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Go to Granville Island

Visit Stanley Park

Explore Science World

Stop by the Aquarium

Top Attractions in Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the most visited destinations in Canada. When you travel to Vancouver via cheap business class flights or cheap first class flights booked by one of our travel gurus, you won’t want to miss the iconic attractions that make this city unique. Add the following top Vancouver attractions to your itinerary.

• Granville Island – This popular spot for locals and visitors offers restaurants, bars, arts and crafts studios, and spectacular waterfront views. Stroll through the pedestrian-friendly pathways while enjoying the lively atmosphere. Be sure to stop by the Granville Island Public Market for food and handicrafts. Family-friendly attractions include the Kids Market and the Granville Island Water Park. Other activities include kayaking on False Creek, touring Granville Island Brewing, and seeing a show at one of the many Granville Island venues. You can get to Granville Island by bus and via the False Creek mini-ferry from downtown.
• Stanley Park – Located in the West End of downtown Vancouver, this 1000-acre park is surrounded by the ocean and the North Shore Mountains. Walking along the park’s perimeter seawall is a favorite way to spend an afternoon for locals and visitors. Popular activities include hiking, cycling, jogging, and picnicking on one of the beaches. Other attractions include the Second Beach Swimming Pool, the Vancouver Aquarium, and the Stanley Park Children’s Farm. Get around the park via free shuttle bus, horse-drawn carriages, and steam locomotive.
• Science World – This popular Vancouver attraction features the largest dome theater in the world. Other highlights include stage shows, many interactive exhibits, live science demonstrations, and fascinating galleries. There are free shows regularly, and a specific gallery for children under 6 years old. Easily accessible by public transit from the Main Street/Science World station via SkyTrain. Keep in mind that some exhibits charge an additional entry fee. Hours of operation vary each season.
• Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – This 450-foot bridge sways 230 feet over the Capilano River in North Vancouver. Walking across the bridge is a must for Vancouver visitors. The bridge’s solid steel cables are safely rooted in massive concrete blocks on both sides. The viewing platform is the best spot to see the area’s natural grandeur. Other activities at the park include rain forest walks, totem poles, and the Treetops Adventure. Get here via car or bus from downtown Vancouver.
• Vancouver Aquarium – Over 9,000 sea creatures reside here, including sharks, dolphins, octopus, birds, butterflies, turtles, jellyfish, sea otters, and much more. Popular exhibits include the Arctic Canada exhibit and the Pacific Canada exhibit. Another highlight is the Amazon rainforest. The aquarium is located in the southeast area of Stanley Park, and it is easily accessible by public transportation and the park shuttle.

Best Times to Visit Vancouver

The best times to visit Vancouver are from March to May and from September to November for pleasant temperatures, less crowds, and the best deals on flights and hotels. Summer is the most popular time visit Vancouver because of the warm weather, but be sure to book cheap flights and hotels well in advance. Even in the winter, Vancouver doesn’t see much snow or freezing temperatures. With moderate, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters, Vancouver is a year-round city, and considered the most temperate part of Canada. Ask our gurus about cheap deals on business class or first class air travel to Vancouver.

Weather in Vancouver

• Spring –March through May is one of the best times to travel to Vancouver via cheap luxury flights. Temperatures average in the 50s and 60s, and the beautiful greenery starts to flourish. There’s a variety of special events in Vancouver throughout the spring. Plus, get great deals on flights and hotels before the busy summer season.
• Summer –June through August is the high season in Vancouver with an influx of tourists throughout the city. Temperatures average in the 70s. Locals and visitors enjoy outdoor activities. Flights and hotels aren’t cheap during the summer, so contact our travel gurus for the best deals on business class and first class flights and 5-star hotels.
• Fall – September through November is another pleasant time to travel to Vancouver. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s and 60s. Expect less crowds than the summer and cheap hotel rates.
• Winter – December through February is a popular time in Vancouver for winter sport enthusiasts. The cold weather attracts thousands of tourists to the slopes. Hotel prices are cheap, but keep in mind that temperatures will be in the 30s and 40s. Also, be prepared for frequent rainstorms.

Vancouver Tour Options

• Vancouver Bus Tour – ake a sightseeing tour through downtown Vancouver to experience top Vancouver attractions from a convertible, clear-top bus. Hop on and off the bus at any of over 20 stops, including Gastown, Yaletown, Granville Island, Stanley Park, Chinatown, Robson Street, and the Entertainment District. With a 24-hour pass, enjoy a unique view of Vancouver, along with informative commentary available in 7 languages.
• Vancouver Food Tour – Try the cuisine in historic Vancouver neighborhood, Gastown. During this 2.5-hour walking tour, visit restaurants, pubs, and shops while learning about the history of Gastown. A knowledgeable guide conducts each tour with compelling enthusiasm for Vancouver, sharing little-known facts about the city.
• Vancouver Harbor Tour - This narrated, scenic 1-hour cruise takes you across the magnificent Vancouver harbor. Relax with a drink while viewing the beautiful Vancouver skyline, as well as top Vancouver attractions, such as Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge, North Shore Mountains, and much more.

Transportation in Vancouver

• Bus – City buses offer the most efficient way of getting around Vancouver. Diesel and electric-trolley buses service Vancouver. Regular service on most routes is about every 5 to 15 minutes daily and every 30 minutes at night. Buses run from approximately 5am to 2am. Hours vary depending on the route. Avoid bus travel during rush hour. You must pay the exact fare to travel via bus.
• SkyTrain – This quick, light-rail service travels between downtown Vancouver and the suburbs. There are 3 SkyTrain lines: Expo Line, Millennium Line, and Canada Line. Trains run every few minutes, depending on the line, route, and time. SkyTrain travel is an efficient and less crowded way of getting around Vancouver. The average wait for a train is approximately 5 minutes. SkyTrain fares vary according to age, travel zones, and time.
• SeaBus - The SeaBus is a double-ended catamaran ferry that commutes across Burrard Inlet between downtown Waterfront Station and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. The SeaBus travels every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the day and time. The duration of the ride is about 12 minutes. The SeaBus service links to the SkyTrain and buses at Waterfront Station.
• Taxi – Hailing a taxi in Vancouver isn’t always easy, especially on rainy days or late at night. Calling for a taxi is often faster than hailing one from the street. Taxis in Vancouver are metered. Many Vancouver taxis are hybrid vehicles, so if your travel group is larger than four, you will probably need to book multiple cars.
• Car – If you’re staying in downtown Vancouver, you don’t need a car. Parking can be a hassle and expensive. However, if you must drive, try to avoid the Lions Gate Bridge and Highway 99 towards the Oak Street Bridge during rush hour. Vancouver driving rules are similar to those in Britain and the United States. To rent a car in Vancouver, you must be 21 years of age, and have a driver’s license and a credit card. All the major car rental companies have offices in downtown Vancouver and at YVR airport.
• Bike – Vancouver is a bike-friendly city with paved paths in parks and along beaches, plus bike lanes on major streets. There are a lot of bike rental outlets near Stanley Park. Helmets are mandatory. It is illegal to ride on sidewalks, except on designated bike paths. SkyTrain, SeaBus, and many buses will carry your bike for free.
• Ferry – The two ferry lines in Vancouver are Aquabus and False Creek Ferries. They dock south of Hornby Street, at Granville Island, Science World, and other locations, and run every 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the month and the route. Keep in mind that they are not included with Translink, so public transit passes or tickets are not accepted.

Vancouver Safety Tips

• Keep an eye on your possessions, know where you are going, and avoid alleys and unfamiliar areas at night.
• Beware of downtown Eastside, especially Hastings Street between Abbott and Gore, because it is known for homelessness, drug-use, and prostitution. Violence is a common problem here.
• If you get lost or feel uncomfortable in a sketchy part of town, ask a police officer for help.
• Be cautious in the Granville Mall area downtown on weekend nights since it is the bar and nightclub district of Vancouver. Disorderly conduct is common, but there is a strong police presence.
• Parked cars with foreign or out-of-province plates are frequently robbed. Do not leave money or valuables in plain sight.
• Use steering wheel locks to prevent vehicle theft.
• Panhandling is common in certain areas of downtown Vancouver. Politely decline, and you shouldn’t have a problem.

Vancouver Airport Tips

• Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the second busiest airport in Canada.
• YVR operates frequent flights to major cities across Canada, the United States, Asia, and Europe.
• The majority of the domestic flights are with Air Canada and WestJet.
• United States destinations are served by United Airlines, Alaska Airways, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Air Canada, and WestJet.
• International flights are served by Air Canada, KLM, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, Air New Zealand, and more.
• The 3 terminals at YVR are: Domestic, International, and South.
• The domestic and international terminals are linked and easily accessible on foot. The South Terminal is not connected and requires separate transportation.
• Travelers taking flights from Canada to the United States must clear customs before boarding, so allow extra time to check-in when you leave Vancouver for the United States.
  
• During the summer, afternoon flights at YVR are full of Alaska cruisers, so allow extra time to get through customs.
• For dining at YVR, the usual fast-food chains are located before the security check-ins in the departure areas.
• Duty-free shopping is available before and after customs at YVR.
• ATMs are accessible throughout the terminals, and currency exchange counters are located in the international terminal on both sides of security.
• SkyTrain’s Canada Line offers the only nonstop public rapid transit to downtown. Travel time is approximately 25 minutes.
• Taxis line up outside the baggage claim areas. There are fixed fares for taxi travel to Vancouver, depending on your destination. All airport taxis accept credit cards. Travel time from YVR to downtown is about 20 to 30 minutes.

Fine Dining

• Hawksworth Restaurant – This award-winning Vancouver restaurant serves contemporary Canadian cuisine in the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. The menu features the best organic ingredients and seafood available locally and from all over Canada. The vibe is glamorous and refined, yet relaxed, with friendly service. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
• Chambar – Innovative Belgian cuisine is on the menu at this popular, upscale Vancouver restaurant downtown. Known mostly for their Belgian beer, there’s also an extensive wine list. The atmosphere is lively and inviting. Open from breakfast to dinner, and a favorite brunch spot among the locals. When the weather is nice, enjoy your meal on the patio.
• Blue Water Café – Considered the best seafood restaurant in Vancouver, this gourmet eatery is known for its excellence in sourcing sustainable seafood and providing unparalleled service. From the dining room, guests can watch as their meals are prepared in the kitchen and raw bar. Other highlights include a heated patio, private dining rooms, and a diverse wine selection. Located in the heart of trendy Yaletown.
• Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge – Located in the Wedgewood Hotel and Spa, this award-winning Vancouver restaurant features French cuisine, afternoon tea, cocktails, and a piano bar. Diners can enjoy an authentic gourmet experience in cozy, welcoming surroundings, along with live entertainment.

Mid-Range Restaurants

• The Flying Pig – This popular Vancouver bistro provides the best in local cuisine in a vibrant, casual setting. The seasonal menu and affordable prices keep diners coming back again and again. Three Vancouver locations include Yaletown, Gastown, and Olympic Village.
• Fable– Top Chef Canada contestant Chef Trevor Bird created this innovative Vancouver bistro, serving fresh, farm-to-table local food in a relaxed environment. Open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.
• Kingyo – Authentic Japanese cuisine is on the menu at this Vancouver hotspot. Diners enjoy the varied selection of inventive small plates, creative cocktails, and high-quality sake. With an upbeat staff and relaxed vibe, it’s no wonder why this place is so popular.
• Alibi Room –This local favorite mixes restaurant, bar, and lounge elements to create a stylish vibe. Known for its topnotch beer selection, there are over 50 beer choices on tap. Socializing with strangers is part of the experience here thanks to the long, communal tables.

Cheap Eats

• Fritz European Fry House – This fast food outlet specializes in fries and hot dogs. All fries are hand cut, made from high-quality Canadian-grown potatoes, and cooked in pure vegetable oil. Try the poutine – fries topped with layers of fresh cheese curds and hot brown gravy. Open late, so stop by any time you need a snack in Vancouver.
• La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop– For the best tacos in Vancouver, travel to this local favorite. Expect crowds whenever you go, but it’s worth the wait. Cheap prices and friendly service keep people coming back for more. Be sure to read the specials before you order.
• Meat & Bread - This trendy Vancouver sandwich shop simply focuses on meat and ciabatta bread, just like the name says. The hand-carved porchetta is the most popular meat on the menu. First come, first served, so be ready to wait in line.
• Stepho’s Souvlaki Greek Taverna– Greek comfort food is served in hearty portions at this affordable Vancouver eatery. There’s always a long line, but the starter hummus and pita bread alone are worth the wait.

Vancouver offers many hotel options for travelers visiting this top Canadian destination on business or vacation. After taking cheap business class flights or cheap first class flights to Vancouver, stay at one of the best hotels in the city at an affordable rate. Ask our gurus about Vancouver hotel deals when you book cheap international luxury flights to Vancouver.

• Fairmont Pacific Rim –Guests of this Vancouver hotel enjoy sophisticated, contemporary luxury in stylish rooms and suites with stunning water and mountain views. Onsite dining options include ORU, featuring Pacific Northwest cuisine; Giovane Cafe + Eatery + Market, serving Italian food; and the Lobby Lounge and RawBar, offering cocktails and sushi. Willow Stream Spa is a luxurious oasis for rejuvenation and relaxation. Additional amenities include a 24/7 fitness center and outdoor rooftop pool with private cabanas.
• Rosewood Hotel Georgia – Since opening in 1927, this upscale Vancouver hotel has been delighting guests with classic elegance and modern luxuries. Located in the heart of Vancouver, this historic hotel has hosted prominent guests, including Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Ginger Rogers, the Rolling Stones, and the Prince of Wales. Fully restored, this 5-star favorite continues to provide guests with classy accommodations, lavish amenities, and impeccable service.
• Wedgewood Hotel & Spa –As one of the leading luxury hotels in Canada, this sophisticated hotel offers stunning views of downtown Vancouver from gorgeous guestrooms and suites. Guests can enjoy a meal at the award-winning Bacchus Restaurant & Lounge, and upscale shopping just steps away on Robson Street. Find out why people from all over the world love this hotel. Book cheap flights to Vancouver today to start planning your Canadian adventure!

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