Vancouver

Overview

Vancouver is hemmed in by geography in the best possible way - the Coast Mountains rise directly behind downtown, the Pacific laps at English Bay, and old-growth rainforest sits inside the city limits at Stanley Park. It's also one of the most food-diverse cities in North America, shaped heavily by its large Asian communities.

Getting There

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) connects widely across North America, Asia, and beyond, and sits about 25 minutes from downtown via the Canada Line train.

Top Experiences

• Walk or bike the Stanley Park Seawall, a flat 10km loop with mountain and ocean views the whole way
• Ride the Grouse Mountain Skyride for hiking (or skiing, in winter) with a skyline view back over the city
• Explore Granville Island Public Market for lunch, then wander the surrounding artist studios
• Take the short ferry to Bowen Island for a quieter, small-town coastal afternoon

Local tip: Vancouver's weather turns quickly, especially near the mountains - pack a light rain layer even in summer, and check trail conditions before any Grouse Mountain hike.

Food to Try

Richmond's night market and dim sum scene are considered among the best outside Asia. Downtown, look for fresh Pacific salmon, and don't skip a proper poutine at least once.

Practical Info

• Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
• Getting around: SkyTrain and buses cover the city well; a car helps for day trips to Whistler or the mountains
• Tipping: 15-20% is standard at restaurants
• Rain: Even summer can bring showers - Vancouver's famously grey winters are the trade-off for the scenery