"The little village on the edge of the rainforest,” as Vancouver was once famously described, is no longer that. Sure, the city’s incredible natural beauty remains undimmed—surrounded by snow-capped mountains on one side and the Pacific on the other, Canada’s third largest city is a rare place where “ you can swim in the ocean in the morning and go skiing in the afternoon,” according to cliché. (Nobody does this. Still.) Today, this sophisticated, cosmopolitan center is not just for the sporty, Gore-tex clad crowd. Perennially near or at the top of most “Best Places to Live” lists, travelers are drawn to this bustling seaport for its parks, museums, shopping and, perhaps most notably, a rich and varied culinary and cocktail scene that has become even more impressive after the city’s star turn hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics. Oh, and about that rain? In the summer, Vancouver is the driest major city in Canada. Just sayin’.
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Vancouver Travel Guide
Plan Your Vancouver Trip
Featured
NHL Star Turned Hotelier Willie Mitchell’s Favorite Places in Tofino, Vancouver Island
How hockey player & hotelier Willie Mitchell finds solace and sustenance on Canada’s Vancouver Island.
A Coast-to-Coast Guide to the Best New Things to Do in Canada
Oh, Canada—how we’ve missed you.
9 Scenic Canada Road Trips Within 2 Hours of the U.S. Border
From Rocky Mountain drives to coastal byways in Nova Scotia.
15 Best Hotels in Vancouver
If you're looking for a place to stay, the West Coast city isn't short on options.
Editor Hotel Recommendations
- Fairmont Hotel Vancouver$$ | Canada, Vancouver, 900 W Georgia StRead full reviewThe Grand Dame of Vancouver, a true landmark, is the only local hotel that deserves the overused “iconic” label.
Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - Opus Vancouver$$ | , Vancouver,Read full reviewOver the last 15 years, Opus has become a focal point in Yaletown, Vancouver’s answer to New York City’s SoHo.Readers Choice Awards
- Fairmont Pacific Rim$$$ | Canada, Vancouver,Read full reviewA very special hotel with great dining and drinking, Pacific Rim is a luxurious, stylish stay you’ll remember for years.Readers Choice Awards
- Shangri-La Vancouver$$ | Canada, Vancouver,Read full reviewThis hotel occupies the first 15 floors of the tallest building in Vancouver, which rises more than 660 feet.Readers Choice Awards
- JW Marriott Parq Vancouver$$ | Vancouver,Read full reviewOne of two stylish lodging options anchoring the Parq Vancouver—a splashy urban resort.Readers Choice Awards
- Wedgewood Hotel & Spa$$ | Canada, Vancouver,Read full reviewFrom the formally dressed doorman, to the incredible flower arrangements in the lounge, this hotel evokes an air of civility.Readers Choice Awards
- Rosewood Hotel Georgia$$$ | Canada, Vancouver, 801 W Georgia StRead full reviewFresh off a tasteful, careful transformation, this hotel has again assumed its place as one of the finest in Vancouver.Readers Choice Awards
Gold List - Pan Pacific Vancouver$$ | Canada, Vancouver,Read full reviewThis comfortable luxury hotel—from a Singapore-based chain—has an exterior that has become synonymous with Vancouver itself.Readers Choice Awards
The Best Things to Do in Vancouver
- 13 Best Things to Do in VancouverSurrounded by mountains and ocean, Vancouver is a paradise for people who love the outdoors—but it also has culture down to a tee.
- 10 Best Museums in VancouverVancouver may be best known for its rugged natural beauty, but it's also got a vibrant cultural side.
- 11 Best Parks in VancouverVancouver is park lover’s paradise, and that’s not hyperbole: there are over 230 municipal local parks comprising 11% of the city’s footprint.
- 3 Best Day Trips From VancouverWhen you're ready for a break from the city, here's where to go—and what to do, eat, and see once you get there.
- Vancouver ChinatownAn inside look at Vancouver's Chinatown from the March 2019 issue.
Editor Recommendations
- Pacific Spirit Regional ParkCanada, Vancouver, 5495 Chancellor BlvdRead full reviewThere are 2,000 acres of forest and almost 50 miles of trails, including 22 miles suitable for bikes and horses.
- VanDusen Botanical GardenCanada, Vancouver, VanDusen Botanical GardenRead full reviewThis 55-acre garden features an Elizabethan hedge maze made of 3,000 cedars, an Instagram-ready walkway, and much, much more.
- Museum of Anthropology at UBCCanada, Vancouver, 6393 NW Marine DrRead full reviewWith its soaring totem poles, cedar canoes, Indigenous masks, and more, this anthropology museum is the city’s most beloved museum.
- Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese GardenCanada, Vancouver, 578 Carrall StRead full reviewPerched at the edge of Chinatown, this garden is modeled after a Ming Dynasty–era scholar’s gardens in China.
- Grouse MountainCanada, North Vancouver, 6400 Nancy Greene WayRead full reviewTowering behind downtown Vancouver’s gleaming towers, “the Peak of Vancouver” has been a top destination for more than a century.
- Vancouver AquariumCanada, Vancouver, 845 Avison WayRead full reviewVancouver is surrounded by water, but the best way to peek at local marine life is at this legendary aquarium.
- Granville IslandCanada, Vancouver,Read full reviewThis former industrial site, with a huge indoor market and much more, is one of Vancouver’s most beloved attractions.
- Chan Centre for the Performing ArtsCanada, Vancouver, 6265 Crescent RdRead full review“The Chan,” this performing-arts venue is known, is famous for its impeccable acoustics, which draw top international musicians.
- Stanley ParkCanada, Vancouver,Read full reviewHeralded as one of the best parks in the world, this park is larger than the city’s entire downtown core.
- Snowshoe Tour on Cypress MountainCanada, West Vancouver, 6000 Cypress Bowl RdRead full reviewIf you’re not a Nordic racer but still crave winter magic, these snowshoe tours are worth the trek from downtown.
- Prince of Whales Whale WatchingCanada, Vancouver, 1666 Duranleau StRead full reviewThis tour is a surefire way to see some of British Columbia’s incredible marine life, including orca whales, humpbacks, and more.
- Capilano Suspension Bridge & ParkCanada, North Vancouver, 3735 Capilano RdRead full reviewTravelers who love the thrill of heights and gorgeous rainforest views are handsomely rewarded at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
- ChinatownCanada, Vancouver, 3995 Main StRead full reviewOne of Vancouver’s oldest and most culturally diverse neighborhoods.
- Queen Elizabeth ParkCanada, Vancouver, 4600 Cambie StreetRead full reviewBuilt in on a former quarry 500 feet above sea level, this park is the highest vantage point in Vancouver.
- Science WorldRead full reviewThe exhibits within this giant, metallic orb contain enough cutting-edge information and technology to keep pint-size budding scientists engaged.
This Vancouver Hotel Is Home to Local Aboriginal Artists
In downtown Vancouver in British Columbia, at the very edge of Chinatown, you’ll find Skwachays Lodge, a hotel that houses aboriginal art, as well as the artists themselves.
The Best Places to Eat & Drink in Vancouver
- 19 Best Restaurants in VancouverEvery city should be lucky enough to have this kind of bounty.
- 14 Best Bars in VancouverMore so than any other Canadian city, Vancouver has been at the forefront of the cocktail revolution. Come thirsty.
- 11 Best Coffee Shops in VancouverA city this dynamic calls for an equally robust coffee scene.
- 10 Best Craft Beer Spots in VancouverThe city's scene rivals Portland, Oregon's—and we've got a primer so you can see just how well it stacks up.
- Vancouver ChinatownAn inside look at Vancouver's Chinatown from the March 2019 issue.
Editor Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
- The Acorn Restaurant$$ | Canada, Vancouver, 3995 Main St.It could change your mind about eating vegetarian.
- SUYO Modern Peruvian$$$ | Canada, Vancouver, 3475 Main StreetBlending several of Vancouver's international cuisines, including Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and Spanish
- Published on Main$$$ | Canada, Vancouver, 3593 Main StreetA Michelin-star menu emphasizing locally farmed and foraged foods
- Sushi MAHANA$$$ | Canada, North Vancouver, 75 3rd Street WestIn North Vancouver, one of the city's top sushi spots
- WA-BAGEL$ | Canada, Vancouver, 666 Burrard St Unit No. B09Japanese-style bagels—from mochi-matcha to sweet-potato sesame—in Vancouver
- L’Abattoir$$$ | Canada, Vancouver, 217 Carrall StreetThis Gastown restaurant specializing in French-inspired West Coast cuisine is recognized as one of Canada’s best.
- Ask For Luigi$$ | Canada, Vancouver, 305 Alexander St.Smells of serious Italian cooking come wafting by as soon as you walk in.
- Maenam$$$ | Canada, Vancouver, 1938 W 4th Ave.There's a reason this Thai spot wins so many food awards.
- Bao Bei$$ | Canada, Vancouver, 163 Keefer StThis historic Chinatown spot is crowded, narrow, loud, and full of hipsters and beautiful people—what's not to love?
- Blue Water Café$$$ | Canada, Vancouver, 1095 Hamilton St.Vancouver's go-to spot for upscale seafood.
- Hawksworth Restaurant$$$ | Canada, Vancouver, 801 W Georgia St.The picture of sophisticated fine dining.
Beyond Lululemon: 7 Vancouver Fashion Brands You Should Know About
When you think of fashion and shopping in Vancouver, you may picture a sea of black yoga pants. But dig a bit deeper and you’ll find that Vancouver isn’t just the birthplace of Lululemon—here are seven other stylish brands that also call Vancity home.
More from Vancouver
Places to Stay
27 Best Airbnbs in Canada, From Montreal to Vancouver
Whether you want a view of the CN Tower in Toronto or the Northern Lights in Yukon.
Style & Culture
Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week Showcased Stories of Its Community—With a Powerful Message
Since 2017, the annual runway shows have served as a crucial platform for Indigenous designers to showcase their work and stories.
Places to Stay
15 Best Airbnbs in Vancouver, Whether You’re There for the Nature or the Nightlife
Our top rentals for solo travelers, couples, families, and business travelers.
Destinations
A Guide to Seeing Vancouver's Indigenous Heritage and Natural Beauty by Bicycle
How to tackle the longest uninterrupted waterfront bike path in the world—and the city—on two wheels, and where to eat and sleep in between.
Train Journeys
Amtrak Is Restarting One of Its Most Scenic Routes Just in Time for Fall Getaways
The Amtrak Cascades, which winds through the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest, has been paused since 2020.
Train Journeys
Leaning Into Slow Travel on a 1,200-Mile Train Trip Through Western Canada
This train offers comfortable seats, room to stretch, and breathtaking views for just over $100.
Destinations
What to Do in Vancouver This Spring
Here's what's happening in the city in April, May, and June 2019.
News & Advice
Yes, That Really Is Seth Rogen Making Announcements on Vancouver Transit
The Canadian comedian's voice will soon be heard on Vancouver's buses and SkyTrains.
News & Advice
Vancouver's Umbrella-Sharing Program Is Pure Genius
Can we get one of these in every city, please?
Inspiration
The Best Restaurants in Vancouver, B.C.
Nature isn't the only reason to visit British Columbia—the Canadian city is stepping up its food game in a big way.
News & Advice
The 10 Best Airports in North America
Aviation reviewer Skytrax just released their World Airport Awards, which rank airports based on service and performance.
Food & Drink
Try This New Cocktail From Vancouver's Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Each week, we'll scour the world for a different cocktail and tell you how to get in on the spirits-filled fun at home. Today, it's off to Vancouver for a Prohibition-era throwback from the Rosewood Hotel Georgia.
Inspiration
An LGBT Guide to Vancouver, Canada's Most Gay-Friendly City
Canada’s Pacific Northwest jewel is a mecca for foodies, cocktail and coffee enthusiasts, outdoor fitness and biking fans—and LGBTs. Caleb Donszelmann, openly gay concierge for Opus Hotel Vancouver, offers up some musts.
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- Miami Travel GuideWarm temperatures—and hotter beaches
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- The Ultimate Guide to Exploring CanadaFrom scenic train rides to charming small towns, here's everything you need to bookmark for your next trip.
- Los Angeles Travel GuideWelcome to the West Coast's cultural epicenter
- Yellowstone National Park at 150Wonderland: The early nickname of America’s first national park is as apt today as when Yellowstone was founded, in March of 1872. On its sesquicentennial, we celebrate this miraculous place—while exploring a history that has too often excluded its original stewards—and consider how to ensure its survival for generations to come.
- Boston Travel GuideCharming and legitimately historic
