Discover a city where natural beauty meets urban charm on a city break to Vancouver.
City breaks to Vancouver
Surrounded by the ocean and hugged by snowcapped mountains, Vancouver is a city for adventure seekers and nature lovers. You can hike, bike, canoe or kayak around the North Shore’s regional parks or go whale watching from May to October. But don’t overlook the city’s cosmopolitan charm. Immerse yourself in its rich tapestry of cultures by strolling through the lively districts of Gastown, Chinatown and Granville Island. Or, check out the city's vibrant festival scene, from the International Film Festival to the Mural Festival, celebrating Vancouver's rich cultural past.
Mountains peaks and parks
With its milder temperatures than the rest of Canada, Vancouver is the perfect place to dive in and discover the natural beauty the city has to offer. Explore Stanley Park, packed with walking trails, seawall paths, rose gardens, totem poles and beaches – an ideal spot for cyclists, hikers and runners offering insta-worthy views of the North Shore Mountains and Downtown Vancouver. Step onto Capilano Suspension Bridge, stretching 137 metres over Capilano River, offering unreal views of the rainforest. And, if it’s mountains you enjoy, then Vancouver has got you covered. Just a 15-minute drive from downtown is Grouse Mountain, an alpine playground for all ages and interests. With 33 ski and snowboarding runs, an ice rink and a wildlife refuge, there’s something for everyone. And for daredevils, you’ve got a zipline, chairlift rides and paragliding adventures.
Urban charm
With its bustling streets and diverse culture, Vancouver’s urban neighbourhoods have a charm all of their own. From colourful sidewalks to endless foodie picks, there’s something for everyone here. Stroll through Yaletown for leafy parks and cosy coffee shops or wander along Gastown’s historic streets, filled with charming Victorian architecture, fashion boutiques, art galleries and amazing eateries. Granville Island – once a polluted industrial site – is now home to a busy public market selling local food and artisan crafts as well as a theatre, art studio, a distillery and a couple of breweries.
Festival fever
Vancouver’s festival scene is buzzing with excitement all year. April sees the Cherry Blossom Festival in full swing – crowds come to see over 40,000 cherry trees that line the streets, with art events like community bike rides and traditional Japanese festivities. Film buffs will love the International Film Festival starting in late September. Rather than the focus on celebrities and red carpets, this film fest is for those that love and make films. One of Vancouver’s top summer experiences is the Celebration of Light at the end of July. A firework festival like no other, three countries compete across three nights to light up the Vancouver sky – grab a blanket and picnic and make a night of it.
Best time to go to Vancouver
Summers in Vancouver are hot and dry making it a top pick for both locals and tourists alike. July and August see temperatures climbing up into the high twenties – making it a hotspot for watersports lovers and hikers. For a more laid-back vibe, the period between March and May or September to November is ideal. Spring and autumn bring milder temperatures, ranging in the low-to-mid teens, still warm enough for some outdoor fun minus the crowds. And if you’re a fan of winter sports, then grab your skis and head to Vancouver between December and February. While the city sees rainy weather, up in the mountains it’s a snowy playground, perfect for skiing and snowboarding.
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