Vancouver Unbound: Your Passport to the Pacific Northwest
Discover Vancouver
Traveling to Vancouver is a captivating experience that combines the allure of a bustling metropolis with the tranquility of nature’s beauty. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, this coastal city offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventure. Beyond the city’s bustling streets lies an abundance of natural wonders waiting to be explored. From the serene shores of Stanley Park to the rugged peaks of Grouse Mountain, Vancouver’s diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, skiing, and kayaking. Whether wandering through bustling markets, exploring world-class museums, or simply soaking in the stunning scenery, traveling to Vancouver promises an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, discovery, and relaxation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Three Fun Facts About Vancouver
Hollywood North
Vancouver is often referred to as “Hollywood North” due to its thriving film and television industry. Many Hollywood movies and TV shows are filmed in and around the city, taking advantage of its diverse landscapes and urban settings.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park, located in downtown Vancouver, is one of the largest urban parks in North America and is even larger than New York City’s Central Park. It offers stunning views of the city skyline, as well as walking and biking trails, beaches, and gardens.
No Freeways
Vancouver is one of the few major cities in North America without a freeway running through its downtown core. Instead, the city prioritizes public transit, cycling infrastructure, and walkability to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions.
Must See Attractions
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Nature & Parks
Experience the thrill of crossing the iconic suspension bridge suspended 230 feet above the Capilano River. Explore treetop walkways, cliffside pathways, and the thrilling Cliffwalk adventure.
Granville Island
Shopping & Dining
Wander through the bustling Granville Island Public Market, showcasing local artisans, gourmet food vendors, and unique shops. Enjoy street performers, art galleries, and stunning views of the city skyline.
Stanley Park
Nature & Park
Explore this iconic urban park, one of the largest in North America, featuring lush forests, scenic seawalls, beaches, and attractions such as the Vancouver Aquarium and Prospect Point.
Lakes Near Vancouver
Cultus Lake
3179 Columbia Valley Hwy, Cultus Lake, British Columbia V2R 5A3
Located about 100 kilometers east of Vancouver in Chilliwack, Cultus Lake is a popular recreational destination known for its sandy beaches, clear waters, and opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking.
Distance from Vancouver: 102 kilometers
Activities: Swimming, boating, fishing, hiking
Buntzen Lake
5000 Sunnyside Rd, Anmore, British Columbia V3H 4Z2
Located in Anmore, just a short drive from Vancouver, Buntzen Lake is a popular spot for outdoor activities such as swimming, fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The lake is surrounded by scenic trails and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Distance from Vancouver: 35 kilometers
Activities: Swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking
Sasamat Lake
2375 Bedwell Bay Rd, Belcarra, British Columbia V3H 4S3
Situated in Belcarra Regional Park near Port Moody, Sasamat Lake is a tranquil oasis offering swimming, fishing, picnicking, and canoeing opportunities. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and features a sandy beach and picnic areas.
Distance from Vancouver: 36 kilometers
Activities: Swimming, fishing, picnicking, canoeing
Secret Fishing Destinations Near Vancouver
Pitt River
Coquitlam Unnamed Road, V3E, British Columbia
Located northeast of Vancouver, the Pitt River offers excellent fishing opportunities for salmon, trout, and steelhead. Its remote location and pristine wilderness make it a great destination for anglers seeking solitude and a chance to reel in some big catches.
Fishing: Shoreline
Species: Salmon, trout, steelhead
Jones Lake
Jones Creek Forest Service Rd, Rosedale, British Columbia V0X 1X1
Situated near the town of Hope, Jones Lake is a hidden gem known for its abundant population of rainbow trout. Rugged mountains surround the lake and offer stunning scenery, making it a peaceful and picturesque fishing destination.
Fishing: Boat, kayak, shoreline, dock
Species: Rainbow trout
Stave Lake
Stave Lake, British Columbia
Located in Mission, just east of Vancouver, Stave Lake is a popular spot for fishing, yet it remains relatively undiscovered by many anglers. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon, making it a great destination for both novice and experienced fishermen.
Fishing: Boat, kayak, shoreline, dock
Species: Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, kokanee salmon
Best Hiking Trails Near Vancouver
Stanley Park Seawall
Central Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia
Stretching for approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) around the perimeter of Stanley Park, the Seawall provides a scenic route for walking, jogging, biking, and rollerblading while showcasing breathtaking views of the city skyline, mountains, and Burrard Inlet.
Distance: 9.7 kilometers
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 75 m
Time to Complete: 2 hours
Avison Trail – Seawall Path – Merilees Trail – Siwash Rock Trail
810 Prospect Point Trail, Vancouver, British Columbia
Beginning with the Avison Trail, visitors are guided through lush forests and tranquil meadows, immersing themselves in the park’s verdant landscape. The trail intersects with the Seawall Path and Merilees Trail. Finally, the Siwash Rock Trail leads explorers to one of Stanley Park’s most iconic landmarks, Siwash Rock, a majestic sea stack steeped in Indigenous legend.
Distance: 5.5 kilometers
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 107 m
Time to Complete: 1.5 hours
VanDusen Botanical Gardens
West Side, Vancouver, British Columbia V6M 4H1
This scenic trail winds its way through meticulously curated gardens showcasing a diverse array of plant species from around the world. As hikers meander along the pathways, they are treated to a symphony of colors, scents, and textures, with vibrant blooms, tranquil ponds, and lush foliage at every turn.
Distance: 2.9 kilometers
Type: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 38 m
Time to Complete: 45 minutes
Best Golf Courses Near Vancouver
Furry Creek Golf and Country Club
150 Country Club Rd, Furry Creek, British Columbia V8B 1A3
Situated along the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway, Furry Creek Golf and Country Club offers breathtaking ocean views and dramatic elevation changes. This public course is known for its challenging layout, with narrow fairways, water hazards, and stunning vistas at every turn.
Holes: 18
Designer: Robert Muir Graves
Visit their website for more information
Morgan Creek Golf Course
3500 Morgan Creek Way, Surrey, British Columbia V3Z 0J7
Located in Surrey, just a short drive from Vancouver, Morgan Creek Golf Course is a championship course designed by Thomas McBroom. This public course features rolling fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens, as well as picturesque views of the surrounding countryside.
Holes: 18
Designer: Thomas McBroom
Visit their website for more information
Northlands Golf Course
3400 Anne Macdonald Way, North Vancouver, British Columbia V7G 2S7
Nestled in the foothills of Mount Seymour in North Vancouver, Northlands Golf Course offers a scenic and challenging golfing experience. This public course features tree-lined fairways, panoramic views of the mountains and city skyline, and a variety of holes to test players of all skill levels.
Holes: 18
Designer: Les Furber
Visit their website for more information
Tips on Renting a Vacation Property in Vancouver
Start Early
Begin your search for vacation rentals well in advance, especially if you plan to visit during peak tourist seasons or major events. This will give you a better chance of finding the perfect property and securing the dates you want.
Research Neighborhoods
Vancouver is a diverse city with many distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own unique atmosphere and attractions. Research different neighborhoods to find one that suits your preferences in terms of convenience, ambiance, and proximity to attractions.
Be Flexible
Remain flexible with your travel dates and preferences to increase your chances of finding the perfect vacation rental within your budget. Consider adjusting your travel dates or exploring different neighborhoods to find the best option for your stay in Vancouver.
Traveling to Vancouver is an immersive experience in natural beauty, diverse cultures, and vibrant city life. Situated on the Pacific coast of Canada, Vancouver is renowned for its stunning scenery, with snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and picturesque waterfronts. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, a culture buff, or a city explorer, Vancouver has something to offer for everyone.
One of the highlights of visiting Vancouver is exploring Stanley Park, a sprawling urban park that offers miles of scenic trails, beautiful beaches, and iconic landmarks like the seawall and Prospect Point. Visitors can rent bikes or stroll along the seawall to soak in breathtaking views of the city skyline and surrounding mountains.
Granville Island is another must-visit destination in Vancouver, known for its bustling public market, artisan shops, and eclectic dining scene. Visitors can sample local delicacies, browse unique handmade crafts, and enjoy live performances by street artists.
For those seeking outdoor adventure, Vancouver offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, skiing, snowboarding, and water sports. Grouse Mountain, located just a short drive from downtown, offers year-round activities such as hiking, zip-lining, and skiing in the winter months.
No trip to Vancouver would be complete without experiencing its diverse culinary scene. From fresh seafood at Granville Island to international cuisine in neighborhoods like Chinatown and Gastown, Vancouver is a food lover’s paradise. Be sure to try local specialties like sushi, dim sum, and poutine while exploring the city’s culinary offerings.
In addition to its natural beauty and culinary delights, Vancouver is also home to a rich cultural scene. Visitors can explore the city’s museums, art galleries, and theaters, or attend festivals and cultural events celebrating Vancouver’s multicultural heritage.
Getting around Vancouver is easy thanks to its efficient public transportation system, including buses, SkyTrains, and SeaBuses. Visitors can also explore the city on foot or by bike, taking advantage of Vancouver’s pedestrian-friendly streets and scenic bike paths.
When it comes to accommodation, Vancouver offers a wide range of options to suit every budget and preference. From luxury hotels with stunning waterfront views to cozy bed and breakfasts tucked away in charming neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone in Vancouver.
Whether you’re exploring the great outdoors, indulging in delicious cuisine, or immersing yourself in the city’s cultural scene, traveling to Vancouver promises an unforgettable experience filled with adventure, discovery, and relaxation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vancouver
The best time to visit Vancouver is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. However, spring and fall also offer mild weather and fewer crowds.
Some must-visit attractions in Vancouver include Stanley Park, Granville Island, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Vancouver Aquarium, and Grouse Mountain.
Yes, Vancouver has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, SkyTrains, and SeaBuses, making it easy to get around the city without a car. Biking and walking are also popular options, especially in downtown Vancouver.
Popular outdoor activities in Vancouver include hiking, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, skiing, and snowboarding. With its stunning natural surroundings, Vancouver offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Vancouver is known for its fresh seafood. Some popular spots to enjoy seafood include Granville Island Public Market, Fisherman’s Wharf, and restaurants along False Creek and Coal Harbour.
Yes, there are several fantastic day trips you can take from Vancouver, including visiting Whistler, Victoria and Butchart Gardens, the Sea-to-Sky Highway, and the Fraser Valley wine region.
Yes, Vancouver is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities and attractions suitable for all ages, including parks, museums, aquariums, and outdoor adventures.