Vancouver

Surrounded by the clear waters of False Creek and English Bay and ringed by mountains reflected in glass skyscrapers, Vancouver easily earns its rep as one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. The is also home to more than 30 First Nations groups, making it one of the best places to discover Canada’s aboriginal culture.

videos

All Stories

QUICK GUIDE

WHEN TO GO

March – May, Sept. – Nov.: These are ideal months to visit Vancouver; the weather is temperate and crowds are fewer and prices lower than in summer.
June – Aug.: Summer is peak season in Vancouver, with the best chances for sunny, warm weather. However, prices and crowds peak, as well.
Dec. – Feb.: Winter temperatures are chilly and skies are often overcast; however, Vancouver makes a great base for winter sports in nearby spots like Whistler.

NEED TO KNOW

Visas: For current information on passport and visa requirements for entering Canada, visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website.
Money: The local currency is the Canadian dollar ($). ATMs are widely available. Tipping 15 – 20 percent is the norm at restaurants.
Travel Health: Travelers (including Canadian citizens) should check with the Government of Canada for the most current information on who can enter Canada, COVID-19 testing requirements, quarantine requirements, and other COVID-19 impacts on travel within the country. Before traveling, research and prepare for what to do if you get sick while away.

GETTING AROUND

Getting Here: Vancouver is served by Vancouver International Airport (YVR), known for housing a number of famed works of art, including the massive bronze sculpture, “Spirit of Haida Gwaii: The Jade Canoe” — keep an eye out for it in the international terminal. 
Getting Around: Public transport is efficient and easy to manage; the TransLink system includes the electric trolley, buses, SeaBus catamaran ferry, and the light-rail SkyTrain. For travel outside the city, car rentals are widely available.

LOCAL INTEL

Local Lingo: Most of Vancouver’s population speaks English as a first or second language, though because the city is incredibly diverse, it’s quite multilingual, with Chinese, Punjabi, German, Italian and French also frequently spoken. If you want to sound like a local start calling it “Vancity.”
Must-Have Apps: TransLinkiParks ExplorerVancouver Street Food 
Insider Tips: Granville Island is one of Vancouver’s top attractions, with its Public Market drawing the lion’s share of tourist traffic. Most visitors will stop by the market to snap obligatory shots of the colorful, piled-high fruits and veggies, tempting pastries and candies on display. But be sure to dig deeper here, exploring the island’s arts, crafts, theater and entertainment just beyond the Public Market’s doors.
Fun Fact: Take a dip in Kitsilano Pool, Canada’s longest saltwater swimming pool. This outdoor pool measures 451 feet (137.5 meters) — nearly the size of three Olympic pools and is open year-round.