Vancouver Guidebook

Quick facts

• Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD). Cards and contactless payments are accepted almost everywhere.
• Language: English, with French as the other official language.
• Time zone: Pacific Time (PST/PDT).
• Power outlets: Type A/B, 120V. Bring an adapter if your plug is different.
• Tipping: 15-20% in restaurants and bars is customary and is not included in the bill.

When to go

Summer (June-September) is the driest and sunniest time, and the best for the seawall, beaches, and mountain views.

Spring and early fall are mild and quieter; the cherry blossoms bloom in spring.

Winters are mild and rainy in the city, and snowy in the mountains, with skiing at Grouse and Whistler.

What to pack

• A waterproof jacket; rain is common outside of summer.
• Layers, since the mountains and the water are cooler than the city.
• Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking.
• Sunscreen for summer, and a refillable water bottle.

Getting there & around

• From the airport: Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is about 13 km south of downtown. The Canada Line SkyTrain reaches downtown in around 25 minutes.
• Transit: SkyTrain, buses, and the SeaBus are covered by the Compass card.
• Ferries: Small False Creek ferries link Granville Island, Yaletown, and other waterfront points.
• On foot and by bike: The seawall is a long, flat route for walking and cycling, and rentals are easy to find near Stanley Park.

Good to know before you go

• Check the weather before heading to Grouse Mountain, Capilano, or Whistler, since low cloud can hide the views.
• The Stanley Park seawall is one-way for cyclists, counter-clockwise.
• Tipping is expected in restaurants, so budget 15-20% on top of the bill.
• Tap water is safe to drink, and the city is generally safe; take care in the Downtown Eastside area.

Neighborhoods to know

• Gastown: The historic district of cobbled streets, restaurants, and the steam clock.
• Granville Island: A market, artisans, and breweries on False Creek.
• The West End and English Bay: A residential area beside the beach and Stanley Park.

Don't miss in Vancouver

• Stanley Park Seawall: A 9 km waterfront path around the park.
• Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: A long bridge above the river in the rainforest.
• Grouse Mountain: A gondola, hiking, and wildlife on the North Shore.
• Granville Island Public Market and the Sea to Sky drive: A food market, and a scenic day trip to Whistler.