspired by local produce, these salads often combine ingredients like heirloom tomatoes, corn, avocado, and smoked salmon, dressed with olive oil or citrus vinaigrettes, reflecting Vancouver’s focus on fresh, sustainable ingredients.
🍽️ Nanaimo Bars & Sweet Treats: Classic West Coast dessert with a layered base of chocolate, custard, and coconut. Enjoy in cafés or bakeries across the city for a sweet snack after exploring downtown or Stanley Park.
🍽️ Food Trucks & Street Eats: Vancouver’s vibrant street food scene offers everything from poutine and tacos to fusion creations like Korean BBQ tacos. A perfect way to taste the city’s multicultural culinary spirit.
🍽️ Craft Beer & Local Wines: The city is home to a thriving craft beer scene and nearby Okanagan Valley wines. Sample IPAs, stouts, and crisp whites at local breweries, wine bars, or paired with seafood for an authentic West Coast experience.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🌐 Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus
🌐 Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Trolley
🚕 Lyft
🚕 Uber