Travel Keyring

Vancouver travel guide

Canada

Basics

CountryCanada

Time zoneAmerica/Vancouver

CurrencyCAD

Official language(s)English

It's recommended to visit national parks during the summer and enjoy skiing in winter.

Places to visit

Kitsilano Beach & Park Area

A popular waterfront hangout with beach, lawns, and walking paths where you can relax by the sea.

LocationKitsilano Beach, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Nearest stationCity bus stops

Hours24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipMornings and sunset are especially pleasant in summer, and bringing swimwear and sunscreen is useful.

Queen Elizabeth Park

A signature city park combining gardens with wide views over Vancouver, popular for walks and photos.

Location4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Y 2M4, Canada

Nearest stationKing Edward Station

Hours24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipThere are hilly sections with great viewpoints, so wear comfortable shoes and consider visiting near sunset.

False Creek Seawall

A scenic waterfront walkway around False Creek with great views of the water and city skyline.

LocationFalse Creek, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Nearest stationYaletown–Roundhouse Station

Hours24 hours daily

AdmissionFree

Travel tipIt can be busy with walkers and cyclists, so take your time and stop at the lookout points along the way.

Museum of Anthropology at UBC

A major museum showcasing Indigenous art and collections from the Northwest Coast and beyond.

Location6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada

Nearest stationUniversity Endowment Lands / UBC bus stops

Hours10:00–17:00 daily

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipIt is a great rainy-day stop, and the outdoor sculpture area is worth seeing as well.

Vancouver Art Gallery

A major downtown museum showcasing Canadian, Indigenous, and international art collections.

Location750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Nearest stationBurrard Station

HoursHours vary

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipCheck the current exhibitions before you go, as special shows change often.

Vancouver Lookout

An observation deck with sweeping views of downtown, the harbour, and surrounding mountains.

Location555 West Hastings St, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Nearest stationWaterfront Station

HoursUsually daily 10:00–17:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipVisit around sunset on a clear day for both daytime and evening city views.

Bloedel Conservatory

An indoor tropical conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park, featuring exotic plants and birds.

LocationQueen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Nearest stationKing Edward Station

HoursDaily 10:00–17:00

AdmissionPaid

Travel tipA great stop on a rainy day; pair it with the nearby park viewpoints.

Granville Island

A famous destination with vibrant markets filled with art and food.

HoursEvery day 09:00-19:00

AdmissionFree

Travel tipEnjoy a meal while overlooking the waterfront.

Stanley Park

A flagship park in Vancouver, offering stunning scenery and diverse outdoor activities.

HoursPark, Open year-round

AdmissionFree

Travel tipRent a bike to explore the park.

Vancouver Aquarium

A popular attraction where you can see diverse marine life.

HoursEvery day 10:00-17:00

Admission$12 CAD

Travel tipBuy discounted tickets before entry.

Vancouver Botanical Garden

A place with diverse plants and beautiful gardens.

HoursEvery day 09:30-16:30

Admission$6 CAD

Travel tipConsider signing up for a garden tour.

Art Gallery of Ontario

One of the largest art galleries in Canada, showcasing a wide range of artworks.

HoursMon-Fri 10:00-17:00, Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun and Holidays 10:00-17:00

Admission$24 CAD

Travel tipCheck the gallery schedule for special exhibitions.

Food to try

JAPADOG

A Vancouver favorite for Japanese- and North American-style fusion hot dogs.

Location530 Robson St, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Nearest stationVancouver City Centre Station

HoursUsually daily from lunch to evening

AdmissionHot dogs, low to mid-range

Travel tipGreat for a quick bite while sightseeing; popular items can sell out later in the day.

Events

Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade

A signature Lunar New Year celebration in Chinatown with a parade and cultural performances.

WhenAround February each year

LocationChinatown, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Nearest stationStadium–Chinatown Station

HoursHeld annually around Lunar New Year

AdmissionFree

Travel tipThe parade route gets very crowded, so transit is the easiest way to get there.

Vancouver Pride Parade & Festival

A major downtown Pride celebration with a parade and community programming.

WhenAround August each year

LocationDowntown Vancouver, BC, Canada

Nearest stationBurrard Station

HoursHeld annually in summer

AdmissionFree

Travel tipRoad closures are common on event day, so plan your hotel and transit routes ahead.

Honda Celebration of Light

A major fireworks festival held at English Bay and one of Vancouver’s signature summer events.

WhenAround July each year

LocationEnglish Bay, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Nearest stationBurrard Station

HoursAnnual summer nighttime event

AdmissionFree

Travel tipViewing spots fill up fast, so using transit and arriving early is the best plan.

Vancouver International Dragon Boat Festival

A signature summer event combining competitive racing with a festive waterfront atmosphere.

WhenAround June each year

LocationFalse Creek, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Nearest stationYaletown-Roundhouse Station

HoursAnnual early-summer weekend event

AdmissionFree viewing areas available

Travel tipThere are many good viewing spots by the water, but bring a hat and water since it can get sunny.

Carnaval

A vibrant parade and various performances take place to celebrate summer.

WhenFirst week of July every year

Travel tipBook tickets in advance.

Subway lines

Canada Line: Waterfront → Richmond-BrighouseExpo Line: Production Way-University → WaterfrontMillennium Line: VCC-Clark → Lafarge Lake–Douglas

Basic travel phrases (English)

Hello

Hello · Greeting

Thank you

Thank you · Thanks

Nice to meet you

Nice to meet you · Nice to meet you

Have a great day

Have a great day · Wishing a good day

Welcome

Welcome · Welcome

See all travel guides