Vancouver Travel Guide
Vancouver is a stunning coastal city where glass towers meet snow-capped mountains and the Pacific Ocean, offering big-city culture and wild nature within minutes of each other. Its mild climate, thriving multicultural food scene and endless outdoor pursuits make it one of the world's most livable cities. From rainforest seawalls to Asian night markets, it balances urban polish with rugged beauty.
Vancouver — Highlights in photos
Top things to do
Stanley Park
A magnificent 400-hectare peninsula park ringed by a scenic seawall and filled with old-growth forest, totem poles and beaches. Rent a bike to ride the full 9-kilometer seawall loop with mountain and skyline views.
Granville Island
A former industrial peninsula transformed into a vibrant public market, artisan studios and waterfront eateries. Arrive by the tiny Aquabus ferry and come hungry to graze the food stalls.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
A thrilling footbridge swaying high above a forested canyon, with treetop walkways and a cliff-edge boardwalk. Buy tickets online and arrive early, as it gets very crowded by midday.
Grouse Mountain
A quick gondola ride from downtown delivers alpine views, hiking, wildlife and winter skiing. The steep Grouse Grind hike is a local rite of passage in summer; ride the gondola down to save your knees.
Gastown
Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, with cobblestone streets, the famous steam clock and stylish bars and boutiques. Time your visit for the top of the hour to see the steam clock whistle.
Kitsilano Beach
A laid-back beach with a huge saltwater pool, mountain views and a buzzing summer scene. Bring a picnic at sunset and enjoy the vibe along the sand.
Museums & entry info
Museum of Anthropology
A world-class museum on the UBC campus renowned for its Northwest Coast First Nations art and monumental totem poles. Admission is around C$25; check the official site for hours, as it is closed some days.
Vancouver Art Gallery
The city's principal art museum, strong in Emily Carr and contemporary Canadian and international work. Tickets cost about C$29, with by-donation entry on some evenings; verify times online.
Science World
Housed in a landmark geodesic dome on False Creek, this hands-on museum is a favorite for families. Admission runs roughly C$35; book timed tickets online to secure entry.
Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
A downtown gallery devoted to contemporary Indigenous art of the Northwest Coast. Entry is about C$13; check current hours and exhibitions on the official site.
Signature experiences
Whale watching tour
Head out onto the Salish Sea to spot orcas, humpbacks and sea lions from spring through fall. Tours cost around C$150 to C$200 and last several hours; bring warm layers even in summer.
Seaplane flight over the city
Take off from the harbor for a breathtaking aerial tour of the city, mountains and coastline. Short flights start around C$150 per person and offer unmatched photo opportunities.
Richmond Night Market
One of North America's largest Asian night markets, with hundreds of food stalls and lively entertainment in summer. Entry is about C$6; go hungry and try the skewers, bubble tea and rotate-potato snacks.
Sea-to-Sky Gondola day trip
Ride a gondola near Squamish for alpine trails and a suspension bridge with fjord views. Tickets are roughly C$60; combine it with the scenic drive up to Whistler.
What to eat
Vancouver's food scene shines with fresh Pacific seafood and some of the best Asian cuisine outside Asia, reflecting the city's deep cultural diversity.
July and August bring warm, dry, sunny days ideal for the outdoors, while the shoulder months of May, June and September offer mild weather and fewer crowds; winters are wet and mild.
The efficient SkyTrain, buses and SeaBus cover the region on a single fare card, while walking and cycling are excellent downtown and along the seawall.
Traveler tips
- Pack a waterproof jacket and layers, as rain is common outside summer
- Buy a Compass Card to ride SkyTrain, bus and SeaBus seamlessly
- Book Capilano and popular tours online in advance during peak season
- Explore the seawall by bike for the best car-free coastal views
- Respect wildlife and stay on marked trails when hiking the North Shore mountains