Vancouver

Beaches, bridges and beer — all overlooked by snow-capped mountains. Vancouver is pretty special.

Go skiing in the morning and soak up the afternoon sun on the beach in Vancouver. Take a relaxing walk in the forest, or if you’d prefer to take it indoors — and you’ll probably have to at some stage with the rain this city gets — check out some of the excellent museums. Locavore culture is all the rage here, so be sure to try the innovative cuisine, washed down with a local craft beer. Hipster-friendly and all-round friendly, this is one cool city.

Vancouver, BC, Canada   |   View Google Map

Frequently Asked Questions about Vancouver

Where can I see a game of ice hockey?

The national winter sport of Canada, ice hockey is one thing you absolutely have to see while you're in Vancouver. Remember though, just call it "hockey" if you want to blend in (saying "ice hockey" to a Canadian is like saying "soccer" to a European). The Vancouver Canucks are the local heroes, and you'll be able to join the screaming fans for a game at Rogers Arena, located in the city centre. The season runs here from October through to April.

What's the best way to ski Whistler?

While it is possible to take a day trip from Vancouver to Whistler, we wouldn't recommend it. With such a small amount of time to make the most of the mountain, you'd do much better to explore closer resorts such as Grouse, Cypress or Seymour. To fully experience all that Whistler has to offer, set aside a few days and seek out some accommodation near the base. If you want to stay right on its doorstep, check out Upper Village, Whistler Village and Village North. There's nothing like waking up, stepping out your front door and riding the lift up one of the world's greatest mountains!

What are Vancouver's most popular festivals?

With its large Chinese population, Vancouver comes to life over the Chinese New Year. Expect plenty of colour, dragons and good times as the annual parade makes its way through the city streets. This is the perfect time to eat and drink your way through Chinatown. Foodies will also love the Dine Out Vancouver festival. Held each year in January, the event sees local restaurants coming together to celebrate the region's cuisine. Indulge in specially crafted menus and see how many different eateries you can tick off. For something a little bit quirkier, check out the Bard on the Beach festival. Holding events from June through to September, this may just be the most scenic Shakespeare experience on Earth.

Where's the best place to get a view of the city?

Vancouver is a pretty impressive city and you what's more impressive is that you don't need to spend money to take in the skyline. It won't cost you a dollar to wander up to the highest point in Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park. Not only will you be able to soak up the marvellous views, you can also explore the park's beautiful gardens.