Vancouver Coast Travel Guide

From soaring mountains to the Pacific Ocean, this stretch of coastline contains the rugged beauty of the West Coast’s islands and British Columbia’s biggest city.

The Vancouver Coast encompasses the beaches of the portside city of VancouverOpens in a new window, the picturesque waterways of the Salish Sea and the wild wonders of Vancouver IslandOpens in a new window. Whether you’re sampling magnificent seafood on the Vancouver Waterfront, scouting for secret swimming spots or learning about the region’s First Nations people, there’s plenty to discover on the Vancouver Coast.

Begin your adventure on Vancouver’s superb waterfront. This metropolitan mountain-fringed city is one of the few places in the world where you can spend the morning skiing and the afternoon sailing. Catch the ferry across to Lonsdale Quay and check out the Capilano Suspension BridgeOpens in a new window. Visit Lynn Canyon and explore the trails and swimming beaches around this monumental landmark.

Go on a charter boat trip to explore some of the majestic fjords, sounds and inlets that make up the Vancouver Coast. Many of the major waterways, such as the Inside Passage, are strewn with fascinating gold-rush heritage sites. Check out Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park on the Sunshine Coast on a cruise trip. From historic Lund, you can go on a breathtaking sunset cruise and spend a night in a heritage waterfront hotel. Other popular cruise-trip departure points are West Vancouver, Mission and Gibsons. Go sailing on the Fraser River or try sea kayaking from a charter schooner.

Discover beautiful Vancouver Island to find the capital city of British Columbia, VictoriaOpens in a new window. The city’s 19th-century architecture, formal gardens and excellent dining make it a fantastic getaway. From Victoria, you can leap into the island’s wild west. Explore old-growth cedar forests and Pacific beaches and spot orcas swimming offshore. In winter, be sure to check out the Beaufort Mountain Range for picturesque ski slopes. Check out the Gulf Islands to experience some of Vancouver Coast’s exciting craft studios and artists’ communities.

Visit the Vancouver Coast in July or August for sunny summer days or make the most of the region’s mild winters. Reach the region by flying into Vancouver International Airport or catching the scenic railway, The Canadian, into Vancouver. Catch buses and ferries to reach major coastal towns or explore the region’s most secluded spots on foot or by watercraft.