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Canada · British Columbia

Vancouver travel guide

A city between the mountains and the sea

Vancouver with mountains behind. Photo: Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

9h 45mflight from London
YVRnearest main airport
16° in Julwarmest month
-1° in Deccoolest month

Vancouver sits between the Pacific and the Coast Mountains, so you can ski and kayak on the same day. Stanley Park, Granville Island and Gastown make it great to explore.

It's the gateway to Whistler, Vancouver Island and the Sea to Sky Highway.

Good forCity breaksNatureFoodSkiing

What Vancouver is known for

  • Stanley Park

    Seawall walks and cycling.

  • Granville Island

    A public market.

  • Grouse Mountain

    Views and grizzlies.

  • Whistler

    A world-class ski resort.

Top things to do in Vancouver

  1. 1

    Cycle the Stanley Park seawall

    Ten kilometres of coastal path.

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  2. 2

    Granville Island

    The market and street performers.

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  3. 3

    Capilano Suspension Bridge

    A swaying bridge over a canyon.

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  4. 4

    Whistler

    A day or two in the mountains.

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See all tours and tickets in Vancouver

Where to stay in Vancouver

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Best time to visit Vancouver

Best value: Dec–May, Sep–Oct. May to September: drier and sunny. December to March for skiing nearby.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
-0.5 C-0°J-0.5 C-0°F1.6 C2°M4.9 C5°A10.1 C10°M13.2 C13°J16.5 C16°J16.4 C16°A12.9 C13°S7.6 C8°O2.3 C2°N-1.1 C-1°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Vancouver, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 9h 45m from London to YVR, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?

SkyTrain, buses and SeaBus ferries. Tap a contactless card.

Airport transfer to Vancouver

Find flights to Vancouver (YVR)

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Good to know

  • Drive the Sea to Sky Highway to Whistler.
  • Winters are wet: bring a waterproof.
  • Try the sushi: some of the best outside Japan.
Canada guidesVisasWhen to goFlight times

Vancouver FAQ

How many days in Vancouver?

Three or four days.

Is Whistler a day trip?

Yes, about two hours each way.

More places in Canada

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