Vancouver is the heart of Canada’s west coast and the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Surrounded by mountain air and ocean surf, this bustling city enjoys a serene environment but stays connected to the diversity of the world. There’s plenty of history to explore, such as historic Gastown, with its famous steam clock, and more modern adventures, such as Playland adventure park with its annual PNE.
Enjoy a walk along the seawall, spend a day on Granville Island, or head to the local ski hills with night skiing and bountiful hiking trails. Enjoy culinary experiences from around the world or shop in the most interesting stores from antiques to designer clothing to jewellery, even exotic cars.
The diversity of this vibrant city shows through its arts and culture. Public galleries and museums such as the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Museum of Vancouver or the performing arts such as those held by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra or Bard on the Beach, hold something entertaining for one and all.
If you’re interested in seeing the surrounding city from the water, a stunning trip from Vancouver to Victoria aboard the V2V Empress ship is the ideal escape. Leaving from downtown Vancouver and sailing through the extraordinary Southern Gulf Islands to Victoria’s Inner Harbour, you’re likely to view bird and marine life and the iconic Canadian mountains like you’ve never seen them before.
Facts
- The Seawall is a 9.3-kilometre (5.8 mile) circuit around an amazing urban park where the rainforest meets the ocean that can be walked or cycled
- Take a passenger ferry from any dock in the city & enjoy the day exploring Granville Island with its fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, fish and other delicacies. Take a coffee to enjoy the shops and galleries, or rent a kayak or paddleboard for a scenic paddle into English Bay
- Visit the world’s largest collections of Northwest Coast totem poles, ceremonial masks and woven cedar hats in the Museum of Anthropology
- Take a Hop On/Hop Off bus tour to hear and experience the city’s many sights or join a walking tour
- For the whole family: a day spent at the fascinating Science World followed by 238 flavours of gelato to choose from at La Casa Gelato!
The climate is warm and temperate. The winter months are much rainier than the summer months in Vancouver. The average annual temperature is 9.9°C (49.8 °F).
Destination BC is developing a new campaign to promote hyper-local travel where residents are “tourists-in-their own hometown,” while practising the COVID-19 safety protocols as recommended by the B.C. Provincial Health Officer. Many B.C. parks are now open, and national parks were to open as of June 1.
(Check this website for current details on travel.)
Getting Here
Vancouver is easily accessible by car, transit or plane from Highway 1 or Vancouver International Airport (YVR), approximately 14.7km from the City of Vancouver.
Driving: From YVR to downtown takes about 24 minutes via Grant McConachie Way to Granville Street
Flying: Numerous flights from around the world land in this busy international airport
Transit: The Skytrain (above and below ground subway-type train) is the quickest way to get to downtown Vancouver, with a travel time of only 25 minutes.
Discover more at westcoasttraveller.com.
Explore some of the West Coast’s most scenic hikes.