Vancouver: City Between Mountains and Sea

Framed by the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural splendor. This coastal metropolis has earned its reputation as one of the world's most livable cities with its stunning setting, diverse culture, and abundance of outdoor activities available year-round.

Vancouver at a Glance

Vancouver is Canada's western jewel, a cosmopolitan city where you can ski in the morning and sail in the afternoon. With mild temperatures year-round (by Canadian standards), this bustling seaport offers:

• A vibrant multicultural atmosphere with diverse culinary scenes
• Spectacular natural settings with beaches, forests, and mountains
• Excellent public transportation making exploration easy
• A thriving arts and culture scene
• World-class shopping and entertainment

Top Urban Attractions

1. Stanley Park

No visit to Vancouver is complete without exploring Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre urban oasis. Larger than New York's Central Park, this beloved green space features:

• A 5.5-mile seawall path perfect for walking, cycling, or rollerblading
• Ancient cedar, hemlock, and fir trees in temperate rainforest settings
• The Vancouver Aquarium, home to over 50,000 aquatic creatures
• Nine First Nations totem poles at Brockton Point
• Serene beaches including Second Beach and Third Beach
• Stunning views of the North Shore Mountains, Lions Gate Bridge, and downtown skyline

Insider tip: Rent a bike near the park entrance and circle the entire seawall in about two hours, with plenty of stops for photos.

2. Granville Island

Once an industrial manufacturing area, Granville Island has been transformed into a vibrant cultural hub featuring:

• The bustling Public Market with local produce, gourmet foods, and artisan crafts
• A thriving arts scene with galleries, theaters, and studios
• Waterfront restaurants with fresh seafood and spectacular views
• Unique shops and boutiques selling Canadian-made goods
• Breweries and distilleries offering tours and tastings

Insider tip: Take the small Aquabus ferry from downtown for a scenic approach to the island.

3. Gastown and Chinatown

Vancouver's oldest neighborhoods showcase the city's history and cultural diversity:

Gastown

• Victorian architecture and cobblestone streets
• The famous steam-powered clock on Water Street
• Trendy boutiques, galleries, and restaurants
• Vibrant nightlife scene

Chinatown

• Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, an authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden
• Historic buildings and colorful streetscapes
• Herbalists, tea shops, and authentic dim sum restaurants
• Night markets during summer months

"Vancouver is not just a city, it's a feeling—where the energy of urban life meets the serenity of nature at every turn." — David Thompson, Travel Writer

Exploring Vancouver's Natural Surroundings

1. North Shore Mountains

Just a 30-minute drive from downtown, Vancouver's North Shore mountains offer year-round recreation:

Winter Activities

• Grouse Mountain: Known as the "Peak of Vancouver" with skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing trails
• Cypress Mountain: The largest skiing and riding area with 53 runs
• Mount Seymour: Family-friendly ski area with excellent snowshoeing trails

Summer Activities

• Grouse Grind: A challenging 1.8-mile trail nicknamed "Mother Nature's Stairmaster"
• Capilano Suspension Bridge: 450-foot bridge hanging 230 feet above the Capilano River
• Lynn Canyon Park: Free suspension bridge and beautiful forest hiking trails
• Mountain biking: World-class trails on all three mountains

2. Pacific Coastline

Vancouver's beaches and coastal areas provide scenic relaxation and water activities:

• English Bay: Downtown beach perfect for swimming and sunset watching
• Kitsilano Beach: Popular spot with Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool
• Spanish Banks: Quieter beaches with mountain views and extensive tidal flats
• Wreck Beach: Clothing-optional beach near UBC with dramatic cliff backdrop
• Deep Cove: Tranquil inlet perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding

Cultural Experiences

Museums and Galleries

• Museum of Anthropology (MOA): World-renowned for its Indigenous collections
• Vancouver Art Gallery: Showcasing Canadian and international works, including Emily Carr pieces
• Science World: Interactive science museum in a distinctive geodesic dome
• Bill Reid Gallery: Contemporary Indigenous Northwest Coast art
• Vancouver Maritime Museum: Celebrating the Pacific Northwest's maritime heritage

Multicultural Food Scene

Vancouver's diverse population has created one of North America's most exciting culinary landscapes:

• Asian cuisine: Authentic Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Thai restaurants throughout the city
• Richmond Night Market: Largest night market in North America with over 100 food stalls
• Farm-to-table: Restaurants focusing on locally sourced ingredients from the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island
• Seafood: Fresh Pacific offerings including wild salmon, spot prawns, Dungeness crab, and oysters
• Craft beer: Over 20 microbreweries in the city, many offering tasting rooms

Insider tip: For an authentic experience, explore the Chinese restaurants along Alexandra Road in Richmond, known locally as "Food Street."

Day Trips from Vancouver

1. Whistler

Just 75 miles north of Vancouver via the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, Whistler is world-famous for:

• Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, consistently ranked among North America's top ski destinations
• Mountain biking trails and adventure activities in summer
• Pedestrian-only village with shops, restaurants, and vibrant après-ski scene
• PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola connecting Whistler and Blackcomb mountains
• Olympic legacy from the 2010 Winter Games

2. Victoria and Vancouver Island

British Columbia's capital city is accessible via a 90-minute ferry ride plus driving, or a 35-minute floatplane flight. Highlights include:

• The impressive Fairmont Empress Hotel and historic Inner Harbour
• Butchart Gardens, featuring over 55 acres of meticulously maintained gardens
• British colonial architecture and English-inspired traditions
• Royal BC Museum with natural and human history exhibits
• Wildlife tours offering whale watching opportunities

3. Squamish and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor

The journey to this outdoor adventure hub is as spectacular as the destination, with ocean and mountain views along Highway 99:

• Sea to Sky Gondola with suspension bridge and viewing platforms
• Stawamus Chief, a massive granite monolith popular with hikers and rock climbers
• Shannon Falls, BC's third highest waterfall
• Windsurfing and kiteboarding in Howe Sound
• Eagle viewing in Brackendale during winter salmon runs

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit

Vancouver enjoys a temperate climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers:

• June to September: Peak season with warm temperatures (65-75°F/18-24°C) and minimal rainfall
• April-May and October: Shoulder seasons with fewer crowds, moderate temperatures, and reasonable rates
• November to March: Mild winter temperatures (40-45°F/4-7°C) with frequent rainfall in the city and snow in the mountains

Getting Around

• SkyTrain: Automated light rail system connecting downtown with suburbs and airport
• SeaBus: Passenger ferry connecting downtown to North Vancouver
• Bus network: Extensive routes throughout the city
• Aquabus and False Creek Ferries: Small passenger ferries connecting downtown with Granville Island and other waterfront locations
• Cycling: Extensive bike lane network and bike-share program
• Walking: Compact downtown core is pedestrian-friendly

Where to Stay

Vancouver offers accommodations for every budget and preference:

• Downtown: Luxury hotels and boutique properties within walking distance of major attractions
• West End: Mid-range hotels and apartment rentals near English Bay and Stanley Park
• Kitsilano: Beachside neighborhood with bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals
• Commercial Drive: Eclectic area with budget-friendly options
• North Vancouver: Hotels with mountain views and proximity to outdoor activities