Vancouver is a modern, multicultural city between mountains and the sea
Vancouver easily earns its reputation as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, surrounded by the sea and hugged by soaring mountains – reflected in seemingly endless gleaming glass skyscrapers.
But it’s not just good looks that make Vancouver worth a second glance: there’s a dynamic Michelin-starred culinary scene, thanks to an international blend of chefs bringing their own recipes and techniques to a bounty of superb products, from the lush farmlands beyond the city to seafood from its clean, cold waters. Add in a comprehensive cultural landscape of galleries, museums and theatre, and a shopper’s paradise of big-name designers and emerging talent, and you see why there’s plenty to explore beyond the skyline.
Vancouver is a relatively modern city: it was incorporated in 1886, but for countless generations before colonisation, it was home to a thriving Indigenous Coast Salish population; dig a little deeper and you’ll be rewarded with insight into their complex past and dynamic, empowered present.
For further Vancouver inspiration, see our in-depth guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants, bars and attractions. If planning a longer trip, plan the ultimate itinerary on Canada's west coast with our expert guide.
Day one Morning
Start your day off right by indulging in a delectable breakfast at Forage, a renowned restaurant that celebrates locally sourced ingredients. Savor their mouthwatering double-fried pork cutlet paired with a perfectly cooked egg and house-made pickles, a true culinary delight.
After satisfying your taste buds, embark on a captivating cultural adventure with Talaysay Tours, a respected Indigenous company offering educational outdoor tours. Meet your knowledgeable First Nations guide at Stanley Park, a stunning urban oasis. To begin, consider joining the Talking Trees tour, a 90-minute exploration that unveils the deep connections between trees and Indigenous culture. Alternatively, you could immerse yourself in a transformative three-hour Forest Therapy Walk, where you'll reconnect with nature through a sensory journey like no other.
As you embark on these unique experiences, you'll gain a deeper understanding of Vancouver's natural surroundings and its rich Indigenous heritage.
Dive into an enlightening cultural experience with Talaysay Tours, where you'll learn about the rich heritage of the First Nations.
Reputed for its unmatched pan-Asian culinary delights, Vancouver is a paradise for food connoisseurs. Treat yourself to a hearty bowl of ramen at Marutama, a local favourite where the noodles are handcrafted fresh each day and served in a velvety chicken broth filled with collagen and flavor. Alternatively, you can delve into authentic Japanese cuisine at Miko. A minimalist restaurant in the West End, Miko's walls are adorned with autographed photos of Canucks hockey players. The menu boasts a fantastic array of sushi, sashimi, and favorites from the robata grill. Don't miss out on their BBQ salmon neck and the chef's special sashimi.
Embark on a journey to Grouse Mountain with the easily accessible free shuttle bus from Canada Place, which runs throughout the summer months. Discover the excitement of Grouse Mountain via the Skyride, North America's most extensive aerial tram system. Ascend to the summit and marvel at the extraordinary Eye of the Wind turbine. This unique attraction is the only turbine in the world that lets visitors take an elevator ride up to the glass viewing capsule for a spectacular 360-degree view. Wander through the extensive network of forest trails or indulge in the authentic Canadian delight - a Beaver Tail. This delicious treat is a fried doughnut rolled in maple sugar, best enjoyed while watching the local lumberjack show. Interested in finding out more about the captivating city of Vancouver? Check out the recommendations in our guide.
Take Skyride up to the summit of Grouse Mountain
Make a pit-stop at Tap & Barrelunder Douglas Coupland’s pixelated Digital Orca statue, and enjoy an all-B.C. wine and beer menu with a panoramic view of the water and mountains.Try a sampler flight of three wines or beers to get a local taste.
Suitably rested, indulge in a quintessentially West Coast experience with dinner at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Barwhere multi-award-winning chef Alex Chen deftly works magic with his seafood-focused menu which looks as beautiful as it tastes; if halibut from Haida Gwaii is in season, snap it up! Find more of the best restaurants in Vancouver in our guide.
Don’t want to go to bed? Visit Gastown and take a seat at the bar at Pidgin to explore their seasonally changing cocktail and sake list; the One Eyed Samurai is an irresistibly Instagrammable watermelon-infused tequila pleaser.
Enjoy seafood at Boulevard Kitchen Day two Morning
Caffeinate at Nemesis (302 W Hastings St) choose from a range of espresso drinks, pourovers or rotating filter coffee options, as well as kombucha and nitro cold brew on tap. Teas come from Vancouver’s 05 company. Devour innovative bakes such as a raspberry-matcha ‘cruffin’ or a satisfyingly gooey Croque Monsieur.
Pick up more sugary snacks for later, such as the cult ‘Crack Bar’ at Purebread (159 W Hastings St), then take a taxi to the Plaza of Nations water ferry stop; buy a day pass, and enjoy a scenic sail on the Aqua Bus or False Creek Ferries through False Creek to Granville Island.
Arrive in time to check in for the 11am kayak tour with Vancouver Water Adventures (1812 Boatlift Lane) and see the city from the water, learning more about its heritage and neighbourhoods, whilst spotting seals, eagles and herons.
False Creek is the ideal spot to see the city from the water
Second only to Niagara Falls, Granville Island is one of Canada’s most popular tourist destinations; make a delicious journey of discovery to find out why by picking up some of the Public Market’s (1689 Johnson Street) finest treats. Try Oyama Sausagefor charcuterie, Benton Brothersfor cheeses, Terrafor artisan breads, Kaisereck Delicatessenfor spicy bratwurst smothered in curry sauce, and don’t miss Lee’s Donuts.The honey-dip are legendary, Seth Rogan regularly queues for the jelly-filled.)
Although it's best known for the foodie abundance of its Public Market, the rest of Granville Island is a hub for artists, crafters and designers of all stripes; browse everything from unique jewellery at Forge and Formto sake made from rice grown in the nearby Fraser Valley from the Artisan Sakemaker.
Using your ferry pass sail to Yaletown to soak up the sights in the city’s most chic neighbourhood full of pavement cafés, warehouse flats and one-off stores such as Fine Finds Boutiquefor local designers and artists, Revolucion Cigars & Fine Giftsfor barware, wallets, tobacco products, pocket squares and ties, and Barking Babiesfor your four-pawed friend back home to pick up 'doggles' (pet eyewear), bow ties, bandanas and other doggy inessentials.
YiiYaletown is Vancouver's haute quarter, oozing sheer opulence.
Commence your evening a bit earlier to savor an exotic concoction at the Keefer Bar, a fusion of homemade teas, syrups, and infusions crafted from an array of herbs and blossoms rooted in classical Chinese therapeutics.
Next, if you've been efficiently planning about two months in advance and made a reservation, request a cab to Published on Main, where you will be served a delightful journey of eleven courses curated by the inventive Chef Gus Stieffenhofer-Brandson, a star-rated Michelin affair. In the absence of pre-made plans, consider heading to the equally impressive Bar Susu - a recommended spot by Michelin Guide. Here, enjoy the sublime amalgamation of unique low intervention vinos and the whimsical menu tailor-made by the chef.
To conclude the night with a unique flair, pay a visit to the Shameful Tiki Lounge and treat yourself to a collection of classic Tiki cocktails. This lounge is renowned for its amiable atmosphere and stands tall as one of the city's most loved bars. For an extensive list of Vancouver's top bars, you may check out our guide.
Discover the hidden gems of Vancouver
The diverse and vibrant neighborhood of Mount Pleasant/Main Street is a treasure trove well worth your time. There, you'll find the Science World museum, an interactive learning centre at one end of the area, which offers a wealth of hands-on activities to stoke your curiosity and the Queen Elizabeth Park, an extinct volcano, standing tall as the city's highest point, at the other. This locality boasts an array of exciting haunts including cool bars, speciality restaurants, craft breweries, and a multitude of unique stores. Among these unique boutiquesMuch & Little,The Regional Assembly of Text, and Giving Gifts stand out for their quirky offerings.
Must-See Spots
Patronize the Vancouver Art Gallery by donating a minimum of $5 for admission every Tuesday evening from 5pm-8pm. Consider visiting in the final hour from 7pm-8pm to dodge the crowds and enjoy a tranquil perusal of the impressive multi-floored gallery. It houses a remarkable permanent collection of national gems, including the notable pieces of Emily Carr, as well as a rotation of exciting guest exhibits.
Vancouver Art Gallery
The city of Vancouver was founded on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Watuth), and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) First Nations of the Coast Salish peoples. Visit c̓əsnaʔəm, The City Before the City at the Museum of Vancouver to gain an insight into the relationship between Indigenous and settler communities.
Hotel
The bar at the Hotel Sylvia is one of the city’s most historic and interesting: it was the city’s first licensed cocktail bar in 1954, a favourite haunt of Errol Flynn (who died in Vancouver in 1959) and home of the Vancouver cocktail. Enjoy this twist on a negroni in the lounge overlooking scenic English Bay.
City hack
Unless you are laden down with a half dozen suitcases, the Skytrain transit into the city from Vancouver International Airport is the only way to travel. Trains leave every six minutes in peak time to travel the 16 stops from the airport to the downtown core. Buy a day ticket for CAD 11 (£6.60).
Accommodation Choices
With its contemporary design, the Fairmont Pacific Rim offers its guests a touch of welcoming traditionalism embrace. Across every afternoon and evening, the main reception emanates with the soothing tones of live piano or guitar performances, coupled with the merry sounds of cocktail creating and fascinating dialogues. The luxurious rooms and suites offer supreme views of the stunning harbour.
Additionally, the spa is ranked amongst the finest in the city. It offers unique wine-infused treatments, leveraging the healing properties of vinotherapy, along with indulgent treatments using local Canadian products. The splendid outdoor settings, featuring comfortable cabana beds, warming fire pits, a pool, and hot tubs, offer a tantalising view of the iconic 'sails' of Canada Place and the majestic North Shore mountains.
Starting at
£ 282 per night Inspect present availability Prices courtesy of Booking.com
Boutique Sanctuary at Fairmont Pacific Rim
Ever dreamt of spending the night surrounded by inspiring pieces of art? Your dream is about to come true. The Listel hosts a wide array of modern and indigenous masterpieces. Their captivating First Nations art collection will likely pique your interest in exploring more.
Adhering to an eco-friendly policy, this avant-garde 'zero waste' hotel features refillable carafes at water stations throughout each floor, utilizes recycled paper in restrooms, and boasts solar panels on the rooftop. Despite these initiatives, the comfort and luxury of high thread count bedding are maintained. To top off your stay, the hotel's esteemed Forage restaurant and entertaining Timber gastropub offer a gastronomic journey across Canada.
If you're looking for hotel deals in Vancouver, check out hotel deals in Vancouver at britishcolumbiahotels.net. For more accommodation options in Canada, you can visit tophotels.com resource.
Starting from
£ 125 nightly Verify room availability Prices procured from Booking.com
Dive into the rich history of the First Nations Culture with a stay at Skwachàys Lodge. To welcome you, the entrance boasts of a spectacular 40-ft tall totem pole and compelling carvings, unmissable landmarks of this Indigenous social enterprise initiative. The initial experience extends to intriguing Indigenous-made artworks, souvenirs, trinkets, and jewellery that fill the reception area gallery and gift store, each item marked for sale. Every room or suite is a testimony to art, with unique themes like the raven, eagle, salmon, or the majestic orca whale. Luxury isn't compromised, and you can expect high-quality comforts like superior mattresses, spacious walk-in showers, and a Welcome Room offering complimentary teas and coffee. This isn't just a stay, but rather an opportunity to interact and learn from the First Nations people. Not only from the welcoming staff but probably also from the artists who maintain their workshops within the premises.Starting from
£ 60 per night,
Check availability Rates provided by Booking.com
Skwachàys Lodge offers a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate Indigenous culture. You stay in comfort, as you also acquire knowledge.
Optimal Visit Period
Vancouver is surely a delight for visitors all year round, but its glory truly unfolds during the period from April to October. During these months, the city is dotted with vibrant flowers in full bloom, extended glowing sunsets, and buzzing patio bars brimming with life. The summer hosts an abundance of exciting festivals, too many to enumerate. Winter, although less glamorous, has its own merits, with the delicious city-wide Dine Out Festival happening in January and the prominent International Wine Festival in April. In addition to these seasonal highlights, from November to April, skiing and boarding on the local ski hills is also an experience worth cherishing.
Weatherwise, Vancouver remains comfortably mild with summer temperature highs reaching the mid-20s, and winters are seldomly sub-zero. However, bear in mind that it's a city where rain is a frequent visitor, especially from October to April which sees the majority of wet days. Donning a versatile layered wardrobe and keeping an umbrella handy is the way to go.
Souvenirs from Vancouver
Don't miss out on visiting the renowned John Fluevog flagship store nestled in Gastown. This store is home to an incredible assortment of inventive footwear styles famously worn by icons such as Madonna and Beyoncé. Include a pair of Munster heels in your shopping cart as a distinct memento of your trip.
Take advantage of Vancouver's bustling craft distillery industry. Bring home a memento of Vancouver’s exquisite liquor scene by utilizing your 1L duty-free allowance. Opt for a bottle of Odd Society’s signature Prospector, a rye whisky crafted wholly from northern BC rye, or savour the unique tastes of Sons of Vancouver Amaretto, locally sweetened with BC blackberry honey.
Odd Society presents a selection of exquisitely boxed artisanal whisky - essential knowledge for your visit.
For information related to tourism, you can dial 00 1 604 682 2222 or visit destinationvancouver.com. Vancouver is a city that is rich in history and culture, boasting a diverse range of attractions from the stunning natural landscapes to the vibrant urban scenes.
In case of emergencies like fire, or requirement of police and ambulance services, ring 911 immediately.
The British Consulate-General can be located at 1111 Melville St, Suite 800, in Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V6. They can be contacted via 00 1 604 683 4421 or gov.uk. As a traveller, knowing the location and contact details of your nation's diplomatic mission ensures that you have ready assistance in case of any legal, travel, or immigration issues.
Essential Information
Duration of the flight: (from UK) The journey from London to Vancouver takes approximately 9.5 hours.
Time difference: Vancouver is 8 hours behind the UK.
Currency: The official currency used in Vancouver is the Canadian dollar.
International dialing code: When making international phone calls to Vancouver, use the dialing code +1.
Tips for Navigating Local Laws and Social Norms
When exploring Vancouver, it's important to familiarize yourself with the local laws and social etiquette to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
First and foremost, always carry your passport and driver's license with you while driving, as it is a legal requirement in Canada. This will also come in handy if you happen to get stopped by the police.
Unlike many other places, Vancouver allows right turns at red traffic lights, as long as you come to a complete stop, check for oncoming traffic, and there are no signs prohibiting the turn.
When parking in Canadian cities, remember to align your car with the flow of traffic on the correct side of the road to avoid fines. Additionally, be mindful of fire hydrants and ensure that you keep a distance of at least 5 meters.
One aspect of local culture is the custom of tipping. In Vancouver, it is customary to tip for various services, and you will often find tip prompts on card payment machines with suggested percentages. Common tipping rates range from 18 to 22 percent.
If you prefer to use ride-sharing services, both Uber and Lyft are available in Vancouver. However, the city's public transit system, including buses, trains, and seabus, is highly convenient and affordable. You can also utilize the Yellow Cab Vancouver app to book a taxi if needed.
For seamless travel within the city, the Translink system accepts contactless Visa and Mastercard credit cards, as well as mobile payment options like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. This allows for easy transfers across various modes of transportation, with a generous transfer window of 90 minutes on most services and 180 minutes on the West Coast Express.