Canada

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Vancouver

Where mountains meet the Pacific

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Vancouver Plan a trip around Canada

Best time to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Currency: CAD
Time zone: UTC-7
Country: Canada

Photo: Suspencewl, CC0

Vancouver is a coastal city in British Columbia, Canada, known for its stunning natural setting between the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains. Visitors come for its blend of outdoor activities, diverse neighbourhoods, and vibrant food and festival scene.

Largest cities

Toronto
Montreal
Vancouver
Calgary
Ottawa

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Canada
Capital: Ottawa
City population: 662,248
Population of Canada: 37M
Country area: 9,984,670 km²
Official language: English and French
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD) · 1 USD ≈ 1.43 CAD
Time zone: UTC-7
Calling code: +1
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 40 m
Plugs: A / B · 120V
Emergency numbers: 911
Best time to visit: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	6°	6°	9°	12°	16°	20°	24°	23°	19°	14°	9°	6°
Low	2°	1°	3°	5°	9°	12°	15°	16°	13°	8°	4°	2°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$80
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$165
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$360

Plan a trip to Vancouver

Top things to do

Free
Stanley Park & Seawall
Walk or cycle the 8.8 km seawall loop around the park, with views of the harbour and mountains; rent a bike near the entrance.
- Half day
- Stanley Park & West End
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
Granville Island Public Market
Browse the vibrant public market for local produce, crafts, and street performances; take the Aquabus from downtown.
- Half day
- Granville Island & False Creek
- Good for kids
Free
Gastown & Steam Clock
Explore the historic cobblestone streets, see the famous steam clock, and visit the many shops and cafes.
- Half day
- Gastown & Chinatown
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $50
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cross the 140-meter suspension bridge over the Capilano River and explore the treetop adventure and cliffwalk; free shuttle from downtown.
- Half day
- North Shore & Capilano
- Good for kids
≈ $60
Grouse Mountain
Take the Skyride gondola up for panoramic views, see grizzly bears, and enjoy hiking or skiing depending on the season; open until late evening in summer.
- Half day
- North Shore & Capilano
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $18
Museum of Anthropology
Located at UBC, this museum houses an impressive collection of First Nations art and cultural artifacts; allow time to explore the surrounding campus.
- Half day
- Downtown & Coal Harbour
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Whistler Day Trip
Drive the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler, a resort town 125 km north, for hiking, biking, or sightseeing; tours available.
- Full day
- North Shore & Capilano
- Good for kids
≈ $100
Victoria Day Trip
Take a ferry to Vancouver Island and explore Victoria's Inner Harbour, Butchart Gardens, and historic architecture; full day needed.
- Full day
- Downtown & Coal Harbour
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Most visitors need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter or transit through Canada; British citizens and many other nationalities can visit visa-free for up to 6 months but usually need an eTA if arriving by air. Land and sea arrivals from the US do not need an eTA, but must carry acceptable travel documents. Temporary Ebola-related border measures are in place for travellers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, and have been extended until November 27, 2026. Check the official Government of Canada page to see whether you need a visa or eTA before booking.

Official website

From the airport

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the main gateway, located about 12 km south of downtown. The Canada Line SkyTrain connects the airport to downtown in about 25 minutes for around CAD 9-10.