Vancouver

Travel Guide
Stanley Park showing a skyscraper, a city and a bay or harbour

Vancouver Travel Guide Video

This thriving Pacific Northwest city offers an alluring mix of cosmopolitan culture, an excellent restaurant scene and craft beer bars as well as wonderful natural scenery.

With its sophisticated urban center, coastline of sandy beaches and surrounding forested mountains, Vancouver appeals to visitors seeking big-city entertainment and outdoor pursuits. Explore neighborhoods filled with artsy shops, multicultural restaurants and historic architecture. Cycle through a scenic park, enjoy an invigorating hike and relax on a beach.

Take your time discovering Vancouver’s diverse neighborhoods. Window shop along Robson Street, which features a variety of mid-range shops as well as luxury retailers like Gucci and Tiffany & Co. Head to Gastown to admire historic architecture and dine in some of the city’s top restaurants. Take photos of Chinatown’s famous Millennium Gate and then stroll through the exquisite Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden.

No visit to Vancouver would be complete without a stop in Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre (405-hectare) expanse of semi-wild parkland. Walk, bike or jog along the Seawall, which runs along the park’s coastline, offering lovely views of the city and the Lions Gate Bridge. Head to English Bay Beach on the edge of the park for swimming and sunbathing.

Grouse Mountain, located north of downtown, is another favorite destination for visitors interested in getting active. It offers excellent skiing and snowboarding in the winter and picturesque hiking in the summer.

Explore the city’s cultural side with a visit to the Museum of Anthropology, home to an exceptional collection of Northwest Coast First Nations’ art. View the exhibitions of Canadian and West Coast art housed at the Vancouver Art Gallery, including notable works by modernist painter Emily Carr.

Take the ferry across False Creek to visit Granville Island. Browse fresh produce, seafood, meats and baked goods at the Granville Island Public Market.

Most visitors arrive at the city by plane at Vancouver International Airport. Vancouver is also well connected by bus and train to most major Canadian cities, as well as by bus to the U.S. Get around easily within the city on its extensive public transportation system, which includes electric trolley and diesel buses, the light-rail SkyTrain and the SeaBus ferry.

Where to stay in Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver showing a city, a high-rise building and modern architecture

Downtown Vancouver

4.5/5(354 area reviews)

Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal and BC Place Stadium are a few top attractions in Downtown Vancouver. Hop around the city on the metro at Vancouver City Center Station or Granville Station and check out the area's captivating waterfront views, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

Downtown Vancouver
Gastown showing street scenes, a city and outdoor eating

Central Vancouver

3/5(2 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Central Vancouver, check out sights like Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal or Port of Vancouver and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Granville Station or Vancouver City Center Station.

Central Vancouver
Kitsilano featuring street scenes, flowers and road cycling

West Side

While you're in West Side, take in top sights like VanDusen Botanical Garden or Kitsilano Beach, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at King Edward Station or Oakridge-41st Avenue Station.

West Side
Pacific Coliseum which includes ice skating, a sporting event and interior views

East Vancouver

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

While you're in East Vancouver, take in top sights like Port of Vancouver or Commercial Drive, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Nanaimo Station or 29th Avenue Station.

East Vancouver
West End featuring signage, a city and street scenes

West End

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of West End. Make a stop by Stanley Park or Robson Street while you're exploring the area.

West End
Kitsilano Beach

Kitsilano

Kitsilano is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Kitsilano Beach and False Creek.

Kitsilano
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
The price is S$229 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
S$229
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,408 reviews)
"Great location. Close to everywhere. Staff were helpful and room were neat and tidy."

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
4.5 out of 5
845 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$230 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
S$230
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy a full-service spa, breakfast, and WiFi. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,140 reviews)
"The staff were wonderful! Room excellent The only one thing was they had a kettle which was so amazing as I love tea !!! But , no room for milk in my fridge , if you moved anything from fridge , it’s charged automatically! So that was an issue trying to place my milk carton Other than that Just perfect ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
River Rock Casino Resort
River Rock Casino Resort
4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
The price is S$242 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
S$242
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa resort in Richmond. Enjoy 3 restaurants, a marina, and a casino. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (4,798 reviews)
"Always like the River Rock. Favourite hotel/casino. Will be better once the reno’s are done"

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2024

River Rock Casino Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rosedale Condominiums
Rosedale Condominiums
3.5 out of 5
838 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, a health club, and valet parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,413 reviews)
"The service was wonderful, but the property was lacking. The building and amenities are old and out dated. The pool was cold. However, the room was pleasant and clean. The staff was lovely and it definitely balanced out the negatives."

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

Rosedale Condominiums
Rosellen Suites At Stanley Park
Rosellen Suites At Stanley Park
3 out of 5
2030 Barclay St, Vancouver, BC
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified aparthotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (831 reviews)
"This is a prime location, a hidden gem! Safeway and No Frills are within walking distance for your groceries, Lost Lagoon and the seawall are so close to walk to, and the local restaurants are amazing to eat at! Lots of variety! If you’re looking for modern bathrooms and kitchens as your first choice ..."

Reviewed on 17 Mar,2024

Rosellen Suites At Stanley Park
Sonder at Revival
Sonder at Revival
4 out of 5
1771 Comox Street, Vancouver, BC
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Vancouver. Enjoy onsite parking, a terrace, and concierge services. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (302 reviews)
"Sleek and modern interior design. Very comfortable bed, with a functional modern kitchen. Check in was easy, we very much enjoyed our day!"

Reviewed on 25 Mar,2024

Sonder at Revival
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Vancouver

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
159
" "5 - Excellent 56.785714285714285%
4 - Good
101
" "4 - Good 36.07142857142857%
3 - Okay
18
" "3 - Okay 6.428571428571429%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 0.7142857142857143%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
28 Feb 2020

My wife and I particularly enjoy Stanley Park

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
12 Feb 2020

Amazing city! You can walk everywhere, great food options. Would recommend to anyone

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 Feb 2020

The Aquarium was great (3 adults spent 4 hours there) and i also enjoyed the normal/space museum. There are plenty of places to eat and lots of variety too. Capilano suspension bridge is my must see recomendation

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 Jan 2020

Great place for a short or long holiday, public transport is efficient and cheap

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 Dec 2019

A really welcoming city

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
6 Dec 2019

Amazing city.