Highlights, Tours and Hotels in Canada's Western Metropolis

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VANCOUVER, CANADA – Between the sandy beaches of the Pacific and the majestic coast mountains of Canada, stands one of the most attractive cities in the world, Vancouver. This metropolis on Canada’s west coast is more charming than almost any other city in the world and offers a colorful, rich cultural scene as well as excellent restaurants and hotels.

Getting in and around Vancouver

Vancouver Airport is located 24 kilometers south of downtown. Taxis, limousines, and metro cars are available at the airport. The Canada Line rapid transit system takes 25 minutes from the airport to the center of Vancouver downtown.

By Plane

Vancouver International Airport has one terminal each for domestic and international flights; in Victoria, all flights are handled through a single terminal. Free luggage trolleys are available at both airports.

Immigration

For international flights, immigration and customs forms are distributed on the plane. Upon arrival, you must present your passport and usually answer a few questions to the inspecting officer.

By train

Vancouver’s main station is Pacific Central Station. Rail serves destinations in Canada, and Amtrak Cascades trains connect Vancouver daily with Seattle, Portland, and Eugene.

By boat

Numerous ferries operate between Seattle, Vancouver, and Victoria. BC Ferries connects Vancouver with Victoria, the Gulf Islands, and Nanaimo. Cruise ships dock at Canada Place, and tour boats dock at the region’s many marinas.

By car

Interstate 5 through the US state of Washington becomes Highway 99 in Canada, leading to Vancouver and Whistler. The International Peace Arch monument stands directly on the border line.

The Best time to visit Vancouver

The coastal climate in Vancouver and Victoria is particularly pleasant from April to November. From November to March, rain falls periodically, but temperatures in the city and on the coast rarely drop below freezing. It’s colder in the mountains and resorts like Whistler. It snows there, much to the delight of skiers. Summer can be hot, but the nights are cooler.

Places of interest in Vancouver

Vancouver has the world’s highest quality of life ranking. Canada’s west coast metropolis offers a colorful, rich cultural scene with a lot of landmarks as well as an array of excellent restaurants and hotels.

Every evening, the distinctive sails of Canada Place shine in bright colors and animations, all visible from Stanley Park, the Coal Harbor dam, the Vancouver Convention Center West, and the North Shore.

Canada place

The Canada Pavilion, built for Expo 86, is now a Vancouver landmark known as Canada Place. The sail-shaped roof recalls Canada’s maritime history, and its “bow” extends far into the harbor. After the highly successful World’s Fair, which attracted over 22 million visitors, the building was transformed into a complex with a cruise ship terminal, convention center, exhibition areas, and a luxury hotel. Its promenade offers magnificent views of the harbor.

Vancouver harbor

The heart of the Canada place complex, Vancouver is the largest harbor in North America after New York’s harbor. Since the opening of the terminal at Canada’s Place in the mid-1980s, this port has been considered as one of the most important cruise ports in the world.

The Five Sails

Represented by its Canada place built in 1986, the building was very controversial. According to the critics from the past, ‘The Five Sails’ — object recognition, was a poor imitation of the Sydney Opera House. Today it is one of the landmarks of the newly created harbor district.

Waterfront station

A block away from the harbor, is located one of the most famous buildings of the early 20th century, The old warehouse — one of the first city object represents that has been fully refurbished into a Waterfront station.

History of the building

The station served as a transportation hub since the time when the first trans-Canadian passenger train arrived in 1887. At that time the station was a wooden building. The current building, dates from 1914 and impresses the passer buys with its white-columned facade against the colorful harbor. The station interior walls are decorated with paintings of Canadian landscapes.

Urban Art in Vancouver by Marcelo Viggiano

Chinatown

In North America, only San Francisco has a larger Chinese Quarter. Chinatown begins on West Cordova Street. More than 35,000 people of Asian origin now live in the former ‘swamp area’.

However, growth and prosperity were not to be taken for granted because seasonal workers perceived the influx of Chinese as a threat, reason why the immigration policies tightened in 1885. Restaurants and shops now attract many visitors to Chinatown and the streets of what today is the second-largest Chinatown in North America, are lined with numerous grocery stores.

Vancouver downtown

The Millennium Gate on Pender Street opposite Taylor Street, is the best starting point for a tour of this lively district.

In the area between the BC Place Stadium and the West End, all sights can be easily reached on foot. It is the center of Vancouver Downtown area.

Enjoy walking the intersection between Georgia and Burrard Street where glass office towers surround the city’s oldest church — a walk that reveals the connection between history and modernity.

Fairmount hotel

On the opposite side is the most famous Vancouver Hotel — The majestic Fairmont Hotel. In 1929 the building construction was stopped due to the global economic crisis, only steel construction was completed. The hotel, with its steep copper roof and playful gargoyles, was completed in 1939, prior the visit of King George VI. Visitors can enjoy tea in the hotel lounge and admire the magnificent spacious lobby.

Vancouver Art Gallery

Francis Rattenbury erected the courthouse, which now houses the museum, in 1912. This massive structure represents the violent era of the British Empire. Arthur Eickson managed the museum’s renovations before it opened in the mid-1980s. The Vancouver Art Gallery has Canada’s largest collection of Emily Carr paintings, as well as a concentration on current photo-conceptual art.

Downtown highlights

Downtown offers a pleasant mix of densely built residential areas, shopping malls, theaters, concert halls, restaurants and clubs. The neighborhood is buzzing with life until late in the night. Among the most favorite highlights you can visit in the Vancouver’s downtown area are: Robson street, Christ Church Cathedral, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Library square, Vancouver Art Gallery and Pacific center.

Stanley Park

The area has been a popular recreational area since Victorian times. Walking trails lead through forests and along the beach. The park features a wonderful horse garden, a popular children’s water park, a farm, a golf course, and tennis courts, as well as the Vancouver Aquarium, whose scientifically designed aquariums and habitats enjoy worldwide renown.

Vancouver Aquarium

Five belugas and approximately 70,000 other marine creatures live in the realistically reconstructed west coast habitats. The Vancouver Aquarium consists of several sections, including Wild Coast, Canada’s Arctic Habitat, Pacific Canada Pavilion, Amazon Rainforest, Clownfish Cove, Beluga Encounters, and the 4D Experience.

Walking trails lead past marine animals native to the British Columbia coast, including dolphins, harbor seals, and Steller sea lions, whose populations are declining worldwide. There are touching pools, naturalist-led demonstrations, shows where divers swim with the animals, and training demonstrations with dolphins and sea lions.

Surrounding areas

Vancouver’s surrounds are fascinating, with breathtaking majestic vistas and a diverse choice of recreational activities. This is why the metropolis is consistently ranked as one of the world’s top cities for quality of life.

City of Victoria

More than 3000 hanging flower baskets hang in the pretty streets of the ‘City of Gardens’ — idly Victoria. Founded in 1843 as a fort of the Hudson Bay Trading Company, Victoria grew around 1858 as a site established by Governor James Douglas. When wealthy and influential Victoria became the capital of British Columbia in 1868, well-known architects, such as Francis Rattenbury, settled in the town and construct its city layout.

Minutes drive away from center downtown are numerous sandy beaches and ski resorts located. Whistler’s slopes and golf courses in its surrounding, make an ideal getaway.

From the sparkling blue Howe Sound to the snow-capped coast Mountains, the 120 kilometers route from Vancouver to Whistler offers the visitors a magnificent landscape surrounding to enjoy.

Fairmont Empress Hotel

The luxury hotel in the Château still stands on the Inner Harbor and is a Victoria landmark. It was built in 1908 by Rattenbury for the Canada Pacific Railway. The high brick walls of the magnificent building are partially overgrown with ivy. In the Crystal Ballroom, 18 crystal chandeliers shine beneath a mirrored ceiling.

British Columbia Parliament Buildings

The Parliament is housed in neoclassical buildings made of gray granite, located directly on the Inner Harbor. They were designed in 1898 by Francis Rattenbury, a 25-year-old Englishmen from Leeds. At night, the buildings are illuminated by 3,300 lights.

Whistler mountain

The surrounding peaks of Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Peak are breathtaking. The area is visited by about two million tourists every year. Whistler is a year-round resort. It hosted the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic World Ski Championships.

In addition to excellent hotels and accommodations, more than 90 restaurants, and 200 shops, the area is surrounded by pristine forests, five natural lakes, and a network of valley trails that offer a variety of sports.

This quiet town just a short ferry ride from Vancouver Island is an ideal base from which to explore the island’s stunning natural beauty.

North Vancouver

Visiting North Vancouver is another option for a close by day out. With its 46000 inhabitants it is nested on the north coast of the Burrard inlet, some 18 km driving distance from Vancouver downtown.

Sea-bus city access is the best connection if you choose Lonsdale quay as a starting point.

Marketplace

The local market sells fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and baked goods, as well as jewelry and handicrafts. It’s best to grab a bite from one of market’s stands and enjoy it outdoors.

Lynn Canyon Park

A 50-meter-high suspension bridge spans over Lynn Creek, where you can see 40 species of moss and hundred-year-old Douglas firs. At the Ecology Center of Lynn Canyon Park you can visit the wine exhibition and get information about the tours and the network of trails in the park.

Other places where visitors can explore the nature and the region’s distinctive rainforest are the University of British Columbia’s, Pacific Spirit Regional Park and North Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

The bridge which leads high above the Capilano River and offers pure adventurous excitement is called Capilano Suspension Bridge. The world’s tallest and longest pedestrian suspension bridge, leads into a quiet corner of the West Coast rainforest.

The popular attraction includes an adventurous walk from treetop to treetop, side to side, via modern rope bridge. Today’s bridge is the sixth at this point. The first was built by Scotsman George Grant Mackay in 1888 connecting the two riverside tracts he had acquired.

Nanaimo

On the opposite side of Vancouver on the western shore of Vancouver Island is Nanaimo. The Old Quarter dates back to the 19th century when coal was mined here. The Nanaimo Court House is an extinguished object — a true reminder of the past that is worth seeing.

Nanaimo places of interest

Stroll along the picturesque town’s harbor, walk on the wooden pathways connecting the lighthouse and center park, visit the Bastion Military Museum for the ceremonial changing of the guard, Departure Bay’s beach and Nanaimo Market.

Food & Beverage in Vancouver

Restaurants and cafes typically serve breakfast from 6 to 10 a.m. Lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., and dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Many pubs and restaurants have special late-evening menus. Brunch is often only offered on weekends or even only on Sundays, usually from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., sometimes later.

Most restaurants accept reservations. It’s best to make reservations for your favorite restaurants upon arrival or even before your trip.

Salmon House on the Hill – The restaurant in the North Shore hills is known for its alder-smoked salmon. The ambiance is elegantly rustic, with plenty of wood, glass, and First Nations art.

Araxi Restaurant – The elegant restaurant serves delicious Northwest dishes, including oysters, wild salmon, confit lamb, and steaks. The wine list is impressive.

Bao Bei – Located in Vancouver’s Chinatown, Bao Bei serves traditional Chinese dishes with an innovative twist in very elegant dining room. The cocktails are excellent.

Shopping in Vancouver

Most stores are open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and later on Thursdays. Department stores and shops in shopping centers can be open until 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Shopping Malls

Vancouver’s largest shopping center, the Pacific Center, the Sinclair Center, and Metro town are located downtown. The Bay Center in Victoria includes over 80 stores. The Market Square stores are located in historic buildings.

Souvenirs

Take home some local products as souvenirs. Specialties include salmon candy from Salmon Village, artfully blown glass and glass bottles from Granvile Island, and Native American bentwood pieces from the Coastal Peoples Fine Art Gallery.

Vancouver outdoor – Tours and Activities

Some other nearby places, like Squamish or Brackendale, also attract the active travelers with its hiking opportunities and fantastic landscapes. Located along the Pacific coast, small towns, like the old fishing village of Steveston have retained their traditional way of living and historic flair.

Whale Watching

Wild Whales Vancouver travels to see orcas, porpoises, seals, and other animals from Vancouver to the Gulf of Georgia and beyond. Vancouver Whale Watch’s inflatable boats accompany naturalists. Stevenson Seabreeze Adventures travels in larger boats from the Fraser River to the Gulf Islands.

Rafting

One- to six-day rafting trips of varying difficulty on the white waters of the Fraser, Thompson, and Nahatlach Rivers will get your adrenaline pumping. Overnight stays are at the Zeit or at a Yale guesthouse.

Cycling Tours

Cycling tours, mountain bike tours, and sports adventures in small groups with local guides include fine dining, hot spring bathing, and luxury support vehicles.

Skiing

Skiers of all ages and abilities can enjoy over 100 runs on Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Peak. Snow cannons remove over 15 feet of snow annually. Skiers flock to the Blackcomb Peak Glacier during the summer months.

Our favorite Vancouver Tour

Tracey_S, Aug 2025

Vancouver Tour: Stanley Park, Granville Island & Capilano Bridge

” Great tour if you only have a few hours to visit Vancouver- Leslie (tour guide) was fantastic- very knowledgeable about the past and present Vancouver and surrounding areas. I would recommend tour for adults and older children although little ones would likely enjoy the swing bridge and treetop walk!”

Book on Viator

Booking Hotel in Vancouver

Most products and services in British Columbia are subject to a 12-percent Harmonized Sales Tax. Some hotels also impose a 3% regional district tax. These taxes are typically not included in the listed accommodation rates.

Hotel rooms are often well-equipped and roomy. There are single, double, and twin-bed rooms available. People who are sensitive to noise should reserve rooms distant from elevators and vending machines. In Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler hotels, smoking rooms account for no more than 15% of the total.

Standard Prices

Hotel prices vary by hotel category, day of the week, and season. Peak prices apply on weekends and from April to December. Standard prices are listed in this guide. You can usually find lower rates, especially when booking online. Discounts are often offered for senior citizens, members of automobile clubs, and Elderhostel. Inquire about special discounts when booking, and don’t forget the necessary proof of identity and membership cards.

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