Heading to Vancouver? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!
QUICK FACTS
- Located on Canada’s west coast (British Columbia), with a population of ~700,000 (city).
- One of the most diverse cities in the world – over 35% of residents are foreign born!
- The second largest film production center in North America, and the third largest for television (after Los Angeles and New York City).
- With its great quality of life and clean air, Vancouver consistently ranks at the top of world livability rankings. One of the most desirable destinations for expats.
- Nicknames: Vancity, Hollywood North, Raincouver, Terminal City, Hongcouver.
WHEN TO VISIT
- September-October: Less crowded with sunny weather ideal for sightseeing.
- November-March: Rainy season with occasional snowfall.
- March-May: Milder climate, fewer crowds, potentially cheaper hotel stays.
- Mid-May to August: Warmest months but most crowded and highest hotel prices.
- Best time to visit: from March to May, and from September to November (mild weather, lower hotel prices). April is the rainiest month.
- Winter months are perfect for skiers and snowboarders. Grouse and Cypress mountains are close to downtown, and it’s only a 2 hour drive to the world-famous Whistler/Blackcomb Mountain Resort.
- Popular annual festivals to catch:
– Celebration of Light (international firework competition, late July)
– Vancouver International Film Festival (typically late Sept – early Oct)
– Vancouver Folk Music Festival (July)
PRACTICAL INFO
- Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD).
- Spoken languages: predominantly English. Cantonese/Mandarin also widely spoken.
- Arriving via airport: the Skytrain takes visitors to and from the airport to downtown in 26 minutes (it also stops at Waterfront and Richmond).
– A regular fare costs $3.25, though there is a $5 airport charge for journeys from the airport.
– Taxi fare to downtown is approximately $46. - Uber and Lyft are available, typically $30-50 CAD from airport to downtown depending on demand.
WHERE TO STAY
- Best hostel for solo travelers in Vancouver: Samesun Hostel
– Located a bit close to the party street, but great for meeting other solo travelers.
– Make sure to book in advance as this one fills up fast. - The downtown core offers the best position for many landmarks and tourist attractions.
- For more upmarket options there are number of hotels downtown, particularly around Robson Street, or the Coal Harbour area. The latter offers great views and easy access to the marina and Stanley Park.
GETTING AROUND
- Vancouver’s transit system is TransLink Vancouver and consists of the trains, buses, and the North Vancouver ferries.
- Vancouver has three SkyTrain lines and public ferry service connecting neighborhoods and nearby communities (Richmond, Burnaby, Surrey).
- A single ticket is valid for 2 hours (unlimited use) across all modes of transport. A surcharge is applicable when traveling in outlying zones.
– One-zone adult cash/contactless: $3.20
– One-zone adult Compass Card: $2.60 - There are several taxi companies operating in Vancouver, including Black Top, Checker Cabs, and Yellow Cab.
– Fares start at $3.75, and go up by about $2.20 per km. - Vancouver’s transit system is so well integrated and efficient that it is best to avoid taxis where possible.
- Uber and Lyft are convenient alternatives to taxis.
VANCOUVER NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 19, last call is 3 AM.
- The main club scene is along Granville Street and will be busy most nights of the week.
- Trending nightlife recommendations: Red Room Ultrabar (Saturdays), GRETA Bar YVR (relaxed bar with games), The Cambie Bar & Grill (popular with locals and visitors alike).
- For music fans, check out Main Street and further afield on Commercial Drive in East Vancouver. Both areas offer live music venues, such as The Biltmore Cabaret or The Libra Rooms and play host to a variety of local and touring bands.
- Gastown offers a variety of brewpubs and great restaurants, particularly around Gastown Square. This is a very fashionable neighborhood, so be prepared for higher prices.
- On sunny summer evenings, check out the restaurants and bars around English Bay, which offer spectacular ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere as the sun sets.
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- Canada Place: designed as a combination of a cruise ship and a convention centre, with a hotel inside. Located on the waterfront, with a great view of the city and mountains.
- Vancouver Lookout is a tower that sits on top of Harbour Centre. With a 360 degree observation deck, and a revolving restaurant at the top.
- The Gastown Steam Clock is one of Vancouver’s most recognizable landmarks. Steam powered whistles chime the time every hour and blow steam into the air.
- Consider the the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour as an efficient way to tour the city.
- Day trip idea: take the ferry to Vancouver Island/Victoria to stroll through charming streets and see historical buildings.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
- Grouse Mountain, known as “The Peak of Vancouver,” is open all year round and is a must-see, offering spectacular views of the the city and the entire Greater Vancouver area.
– 33 varied runs for all skill levels, just 20 minutes from downtown. - Try the famous “Grouse Grind” hike. This 2.9 km hike has an elevation of 2,800 ft and takes you from the base of Grouse Mountain to the peak.
– Average climb time is around 1 hour (challenging at times)
– The climb is commonly referred to as Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.
– Novice climbers should allow for two hours. - The Capilano Suspension Bridge (North Vancouver) runs through cedar trees. Open from 9am to 9pm in the summer.
- Take the bus to North Vancouver and check out Lynn Valley Canyon Park. Here you will find a beautiful cedar forest park with stunning geography and a very similar suspension bridge completely free of charge!
- Take the bus over the Lions Gate Bridge into West Vancouver to Lighthouse Park.
– Discover a variety of forest trails, breathtaking ocean views and beachfront cliffs.
– A must see and truly is a hidden gem in West Vancouver. - Interested in hiking? You’ve come to one of the best places in the world. For a detailed breakdown of the best routes, check out the list courtesy of Vancouver Trails.
- Kayaking, biking, and paddle-boarding are also popular here (especially around False Creek and English Bay).
- Whale watching tours depart from downtown docks.
INTERESTING WALKS
- Gastown makes for a lovely walk. Named after Gassy Jack, a legendary past resident, the area is a good mix of arts and entertainment with a good dose of history thrown in.
- Take a stroll through Stanley Park. A former marine base, it was turned into a park over a century ago. The famous Vancouver Aquarium is located within the park limits.
– Specific landmarks to tick off the list: Hollow Tree, Lost Lagoon, and Siwash Rock. - For lovely scenery, walk the 9 km Seawall around the perimeter of the park from Coal Harbour to English Bay. It is the most popular recreational spot in the city and is very busy on summer evenings.
- Robson Street. For those visitors who love shopping, Robson Street is a three block stretch of shops, fashion stores, fine dining options, and coffee shops.
- Tiny Granville Island is a great spot for artisanal shops and a public market with fresh produce, gourmet foods, and crafts. Features over 300 craft breweries, restaurants, outdoor markets, galleries and theaters.
- Other areas to check out: Kitsilano (beach / dining scene) and Mount Pleasant (boutiques, breweries, and cafes).
- Consider a free walking tour with “Tour Guys” downtown.
WHERE TO EAT
- Vancouver is foodie heaven. Great restaurants that locals love: Saba Foods (Yemeni), Wild Thing Snack Bar (vegetarian), JUNO Provisions (sushi), Ashiana Tandoori, Folke, Elephant.
- Must try local dishes: salmon, poutine, and dim sum (Vancouver is home to many expert chefs who moved here from Hong Kong).
- Great cafes to check out: cafe & life co., In the moment coffee.
- Where to find good cheap eats: Granville Street offers a number of bars where all meals on the menu cost $4.95. Check out the Save-on Meats diner on Pender Street, a legendary local diner and butcher shop offering affordable dishes all day and a particularly good breakfast!
LOCAL WISDOM
- Vancouver’s 20 sq. block of West End is the most densely populated area in North America.
- Daily budget for budget travelers: $100-150 CAD (accommodation, food, transportation).
- A true Vancouver local never carries an umbrella. Instead, a rainproof jacket (with hood) is practically the city’s uniform.
- Dangerous areas: ranked among the safest cities in the world, with declining assault and robbery rates.
Recommended trip duration: 2-3 days