Vancouver
Canada · Country profile
Vancouver is a Pacific coast city framed by mountains, ocean and towering firs, where the glass towers of the downtown peninsula face the North Shore peaks and the sea wall circles the harbour. Stanley Park’s old-growth forest, the neighbourhoods of Gastown and Granville Island, and the culturally rich districts of the city’s Chinese and South Asian communities all add to the layered picture. It is a city built around being outdoors: kayaking and sailing on the bay, hiking up Grouse Mountain, cycling the sea wall and watching orcas offshore. Mild winters, summery summers and a friendly, easy-going rhythm make Vancouver a city you sink into quickly.
About Vancouver
Vancouver is a city in Canada. The city's documented population is around 710,000 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD) and English and French are spoken; the dialling code is +1. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Vancouver International Airport.
Mountains, Ocean and a Seawall Made for Playing Outdoors
Vancouver is a young, outdoorsy, multicultural city squeezed between ocean and mountains, and its personality is its geography. The downtown is clean, compact and walkable, with the sea wall, Stanley Park and the harbourfront holding the classic views. It is a place where the working day winds down to a kayak paddle or a hike, and the pattern of life feels more like a year-round resort than a big-city grind. Rain is the great variable — it shapes the schedule as much as any plan. The city’s food — from sushi to dim sum to food-truck street eats — is a genuine strength.
Rain-Decided Plans, Booked Bridges and the Rainy-Day Loop
Vancouver is a rain-or-shine city, but the sunniest months — June to September — bring the dry, glorious season that defines the postcard. Bring layers even in summer, a real rain jacket in the other months, and a wind shell for the harbour. The Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Grouse tram sell out in peak weeks, so book online; the free alternatives (Lynn Canyon and the Grouse Grind hike) are excellent. A single TransLink tap card covers the SkyTrain, buses and the SeaBus ferry. Tipping is expected at about 15-20%, and most places run card-first. Note the city’s spreading homelessness — keep alert in the downtown east edge.
SeaBus, SkyTrain, Tipping and Lanes of Real Food
The SeaBus and the SkyTrain make the region easy, and the sea wall is the classic walk or bike loop — rent a bike in English Bay and ride it for the best of the city. Stanley Park’s totem poles, the seawall and the old-growth forest are the top free landmarks. Granville Island’s market and galleries are the sunny-day destination, and the Chinese New Year and the fireworks festivals mark the big calendar events. "Looks like rain? Walk anyway" is a local habit. The mountain towns of Whistler and Squamish, plus the ferries to Vancouver Island, are the weekend escapes from the city.
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- Country
- Canada
- Population
- 710,000
- Coordinates
- 49.1967, -123.1815
- Capital
- Ottawa
- Region
- North America
- Currency
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- Languages
- English, French
- Calling code
- +1
- Country code
- CA
Entry requirements for Canada
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Canada for tourism.
Getting to Vancouver
Airports we list for Vancouver:
Other airports in the area:
Cities in Canada
Other cities we cover in Canada:
Frequently asked questions
Is Vancouver the capital of Canada?
No — the capital of Canada is Ottawa.
What currency do I need in Vancouver?
The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Languages spoken in Canada include English and French.
What is the dialling code for Canada?
The international dialling code for Canada is +1.
Which airport should I fly into for Vancouver?
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the airport we list for Vancouver.
How far is Vancouver from the nearest airport?
Vancouver is about 687 km from Calgary International Airport.
Do I need a visa to visit Canada?
It depends on your passport. For the origins we track, the current tourism visa status is Australia (e-visa), France (e-visa), Germany (e-visa), India (visa required) and Italy (e-visa). Check the entry requirements tool for your own nationality.
Flying out of Vancouver? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.