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Discover Vancouver Between the Pacific and the Mountains

Vancouver
Vancouver, a vibrant coastal city in British Columbia, is known for its beautiful surroundings, diverse culture, and outdoor activities. Set between the Pacific Ocean and mountains, Vancouver offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Visitors can explore Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the bustling neighborhoods of Gastown and Yaletown. The city’s mild climate allows for year-round adventures, from skiing on nearby mountains to beach outings. With a thriving culinary scene, cultural festivals, and abundant outdoor activities, Vancouver is one of Canada’s top destinations. 

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Vancouver

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Description

The city of Vancouver offers everything from stunning landscapes, superb restaurants, remarkable cultural diversity, and some of the best sporting events in the world. Vancouver is a city with many neighborhoods, each with its own characteristics. Gastown is a charming and historic area with small shops and intimate restaurants. Kitsilano is a casual and health-conscious neighborhood. Chinatown has traditional architecture and large open-air markets. Robson Street is known for its fashionable boutique shopping and unique eateries. The city boasts 400 hectares of breathtaking scenery in Stanley Park, which has been designated a national historic site of Canada and attracts visitors and residents alike to enjoy the outdoors at its finest. It is no wonder that Vancouver has been named one of the most beautiful and livable cities in the world.

Useful information

Population:

Metro area: 2.6 million (2023)

Currency:

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Emergency Info:

Fire, Police & Ambulance: 911

Opening Hours:

Banks: Mon–Fri 9:30am–4:30pm, extended hours (including weekends) at some locations. Stores are mostly open Mon–Sat 10am–9pm and Sun 10am–6pm.

Do & See

9 o'clock gun in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

9 O'Clock Gun

Every evening at 9 o'clock, this old naval artillery gun blasts a deafening shot from its barrel. The sound used to be a signal for fishermen—they knew to return to the harbour following a day's work.... Read More

Canada Place and commercial buildings in Downtown Vancouver Viewed from water during sunset.

Canada Place

Canada Place is a building that houses the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Pan Pacific Hotel and Vancouver’s World Trade Centre. Stroll the Promenade, enjoy live music and picturesque views of the ha... Read More

Capilano Suspension Bridge, BC

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Walk the suspension bridge 85 meters above the Capilano River where millions of visitors have come to seek adventure. The bridge was originally built in 1889 and stretches almost 140 meters across, th... Read More

The Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden in Vancouver

Chinatown

Step through the Millennium Gate for unique entertainment, dining, shopping and history in Vancouver's Chinatown. Chinese immigrants first settled here between 1890-1920, and the community has greatly... Read More

Chinese Garden in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Step out of your daily life and into this beautiful garden as your heart and mind relax and you renew your energy. Journey back in time to 15th Century China and enjoy this “window to another world”, ... Read More

city night,ocean views,English bay Vancouver Canada

English Bay

You will find bays everywhere you turn in Vancouver. Whether you're looking for a stretch of sand to spread out and relax with a good book or an outdoor volleyball court, you're sure to find it in Van... Read More

Steam-powered clock found at Gastown (a national historic site) located in Vancouver, British Columbia

Gastown

Gastown is the oldest neighborhood in the city, and every quarter-hour, steam pours out the top of the Gastown Steam Clock and whistle chimes can be heard. Gastown is an eclectic mix of contemporary f... Read More

Photo of Girl near Granville Island in Vancouver, Canada

Granville Island

Granville is an island in the middle of the city, a center for dining, the arts and shopping, and home of the famous Granville Island fresh food market. No visit to Vancouver is complete without a day... Read More

Dining

Fine Dining

CinCin Ristorante & Bar

The open kitchen, with its wood-fired forno, is the center of attention in this fantastic Italian restaurant. On the other hand, you could always dine al fresco on the wonderful terrace. Either way, y... Read More

Salmon and tuna ceviche with caviar. Peruvian Gourmet fish Meal

Cuchillo

Cuchillo serves dishes and snacks from around the Latin America continent, from Peruvian ceviche to Mexican tacos, and everything in between. For fun after dark, be sure to try some of their unique an... Read More

haute cuisine

Farmer's Apprentice

Chef David Gunawan uses only local organic ingredients to prepare his dishes, aiming to "serve unique food and wine in a comfortable setting accessible to everyone", which is amply accomplished in bot... Read More

ramen bowl

Jinya Ramen

Jinya Ramen Bar is a popular chain of Japanese noodle restaurants that originated in Tokyo and has locations around the world, including several locations in Vancouver. The restaurant is known for its... Read More

roast beef

Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House

Joe Fortes is a household name in the city, attracting diners from all over the world to enjoy the creations of this top chef and his San Francisco-style seafood grill. After over 30 years in the busi... Read More

Bartender is pouring liquor in golden shaker, toned image

L’Abattoir

L’Abattoir boasts not only its famed French cuisine and impressive wine list, they are also one of the best cocktail bars in town. The Federales comes highly recommended, made with mezcal, amaro Bigal... Read More

Potato gnocchi with pesto

La Quercia

La Quercia is one of the city's premier Italian restaurants, serving locally sourced organic dishes in their elegant space. While the menu includes traditional Italian specialties, they are all prepar... Read More

Chinese seafood

Pink Pearl

Pink Pearl is synonymous with Cantonese first-class dining and dim sum. Fresh local produce and West Coast seafood comprise the menu, so fresh, in fact, that the staff bring the live fish and crab to ... Read More

Cafés

Danish open sandwiches Also called "Smoerrebroed"

Bel Café

Located in the centre of the city's business and shopping district, Bel Café (attached to the renowned Hawksworth Restaurant), is famed for its creative gourmet sandwiches, as well as fresh pastries, ... Read More

Cappuccino. Cup of Cappuccino Coffee

Caffe Artigiano

Caffe Artigiano serves high-quality coffee, including Cup of Excellence winners from coffee countries all over the world. Each cup is brewed individually, to ensure a fresh and flavorful coffee. The b... Read More

coffee latte art make by barista

Kafka’s Coffee Roasting

Kafka claims that its coffee is as complex and unexpectedly impactful as the writing of the Czech author from whom the café gets its name—and that might not be an overstatement. Each cup of coffee is ... Read More

Melted chocolate background / melting chocolate/ chocolate background

Mink Chocolate Cafe

Mink Chocolate Cafe is heaven for every chocolate lover, all year round you can indulge in hot and cold beverages. Thick, rich, ultra-luxurious, plus tea, coffee, and dessert.

The baker and his bread

Terra Breads

Terra Breads makes true artisan bread, which means the bread is crafted, rather than mass-produced. The bread is baked in stone-hearth ovens which gives a mouth-watering result. They are inspired by a... Read More

Cheescake with coffee on the table outdoors

Trees Organic Coffee

As the name implies, you will only find 100% organic and fair trade coffee at this laid-back, almost bohemian cafe. Complement your coffee with a slice of their famous cheesecake, flavors of which inc... Read More

Bars & Nightlife

two young women in neon light

Fortune Sound Club

This Chinatown nightclub is powered by a state-of-the-art sound system and features a calendar packed with top Canadian and international DJs playing a diverse range of music including hip-hop, R&B, a... Read More

Man with punk make-up Lying on a Bar Counter

Funky Winker Beans

If you love music and want to be the entertainment for the night, this East Vancouver dive bar is the place to be on a Friday. Featuring karaoke every night of the week, it has an accepting and energe... Read More

Granville Street

Granville Street Entertainment District

Located in Downtown Vancouver, this entertainment district is the hub of nightlife on the weekends. Within a few blocks, you'll find an array of restaurants, bars, dance clubs, and other nightlife spo... Read More

Bartender is pouring liquor in golden shaker, toned image

L’Abattoir

L’Abattoir boasts not only their famed French cuisine and impressive wine list, they are also one of the best cocktail bars in town. The Federales comes highly recommended, made with mezcal, amaro Big... Read More

two cocktails on a tray

The Cascade Room

The Cascade Room on Main Street is a modern twist on the classic UK pub. It's known for its West Coast comfort fare prepared by Executive Chef Tim Evans, expertly crafted cocktails, and extensive beer... Read More

mushroom cocktail

The Narrow Lounge

Located on Main Street, this hidden gem is unmarked and can only be found by looking for the red light. If it's on, the bar is open. To get there, you'll need to walk through a narrow, graffiti-covere... Read More

Shopping

mall shop

CF Pacific Centre

CF Pacific Centre is downtown Vancouver's premier shopping mall, with tons of shops and major brands represented, as well as a vast selection of restaurants, cafés, entertainment venues, and even the ... Read More

The Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden in Vancouver

Chinatown

Vancouver is home to Canada’s largest Chinese population and a thriving Chinatown, full of authentic shopping experiences, leisure activities, and culture. During summer evenings, shoppers can browse ... Read More

Totem poles carved by First Nations of the Pacific Northwest (B.C Canada)

Coastal Peoples Fine Arts Gallery

Established in 1996, Coastal Peoples is a leading Gallery showcasing museum-quality Pacific Northwest Coast and Inuit artwork for curious newcomers as well as seasoned collectors. Recognized for repre... Read More

Beautiful teenager young woman in city shopping street by fashion store window, smiling using a smartphone to network online, outdoors. Adolescent consumer using technology, lifestyle exterior.

Commercial Drive

Generations of immigrants and an artistic counter-culture scene have made “The Drive” one of the most diverse areas in Vancouver. After World War II the northern part of Commercial Drive came to be kn... Read More

On Vancouver Island, British Columbia, a group of Totem poles made by indigenous people is found near the inner harbor in Victoria

Fazakas Gallery

The Fazakas Gallery specializes in Contemporary Art, featuring work by Northwest Coast Native artists to more eclectic pieces from around the world. They offer a comprehensive approach to helping clie... Read More

Steam Clock at Gastown Vancouver

Gastown

You can see glimpses of Vancouver’s origins preserved in the Victorian buildings and cobblestone streets of this once bawdy frontier post. Today it’s an official historic area with antique street lamp... Read More

Granville Island Market

Granville Island Public Market

Granville is an island in the middle of the city, a centre for dining, the arts and shopping, and home of the famous Granville Island fresh food market. Wander through colorful stalls displaying homem... Read More

people walking on Granville Street, Vancouver

Granville Street

Cutting right through downtown is Vancouver’s main entertainment district, featuring bustling shops during the day and happening clubs and bars at night. Spend some time in the Pacific Centre, where y... Read More

Tourist Information

map waiting for a flight at an aiport lounge

Abbotsford International Airport (YXX)

Located in Abbotsford, British Columbia, about 65 km east of Vancouver, Abbotsford International Airport is a smaller regional airport that primarily serves domestic and regional flights within Canada... Read More

plane on the tarmac

Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located 16 km from downtown Vancouver. Canada Line (the city's rapid transit railway system) connects the airport to downtown Vancouver in under 30 minutes, de... Read More

public transport

Public Transport

In Vancouver, private vehicles are the most popular mode of transportation. Mass transit includes local buses, Skytrain, and Seabus. A Translink Day Pass, which can be purchased at many stations, groc... Read More

lit up yellow taxi sign

Taxi

Taxis in Vancouver are generally reliable and can be a convenient option for getting around the city. Most taxis in the city are metered, with rates determined by distance and time, and there are a nu... Read More

type B electric socket

Electricity

In Canada, the electrical system operates on a 120V supply voltage at a frequency of 60Hz. The country uses two types of plugs: type A and type B. Type A plugs have two flat parallel pins, while type ... Read More

The man seals the wound with adhesive plaster

Pharmacy

Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, Rexall, and Pharmasave: these Canadian chains have numerous locations throughout Vancouver and offer a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter medications, as... Read More

assorted postage stamps

Post

In Vancouver, Canada Post offers a variety of services, including letter and parcel delivery, post office boxes, and money orders. The company also provides a range of shipping options for individuals... Read More

red corded home phone

Telephone

Country code: +1 Area code: 604

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Vancouver is from late spring to early fall, specifically May through September. During these months, the weather is mild, and outdoor activities are plentiful. Summer offers the warmest temperatures and the least rain, making it ideal for exploring the city's parks, beaches, and nearby mountains.

A 3 to 4-day stay in Vancouver is ideal to experience the city's highlights. This allows time to explore Stanley Park, Granville Island, the Vancouver Aquarium, and the diverse neighborhoods such as Gastown and Yaletown. If you plan to take day trips to nearby attractions like Whistler or Victoria, consider extending your stay.

Vancouver offers a variety of must-see attractions, including: - Stanley Park: A sprawling urban park with trails, beaches, and the famous Seawall. - Granville Island: Known for its public market, artisan shops, and vibrant arts scene. - Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: Offers stunning views of the rainforest and canyon. - Grouse Mountain: Provides outdoor activities and panoramic views of the city.

Vancouver has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus. The SkyTrain is particularly useful for traveling between downtown and the suburbs. Biking is also popular, with many dedicated bike lanes and rental options available. For short distances, walking is a great way to explore the city's neighborhoods.

Vancouver's culinary scene is diverse, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Be sure to try: - Pacific salmon: Often served grilled or smoked. - Sushi: Vancouver is known for its high-quality sushi restaurants. - Dungeness crab: A local delicacy often featured in seafood dishes. - Poutine: A Canadian classic of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.

Vancouver hosts numerous cultural events and festivals throughout the year. The Vancouver International Film Festival in September is a major event for film enthusiasts. In June, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival attracts music lovers. The Celebration of Light, a fireworks competition in July, is another highlight, drawing large crowds to the waterfront.

Vancouver is a great base for exploring nearby attractions. Popular day trips include: - Whistler: A world-renowned ski resort and outdoor adventure destination. - Victoria: The charming capital of British Columbia, accessible by ferry. - Bowen Island: Offers hiking trails and scenic views, just a short ferry ride away. - The Sea-to-Sky Highway: A scenic drive with stops at Shannon Falls and the Sea to Sky Gondola.

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