CA
Vancouver
A Pacific port city between mountains and sea, with a huge seaside park and the outdoors on its doorstep
A Pacific port city between mountains and sea, with a huge seaside park and the outdoors on its doorstep
A 400-hectare park of forest and beaches next to downtown. The seawall path around it, about 9km, is popular for walking and cycling, with views of the Lions Gate Bridge.
Rent a bike near the park entrance on Denman Street.
Photo: Keely Hill, CC BY-SA 4.0
A former industrial area under the Granville Street Bridge with a large public market, artists’ studios and theatres. Small Aquabus ferries cross False Creek to it.
Photo: GoToVan, CC BY 2.0
Vancouver’s oldest district, with cobbled streets, Victorian buildings, restaurants and the steam clock.
Photo: Hugh Llewelyn, CC BY-SA 2.0
A privately run park in North Vancouver with a 137m suspension bridge over a canyon and treetop walkways. The free Lynn Canyon suspension bridge nearby is a cheaper alternative.
Photo: Markus Säynevirta, CC BY-SA 4.0
Vancouver is known for seafood, especially wild salmon and sushi, and for some of the best Asian food in North America, particularly in Richmond.
Try a Japadog hot dog and Nanaimo bars, and browse the Granville Island Public Market.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is linked to downtown by the Canada Line SkyTrain in about 25 minutes. SkyTrain, buses and the SeaBus ferry cover the city. Ferries run to Vancouver Island.
Most visa-exempt visitors flying to Canada, including EU, UK and Australian citizens, need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which costs CAN$7 online. US citizens need only a valid passport. Some nationalities need a visitor visa instead. Check current rules before you travel.
Vancouver is one of Canada’s most expensive cities. Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAN$). Prices are usually shown without sales tax, which is added at the till, and tipping of 15–20% is expected in restaurants.
Hotel prices peak in summer.
Park, sea and mountains.
Cycle the seawall around Stanley Park, then explore Gastown and Coal Harbour.
Visit Granville Island’s market, then the beaches of Kitsilano and English Bay at sunset.
Cross on the SeaBus to visit Capilano or Lynn Canyon and go up Grouse Mountain.
🛂 Entry rules: Canada eTA
Visa-exempt visitors flying to or through a Canadian airport, including UK, EU, Australian and Japanese citizens, need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). It costs CA$7, is usually approved within minutes and lasts five years or until your passport expires.
You don’t need one if you arrive by land or sea, and US citizens and US green-card holders are exempt. Apply only on the Government of Canada website.
Official information: Government of Canada: apply for an eTA · Reviewed September 2026
Sales tax is added at the till, and restaurants expect a 15–20% tip.
Bring a waterproof jacket from October to April.
Tap a contactless card or phone to ride SkyTrain, buses and SeaBus.
Some streets east of Gastown have visible poverty and drug use; stay aware, as in any big city.
Quick answers for planning time in Vancouver.
Most visa-exempt visitors arriving by air need an eTA (CAN$7, applied for online). US citizens do not need one; some other nationalities need a visa.
The section around Stanley Park is about 9km; the full seawall is much longer.
The Canada Line SkyTrain runs downtown in about 25 minutes.
About two hours by car on the Sea-to-Sky Highway.
June to September is driest; winter is mild but rainy, with skiing nearby.
English is the main language, but in Quebec French dominates; a translation app helps with menus and signs.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Canada travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.