A Complete Travel Blog for Exploring Vancouver, BC

Nestled between snow-capped mountains and the shimmering waters of the Pacific, Vancouver is a city that feels as if nature itself authored its blueprints. With a multicultural energy, vibrant arts scene, and endless outdoor experiences, this west coast metropolis is a traveller’s paradise. Whether you’re craving urban sophistication, rustic wilderness, or a taste of both, Vancouver delivers in spectacular fashion. Come wander with me through this beautiful city—here’s everything you need to know: places to visit, how to get here, where to eat, what to do, and where to stay.

How to Get Here

Vancouver is one of Canada’s most accessible cities, welcoming visitors from near and far.

• By Air: Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a major gateway, serviced by direct flights from across North America, Europe, and Asia. The airport is about 30 minutes from downtown by taxi, or you can hop on the Canada Line SkyTrain for a quick and affordable ride directly to the city center.
• By Train: Via Rail connects Vancouver with the rest of Canada, and Amtrak’s Cascades service links the city with Seattle and Portland. Arrive at Pacific Central Station and you’re only a stone’s throw from downtown.
• By Car: The Trans-Canada Highway brings you into Vancouver from the east, or drive up from the U.S. along the I-5, which becomes Highway 99 at the border. Be sure to check customs requirements for international travel.
• By Bus: Several bus lines, including Greyhound and Pacific Coach, offer service between Vancouver, other BC cities, and the United States.
• By Ferry: If you’re coming from Vancouver Island or the Gulf Islands, BC Ferries provides regular trips to Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay terminals, both with transit connections to the city.

Once you arrive, Vancouver’s compact core makes it easy to explore on foot, by bike, or with the city’s efficient public transit network.

Places to Visit

Vancouver is a patchwork of unique neighbourhoods, each offering its own style and story. Here are a few must-see destinations:

Stanley Park

The green heart of downtown, Stanley Park is 1,000 acres of lush rainforest, gardens, totem poles, and beaches. Rent a bike for a leisurely spin around the 9 km Seawall, visit the Vancouver Aquarium, or simply sit and watch the sun fade behind the mountains.

Granville Island

A creative enclave under the Granville Street Bridge, Granville Island is beloved for its bustling Public Market. Sample artisan cheeses, fresh seafood, and decadent pastries. Explore art studios, catch a live performance, or watch street entertainers.

Gastown

Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood charms with cobblestone streets, heritage buildings, and the famous Steam Clock. Browse boutiques and galleries, or savour a cocktail in a cozy speakeasy.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Just outside downtown, this park is home to the iconic 137-metre suspension bridge swaying over a dramatic canyon. Tree-top adventures and cliff walks make for a thrilling visit, especially for families.

Vancouver Art Gallery

For a cultural fix, head to the Vancouver Art Gallery, with its ever-changing exhibits, from Canadian masters to international luminaries.

Queen Elizabeth Park & Bloedel Conservatory

Perched atop Little Mountain, this park offers panoramic city views, gardens ablaze with colour, and an exotic conservatory brimming with tropical flora and free-flying birds.

Chinatown

One of North America’s oldest and largest Chinatowns, this vibrant area features the tranquil Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and a plethora of Asian markets and eateries.

Kitsilano Beach

Affectionately known as “Kits,” this laid-back neighbourhood invites you to stretch out on sandy beaches, play volleyball, or take a dip in the city’s famous saltwater pool.

What to Do

The list of things to do in Vancouver is as endless as the view of the Pacific horizon.

• Hit the Trails: Adventurers will delight in nearby Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, or the North Shore for hiking, skiing, and ziplining, just minutes away from downtown.
• Take to the Water: Rent a kayak or paddleboard in English Bay, take a sunset harbour cruise, or join a whale-watching tour for a chance to see orcas, humpbacks, and sea lions.
• Shop Local: Stroll Robson Street for high-end boutiques, or hunt down one-of-a-kind treasures in Main Street’s indie shops and thrift stores.
• Explore the Arts: From the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and ballet to indie theatre and comedy clubs, the city’s creative scene is alive with possibilities.
• Cycle the City: Vancouver is a cyclist’s dream, with a vast network of bike lanes and the city’s Mobi Bike Share program.
• Embrace the Rain: Don’t let a little drizzle dampen your spirits—join locals in a café for a cozy cup, or visit the city’s many museums and galleries.

Where to Eat

Vancouver’s culinary landscape is a tapestry of global flavours, rooted in fresh local ingredients and shaped by its multicultural heritage.

• Seafood: You can’t visit Vancouver without slurping down west coast oysters or savouring wild-caught salmon. Try Blue Water Cafe in Yaletown, or Go Fish on Granville Island for casual fare with a view.
• Asian Cuisine: Vancouver’s Asian food scene is legendary. Sample sushi at Miku or Tojo’s, dim sum in Chinatown, ramen at Marutama, or spicy Szechuan dishes at Peaceful Restaurant.
• Farm-to-Table: For sustainable, local eats, check out Forage or The Acorn, a vegetarian delight. Many restaurants pride themselves on using BC-grown produce and wines.
• Global Eats: Explore Indian curries at Vij’s, Italian at Savio Volpe, or Middle Eastern delights at Nuba. Vancouver’s diversity ensures every craving is satisfied.
• Markets & Food Trucks: Granville Island Public Market and Vancouver’s ever-rotating fleet of food trucks (Tacofino and Japadog are favourites) offer quick, delicious bites for foodies on the go.

Best Places to Stay

From five-star luxury to quirky boutique inns and budget hostels, Vancouver offers accommodations for every traveller.

• Downtown Hotels: For ultimate convenience, choose from renowned options like the Fairmont Pacific Rim, Rosewood Hotel Georgia, or the boutique OPUS Hotel in Yaletown. These put you in walking distance to major sights, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Waterfront Lodging: Wake up to harbour views at the Pan Pacific or the Westin Bayshore, both offering easy access to Stanley Park and Canada Place.
• Unique Stays: Try the MODA Hotel for a touch of vintage charm, or the Sylvia Hotel in the Westend, steps from the beach and English Bay sunsets.
• Budget Options: HI Vancouver Downtown and Samesun Backpackers are friendly, affordable hostels right in the city’s heart.
• Vacation Rentals: Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO offer everything from sleek condos in Coal Harbour to cozy laneway houses in Mount Pleasant.

Insider Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to September) brings festivals, patio culture, and warm weather—but spring and fall offer fewer crowds and stunning scenery. Winters are mild and perfect for nearby skiing.
• Getting Around: The SkyTrain, buses, and SeaBus make public transit easy and affordable. Or, rent a bike and explore at your own pace.
• Stay Green: Vancouver is an eco-conscious city—bring a reusable water bottle, and take advantage of the many recycling and composting bins.
• Day Trips: Don’t miss out on a ferry ride to Victoria, wine tasting in the Fraser Valley, or hiking in Garibaldi Provincial Park.
• Pack Layers: Weather can change quickly by the coast—bring a light rain jacket and comfortable shoes.

Final Thoughts

Vancouver is a city that seduces the senses and stirs the soul. Its breathtaking scenery, cultural vibrancy, and culinary delights create memories that linger long after the journey ends. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another adventure, there is always something new to discover in this Pacific gem. Lace up your walking shoes, bring your appetite, and let Vancouver surprise you—one neighbourhood at a time.