Vancouver is my absolute favourite Canadian city that I’ve ever visited and I am so excited to finally be bringing to you, my official Vancouver City Guide!
This post is packed with tons of useful information that you can use to plan your next trip to Vancouver including accommodation options, restaurant suggestions, and tips to get around the city. Check it out and let me know if you have any other favourite spots in Vancouver that aren’t on this list!
City Facts
Population: 631, 486
Country: Canada
Languages: English
Fun fact: The cosmetic treatment, Botox, was invented in Vancouver
When to visit
There is truly no bad time to visit the west coast of Canada. With their mild winters and beautiful summers, you’re in for a treat no matter when you plan your vacation. During the warm, summer months you can enjoy a dip in the Pacific Ocean, while the winter months are perfect for a quick trip north to Whistler for some skiing. Vancouver is the perfect place to experience winter without really having to suffer too much.
Prior to Arrival (what to pack)
Though Vancouver is home to the mildest climate in all of Canada, it sees an average of 1457mm of rain with an average of 165 rainy days per year, so you may want to pack a raincoat and some boots! Don’t worry about lugging an umbrella around as almost all of the hotels in Vancouver offer free umbrellas for guests. Summer weather in Vancouver is much like anywhere else and Canada doesn’t have any strict dress policies. Short shorts and shoulder bearing won’t be an issue here, so don’t fret too much about your clothing! Now for winter…you may want to pack a few extra layers. While winters in Vancouver are mild, they’re still colder than typical winters in the South. Plus, you may want to pack some warmer clothes in case you decide to take a trip up to Whistler to try your hand at skiing or snowboarding!
Upon Arrival and How to Get Around
Vancouver’s airport is actually located in Richmond, which is about a 20-minute drive into downtown Vancouver. However, I would not recommend driving in this city. A cab will set you back about $35 and Vancouver doesn’t have Uber. The public transit in Vancouver is phenomenal so there really isn’t any reason to get a rental car or take a cab. On top of the huge up-front costs, you will never be able to find parking in downtown Vancouver and if you do you’re doing to be paying a premium price for it. The Canada Line train will take you right from the airport into the heart of downtown for less than $8. Additionally, you can purchase a compass card, which is the pass to allow you access to the city’s bus and train systems, for $10 a day. This gives you access to all the lines so you can get around all of Vancouver with ease.
Where to Stay
The Burrard Hotel
This is my favourite downtown accommodation in Vancouver. Not only is it the most budget-friendly hotel option, but it’s the most authentic. This hotel gives off unique retro vibes and gives guests a real inside scoop on how to experience Vancouver like a local. Check out my post for a more in-depth look at this sweet spot.
Cambie Hostel
The Cambie Hostel has a few different locations across Vancouver, so you can choose whether you’d like to be right in the heart of downtown, or a little bit further out from the action. The Cambie Hostel is so much more than accommodation and anyone who has stayed there knows this. The hostel prides themselves on offering their guests an unforgettable experience in Vancouver and provide all kinds of fun activities and events at each of their locations.
Fairmont Pacific Rim
If you’re looking to splurge on a high-end accommodation option in Vancouver, this is the best place to do it. The Fairmont Pacific Rim offers all the amenities of a five-star hotel, a prime downtown location, and stunning views of the city.
Airbnb
Airbnb has been my preferred accommodation for the majority of trips over my years of traveling and in an expensive city like Vancouver, I definitely think it’s the best and most cost-efficient option. Especially thanks to Vancouver’s amazing transit system, you can even book an Airbnb that’s a little bit outside of downtown for much cheaper and just make the short train ride into downtown every day.
Where to Eat
Flying Pig
This restaurant’s name was inspired by the chef’s desire for guests to see the impossible happen every time they dine at the Flying Pig. Their menu is referred to as “nouveau Canadian Bistro” offering simple, seasonally inspired dishes with fresh, local ingredients at a great value. Though a little bit pricier, I think this is definitely a dining experience worth splurging on!
Forage
Forage is a Vancouver restaurant that prides themselves on being as sustainable as possible and celebrating the culture of British Columbia. I had brunch one morning at Forage and was blown away by the beautifully plated, yet affordable dish, and the cozy and rustic décor of the charming restaurant. Forage also offers a really neat family style dinner option if you’re visiting with a bigger group. They’ll plan an entire custom menu for you after connecting with local fishers, foragers, and farmers, as well as winemakers and brewers.
Cactus Club
Cactus Club is a tried and true restaurant choice in Vancouver. Though it may not be the most unique option for dining it’s both a local and tourist favourite. You’re pretty much guaranteed to have a great meal at the Cactus Club; I’ve visited their various locations around Vancouver dozens of times and am always impressed by the quality of food and service. Plus, you can’t go wrong with $5 happy hour Bellini’s!
Sandbar
Sandbar is a beautiful high-end seafood restaurant on Granville Island. Most of their menu is Ocean Wise certified, so you can feel good about the food that you’re eating. The restaurant also features an outdoor patio so you can enjoy stunning views of the city while you dine.
De Dutch
This Dutch pancake restaurant is my absolute favourite place to eat breakfast in Vancouver. Every single time I visit, this is one of my first stops! The restaurant has a location right along the Sea Wall next to Canada Place, where you can watch the seaplanes take off while you enjoy a giant plate of delicious breakfast favourites. This is also one of the best places in the city to get the most bang for your buck – the meals are affordable and you’ll be taking home leftovers for sure!
Things to do
Visit Stanley Park
No matter the season, if you’re visiting Vancouver, you need to get outside and experience the unique environment where nature meets the city. Stanley Park is Vancouver’s largest urban park, home to 400-hectares of west coast rainforest and providing beautiful views of the ocean, mountains, and city skyline.
Go hiking
Just outside of the city limits lie hundreds of mountains for hikers of all experience levels. One of the easiest and closest hikes, is Burnaby Mountain, just a quick 20-minute drive from downtown. One of my favourite hikes in Vancouver is Dog Mountain, which is more of a beginner/intermediate hike but provides stunning views overlooking Vancouver.
Wreck Beach
If you’re feeling adventurous head on over to Wreck Beach, an internationally-acclaimed 78km long Nudist beach. You don’t actually have to be nude to visit the beach, but I say why not embrace the culture!
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Vancouver lies one of British Columbia’s most daring adventures. The suspension bridge is 460 feet long and stands 230 feet above the ground, swaying over the Capilano River.
Visit Granville Island
Granville Island is a hub for local shopping and dining in Vancouver and it’s a must-see during your visit! You can walk, drive, or take public transit to get to the island (which is not actually an island)! Be sure to stop by the public market and try some of the freshest seafood you’ll eat and pick up some traditional souvenirs for your loved ones.
Photos You Can’t Leave Without
The city from the top of Grouse Mountain
Science World lit up at night
The Digital Orca
Coal Harbour Seawall
That’s all for my Vancouver City Guide! I really hope you guys enjoyed this and find it useful when booking your next trip to Vancouver.
