Vancouver Travelers Recommend

A British Columbia visit is incomplete without a trip to Victoria, its stately capital. The midsize city, set on Vancouver Island, is full of lush gardens and ornate architecture, serving as a prime day trip destination from Vancouver. Here are a few ways to visit.

Bus Tours

Whether you’re visiting Victoria for one day or for several, a guided tour by bus lets you see some of the city’s most important sights, such as Butchart Gardens, in a relatively short amount of time. This is a convenient option for travelers interested in doing some sightseeing. Guided tour can be a cost-effective way to visit Victoria.

Seaplane Tours

For those visitors with an adventurous spirit, a seaplane trip from the mainland to the island is an excellent way to get a bird’s-eye view of British Columbia’s geography. One main reason for booking a seaplane tour from Vancouver to Victoria is the short travel time—one flight takes 35 minutes, as opposed to a 90-minute ferry ride.

Cruise Tours

Seeing British Columbia’s coastal islands from the water is one of the best ways to get a sense for the area, especially in regards to its marine life. Many cruise tours from Vancouver to Victoria incorporate whale-watching and sightseeing.

Things to Know

• Victoria is set 60 miles (100 kilometers) southwest of Vancouver.

• Some tours include hotel pickup, lunch, and entrance fees.

• Day trips from Vancouver to Victoria can last up to 13 hours, so be prepared for a long day.

• Comfortable walking shoes, a light windbreaker (ideally with some water resistance), and a camera are all important items to bring, as are snacks and water.

Vancouver offers all the trappings of a modern big city with an outdoor playground of mountains and sea practically in the backyard. The diversity of Vancouver’s population makes it one of the world’s most livable cities and arguably the culinary capital of Canada; walkable neighborhoods and excellent public transportation add to the appeal for visitors in this British Columbian metropolis. Such a variety of things to do can make planning an itinerary difficult. Simplify your travel planning by including these top-rated attractions and activities, which appeal to myriad interests, from outdoor adventure and wildlife viewing to urban explorations and foodie finds.

With expansive city parks, flourishing food and culture scenes, and nature on its doorstep, Vancouver offers visitors plenty of things to see and do. If you’ve got just two days to explore this West Coast metropolis, here’s how to spend your time. 

Day 1: Sightseeing, Stanley Park, and Sunsets

Morning: Spend the morning getting acquainted with the city’s downtown core and its high concentration of must-see sights, from Canada Place to shop-lined Robson Street to Victorian-era Gastown. Guided coach tours get you to top sights quickly. Alternatively, enjoy the flexibility of a self-made itinerary with a hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Afternoon: Though you may have glimpsed Stanley Park during your morning sightseeing, this 998-acre (404-hectare) behemoth warrants more than a quick look. Stroll or bike along waterfront and wooded trails, or take a horse-drawn carriage tour. While here, pop into Vancouver Aquarium, with more than 50,000 marine creatures.

Night: Stake out a spot on Sunset Beach or Kits Beach to watch the sun set against a scenic backdrop. For a different view, take a sunset kayaking tour from Granville Island, or a sunset cruise out on English Bay and Howe Sound. 

Day 2: Food, Beer, and Nature

Morning: Vancouver’s culinary scene is worth exploring. Start at Granville Island Public Market, sampling straight-from-the-soil vegetables, local wines, homemade breads, charcuterie, and cheeses. For an in-depth exploration of Vancouver’s Asian dining scene—which many consider to be the best in North America—join a tour of Chinatown.

Afternoon: Vancouverites have easy access to the incredible landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, with snow-capped forest-carpeted mountains just a short hop across the harbor. Take an afternoon tour of the North Shore to view two of the most convenient beauty sites: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain.

Night: Back in the city, it’s time to sample the city’s craft beer scene. There are plenty of boutique breweries and brewpubs in East Vancouver, Gastown, and Brewery Creek. Since you only have one night, join a tour and have a local craft beer aficionado show you the best beer-drinking spots.

Vancouver is at its best in summer, with sunshine and pleasant temperatures providing ideal conditions for walking the streets, dining alfresco, and participating in all kinds of outdoor adventures. From bike rides to leisurely cruises, kayak tours to wine tastings, here are the best summer activities in Vancouver, Canada.

• Breeze by the city’s top attractions on an open-air hop-on hop-off bus.
• Spot orca pods circling the waters on a whale-watching cruise ; killer whale sightings typically peak in July and August.
• Take to the skies for a bird’s-eye perspective of Vancouver Harbor, the downtown skyscrapers, and the nearby mountains on a seaplane tour.
• Kayak and snorkel among seals in Howe Sound.
• Savor wine amid the vineyards of Fraser Valley.
• Pedal your way along the Stanley Park seawall with a bike tour.
• Sip cocktails and soak up views of the Vancouver skyline on a sightseeing cruise of Vancouver Harbor.
• Take the Skyride aerial tram up Grouse Mountain and edge across the Capilano Suspension bridge during a day trip to the North Shore.
• Admire the staggering views of Howe Sound from the Sea to Sky Gondola and explore Whistler village on a road trip along the Sea to Sky Highway.

What was once a small logging town has become one of North America’s most popular ski resorts, thanks to the 2010 Winter Olympics. Though best known as a winter getaway, Whistler is a worthwhile trip from Vancouver year-round. Here’s how to visit.

Guided Day Trips

Make the most of your time with a guided day tour, as you see the main sights between Vancouver and return to the city in time for dinner. Whether you traverse it by train, bus, or seaplane, the stretch of Sea-to-Sky Highway that runs between Vancouver and Whistler has some of the most beautiful scenery in North America. Aside from the scenic drive, your tour guide may lead you through Whistler Village and allow free time for exploring Whistler’s top sights such as Lost Lake and the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.

Guided Multi-Day Tours

To really savor the experience, spend a couple of days exploring Whistler and the coastal mountains between the resort town and Vancouver. Over the course of two or more days, you can take your time at the mountain vistas, refreshing lakes, and natural waterfalls that mark the journey. Once you’ve arrived in Whistler, spend a day (or more) taking part in activities such as hiking, swimming, and biking in summer, or skiing and snowboarding in winter.

Things to Know

• Whistler is set about 80 miles (127 kilometers) north of Vancouver.

• Whistler is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise, with a number of adventure activities within walking distance of the town’s central village.

• Although Whistler is best known as a ski resort, it’s a beautiful place to visit all year round—with hiking and biking among the summer activities.

• Be sure to dress properly for the weather and wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.

• Whether it’s a seaplane tour with a private guide or a coach trip with overnight accommodations, there’s a tour offering for every budget and type of travel group.

If you’re planning a romantic getaway in Vancouver, you’re in for a treat. With a gorgeous setting and plenty of culture, the city’s made for romance—whether you’re looking for luxury or seeking out adventure. A bit of advance planning helps bring it all together, so you can treat yourselves to a relaxed, stress-free escape. Here’s where to start.

Take a Seaplane Flight

From the Vancouver skyline to the coast range, British Columbia’s even more beautiful from above. Where you go is up to you: Fly to Victoria for a whale-watching cruise, touch down in an alpine lake, visit Butchart Gardens, or just lift off from Vancouver Harbour for a flight over the city.

Discover Local Wine and Beer

Sip your way through the beautiful Fraser Valley on a day that’s all about wine; a dedicated driver means you can enjoy included wine tastings without worrying about driving. Beer lovers won’t be disappointed, either, since Vancouver’s vibrant craft beer scene produces some of Canada’s finest pours. Join a brewery tour for access to top names and up-and-coming brewers.

Cruise the British Columbia Coast

Watch for whales, dolphins, and bald eagles as you skim across the chilly water off Vancouver, whether you’re bundled up for a high-speed adventure or cuddling on a whale-watching cruise. Destinations include scenic Howe Sound, Granite Falls, and the San Juan Islands, but you don’t have to go far; even nearby Vancouver Harbour is home to a wide range of wildlife.

Book a Private Sightseeing Tour

With a private guide to whisk you between sites, you can immerse yourself in exploring together. Since many private tours can be customized to your preferences, it’s an experience that can reflect what you want to do (private guides are a great resource for romantic sites, as well). Explore the soaring peaks of Whistler, take in Gastown’s cobblestoned streets, or dare each other to cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

With its vibrant culinary scene, assortment of characterful neighborhoods, and spectacular next-to-nature setting, Vancouver has lots to keep curious travelers engaged. For those on a tight schedule, and here’s our 1-day Vancouver itinerary with all the must-dos.  

Morning: City Sights and Beyond

Vancouver is a city of contrasting neighborhoods, from the glossy skyscraper-packed Downtown to quaint, cobbled Gastown and beachy, laid-back Kitsilano. The best way to see as much of this diverse city as possible is on a highlights tour. Opt for a coach tour or a bike tour and travel between top sights, such as Stanley Park, Olympic Village, and Chinatown. Finish up your morning sightseeing at the futuristic Flyover Canada, a simulated flight ride that takes you on an exhilarating 8-minute virtual journey across all of Canada, from the Rocky Mountains all the way to its east coast.

Afternoon: Explore the Great Outdoors

In Vancouver, the presence of nature looms large, with snowy summits visible beyond the city skyline. The North Shore, which is less than 20 minutes’ drive from the city, is the best place for time-tight travelers to experience the epic landscapes of British Columbia. Head to Grouse Mountain, an outdoor playground with various attractions including a gondola, lumberjack shows, hiking trails, ziplines, and a grizzly bear refuge. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is another popular North Shore escape, primarily known for its 460-foot-long (140-meter) swaying suspension bridge and glass-floored Cliffwalk. 

Night: See the City Lights

With the city lights dancing on the water and the dark silhouettes of distant mountain peaks framing the view, Vancouver’s cityscapes look even better as dusk falls. Head for the Vancouver Lookout, a panoramic 450-foot-high (170-meter) observation deck in a downtown skyscraper, or take off into the air on a late-evening seaplane tour over the city. Another good vantage point from which to view the sparkling city lights is from the deck of a boat on a dinner cruise around Vancouver Harbour.

Winters in Canada’s west coast city of Vancouver are a treat, with mild temperatures and crowd-free attractions in town, and a blanket of snow in the nearby mountains. From snowshoeing to light festivals, sightseeing to skiing, here are our top picks for winter fun in Vancouver.

• See Capilano Bridge Suspension Park decked out with thousands of twinkling lights as part of the Canyon Lights winter festival.
• Enjoy the serenity of the snow-smothered alpine landscapes of Vancouver’s North Shore with a snowshoeing tour.
• Go night skiing at Grouse Mountain, where the downhill ski trails are floodlit on winter nights.
• Gaze out across the city, harbor, and snow-covered mountain peaks from the 553-foot (169-meter) tall Vancouver Lookout, located at the downtown waterfront.
• View the frozen Shannon Falls on a day trip to Squamish, about an hour’s drive north of the city.
• Take a day trip to Whistler and ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for bird’s-eye views of mountains, valleys, and glaciers.
• Zip down the slopes of Cypress Mountain on a snowboard.
• Take a craft beer tour to learn about the local brewing scene and sip flights of microbrews.
• Ride the ferry to Victoria to see The Butchart Gardens illuminated with holiday light displays.
• Listen to carol singers and tuck into turkey and ham with all the traditional trimmings during a festive dinner cruise.

As the weather heats up and the days get longer and drier, Vancouver comes to life. Residents pour out into the city’s parks, gardens, and nature areas for fresh air and sunshine—before the flood of visiting summer crowds. Here are just a few ways to make the most of a spring trip to Vancouver.

• Catch the fleeting cherry blossoms in bloom at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown.
• Take advantage of the spring sunshine by walking, biking, or inline skating along the seawall at Stanley Park.
• Search for whales in the waters around the Gulf and San Juan islands on a whale-watching cruise.
• See rhododendrons, magnolias, and other spring blooms at the VanDusen Botanical Gardens.
• View grizzly bears, newly emerged from their winter hibernation, at Grouse Mountain Wildlife Refuge.
• Take the ferry to Vancouver Island to explore The Butchart Gardens, a former limestone quarry transformed into a 55-acre planned garden.
• View the snow-covered mountains before the melt on a North Shore day trip.
• Squeeze in some late-season snowshoeing, or embark on an early-season hike at nearby Squamish’s Sea to Sky Gondola.
• Sample sweet and delicate British Columbia spot prawns and other seasonal spring produce during a food tour.

With the summer crowds gone and the temperature yet to drop to its winter low, fall is a fantastic time to visit Vancouver. Get in the Halloween spirit with spooky nighttime tours or take advantage of the mild weather with fresh-air adventures outside the city. Here’s how to make the most out of a fall trip to Vancouver, Canada.

• Bike or ride in a horse and carriage around scenic Stanley Park, the city’s oldest park that today boasts about a half million trees within its 1,000 acres (400 hectares).
• Admire the fall foliage at VanDusen Botanical Gardens, located in Vancouver’s Shaughnessey neighborhood.
• Visit Grouse Mountain Wildlife Refuge to catch a last glimpse of the grizzly bears before they hibernate for the winter.
• Mark the spooky season with a ghost tour around Vancouver’s haunted locales.
• Take a day trip to Vancouver Island to see the colorful maple trees at The Butchart Gardens.
• Shelter from fall showers at the Vancouver Aquarium, where you can see sharks, penguins, and dolphins.
• Taste local beers and learn about the brewing process during a craft beer tour to Vancouver breweries and brewpubs.
• See pumpkins, scarecrows, and other seasonal decorations at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
• Shop for seasonal fare, from cranberries to gourds to pumpkins, at Granville Island Public Market.

With three days to discover Vancouver, you can get a well-rounded feel for the city and its surroundings as you view the major sights, experience its culinary and craft beer offerings, and even escape the urban environs for a trip to the great outdoors. Here’s how to make the most out of a 3-day stay in Vancouver. 

Day 1: See the City Highlights

Today is the day to immerse yourself in all things Vancouver. Pedal around key city locales, such as Stanley Park, Gastown, and Chinatown, and learn about the city’s history on a guided bike tour. For a more flexible city sightseeing experience, opt for a hop-on hop-off trolley tour.

After, rest those legs on a cruise around the harbor, passing landmarks such as Lions Gate Bridge and admiring views of the North Shore Mountains. The pace is up to you: Choose a leisurely sightseeing cruise or an exhilarating zodiac boat ride.

End the day at the Vancouver Lookout, where the 553-foot (168-meter) observation platform offers a panoramic view of the city, harbor, and mountain peaks in the distance. 

Day 2: Get Into the Great Outdoors

Flanked by ocean, forests, and snow-capped mountains, Vancouver is the perfect base for delving into the scenic wilderness of British Columbia. Steel yourself as you cross the swaying Capilano Suspension Bridge and ride the gondola up the side of Grouse Mountain. Both are situated on Vancouver’s North Shore, making them an easy-to-reach day-trip. 

For a sea-based adventure, opt for a whale-watching cruise out into the Gulf and San Juan islands. The mountain village of Whistler, a winter sports hot spot, can also be visited as a day trip from Vancouver; choose a seaplane tour to avoid wasting precious hours in transit. 

Day 3: Vancouver Victuals

Vancouver’s food scene is among the best in Canada, with fresh seafood, an abundance of local produce, and a wide range of excellent Asian dining options. Treat yourself to tastings at some of the city’s best eating spots, as recommended by a local foodie on a gourmet tour. Appetite sated, it’s time to discover the city’s array of craft beers. Guided beer tours steer travelers to little-known microbreweries, and provide transport so there’s no worry about navigating.

While Vancouver has its fair share of busy bars and clubs—the highest concentration of which are on Granville Street—the city also offers some alternative nightlife activities. From craft breweries to floodlit ski slopes, here’s how to make the most of your evenings in Vancouver. 

Brewery Tours

Vancouver’s craft beer scene is flourishing; you can find breweries all over town. Take an evening craft beer tour to visit several of the city’s best breweries and brewpubs in one go, and to get tips on where’s best to continue your night of craft beer discovery. 

Active After-Dark Excursions

Vancouver is an outdoorsy city, so sunset doesn’t stop its residents from getting active. Speed down the illuminated ski runs of Grouse Mountain, or join a nighttime kayak or stand-up paddleboard excursion around False Creek and English Bay. 

Sunset Cruises

Encircled by ocean inlets and snow-capped peaks, Vancouver is one of the world’s most scenic cities. Bag the best views of the downtown skyline and the North Shore Mountains on a sunset cruise around Vancouver Harbour and English Bay; some cruises feature buffet dinners and onboard bars.

Vancouver is one of North America’s most international cities, and nowhere is this more apparent than in its cuisine. From craft beer and food trucks to fresh seafood and a wide variety of Asian cuisines, Vancouver has something for every gourmand. See below for some can’t-miss dishes and experiences.

Must-Try Dishes

Vancouver offers an eclectic mix of global cuisines. Downtown boasts a burgeoning food truck scene, with outfitters parked close serving Japanese-style hot dogs, butter chicken on naan, classic tacos, and gooey grilled-cheese sandwiches. On a weekend morning, dim sum is a surefire way to sample multiple brunch options, and there are also several exceptional vegetarian restaurants in the city. For the best Indian food, Vij’s restaurant is a must. Craft beer is a staple in the Pacific Northwest, and any of the small local breweries will have excellent microbrews.

Must-Do Experiences

• Explore the artisan crafts and stalls at the Granville Island Public Market, either independently or on a guided foodie tour.

• Sample poutine, frothy beer, and delicious pizza on a walking food tour of Vancouver’s historic Gastown neighborhood.

• Stroll Chinatown on a culinary and cultural tour that explores the neighborhood’s historical landmarks and local cuisine before heading to a dim sum lunch.

• Take the SeaBus to North Vancouver for a walking food tour that’s a little off the beaten path.

• Go fishing for crab, then eat your catch right on the beach when you’re done.

• Sample the wares from several food trucks under the guidance of a local food expert on a food truck tour.