Vancouver

Travel Guide

Vancouver
Granville Island featuring a bay or harbor, a city and a river or creek
Gastown showing a city and street scenes
Stanley Park which includes rocky coastline
Vancouver featuring street scenes, a skyscraper and a city

Vancouver Travel Guide Video

This thriving Pacific Northwest city offers an alluring mix of cosmopolitan culture, an excellent restaurant scene and craft beer bars as well as wonderful natural scenery.

With its sophisticated urban center, coastline of sandy beaches and surrounding forested mountains, Vancouver appeals to visitors seeking big-city entertainment and outdoor pursuits. Explore neighborhoods filled with artsy shops, multicultural restaurants and historic architecture. Cycle through a scenic park, enjoy an invigorating hike and relax on a beach.

Take your time discovering Vancouver’s diverse neighborhoods. Window shop along Robson Street, which features a variety of mid-range shops as well as luxury retailers like Gucci and Tiffany & Co. Head to Gastown to admire historic architecture and dine in some of the city’s top restaurants. Take photos of Chinatown’s famous Millennium Gate and then stroll through the exquisite Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden.

No visit to Vancouver would be complete without a stop in Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre (405-hectare) expanse of semi-wild parkland. Walk, bike or jog along the Seawall, which runs along the park’s coastline, offering lovely views of the city and the Lions Gate Bridge. Head to English Bay Beach on the edge of the park for swimming and sunbathing.

Grouse Mountain, located north of downtown, is another favorite destination for visitors interested in getting active. It offers excellent skiing and snowboarding in the winter and picturesque hiking in the summer.

Explore the city’s cultural side with a visit to the Museum of Anthropology, home to an exceptional collection of Northwest Coast First Nations’ art. View the exhibitions of Canadian and West Coast art housed at the Vancouver Art Gallery, including notable works by modernist painter Emily Carr.

Take the ferry across False Creek to visit Granville Island. Browse fresh produce, seafood, meats and baked goods at the Granville Island Public Market.

Most visitors arrive at the city by plane at Vancouver International Airport. Vancouver is also well connected by bus and train to most major Canadian cities, as well as by bus to the U.S. Get around easily within the city on its extensive public transportation system, which includes electric trolley and diesel buses, the light-rail SkyTrain and the SeaBus ferry.

Where to stay in Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver which includes a city, modern architecture and a skyscraper

Downtown Vancouver

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Vancouver. Top attractions like Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal and BC Place Stadium are major draws. Catch the metro at Vancouver City Center Station or Granville Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Vancouver
Kitsilano which includes street scenes, road cycling and flowers

West Side

While you're in West Side, take in top sights like VanDusen Botanical Garden or Kitsilano Beach, and hop on the metro to see more the city at King Edward Station or Oakridge-41st Avenue Station.

West Side
West End featuring signage, a city and street scenes

West End

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of West End. Make a stop by Robson Street or Sunset Beach while you're exploring the area.

West End
Pacific Coliseum which includes ice skating, interior views and a sporting event

East Vancouver

If you're spending time in East Vancouver, check out sights like Port of Vancouver or Commercial Drive and hop on the metro to see more the city at Nanaimo Station or 29th Avenue Station.

East Vancouver
Kitsilano Beach

Kitsilano

Kitsilano is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Kitsilano Beach and Museum of Vancouver.

Kitsilano
Gastown featuring a statue or sculpture, a monument and a city

Central Vancouver

If you're spending time in Central Vancouver, check out sights like Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal or Rogers Arena and hop on the metro to see more the city at Granville Station or Vancouver City Center Station.

Central Vancouver
Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
4 out of 5
3500 Cessna Dr, Richmond, BC
The price is P10,552 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
P10,552
P12,363 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Richmond. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,127 reviews)
"Great location and staff! Very friendly and helpful thru out our entire stay. Only thing was limited house keeping as housekeeping only came once during our 5 day stay. But overall great experience!"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
River Rock Casino Resort
River Rock Casino Resort
4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
Stay at this 4-star luxury resort in Richmond. Enjoy a full-service spa, 5 restaurants, and a marina. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9,250 reviews)
"River Rock was great but a bit off the beaten path. The area surrounding it is all industrial so no place to really walk."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

River Rock Casino Resort
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
The price is P12,819 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P12,819
P15,469 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,837 reviews)
Service and location for all
"Great location, restaurant was very good. Clean, responsive staff. View of bay. Well equipped fitness center. Walkable to many sights."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rosedale Condominiums
Rosedale Condominiums
3.5 out of 5
838 Hamilton Street, Vancouver, BC
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, a health club, and valet parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,819 reviews)
"It was spacious and clean. Easy to check into and great location"

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2025

Rosedale Condominiums
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Revival Apartments English Bay
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Revival Apartments English Bay
4 out of 5
1771 Comox Street, Vancouver, BC
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Vancouver. Enjoy parking (surcharge), concierge services, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (533 reviews)
"Located at a very fun area of the city. Close to small restaurants and in walking distance from English Bay. The hotel is well kept and modern. Howvever, the room was not very clean."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Revival Apartments English Bay
Rosellen Suites At Stanley Park
Rosellen Suites At Stanley Park
3 out of 5
2030 Barclay St, Vancouver, BC
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified aparthotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,067 reviews)
"Steps to Stanley Park. Clean and well maintained and staff is kind and hardworking. Bit dated needing some remodel, but location is amazing and full suites hard to beat at this price range. Overall wonderful stay!"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

Rosellen Suites At Stanley Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Vancouver

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Top Destination
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

December stay was generally rainy & chilly but with the complementary hotel umbrella and comfort of warm coats with a hood one’s vacay need not be spoiled at all.