Vancouver Travel Guide – Best Attractions, Food, and Hotels
Vancouver, on Canada’s west coast, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Surrounded by ocean and mountains, it offers outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and great food all year round. The city is in British Columbia and is sheltered from extreme weather by Vancouver Island, making it one of the most temperate cities in Canada.
Exploring Vancouver’s Outdoors
During our stay, we enjoyed the city’s forests, parks, and a one-of-a-kind suspension bridge. Stanley Park was a highlight. It is Vancouver’s largest park and home to the famous Brockton Point Totem Poles, which share the history of First Nations people. Cycling along the seawall gave us amazing views of the ocean and mountains.
For a real thrill, we walked across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, hanging 230 feet above the Capilano River. If you want even more adventure, take the Skyride up Grouse Mountain, where you can hike in summer or ski in winter while overlooking the city.
Culture and City Life
Vancouver is rich in culture and history. We explored museums, art galleries, and neighborhoods like Gastown, famous for its old-world charm and the Gastown Steam Clock. Science lovers will enjoy Science World, while families can spend hours at the Vancouver Aquarium.
We also discovered the city’s diverse culture through festivals. The Vancouver International Film Festival and the Celebration of Light Fireworks are just two examples of annual events that bring the city to life.
Food and Dining
After a day of sightseeing, we were ready for good food. At Granville Island Public Market, we found fresh seafood, baked goods, and local specialties. Another great stop was Lonsdale Quay, where shops and markets overlook the water with some of the best views of downtown.
Vancouver is known for its multicultural dining. From sushi (the city is often called the “sushi capital of North America”) to fresh salmon, farm-to-table restaurants, and authentic Asian cuisine, the food scene is world-class. At our hotel, we enjoyed Le Pentola della Quercia, an Italian restaurant that uses fresh farm ingredients to create simple but flavorful dishes.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the stylish OPUS Vancouver, located in trendy Yaletown. The boutique hotel has 96 rooms, each with an iPad and mobile phone to use in and out of the hotel. Guests can also enjoy complimentary car service or borrow a mountain bike to explore the city.
The mix of comfort, technology, and location made it more than just a place to stay—it was part of the experience.
Getting Around
Vancouver is easy to explore. The SkyTrain connects the airport (YVR) to downtown in under 30 minutes. Buses, ferries, and bike paths make moving around simple. Walking and cycling are also popular, thanks to the city’s scenic routes.
Best Time to Visit
Vancouver is a year-round destination:
- Spring – cherry blossoms bloom across the city.
- Summer – warm weather, beaches, and outdoor festivals.
- Fall – colorful leaves and mild temperatures.
- Winter – nearby skiing at Grouse Mountain or Whistler.
Why Vancouver is Special
What stood out most to us was the balance between nature and city life. We could cycle by the ocean in the morning, walk through historic streets in the afternoon, and finish the day with fresh seafood at the market. Vancouver’s scenery, culture, and welcoming vibe make it a perfect escape.
Vancouver truly is spectacular by nature.
