About Vancouver
Vancouver sits between ocean and peaks — Stanley Park's seawall, Granville Island and easy access to mountains make it one of North America's best outdoors cities.
Best time
June–September for dry weather; December–March for nearby skiing
Weather
Oceanic — mild, rainy winters and pleasant summers
Airport
Vancouver International (YVR)
Getting around
SkyTrain + walk downtown; bikes on the seawall; cars for Whistler day trips
Experiences
Things to do in Vancouver
1
Stanley Park seawall
2
Granville Island
3
Capilano Suspension Bridge
4
Gastown Steam Clock
5
Canada Place and harbour
6
Grouse Mountain
7
Kitsilano Beach
8
Day trip to Whistler or Victoria
Budget travel
Free things to do in Vancouver
Stanley Park seawall
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Canada Place and harbour
Kitsilano Beach
Quarry Rock hike
Olympic Village waterfront
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Suggested itinerary
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Stanley Park seawall
- Visit Granville Island
- Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Gastown Steam Clock
- Visit Canada Place and harbour
- Visit Grouse Mountain
- 3
Day 3
More highlights
- Visit Kitsilano Beach
- Visit Day trip to Whistler or Victoria
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
Phnom Penh Restaurant
Cambodian / Vietnamese · Chinatown institution
- $
Japadog
Street food · Cult Japanese hot-dog stand
- $$
Vij's
Indian · Long-running South Granville favourite
- $$$
Tojo's
Sushi · Sushi pioneer restaurant
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Downtown · Château-style city landmark
- $$$$
Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver
Downtown · Quiet luxury tower
- $$$$
The Fairmont Pacific Rim
Coal Harbour · Harbour-view tourist favourite
Shopping
- Robson Street
- Granville Island
- Gastown
Nightlife
- Yaletown
- Gastown
- Granville Street
Museums & culture
- Museum of Anthropology
- Vancouver Art Gallery
Local foods to try
- Pacific seafood
- Asian fusion
- Japadog
- Tim Hortons runs
Hidden gems
- Quarry Rock hike
- Lynn Canyon
- Olympic Village waterfront
Travel tips
- Pack a rain layer even in summer
- Compass Card simplifies transit for multi-day stays
- Book Capilano or Sea to Sky trips early in summer
In pictures
Vancouver gallery
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Keep exploring
