As the largest city in British Columbia and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada, Vancouver has something to offer everyone. From its lively downtown core to the stunning natural scenery that surrounds it, this vibrant metropolis is a captivating place to visit.
Whether you’re looking for exciting nightlife or just some downtime in a picturesque setting, Vancouver has you covered. Here’s everything you need to know before embarking on your next vacation in this charming corner of North America.
Best Time to Go
Vancouver lies in the northern city, and this might be the best reason to visit this place in any season. The summer season attracts more tourists than any other season because of the long daylight hours, and the winter season attracts fewer tourists because of sprouting flowers and trees.
The rainy season occurs between November to March. An ideal time to visit Vancouver is in the month of September; at that time, you can enjoy the cool breezes, changing temperatures, and dry skies.
If you want to visit this city and also want to enjoy the festivals, the tour between April to November is the best option, as you can enjoy multiple festivals like Chinese New Year, Vancouver Marathon, Vancouver International Jazz Festival, and also the Vancouver Pride Parade.
Basic Things To Know
Before visiting Vancouver city, make sure to know this basic information:
- It is so easy to get around to a city with little or no problem with the transport service.
- Try not to rent a car in this city because the fares of the parking lot are pricey, and there is a lot of traffic on the riding apps in this city.
- With some fair prices, taxis, buses, and bikes can be found everywhere in this city with the ride-share app.
- You can get free Wi-Fi at any place in this city. At 550 different places, there is free Wi-Fi available for you. Just search for the #VanWiFi network and get free access to the internet connection.
- There is no need for an adapter for your appliances in this city because all towns run on the 120V standard electricity.
- The currency is the Canadian Dollar, also known as “Loonies” calling code is +1 604, And the fluent language is English.
How To Get Around?
To enjoy the remarkable monuments in the city, you will have some following means to get around.
1. Trains
SkyTrain in Vancouver is one of the most-efficient methods to get around the city. There are three stations on the Skytrain lines: the Expo Line, the Canada Line, and the Millennium Line. The fares are so reasonable and depend on where you’re going. Estimate fares run from $1.95 to $5.75.
2. Buses
With an extensive busing system, getting around Vancouver city becomes easy. The buses run from 5 am to 1 am, and they have stops at all the significant points. TransLink website can provide all the stations and fares depending on where you go.
3. Taxis
You can get a taxi from the airport, and the fare charge will depend on the destination zone. They usually charge $20-$40, and all the taxis run on the meters means that they will not be able to charge the extra fare.
4. Ferries
A passenger-only ferry travels between the Downtown and North Shore and departs after every 20 minutes in the daytime and after every 30 minutes during nighttime. Their fares are the same as the buses.
5. Car Services
After reaching the airport, you will have a lot of transportation options. Whether you want luxury transport or a standard vehicle, all transport types are available without advance bookings.
Fun Things to Do In Vancouver
Here are the best places that you should visit during your Vancouver tour.
1. Stanley Park
This park is well known due to the best experience by tourists. This park is spread over 1000 acres having all the necessities like gardens, golf course, pool, splash park, aquarium, playground, 17 tennis courts, and much more.
Your day can easily be spent enjoying this park. You should try to vent into the centuries-old cedars for a 40-mile trail or bike on the Seawall to get a fantastic experience.
2. Grouse Mountain
This place is also known as the Peak of Vancouver because this place is always crowded with people or tourists no matter the season.
This place has many incredible things to enjoy, such as hiking, ziplining, ice skating, lumberjack shows, and grizzly bear show. You should try the 1.8-mile trail above by climbing 2830 stairs that take you into the mountains above 2800 feet from the ground. There, you can take your pictures and enjoy the fantastic view of the city and the ocean.
3. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden
This garden at the corner of Chinatown is considered the first Chinese garden or “scholars garden” made outside China.
This garden is designed and constructed by specialists using rare trees and costly rocks. The Chinese Garden is also known as an oasis of tranquility and relies on the principle of peace and harmony. You can walk and enjoy freely in the park and join the garden by paid entry. You should understand the symbolism behind every plant, design, and path sequence or simply want peace, calm, and beauty.
4. Vancouver Whale Watch
British Columbia has a worth of aquatic life, including orcas, humpbacks, seals, dolphins, and many more.
Vancouver Whale Watch is a conservative type of tour that delivers a close peek at the incredible and astonishing creatures and educational guidance.
You can also learn about whale biology and migration, marine preservation, and better as you witness the magnificence of Vancouver’s waters.
5. Food Truck by Mr. Bannock
This famous food truck provides indigenous cuisine with fresh, basic ingredients and the best traditional cooking means like smoking and stone baking the food.
First Nations people of British Columbia know all regarding the richness and nourishment of the ground and sea and know better how to harvest by-products. Mr. Bannock is so-called after the classic unleavened bread, served with salmon, meats, juniper berries, and local mushrooms.
6. Gastown
The actual downtown place of Vancouver, Gastown, is currently an energetic, modern neighborhood with exceptional shopping, dining, art museums, and more.
Densely crowded but trendy, you can easily find cobblestone roads and beautifully renovated structures and buildings. After searching for the boutiques and galleries, you can take a cocktail or dinner and create a night out.
This is also the place where you can discover the most favored Gastown Steam Clock, also known as one of the rare functioning steam clocks in the world. After every 15 minutes, the clock discharges steam from its five whistles, and after one hour, it shoots off a toot from every whistle.
7. False Creek
This short channel slashes through the soul of Vancouver, dividing Downtown from the remaining of the city. It is famous for walking and boating conditions.
Basically, there are three waterfront strolls along with this place, South, North, and Olympic Village. You will notice the beauty of the place because the walkthrough revitalized the industrial sites, and the 2010 Olympics restored the neighborhood.
If you are a water sports enthusiast, False Creek is an excellent spot to lease a kayak to float above the preferences of Yaletown and Granville Island. You can also stop yourself for a sip or a bite along the way.
8. VanDusen Botanical Garden
This place is packed with long trees, and other perennials, along with the botanical gardens are the best spot to unwind or grab a few nature selfies.
VanDusen Botanical Garden is spread across 55 acres of green garden and splashes of color, with more than 7,500 plant species spread everywhere worldwide. There is a tremendous picturesque lake and a hedge maze available at that place which is built from 3,000 cedars.
9. English Bay Beach
This beach is in the West End of Vancouver city and is considered a bustling neighborhood of beaches, shopping, and dinner. It hosts annual events such as the Light fireworks competition and celebration and the Polar Bear Swim of the Vancouver.
This beach remains crowded for sunbathing and swimming in the summer season, and the whole neighborhood is the best destination for shopping, dinner, waterfront strolling, beautiful scenery, and art. You should visit this beach and enjoy the fantastic sunset views.
10. Sea to Sky Gondola
This place remains open throughout the year, and with the ten-minute gondola ride, you can get more than 2,800 feet above past Shannon Falls.
You should visit the stunning Sea to Sky Highway and watch outside from the gondola window for even more awesome views of Howe Sound and the mountains surrounding the city of Vancouver. You can also hike the trails, try the Via Ferrata, dine at the Summit Lodge, cross the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, and during the winter, ski the backcountry.
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Conclusion
Vancouver is a beautiful city with much to offer visitors. There are many different neighborhoods to explore, each with its own unique character and charm. With plenty of activities and attractions available, as well as a wide variety of restaurants and shops, Vancouver is sure to please everyone who visits. We hope you enjoy your time in this wonderful city!