Vancouver Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 3-4 days

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"A multicultural haven."

Vancouver Tourism

Surrounded by mountains and beautiful scenery, Vancouver is a city known for its natural beauty and diversity. A city of many mixtures, contrasts and cultures, Vancouver is a must visit for any tourist.

Naturally picturesque and culturally diverse, Vancouver is perfect for a variety of pursuits- whether it be a hike in the mountains or theatre and music in the main square of the city, it offers a wide range of activities to amuse any kind of tourist. It had a large number of eateries, coupled with delectable fusion cuisine, unique to city itself, along with museums, festivals and many other entertainment options- followed by a great nightlife. Thus, this city is a must-visit for any tourist seeking diversity, fusion and adventure, in every sense.

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Currency in Vancouver

Major cards are accepted, with ATMs usually accepting cards worldwide. USD (American Dollars) can be used at times at major establishments, but they must be used while keeping exchange rates in mind. For the smaller shops, carrying Canadian dollars is advisable.

Shopping in Vancouver

The city is filled with options for any kind of shopper, with local designers and boutiques to high-end fashion brands, souvenir shops, department stores, little ethnic stores that abound with culture, and wine shops. There are plenty of unique shopping centres, dotted with small chic boutiques and eateries, and some shopping options line the neighbourhoods and streets as well.

Nightlife in Vancouver

Vancouver is filled with many options for nightlife, whether it be a laid-back winery with a jazz band or a loud club with dancing. There are many tiny bistros with breweries attached, where there is a great selection of alcohol, and there are many musical performances at many of these establishments. Tourists interested in trying their luck can give the casinos in the city a shot, and win big money.

History of Vancouver

Vancouver was initially occupied by a number of tribes (Squamish, Coquitlam (Kwayhquitlam), Katzie and Semiahmoo Indian tribes) and in the 15th and 16th centuries the Spanish settled in Vancouver for a while, after which John Vancouver (after whom the city is named) settled in the 18th century with the British. Then the famous Fraser Gold Rush occurred and people of many ethnicities came to settle down in Vancouver, after which the city steadily developed into what it is today, a multicultural society, with diversity.

Language of Vancouver

The language commonly spoken in Vancouver is English, and even the signage is primarily in English, which makes it easier for tourists to navigate their way around the city and communicate effectively. After English and Chinese, the most common languages spoken are Punjabi, German, Italian, French, Tagalog (Filipino) and Spanish.

Vancouver Customs

Vancouver is like any other Canadian city, in the sense that tipping is encouraged, and there are very few dress codes that need to be followed.

Religion of Vancouver

With Christianity as the religious majority, Vancouver is also home to other religious beliefs such as Sikhism, Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism and Judaism. It has a quite cosmopolitan and secular atmosphere.

Daily Budget for Vancouver

Vancouver is quite an expensive place, so even on a shoestring budget, tourists should have at leat CAD 50-80 at their disposal. For mid-range and luxury travellers, CAD 100 upwards is necessary.

Exchanging Money in Vancouver

Tourists can exchange currency at the Vancouver International Airport, Canadian chartered banks, trust companies, credit unions, or at offices of foreign exchange brokers, but it is advised to have local currency on hand, before arriving.

Best Time to Visit Vancouver

How to Reach Vancouver

How to Reach Overview

Vancouver can be reached by air, rail, waterways and roads.

How to reach Vancouver by flight

Vancouver International Airport connects Vancouver to the rest of the world, and the most important air carrier there is Air Canada. From places that are close to Vancouver like the Gulf Islands or Whistler, tourists can also travel via scheduled floatplane or helicopter services.

How to reach Vancouver by road

Renting a car or a recreational vehicle (RV) is easy, and a great option, specially for those interested in sightseeing, and stopping along the way. Highway 1, the Trans-Canada Highway, accesses Vancouver from the east, and ferries are available for cars from the neighbouring islands.

How to reach Vancouver by train

Travelling to Vancouver by train is the best way to get there, and also the best way to do some sightseeing around British Columbia as well. Tourists can travel across Canada on VIA Rail�s transcontinental service running from Vancouver to Toronto,three times per week, year-round and go around British Columbia and Alberta with a Rocky Mountaineer two-day rail tour, offered from April through October.

How to reach Vancouver by bus

Buses connect Vancouver to destinations including Seattle, Victoria, Vancouver Island, Whistler and the Okanagan Valley.

How to reach Vancouver by waterways

Sailing on the Pacific Ocean is one of the best parts of visiting Vancouver, so there are many cruise, boat and ferry services. BC Services offer a wide range of ferries.

Local transport in Vancouver

The city is best navigated by cabs/cars and the public transportation services like buses. There are many picturesque driving routes, and the British Columbia public transport system offers a great way to get around the city.

Vancouver Photos

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FAQs on Vancouver

What is the local food in Vancouver?

Vancouver is famous for its multicultural food spots, and its delectable West-Coast seafood. Because of its cosmopolitan nature, it has a large number of fusion restaurants. This has created a hybrid cuisine in Vancouver, with no fixed dish dominating the area. Tourists can find tandoori chicken next to a poutine shop, which in turn can be next to a Japanese ramen shop. There are also plenty of gastro pubs, and wine bars, with plenty of options for any foodie.
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What are the places near Vancouver?

The top places near to Vancouver are Seattle which is 195 km from Vancouver, Toronto which is located 3359 km from Vancouver, Montreal which is located 3687 km from Vancouver, Quebec city which is located 3793 km from Vancouver, London which is located 7580 km from Vancouver

What are the things to do in Vancouver?

The top things to do in Vancouver are Hiking Trails, Snow Sports, Chinatown, GMS Obervatory, VancouverÍs Beaches, Sea-to-Sky Highway. You can see all the places to visit in Vancouver here

What are the top hotels in Vancouver?

There are 896 in Vancouver which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Vancouver are Upper Deer Lake Family Duplex Suite, Bedroom Suites at Spanish Style House, Luxury Holiday, Vancouver Richmond Vacation House, 4BR Cozy Family Home- Close to UBC/YVR/DT+Shops, Cozy, Spacious House in Vancouver. You can see all the hotels in Vancouver here

What is the best way to reach Vancouver?

Vancouver can be reached by air, rail, waterways and roads.
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What is the best time to visit Vancouver?

The weather in Vancouver is usually very mild, but in the summer, it is exceedingly so. Therefore, tourists are advised to book their hotel rooms two or three weeks in advance for it can get a little crowded during the summer. In November, winter sports are also in full swing, and those looking for adventure can always go to Vancouver to pursue snowboarding, skiing and sledding.
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Vancouver Reviews

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Ken Chiramel

5 years ago
Vancouver lies on the western coast of Canada, and is a thriving diverse metropolitan. Sandwiched between majestic mountains and sunny beaches, Vancouver offers something for everyone. Head on up to (Read More)Whistler mountain during the winter months to take on the snowy slopes on skis or snowboards, and have a beer or two at Whistler village. Spanish banks and English bay beaches are sunny beaches during the spring months. Take a stroll along Stanley Park, a 405-acre spread that hugs the coast and offers scenic views the whole way. Head on down to Gastown, with its iconic whistling steam clock and its proliferation of chic and boutique cafes and eateries. Visit Granville street during the day to do some shopping and watch how it turns into a lively nightclub scene as the sun sets.
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