Vancouver Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Vancouver
Granville Island showing a high-rise building, a city and a bay or harbour
Gastown which includes a city and street scenes
Stanley Park which includes rocky coastline
Vancouver showing a high-rise building, a city and street scenes

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 centre, coastline of sandy beaches and surrounding forested mountains, Vancouver appeals to visitors seeking big-city entertainment and outdoor pursuits. Explore neighbourhoods 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 neighbourhoods. 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 favourite 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 showing a skyscraper, modern architecture and a city

Downtown Vancouver

4.5/5(406 area reviews)

Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal and BC Place Stadium are a few top attractions in Downtown Vancouver. Hop around the city on the metro at Vancouver City Center Station or Granville Station and check out the area's captivating waterfront views, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

Downtown Vancouver
Kitsilano featuring flowers, street scenes and road cycling

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 of the city at King Edward Station or Oakridge-41st Avenue Station.

West Side
West End which includes street scenes, a city and signage

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 showing a sporting event, interior views and ice skating

East Vancouver

4/5(2 area reviews)

While you're in East Vancouver, take in top sights like Port of Vancouver or Commercial Drive, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Nanaimo Station or 29th Avenue Station.

East Vancouver
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Kitsilano

5/5(1 area review)

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

Kitsilano
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Richmond City Centre

4/5(44 area reviews)

Known for its first-class casinos and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Richmond City Centre. Check out top attractions like Lansdowne Centre and CF Richmond Centre Mall, and jump on the metro at Lansdowne Station or Richmond-Brighouse Station to see more of the city.

Richmond City Centre
Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

4 out of 5
3500 Cessna Dr, Richmond, BC
The price is NZ$499 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$499
27 July - 28 July
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! (2,336 reviews)
"Being located near Vancouver airport, the surrounding area can't be expected to provide services and be great for walking. Only one out of three hotel elevators was in operation."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
River Rock Casino Resort

River Rock Casino Resort

4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
The price is NZ$430 per night from 29 July to 30 July
NZ$430
29 July - 30 July
includes taxes & fees
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! (9,372 reviews)
"The resort has improved its service s lot since our last visit last year. Great pool and large, comfortable rooms. The pool never has towels and now, rather than simply offer enough towels, a staff member occasionally shakes the guests down to see if they took more than one towel or if they're sneaking ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

River Rock Casino Resort
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
The price is NZ$513 per night from 30 July to 31 July
NZ$513
30 July - 31 July
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! (6,976 reviews)
"Everything is good"

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 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.
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! (543 reviews)
"Great location, walking distance to many attractions."

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Revival Apartments English Bay
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! (1,857 reviews)
"Close to culture venues"

Reviewed on 24 Jul. 2025

Rosedale Condominiums
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! (1,084 reviews)
Vancouver
"Location was good but too expensive for the accommodation"

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 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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