Vancouver holidays

How to reach Vancouver

• Flight time: Direct flights to Vancouver from London Heathrow take around 9 hours 30 minutes to 10 hours.

• Transfer time: The fastest option from Vancouver International Airport to reach downtown Vancouver is the Canada Line SkyTrain, taking about 25 minutes. It runs frequently from early morning to late at night.

• Price: For a one-way ticket on the Canada Line SkyTrain you’ll pay around CAD10. A taxi will set you back around CAD35–CAD40.

Best time to visit Vancouver

Vancouver offers something to do year-round, but your experience will vary depending on when you go.

• June to August is Vancouver’s summer and high season, with temperatures hovering around 18°C to 25°C. Rain is infrequent (about 40mm a month) and you can expect around 8 to 10 hours of sunshine. This is the best time for outdoor activities or frequenting the beaches.

• September to November brings autumn, with mild temperatures (10°C to 18°C) and stunning colours. It’s a great time for hiking and exploring Vancouver’s parks but rain becomes more frequent (70 to 120mm a month), so pack a raincoat.

• December to February brings winter to Vancouver, with cooler temperatures of 0°C to 8°C and scarce sunlight (3 to 5 hours a day). Rain is frequent, up to 150mm in some months. It’s also ski season, and nearby mountains like Grouse or Cypress are popular destinations.

• March to May marks the start of spring in the city, with blossoming flowers, temperatures in the range of 7°C to 15°C and sunny hours averaging 6 to 8 per day. It’s a perfect time for outdoor enthusiasts, although rain is still frequent.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English is the primary language spoken in Vancouver, though you might hear a variety of languages due to the city’s multicultural population.

• Local habits and customs: Canadians are known for their politeness. It’s common to greet people with a smile, and saying “please” and “thank you” goes a long way. It’s customary to tip 15 to 20 percent in restaurants and for services.

• Currency: Canada uses the Canadian Dollar. ATMs are widely available, and major credit and debit cards are accepted.

• Getting around: Vancouver has an efficient public transport system, including buses, SkyTrains and SeaBuses. For a one-way ticket you’ll pay around CAD3, and you can save money by purchasing a Compass Card for multiple trips. Bike rentals and car-sharing services are also popular.

• Electricity and plug types: Canada uses 120 volts, and plugs are Type A and B, so UK travellers need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Vancouver operates on Pacific Standard Time, which is GMT–8, and observes Daylight Saving Time.

• Required travel documentation: UK travellers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, which can be applied online.

Best things to do in Vancouver

Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and towering mountains, Vancouver offers a blend of outdoor adventure and vibrant city life.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Grouse Mountain: Just a short drive from downtown, Grouse Mountain is a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding. But when you reach the mountain’s 1,231-metre summit by cable car you’ll also be rewarded with astonishing views, sometimes stretching as far as the San Juan Islands 160km away in Washington State.

• Vancouver Lookout: The Vancouver Lookout can be found in one of the city’s tallest structures, Harbour Centre. On a fine day it’s worth paying to ride the stomach-churning glass elevators that run up the side of the tower to the fortieth-floor observation deck, which has a staggering 360-degree view.

The best districts

• Granville Island: Granville Island is an agreeable place, mostly living up to its claim of being the heart of Vancouver. Friendly, easy-going and popular, its shops, markets, galleries, marina and open spaces are juxtaposed with a light-industrial setting.

• Gastown: An easy walk east of downtown, Gastown is a piece of city rejuvenation distinguished by cobblestone streets, 20th-century brick buildings, stylish shops, and the city’s hippest cafés, restaurants and bars.

Parks and gardens

• Stanley Park: Stanley Park is Vancouver’s green heart. At nearly four square kilometres, it’s one of the largest urban parks in North America – a semi wilderness of dense rainforest, marshland and three beaches.

• VanDusen Botanical Garden: A lush oasis in the heart of the city, the VanDusen Botanical Garden is home to over 250,000 plants from around the world. Whether you’re into a peaceful stroll or seasonal outdoor events, it’s a perfect place to visit.

• Queen Elizabeth Park: Queen Elizabeth Park houses a rose garden, quarry-pit garden, tennis courts and miniature golf circuit, all of which make it a popular place to visit.

Historical monuments

• Capilano Suspension Bridge: One of Vancouver’s top attractions, the Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 137 metres over the Capilano Gorge, offering spectacular views of the surrounding forest. The first bridge here was built in 1889, though the present structure dates from 1956.

• Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden: Chinatown’s chief cultural attraction is the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Garden, the first full-scale classical Chinese garden built outside of China. Constructed in 1985, its courtyards, corridors and pavilions were pieced together without the use of nails. Admission includes tea and a guided tour.

• Fort Langley National Historic Site: Located just outside Vancouver, Fort Langley is the birthplace of British Columbia. This historic site offers interactive exhibits and the chance to step back in time.

Day trips in the area

• Whistler: Some 125km from Vancouver, Whistler is Canada’s finest four-season resort. Skiing and snowboarding are the main activities, but in summer the lifts keep running to provide supreme mountain biking, highline hiking and other activities. And the charming village is worth exploring for its restaurants and shops.

• Victoria: Hop on a ferry to Vancouver Island and explore British Columbia’s capital city, Victoria. It provides plenty of bars and restaurants, and serves as a base for a range of outdoor attractions. Chief of these is whale watching.

Activities for families in Vancouver

Vancouver is a family-friendly destination, with plenty of attractions and activities to keep kids and adults entertained.

• Vancouver Aquarium: Located in Stanley Park and home to over 50,000 animals including penguins, sea otters and beluga whales, and with state-of-the-art exhibits, the Vancouver Aquarium is a hit with families.

• Science World: Children reach a state of euphoria exploring its two floors of hands-on exhibits, which include a hippo-lifting machine and instruments like the “infrared harp”, played without strings. Science World is also home to the world’s largest OMNIMAX theatre.

• Kitsilano Beach: On warmer days, head to Kitsilano Beach. It has easy-going charm, a wonderful, heated, saltwater, outdoor, waterfront swimming pool and plenty of green space for picnics, as well as the nearby playgrounds for kids.

Free things to do in Vancouver

From stunning outdoor spaces to cultural experiences, during your Vancouver holidays you’ll find plenty of activities that won’t cost you a cent.

• Stanley Park Seawall: Walk or cycle along the Stanley Park Seawall for free, enjoying beautiful views of the harbour, beaches and mountains.

• Free museums and galleries: The Contemporary Art Gallery always has free admission to its exhibits while the Vancouver Art Gallery offers free entry on the first Friday of each month from 4 pm to 8 pm.

• Annual festivals: Right on your arrival, check what’s currently on as Vancouver hosts several free festivals throughout the year, eg. the Celebration of Light fireworks festival in the summer.

Nature and outdoor activities in Vancouver

Vancouver is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a plethora of nature-based activities.

• Hiking in national parks: Vancouver is surrounded by stunning trails that are perfect for hiking. Grouse Mountain offers the famous Grouse Grind, a challenging climb rewarded with breathtaking views at the summit.

• Kayaking and paddleboarding: Head down to False Creek or English Bay to rent kayaks or paddleboards. Paddle through the calm waters of False Creek, where you’ll enjoy fantastic views of the city skyline.

• Whale-watching tours: Vancouver is one of the best places in Canada for whale watching. Between April and October, you can join a boat tour from Granville Island or Steveston to spot orcas, humpback whales and grey whales.

• Skiing and snowboarding: In winter, Vancouver’s proximity to the mountains makes it a great base for skiing and snowboarding. Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain and Mount Seymour are all less than an hour from downtown, offering excellent slopes for all abilities.

Local dishes in Vancouver

One of the great joys of holidays to Vancouver is the incredible food scene, which reflects the city’s diverse population.

Some typical dishes

• Salmon: Being a coastal city, Vancouver is renowned for its seafood, and wild Pacific salmon is a must-try. It’s served in many ways – from grilled fillets to smoked salmon on bagels.

• Dungeness Crab: Try this sweet, tender crab in a seafood boil or steamed with butter for a true taste of the Pacific Northwest.

Meat dishes

• Bison Burgers: Bison meat is lean and flavoursome and a popular alternative to beef in Vancouver. Why not give a bison burger a try with a creative topping?

• Barbecued Pork: Vancouver’s Chinatown is famous for its barbecued pork, known as char siu. Often served with rice or in noodle soups, it’s truly delicious.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Sushi: Vancouver is known for its fresh and affordable sushi, thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean.

• Fish Tacos: These West Coast favourites are typically made with grilled or fried fish, often paired with tangy slaw and spicy sauces.

Sweets and desserts

• Nanaimo Bar: This classic Canadian dessert, originating from nearby Nanaimo, consists of a crumbly biscuit base, creamy custard filling and a chocolate topping. Yummy!

• Maple Syrup Treats: Maple syrup is featured in a great variety of desserts in Canada, from maple taffy to maple-glazed doughnuts.

Local drinks

• Caesar: This savoury cocktail, made with vodka, clamato juice, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce, is a Canadian classic that you should try in Vancouver.

• Craft Beer: Vancouver’s craft beer scene is booming, with countless local breweries offering a wide range of ales, stouts and lagers.