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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.

At a Glance

  • Hit the slopes at Grouse Mountain
  • Visit the vibrant market on Granville Island
  • Kick back on Kits Beach
  • Prep for your trip with our Holiday Extras
  • Get your visa through our visa and travel authorisation partner Sherpa

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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Top things to see and do in Vancouver

Whether its action-packed days on the beach or lazy days soaking up the sun, Vancouver has nine beaches to pick from. Kitsilano beach is a great family-friendly stretch with soft sand, calm waters and loads of activities to keep you busy. Jericho Beach is perfect for a romantic stroll – you’ll get great views of the North Shore Mountains and it’s a good spot for sailing and kayaking. Just a 30-minute stroll from Downtown Vancouver you’ll find English Bay, also known as ‘First Beach’. It’s a busy spot, but there’s plenty of umbrellas and loungers to relax on and the kids will absolutely love the floating slide.

Kitsilano, ‘Kits’, beach is a great all-rounder. Sunseekers can lounge on its long stretch of sand, while sport lovers can shoot some hoops with the locals or play a game of beach volleyball. And if you’re around in August there’s KitsFest – an annual sports festival with touch football, tennis and even sunset yoga. Swimmers can cool off in the sea or hit the heated outdoor pool nearby. And, for family-friendly fun there’s a playground and a huge grassy spot perfect for picnics.

Enjoy a stroll along Stanley Park seawall, and you’ll stumble upon Third Beach. Tucked away behind trees, this cosy sandy spot offers an escape from the city’s buzz. It’s easy to see why the locals love it here – wide sandy stretches and large logs scattered to lean against. It’s a popular place for summer evening barbecues and sunset snaps.

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Swing by one of Vancouver’s thrift shops or vintage stores to pick up a unique fashion find whilst not breaking the bank. For a vintage buy, Main Street is the place to go. Whether it’s a statement piece, retro jacket or a vintage evening gown, you can find it all on this street. For second-hand steals try The Shipyards District, located on North Vancouver’s vibrant waterfront – it’s all about upcycling and preloved goods here.

Found in Downtown Vancouver, Robson Street is a popular shopping district and the perfect place for a bit of retail therapy. Splash the cash on this one-stop shopping street for fashion, sportswear, beauty and homeware. You’ll find a range of local and high-street brands including Nike, Zara and Lush.

Alberni Street, known as ‘luxury row’, is home to many designer boutiques and some of the top dining venues in the city. If it’s an extravagant treat you’re after you’ll be spoilt for choice with high-end brands like Jimmy Choo, Gucci and Prada being just a few of the global names you’ll find here.

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Thumping DJ sets, all-night bars and secret drinking spots, Vancouver has all the options for a wild night out. Granville Street is at the heart of Vancouver’s party scene. A neon-lit strip packed with pubs, clubs and live music venues and heaving with people looking to dance the night away.

Head down to the beachside neighbourhood of Kitsilano, nicknamed Kits, for a more relaxed atmosphere. You’ll find tree-lined streets and beautiful old houses along with loads of laidback family-run restaurants. They celebrate the city’s multicultural heritage, from Greek to Mexican and Italian to Japanese, there’s something for every taste. After dinner you can take a stroll along the beach or nip into one of the cosy cafes or pubs specialising in craft beer and classy cocktails.

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This dish is a taste of Japanese-Canadian fusion that’s popular across the country. The B.C. roll – short for British Colombia – is simply an ‘inside out’ roll with the classic seaweed, sushi rice and cucumber but with a twist of using barbequed salmon. You can pick up a B.C. roll in many sushi restaurants dotted all over Japantown.

If you’re after a sweet and smoky treat all rolled into one, then this is the dish for you. It's a tasty twist on traditional smoked salmon, with locally caught salmon fillets rubbed with Canada's famous maple syrup, then smoked to perfection. You can pick these treats up from market stalls all over Downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park.

The Canadian comfort food that, whilst being the regional dish of Quebec, has been adopted all over Canada. Imagine golden, crispy French fries, smothered in heaps of cheese curd, gravy and then finished with even more grated cheese.

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