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36 Hours in Vancouver

By Remy Scalza Updated May 25, 2023

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Late last year, the Michelin Man finally came to Vancouver, the coastal British Columbian city. The visit from France’s Michelin Guide was arguably long overdue, and left the city with eight single Michelin-starred restaurants . Of course, there’s more than just food. Vancouver boasts pristine ocean, rugged mountains, glimmering skylines and a truly cosmopolitan culture with influences from China, India and beyond. Visitors are also greeted by a city in transition. As property values have skyrocketed, the gravity of cultural life has shifted eastward — from downtown’s seaside neighborhoods to onetime working-class strongholds like Commercial Drive, areas that are now filling with trendy shops and restaurants. Against this backdrop, with its challenges of gentrification, Vancouver clings to a character all its own.

Recommendations

• Stanley Park is a 1,000-acre oasis of rainforest, beaches and gardens in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
• West 4th Avenue is an upscale retail hub with Vancouver-born retail brands, high-end bakeries and brunch spots.
• Commercial Drive offers a refreshing counterpoint to Vancouver’s glitzy downtown, with humble produce shops, first-rate pizza restaurants and great cafes lining a pedestrian-friendly drag.
• Capilano River Regional Park provides a glimpse of the city’s rugged backyard, with trails along a salmon-filled river, old-growth trees and a vertiginous canyon.
• Arts off Main is a co-op owned by nine local artists whose paintings, pottery and jewelry fill the gallery.
• Museum of North Vancouver features interactive exhibits exploring local history, including the legacy of British Columbia’s First Nations peoples.
• Kitsilano Beach is an urban oasis for those seeking sun, sand, beach volleyball and a dip in the cold Pacific Ocean.
• TurF , in the Kitsilano neighborhood, offers heart-pumping fitness classes set to dance music, plus great smoothies in the adjoining cafe.
• Stanley Park Brewpub & Restaurant pours craft beer in a restored 1930 building inside the city’s iconic central park.
• St. Lawrence is a restaurant offering a haute take on traditional Québécois (French Canadian) cuisine, with a Michelin star to show for it.
• Guilt & Co. is one of Vancouver’s premier clubs for live music, situated below street level in historic Gastown.
• Little Bird offers a modern twist on dim sum, with great craft beer pairings.
• Livia is an Italian bakery and restaurant on Commercial Drive that serves everything from fresh breads to full meals.
• Mum’s The Word is equal parts cafe and cocktail bar, with a funky, retro feel.
• Published on Main is a Michelin-starred restaurant highlighting local meat, fish and produce in an intimate setting.
• Fabrique St-George is an urban winery where local grapes are fermented on site.
• Suyo , a Peruvian bistro in a sleek space, pushes beyond the familiar ceviches.
• Earnest Ice Cream draws long lines for its popular flavors like whisky hazelnut and salted caramel.
• Catch 122 is a popular brunch spot in North Vancouver’s Shipyards District.
• Native Shoes , a Vancouver-born brand, sells a vibrant rainbow of slip-on shoes made of washable, recyclable and vegan foam at its flagship store in Gastown.
• Vinyl Records is an emporium of new and used LPs inside a heritage 1889 building.
• Arc’teryx , which got its start locally, sells high-end Gore-Tex jackets and footwear at its flagship store in Kitsilano.
• Fluevog Shoes sells clunky clogs and wildly colored boots from the Vancouver designer John Fluevog.
• Gatley features crafts from local makers, including higher-end pottery and clothing.
• Dilly Dally is a children’s store in the Commercial Drive neighborhood with many handmade toys.
• Fairmont Pacific Rim is a downtown hotel that has set the bar for luxury, accessibility and amenities, including an expansive spa and the chichi Lobby Lounge. Rooms from 494 Canadian dollars, or about $365.
• Sylvia Hotel is a no-frills hotel option rich with ambiance and history. It occupies a commanding perch right on downtown’s English Bay. Rooms from 325 dollars.
• The Burrard is a revamped 1950s motel in the core of downtown, with plenty of retro-chic touches, from its neon sign to a palm-filled inner courtyard. Rooms from 244 dollars.
• Local regulations limiting short-term rentals mean Airbnbs and VRBOs can be hard to find in peak season. If you reserve well ahead, the seaside Kitsilano neighborhood is a great option for a residential feel, close to shopping, beaches and amenities. Options are more plentiful in downtown’s trendy Yaletown area, with high-rise condo units in easy walking distance to transit, seawall, shops and restaurants.
• Plentiful Ubers and Lyfts are the easiest way to get around Vancouver. The city also has a modern — if modest — subway system, the SkyTrain , with three lines mainly serving neighborhoods to the east and south of downtown. The SeaBus passenger ferry provides a convenient way to access the North Shore suburbs from downtown.

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Destination Vancouver, Indigenous Tourism B.C. embark on new partnership

B.c.'s indigenous tourist sector heavily hit by pandemic.

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Vancouver's tourism board signed a memorandum of understanding with Indigenous Tourism B.C. Monday, pledging to develop a more inclusive, sustainable and diverse tourism industry in the city. 

Royce Chwin, the president and CEO of Destination Vancouver, called it an example of reconciliation in action. 

"We can build a future that fully reflects the culture and diversity of our local First Nations and the history of the lands we welcome travellers to," Chwin said. 

The partnership comes at a difficult time for the industry.

A report from the Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada and the Conference Board of Canada in September said even with the very best travel conditions, Indigenous tourism operations are not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2028.  According to the report, Indigenous tourism created about 39,000 jobs and contributed an estimated $1.86 billion in direct gross domestic product before the pandemic.

• Indigenous tourism won't fully recover from pandemic until 2028 at the earliest, report says

Brenda Baptiste, the chair of Indigenous Tourism B.C. said the sector would persevere. 

"We've gone through difficult challenges over the last few years with COVID and the flooding … our elders remind us that resilience is [part of] who we are as a people — not just Indigenous people, but people in B.C.," Baptiste said. 

Calling Vancouver a gateway to the rest of the province, Baptiste said the partnership held exciting possibilities, especially considering the rich Indigenous history of the region.

"We want to change the perspective," she said. "We want people to leave here inspired to explore their own culture."

The partnership will result in other concrete actions, Chwin said, including setting up a scholarship program for Indigenous students who enter a tourism related program, and incorporating more Indigenous voices and stories into Destination Vancouver's promotional materials.  

Fairs, festivals and events fund expanded to help tourism

Also on Monday, the provincial government expanded its grant program to fund fairs, festivals and other events in the province to help tourism recovery.

The government will give one-time grants to cover as much as 20 per cent of the event's budget, up to $250,000, for operational costs, health and safety measures, venue rental, marketing, wages and promotion. It had originally budgeted a $12.9-million event-fund in August, which it has now expanded to $30 million. 

Tourism Minister Melanie Mark says it means the Fairs, Festivals and Events Recovery Fund grant will now help cover costs for more than 680 events in 134 communities.

With files from the Canadian Press

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B.C. has launched a new three-year roadmap for rebuilding and revitalizing tourism, creating jobs and opportunities for people and communities in every part of the province.

“B.C. is a world-class destination, and we know the pandemic has hurt tourism,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “As the world opens up again, we’re working together to rebuild and revitalize this critical industry that adds so much to our planet, our people and our shared prosperity.”

The renewed Strategic Framework for Tourism responds to the call to action from the sector to support its recovery from COVID-19. It outlines a roadmap for a more resilient tourism sector by rebuilding to 2019 levels by 2024.

“Every single person connected to the tourism industry has demonstrated incredible fortitude and leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mark said. “I have been constantly impressed by the dedication and hard work of tourism operators and staff to pivot, realign their businesses and take care of each other. Now, together, we’re going to build back stronger by making our mark to ensure B.C. is first in line to benefit from pent-up demand for world-class tourism experiences.”

A flourishing tourism industry is a key pillar of the StrongerBC Economic Plan and contributes to an inclusive, sustainable and innovative economy that works for all people. Requested by B.C.’s tourism industry leaders and the Tourism Task Force, the update of this framework focuses on provincial priorities of putting people first; lasting and meaningful reconciliation; equity and anti-racism; a better future through fighting climate change; and a strong, sustainable economy that works for everyone.

To continue to support tourism businesses in B.C. to come back stronger, the Province is investing $1 million toward investments in event-bid preparation and sponsorships to attract large-scale arts, culture, and sport events, and public conferences and exhibitions. Investing now in event programs will kick-start the events industry’s recovery and will position B.C. as a safe, world-class, event-hosting jurisdiction once again. This is in addition to the $8 million government recently announced for the Business Events and Conferences Restart Fund to help restart business travel by attracting and hosting business events, conferences and exhibitions.

The Tourism Task Force emphasized how challenging it has been for industry to find the skilled workers it needs. This is why government is investing a further $2 million for post-secondary education and training to support B.C. students who enrol in tourism and hospitality certificate, diploma or degree programs, tourism-related apprenticeships, and trades training and development programs. This program, now in development, will prioritize students who are Indigenous, immigrant or refugee applicants, as well as those from rural or remote locations, and people with accessibility needs. More details will be provided soon.

As part of the Province’s continuing tourism recovery initiatives, government has committed $6 million this year through 2024 for Destination BC to market B.C. as a destination of choice in the highly competitive international market.

“We are very enthused about the Province's further investment in tourism recovery,” said Walt Judas, CEO, Tourism Industry Association of BC. “These funds come at an opportune time as our industry looks to rebuild our workforce, products and service levels to once again welcome guests from all over the world in the months and years ahead."

This funding builds on the $570 million the B.C. government has invested in recovery supports for the tourism sector, including the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant and the Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant that are providing funding to nearly 8,200 tourism and hospitality businesses. This funding has supported programs such as the Festival, Fairs and Events Recovery Fund, Tourism Accommodation and Commercial Recreation Relief Fund, business support through Indigenous Tourism BC, and tourism infrastructure development.

Government investment in pandemic support for the hard-hit tourism sector was made early and continues with the sustained rollout of new recovery investment programs spanning the breadth of tourism recovery – from HR recruitment and retention, including engaging students, to resuming large-scale conferences and events, and furthering destination development.

A well-managed, thriving tourism industry makes life better for people: it is integral to the province’s economy and features prominently in B.C.’s economic plan. These initiatives, plus the resumption of strong international marketing efforts, position B.C. as a world-class destination with the programs in place to support a strong economic recovery that will be felt at all levels of community.

Krista Bax, CEO, go2HR –

“This program for training will no doubt spur interest from students as they see a supported pathway to a career in tourism and hospitality. We can’t wait to welcome these new students to our industry. Opportunities await them in an industry that values diversity and is proud to contribute to community vitality throughout our province.”

Richard Porges, CEO, Destination BC –

“Spending more time and money in B.C. compared to domestic travellers, international visitors are vital to the industry’s strong recovery. As the world reopens for travel, this additional funding will enable Destination BC to be even more effective in the incredibly competitive market for international travellers, bringing more tourism dollars to businesses in every corner of the province.”

Brenda Baptiste, chair, Indigenous Tourism BC –

“We look forward to revitalizing tourism, creating jobs, and building capacity and opportunities for Indigenous communities and businesses. Our industry has collaborated and found innovative solutions, and we look forward to a solid roadmap for recovery with the Strategic Tourism Framework.”

Quick Facts:

• The Tourism Task Force recommended the Strategic Framework be updated to reflect the new operating environment that has resulted from COVID-19 and to provide opportunities to support mid-term recovery and long-term resiliency for the tourism industry. 
• Government will monitor the framework's delivery through key performance indicators that will be shared publicly.
• Budget 2022 committed almost $25 million to destination development, international marketing, business events and conferences recovery, marquee events bids, and tourism training.

Learn More:

For more information on B.C.'s tourism framework, visit:  http://gov.bc.ca/tourismframework

• Tourism_Revitalization_Chinese(traditional).pdf
• Tourism_Revitalization_French.pdf

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Concerns flare about Vancouver tent city scaring away tourism from local businesses

Business groups are calling upon the City of Vancouver to quickly enact a supportive housing solution away from the DTES.

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Tourism operators are raising concerns that a new tent city along Vancouver’s East Hastings Street is driving customers away from area stores at the height of the summer tourist season.

Concerns flare about Vancouver tent city scaring away tourism from local businesses Back to video

Business groups are calling upon the city to quickly enact a supportive housing solution away from the district, using funding and subsidies from the B.C. government.

More than 130 tarps and tents crowded the two blocks between Main and Carrall streets one morning this week. The makeshift homes provided a sliver of shade and privacy to those inhabiting them; some had propane stoves and heaters.

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Walley Wargolet, executive director of Gastown’s Business Improvement Society, said the tent city is causing undue harm to businesses around the Downtown Eastside.

“This is a business district. Though owners are devastated that so many people are homeless, they too are suffering, teetering on success or failure based on whether travellers explore our city,” Wargolet said. “Tourists are beginning to feel it’s too unsafe to visit shops because of their proximity to the area.”

After city workers, accompanied by police, were accused of dismantling and discarding unattended tents and other personal possessions left on the streets, the city ended the practice of daily “street sweeps” July 1.

“It’s been absolute chaos ever since,” said Jason Delesoy, manager of the Anthem Properties building at the intersection of Hastings and Carrall, which contains a cafe, lighting store and commercial offices with a secure entry system.

“We’ve had to double up on our private security, including hiring a guard to work weekends. It’s become dangerous, we’re seeing stabbings almost every day.”

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As well as clearing sidewalks beside the building of garbage, Delesoy said security guards’ duties have included instructing lost tourists on the quickest route out of the area.

“Summer travellers come off the cruise ship, maps-in-hand, and wander down here. They get really scared and immediately ask us for help,” he said.

Vancouver police Sgt. Steve Addison confirmed that since the beginning of July disorder along East Hastings has increased.

“There have been a number of violent incidents … includ(ing) a man in a wheelchair who was stabbed while trying to navigate through tents and debris on the sidewalk and a woman in her 80s who was bear-sprayed earlier this week.”

Sunday last week, a 67-year-old woman was struck on the head with a butcher knife while walking near East Hastings and Carrall, Addison said.

Nathan Murdoch, co-founder of Toonie Tours walking tour company, said many of his customers are shocked to encounter East Hastings, a street that sits between two of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, Gastown and Chinatown.

“We’ve tried to plan tours that didn’t include the area, but tourists weren’t interested. They want to see what has been advertised to them; the most historic spots of Vancouver.”

While community organizations agree that a lack of housing is to blame for the urban encampment, they say the most pressing issue is a lack of access to adequate sanitation and water for those who have set up camp.

“I don’t think anyone likes or wants to be blocking doorways or making it difficult to navigate the street — but the issue is that there isn’t housing,” said Fiona York, former project coordinator with the Carnegie Community Action Project.

Along with high-priced rents, York said a recent drop in vacancy at single-room occupancy hotels has contributed to an increasing number of people living on the street.

Previously, residents without shelter set up tents in various city parks, including Oppenheimer and CRAB.

A 43-year-old veteran who has lived in a tent near the intersection of Carrall and East Pender streets for close to a month told Postmedia Thursday that setting up shelter along the sidewalk has offered him more protection than sleeping in a tent at CRAB Park.

“There are street lights here, and security cameras around so I get my stuff stolen less.”

Wargolet, who represents more than 500 businesses around Gastown, said the city and province need to create more sustainable housing solutions.

“It is crucial that the spaces the province and city establish are suited to the needs and well-being of the people in them,” Wargolet said. “What we are doing now is not working.”

The city said it plans to restore order to the street by hiring and equipping locals, including some who are experiencing homelessness, to carry out sidewalk cleaning and the removal of structures and fire hazards.

“We need to provide time to community groups to organize a block stewardship program to assist with this work,” the city said in an email Thursday.

Last week, Vancouver put out more garbage bins along Hastings. Its next stated mission is to increase access to public washrooms, of which only one is located nearby at the Carnegie Community Centre, which closes at 11 p.m. A toilet trailer is planned to be added to the area within the coming week.

When asked whether it has any plans to help alleviate the housing crunch, the province’s Ministry of Housing said that B.C. Housing has been “actively reaching out to those camping on the street or in parks to offer indoor spaces.”

“Staff, the City of Vancouver and our non-profit housing operators are working on building supportive homes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness,” it responded by email.

“Since 2018, B.C. Housing has opened more than 1,400 supportive housing units in the city,” read the statement. A further 700 spaces are currently in development, it said.

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access, pacific coastal airlines celebrates inaugural flights on new nanaimo routes, help bc recover by exploring bc now, highway 3 – the winding route to adventure, destination bc expands 2023 ski marketing campaign into uk, bc government news release: highway 4 reopens two full lanes for travel, bc government news release: province extends state of emergency due to wildfire risk, bc government news release: lifted order and update on west kelowna travel, accommodation restrictions, bc government news release: adjusted order on accommodation and travel restrictions, bc government news release: emergency support services available for wildfire evacuees, bc government news release: emergency order frees up accommodation for evacuees, emergency personnel, bc government news release: premier’s and minister’s statement on provincial state of emergency, bc wildfires, government of bc: wildfire update and press conference – august 18, 2023, download the alertable app – emergency news at your 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surrounding area due to wildfire, bc government news release: funding helps people new to bc find in-demand jobs, destination bc’s new learning centre resource can help tourism operators: everything you need to know about google analytics 4, government of bc: premier’s statement on the death of a bc wildfire service crew member, bc government news release: bc looking for input on grizzly stewardship, bear viewing, bc government news release: slope stabilization work on highway 4 moves toward full reopening, a heartwarming tale of homecoming and responsible tourism: returning a stone to shuswap lake, bc parks visitor satisfaction survey, government of canada news release: new federal tourism growth strategy, destination bc forms accessibility & inclusion committee, go2hr offers employer support for worker health and safety during wildfires, destination bc partners with qyer.com to promote sustainable travel in china, destination canada news release: destination canada launches new tourism corridor strategy, destination bc launches 2023 ski marketing campaign in australia, city of vancouver news release: fifa world cup 26™ vancouver official host city brand launched, bc government news release: upgrades made to juan de fuca marine trail, bc government news release: revitalization of vancouver chinatown supports businesses, tourism, bc government news release: more cell connectivity means safer travel on highway 14, bc government news release: province supports sustainable, accessible taxi services, not just another day in the office, for destination bc staff, bc government news release: province expands support for tourism and science world, opinion: tourism has, and will always be, integral to who we are as british columbians, ­destination bc provides over $6 million for collaborative tourism marketing ventures throughout the province, destination bc joins destination a11y club, paddle bc news release: explore the best paddling in canada right here in british columbia, tourism week 2023, government of canada news release: vancouver organizations receive almost $3 million to enhance local tourism experiences, bc government news release: b.c. supports chinese canadian museum as it prepares to open, destination bc & indigenous tourism bc launch indigenous-focused video campaign, destination bc attends mountain travel symposium, complete the bc-wide tourism and hospitality deia survey, bc government news release: province improves inclusion, accessibility in bc parks, destination bc: applications now open for accessibility and inclusion committee, building a better world, together: destination bc launches diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility strategy, vancouver makes time’s world’s greatest places for 2023, 2023 bc tourism and hospitality awards winners, destination bc drives seasonal dispersion with us spring campaign , new program aims to “spark” innovative tourism ideas in campbell river, destination bc launches new 2023-2025 corporate strategy, destination bc joins crowdriff’s creator network program to support timely & authentic social content curation, family day activities: avoiding online fraud, bc government news release: province provides timely support for fairs, festivals, events, new program aims to “spark” innovative tourism ideas in the cariboo chilcotin coast, destination bc launches @hellobc on tiktok, bc parks launches new website, 2023 bc tourism & hospitality conference award finalists, join us thursday february 23rd, for the release of destination bc’s 2023-2025 corporate strategy, bc government news release: government of bc advises on avalanche risk and urges extreme caution in backcountry, china market update – bc canada ski café, erica hummel joining destination bc as new director, destination development and stewardship, new program aims to “spark” innovative accessible tourism ideas in the kootenay rockies, congratulations northern bc “spark” program winners, bc hospitality foundation scholarship program – now accepting applications, thompson nicola entrepreneurs awarded grants and mentorships to help spark new tourism ideas, bc’s tourism industry plays an important role in the economic well-being of 94% of british columbians: destination bc releases public perceptions survey, “the bc effect – find yourself” marketing campaign wins digital marketing award, nomination deadline extension – 2023 bc tourism & hospitality awards, destination bc welcomes new board member – mike riediger, air canada named best airline in north america for fourth straight year by global traveler, indigenous tourism bc signs renewed agreements with provincial tourism partners, bc government news release: integrated marketplace initiative launches yvr pilot project, supporting electric operations, registration open – 2023 bc tourism & hospitality conference, program aims to “spark” indigenous tourism ideas across bc, destination bc supports community-based indigenous learning & projects, 2023 impact sustainability travel & tourism conference, bc government news release: tourism events program funds almost 100 bc events, bc government program: bc destination development fund, ‘you, elevated’ campaign launches to draw washington & california skiers to bc, bc government news release: government of bc announces new major events municipal and regional district tax (mrdt), bc government news release: bc air access program provides funding for vital services at air facilities, destination bc welcomes new board member – annita mcphee, yvr charts course for future growth, media hype for bc in australia, congratulations harbour air on serving bc’s coast for 40 years, new program aims to “spark” innovative tourism ideas in northern bc, bc government news release: province boosts support for new vancouver art gallery, bc government news release: the government of bc is helping communities prepare for flooding, new program aims to “spark” innovative tourism ideas in thompson nicola, destination bc appoints alison mckay as vice president, destination management, destination bc & bc ale trail partner to launch limited-edition explore bc peach farmhouse ale, bc government news release: tourism, arts, culture and sport minister melanie mark resigns, taking medical leave, destination bc encourages uk and australia travelers to find themselves in british columbia, government of canada to remove covid-19 border and travel measures effective october 1, 2022, new program aims to “spark” innovative tourism ideas in surrey and white rock, british columbia & alberta residents urged to experience the bc effect this fall, destination bc 2023/24 open pool co-op marketing program guidelines and applications go live, destination bc tourism marketing committee: call for applications 2023-2025 term, destination bc’s fall marketing campaign needs your travel offers, uk broadcast media campaign activities promoting the bc effect, tourism digital academy – 2022 fall registration now open, destination bc china capitalizes on camping trend , introducing the vcm sustainability council & action plan, bc government news release: be prepared for risk of wildfires over the bc day long weekend, bc government news release: affordable homes built for resort, hospitality workers in revelstoke, government of canada: wine sector support program, fishing bc presents: rick hansen’s fishing story, notice to accommodators: changes to online marketplace facilitators, destination bc & tourism fernie celebrate community feature on the amazing race canada, invest in iconics brand strategy: the foundation of a brand, new visitor services digital and social media playbook, new refund requirements for future flight cancellations outside of an air carrier’s control, rendez-vous canada 2022 summary, bc government news release: vancouver named fifa world cup 2026 official host city, government of canada announces suspension of vaccine mandates for domestic travellers, transportation workers & federal employees, congratulations willie lewis – new indigenous specialist for vancouver, coast & mountains tourism region, destination bc appoints neil mcinnes as vice president, corporate development, vancouver, coast & mountains tourism region announces partnership with spinal cord injury bc, destination bc provides $4.2 million for collaborative tourism marketing initiatives in communities across the province, #greenmeansgo: welcome to tourism week 2022, national accessability week: may 29-june 4, 2022, congratulations mika ryan, bon voyage maria greene, 2022 tourism week industry toolkit, bc government news release: provincial government announces new royal bc museum, new tourism emergency management framework to guide industry during crises, destination greater victoria recognizes leaders at annual awards, input to identify trail-related opportunities, offering employment to ukrainians arriving in canada – what tourism & hospitality employers need to know, bc government news release: local tourism events resume throughout bc, government of canada announces changes to temporary foreign workers program, industry media release: canada wins 2025 bid for invictus games in vancouver and whistler, bc government news release: vancouver confirmed as candidate host city for fifa world cup 2026, bc government news release: historic action plan guides undrip implementation in bc, government of canada releases budget 2022, australia’s sam mcmillan & sunrise tv morning show feature bc destinations in live on-location broadcasts, canexport sme funding program accepting new applications for projects starting after april 1, 2022, destination bc restarts international marketing with $6.7m global campaign, government of canada will remove pre-entry test requirement for fully vaccinated travellers on april 1, congratulations to the winners of the 2022 bc tourism and hospitality awards, netflix in your neighbourhood – the adam project movie starring ryan reynolds filmed in bc, bc government news release: the strategic framework for tourism 2022-2024 -a plan for recovery and resiliency, bc government news release: b.c. takes next step in balanced plan to lift covid-19 restrictions, destination bc launches spring marketing campaign in bc & alberta, the stories of canada™ collection launch, itbc news release: indigenous tourism british columbia chair brenda baptiste awarded order of british columbia, canada digital adoption program helps tourism businesses capitalize on digital opportunities, finalists announced for the 2022 bc tourism & hospitality conference awards, an open letter from minister melanie mark, destination bc’s spring marketing campaign needs your travel offers, government of canada eases border measures, bc government news release: british columbians’ covid-19 efforts allow easing of restrictions, bc government news release: b.c. tourism business events, workforce support receive grants, bc government news release: guidance on how liquor-serving-only businesses can provide meals from external sources, destination bc launches “snapshot of bc travel” dashboard, bc government news release: more investments made in b.c.’s tourism infrastructure, wines of bc explorer app the first wine tourism app to win gold in travel weekly’s magellan awards, bc government news release: improvements coming to bc parks digital services, emilie cayer-huard joins destination bc on a one-year secondment from kootenay rockies tourism, bc government news release: funding supports indigenous tourism recovery, bc government news release: covid-19 closure relief grant funds doubled for eligible businesses, bc government news release: coquihalla highway set to reopen to regular traffic, join indigenous tourism bc’s stakeholder roundtable wednesday january 19 at 1:30 pm, b.c. hotels, commercial recreation businesses will receive pandemic supports, vancouver island featured in ny times “52 places to travel in 2022” list, alison mckay assumes role of acting vice president, destination management at destination bc, bc government news release: new relief funding coming for businesses ordered closed, bc government news release: province strengthens covid-19 measures for safer holiday season, bc government news release: province introduces new covid-19 measures for safer holiday season, sick pay industry faq, indigenous tourism bc and destination vancouver sign historic partnership designed to promote indigenous cultural tourism, bc government news release: provincial state of emergency extended, fuel restrictions lifted, bc government news release: b.c. fairs, festivals, events benefit from recovery funding, bc flood response: key updates & new industry resources, message from the hon. melanie mark, bc government news release: financial assistance expanded for people affected by flooding, industry call – november 25, 2021, federal update: changes to international travel, federal tourism relief fund (trf) in bc: open for applications, bc government news release: provincial state of emergency, fuel order extended, bc government advisory: extreme weather warning and supports for people impacted by floods, bc storm messaging guidance, bc government news release: province prioritizes fuel for essential vehicles, introduces travel restrictions, bc government program information: emergency support services (ess) volunteers and red cross appeal, bc government program information: supports for businesses impacted by disasters, new program aims to “spark” new indigenous tourism ideas across british columbia, destination bc renews funding for over 100 community visitor centres, ensuring travelers have access to accurate and timely information, government of canada news release: government of canada announces additional canadian airports accepting international passenger flights, comment: as cruise ships are allowed to return, it’s full steam ahead, lonely planet names vancouver island as a best place to travel in 2022, destination bc thanks peter harrison for 27 years of service ahead of his retirement, government of canada news release: government announces targeted covid-19 support measures to create jobs and growth, destination bc helps washington & california skiers discover why “our winter is deeper” in british columbia, regional hr consultant hired to implement labour market action plan in the vancouver, coast & mountains tourism region, bc destinations, hotels and resorts earn top honours in annual condé nast traveler readers’ choice awards, enhance your hellobc listing and add accessibility features, destination bc launches power up a new digital mentorship program, new átl’ka7tsem/howe sound unesco biosphere region a centrepiece for conservation and sustainable development, destination bc tourism marketing committee: call for applications 2022-2024 term, destination bc launches overseas consumer marketing campaign in the uk and germany, bc government news release: new fund launched for community events, destination bc launches first us marketing campaign since march 2020, bc government news release: mask mandate to reduce transmission, protect people in public spaces, bc government news release: b.c. launches proof of vaccination to stop spread of covid-19, destination bc appoints richard porges as permanent president and ceo, call for content: bc’s bounty, a celebration of food and drink inspired by the fall season, destination bc welcomes new board chair and two new board members, bc government program update: skills training for economic recovery stream – open for applications, bc government news release: bc’s highest honour recognizes 16 british columbians, messaging guidance: new health measures to contain covid-19 outbreak in central okanagan, bc government news release: heat warning for bc, people urged to take precautions, a message on wildfires & industry resources, bc government: joint statement encouraging british columbians to travel, bc government news release: bc shifts to step 3 of restart plan, bc government news release: strongerbc supports indigenous tourism businesses through pandemic recovery, destination bc & tourism innovation lab’s new program aims to “spark” innovative tourism ideas in the west kootenay, check in canada – opportunity for bc accommodation providers, destination bc and tourism innovation lab grant program will take tourism ideas to new levels, bc government: joint statement on resumption of travel within bc, destination bc encourages british columbians to be open to more for summer travel, bc government news release: bc prepares to safely move to step 2 of its restart plan, bc government news release: tourism development in vcm grows with strongerbc investment, destination bc and western economic diversification canada support community tourism partners and industry learning in bc, susan rybar joins destination bc as acting vice president of destination management, bc government news release: additional funding added to the small and medium sized business recovery grant, destination bc’s statement about mass grave at former kamloops indian residential school, celebrate national accessability week (may 30 – june 5), #bctourismcounts: tourism week 2021, government of bc’s restart: a plan to bring us back together, bc tourism businesses invited to list travel offers on hellobc.com, destination bc announces share your love for bc contest winners, bc government news release: provincial government’s budget 2021 earmarks $120 million for tourism, bc government: joint statement asking people to stay local to bend the curve, bc government news release: province introduces travel restrictions to curb spread of covid-19, a note from grant mackay, vice president of destination management, stay local, support local: take-out and outdoor dining guides, stop asian hate, destination bc expands tourism digital academy with self-guided learning option, wine growers british columbia plans for future safe travel, bc government news release: bc government expands online grant program to support more businesses, destination bc’s 2021-2023 global marketing strategy and 2021 plan, destination bc 2021 bc tourism & hospitality conference presentation, keeping bc top of mind for german travel trade and media for future travel, campbell river pivots to respond to covid-19, bc government program: new program criteria for the small and medium sized business recovery grant, bc government news release: tourism industry bolstered through destination development, bc ale trail responds to covid-19, share your love for bc for your chance to win, destination bc presents to uk journalists with destination canada, bc government covid-19 update: february 5, 2021, destination bc’s roadmap for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, bc government news release: bc’s covid-19 immunization plan, great bear rainforest documentary broadcast in germany and france, destination bc’s melissa arnott joins indigenous tourism bc, new interactive maps feature on german and mexican hellobc.com websites, bc government covid-19 update: january 7, 2021, bc government news release: bc government commits $105 million to support tourism sector, vancouver, coast & mountains tourism region receives covid-19 recovery funding boost, a message from richard porges, interim president and ceo: 2020 in review, stay local guides for bc residents, overseas travel professionals feature bc for australian and german travellers, bc government tourism task force: update on progress and final report, harbour air is among 13 more companies to join the climate pledge, bc government covid-19 update: december 7, 2020, government of british columbia restoring confidence app, stay local, support local – 2020 gift guides, bc golf sector pivots during covid-19 pandemic, small business bc partners with destination bc, bc government covid-19 update: november 19, 2020, bc government covid-19 update: november 7, 2020, the bc bird trail takes flight, innovative bc visitor centres support local travellers, francine douglas announced as vancouver, coast and mountains indigenous tourism specialist, bc government news release: tourism task force report: the future of travel – positioning bc to accelerate recovery and growth, are you open visitors want to know, team bc attends international media marketplace and overseas training sessions, virtually, sip & stay packages along bc’s ale trails get airtime on global tv, destination bc launches automated travel deals program, virtual bc visit for uk’s trailfinders, bc government program update: small and medium-sized business recovery grant program now open, destination bc brews up partnership with the bc ale trail team and six bc breweries to launch the explore bc ipa, destination bc tourism marketing committee: call for applications extended, destination bc launches the tourism digital academy, new partnership with small business bc provides support for tourism businesses, bc government news release: industry leaders, experts named to provincial tourism task force, “fall for bc all over again” campaign, leveraging the bc story network, bc government news release: new plan maps next steps forward in bc’s economic recovery, bc lions #explorebc influencer trip, destination bc’s explore bc interactive map, destination bc announces richard porges as interim president and ceo, congratulates marsha walden on new position at destination canada, destination bc’s new feature story: “japanese canadian historic sites: journeys of home”, bc government news release: new streamlined process for temporary layoff variance applications, destination bc’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, new destination bc marketing campaign invites british columbians to rediscover and explore bc safely, destination bc’s health and safety grants for bc visitor centres, 10 ways to travel safely and responsibly in bc this summer, destination bc partners with destination canada to announce new funding for domestic tourism marketing, bc government news release: bc strengthens federal commercial rent program, building a strong future for bc tourism, together—input needed, bc’s tourism sectors to benefit from $400,000 in funding from destination bc, bc government news release: province celebrates british columbians with disabilities, visitor centres across the province to benefit from $130,000 in funding from destination bc, bc government news release: province supports tourism marketing organizations to be ready for recovery, tourism week 2020: a roundup of #bctourismmatters stories, bc association of farmers’ markets on pivoting member operations, destination bc overseas teams on keeping bc top of mind, statement from marsha walden, ceo of destination bc support for tourism in bc, freshwater fisheries society of bc report record license sales, vancouver, coast & mountains tourism resiliency program, bc communities to benefit from indigenous tourism investments, destination bc’s winter group press trip series underway, relive the excitement of the vancouver 2010 olympic and paralympic winter games, rural communities to benefit from tourism investments, covid-19 (coronavirus) update, we all need to build a better understanding of accessibility, destination bc partners with top chef winner brooke williamson to experience the british columbia effect, a message from marsha walden: 2019 year in review, the bc ski roadshow 2019, bc government news release: ministry of tourism, arts and culture and destination bc launch framework to make travel in bc more accessible for all, destination bc and partners launch the bc story network, powered by crowdriff’s travel stories, from new york to whistler, read our fall travel media relations update, tourism events program supports array of exciting events in bc, bc government news release: strengthening support to grow indigenous tourism in bc, destination bc partners with crowdriff to debut travel stories, realizing our potential: the future of tourism in the kootenay rockies, working together with bc’s indigenous peoples, destination bc promotes winter travel at the wwse in beijing, destination bc-sponsored great bear rainforest imax® film is award-winner, luxury rail-tours, island escapes and small town charm, on the road: an update from lisa beare, minister of tourism, arts and culture, destination bc unveils 2019/20 north american ski marketing campaign, explore bc fall campaign is live, destination bc tourism marketing committee: call for applications, presidents group aims to spark change among bc’s business community, destination bc’s travel media team on building destination awareness, destination bc celebrates 5 million uses of the #explorebc hashtag, more than any other tourism entity in canada, and its value in promoting tourism in bc, co-operative marketing partnerships program guidelines have been updated for 2020/21, tourism regions announce dates of 2019 events, tourism tofino opens doors to new visitor centre, the amazing race canada shares bc’s beauty with millions of viewers, destination bc’s content marketing roadmap puts audience at the wheel, team bc kickoff busy summer of hosting and networking, thompson okanagan and cariboo chilcotin coast sign memorandum of understanding for gold rush trail, tourism week shines light on rewarding career opportunities in thriving industry, destination bc provides $4 million for collaborative tourism marketing initiatives in communities across the province, in celebration of one of bc’s leading and sustainable industries: tourism, destination bc wraps successful spring campaign in china, global media love bc read on for recent earned coverage, big white ski resort revealed as host destination for 2020 snowboardcross world cup, dbc makes connections at itb berlin, destination bc partners with wanderlust on inspirational content campaign, destination bc launches new hellobc websites for mexico, china, and germany, destination bc supports booming wine industry, new world tourism association for culture and heritage promises to combat overtourism, destination bc’s visiting journalist program earns b.c. coverage in leading global outlets, bc government news release: majority of ferry routes restored in coastal communities, travel media ski-in to bc, team bc at canada corroboree in australia, the indigenous tourism association of canada signs memorandum of understanding with indigenous tourism bc, bc government news release: ministry of tourism, arts and culture launches new roadmap to bolster tourism as economic driver, destination bc sponsors great bear rainforest film, rivers, rainforests, and powder for travel media, destination bc consumer website wins awards, new international consumer websites, promoting traveller dispersion across bc with tour operators, why familiarization trips (fams), destination bc’s new digital asset management (dam) system launches january 31, partner discount opportunities with global tv, elevating bc on the world stage through place branding, join us in a new, national user-generated content partner network, generate more business with our travel deals, destination bc enters into a strategic partnership with ctrip.

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BC Hydro is reminding vulnerable low-income individuals to take advantage and apply for a free air conditioning unit.

A Vancouver woman has filed a lawsuit against punk rocker Stephen Jones of The Sex Pistols alleging he sexually assaulted her as a teenager.

The Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) is asking for the public’s help in locating a missing 27-year-old man.

An inquest jury has recommended events involving emergency response teams be recorded, following police-shooting deaths in Surrey hostage case.

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Edmonton, Winnipeg, and Toronto have all had outdoor watch parties for the Stanley Cup playoffs but Vancouver is an outlier. Vancouver mayor talks about why. @MonikaGul reports.

The Vancouver Whitecaps will play host to Ryan Reynolds and Wrexham A.F.C. in a friendly this summer at BC Place. Angela Bower reports.

Residents in White Rock say they fear for their safety, as the suspect in a pair of random stabbings remains on the loose. Kate Walker reports.

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After a newcomer to Canada was stabbed near the White Rock Pier, the Ministry of Health says he won’t have to worry about his medical bill.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim says city staff are reviewing reports and speaking with stakeholders to see if playoff watch parties are possible.

Police say two RCMP motorcycles were involved in a crash in Surrey Thursday, while they were conducting motorcade training.

BC United has put forward a bill to prevent those convicted of dangerous criminal offences from being able to legally change their name.

Crews have finally broken ground at the site of an affordable rental housing building in the Little Mountain neighbourhood of Vancouver.

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A vehicle crashed into a downtown Vancouver dental office Thursday, leaving behind broken class and several shocked onlookers.

A fundraiser has been set up to support the family of Kulwinder Singh Sohi, who was stabbed and killed in White Rock on April 23.

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Vancouver City Council finalizes tourism plan

Committee aims to attract more visitors to vancouver.

Just in time for the summer swarm of tourists, the city of Vancouver has finalized a 25-page tourism plan designed to attract visitors to the city.

The master destination plan , created by Visit Vancouver WA, the city and a steering committee, intends to guide businesses and organizations to make Vancouver as tourist friendly as possible as the city continues to grow.

“The overall idea with the plan is that Vancouver has changed a lot in the last five, 10 years,” said Erica Lindemann, director of marketing at Visit Vancouver WA. “The whole idea is to get the community on board and grasp what tourism can do for the economy and how we can all stand together to increase or improve the experience in Vancouver for both visitors and residents.”

The steering committee that created the plan used strategic recommendations to narrow the scope of the 10-year guide. The plan focuses on engaging local businesses, enhancing mobility and public access, strengthening Vancouver’s outdoor recreation opportunities, and solidifying Vancouver’s tourism identity.

Lindemann said tourists have started spending more time in Vancouver, the second largest city in the Portland metro area.

“We’re kind of becoming a destination. … We are Washington’s fourth largest city and still growing, and so I think we’re finally getting the recognition that we deserve,” she said.

The numbers support this. In 2021, more than 4.1 million people visited Clark County, generating a daily economic impact of $1.42 million, according to the report.

Tourism bolsters small businesses, restaurants, stores, and perhaps most significantly, hotels. By the end of this year, Clark County will reach more than 3,600 hotel rooms — a 44 percent increase over the past 10 years, the report states.

The plan includes goals with smaller scopes as well, such as improving playgrounds and increasing wheelchair accessible paths.

Though most of Vancouver’s tourists flock to the waterfront and downtown, Lindemann said the plan will benefit the entire city.

“People come because of the waterfront, but then they disseminate to Fort Vancouver and Fourth Plain International District and all these other awesome areas of Vancouver,” she said.

In addition to the plan, Visit Vancouver WA prepared funding projections and recommendations for Vancouver, which receives nearly all of its tourism funding from the city’s lodging tax and tourism promotion area funds.

The nonprofit suggested the city adopt a tourism improvement district, which the city would invest in specifically to attract more tourists.

“(Tourism improvement districts) create a platform for the industry to establish an ‘industry-led’ revenue stream that bolsters a collaborative environment to raise all boats within a community,” the report states. “Based on our research, the implementation of a (tourism improvement district) would be the ideal short-term goal to increase the available funding for Visit Vancouver Washington.”

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Vancouver Travel Guide

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to Vancouver, Canada. It's too cold, it rains all the time, it gets so dark, etc. Not only are these preconceived notions misguided, Vancouver actually has some of the most temperate weather in the entire country, making it an ideal destination to play, explore, and have adventures inside and out.

Once you realize you're not going to be swept away by freezing rain year-round, you can begin digging into the wide variety of things to see, do, eat, and explore. Canada's third largest city is a multicultural hub with stunning architecture that sits on the Strait of Georgia and is surrounded by epic mountains and lush green forests.

Because of its natural beauty, the city is set up for outdoor adventurers, whether cruising the streets of one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, riding bikes along the city's seawall, or hiking in nearby woodlands for some of the freshest air on earth.

Vancouver is a city that is proud of its diversity, its indigenous history, and its tolerance. Davie Village is a neighborhood in the city's West End where a thriving LGBTQ+ community comes out to play, while the city also boasts the third-largest urban Indigenous population in all of Canada.

So, throw your mistaken beliefs out the window and think about booking a ticket to Canada's western hub, you will not regret it.

Pacific Standard Time

Best Time to Go

There aren't any bad times to go to Vancouver, but because it's a northern city, there are reasons for every season. The summer months draw in the most tourists and boast the longest daylight hours, but the winter (which is surprisingly mild) is the least crowded time of year and has sprouting trees and flowers as early as February. Keep in mind that the rainiest months are from November to March, which leaves the month of September as the most idyllic time with changing leaves, cooling temps, and dry skies to get outside.

If you're into whale watching, April through November is prime time. For events and festivals, think about Chinese New Year, which lands between January and February, the Vancouver Marathon in May, Vancouver International Jazz Festival in June, or the Vancouver Pride Parade in July or August.

Things to Know

One of the best things about Vancouver is how easy it is to get around. Not only is the city incredibly walkable and bike-able, but there is also a plethora of public transit options. Don't bother renting a car here as hotel parking is pricey and taxis, buses, ferries, trains, and ride-share apps make moving around a cinch. Check out this handy transit guide by the Vancouver Tourism Board.

Another great item to note about Vancouver is that the city boasts 550 separate locations with free WiFi service. Look for the #VanWifi public network to connect in case you need touring advice at your fingertips. Also, if you're visiting Vancouver from the United States, you do not need an adapter for your electronics as all of Canada runs on standard 120 V.

As far as the geography of the city, Vancouver is broken up into neighborhoods. Popular hoods include the Downtown Centre, which is in the middle of the city; Gastown, which is known as the historic quarter filled with cobblestoned streets and trendy restaurants; Kitsilano for the beach and water enthusiasts; Yaletown for high-end shopping and eating; Chinatown for great eats and sites; and the West End, which leads outdoor lovers to the expansive Stanley Park.

Lastly, Vancouver is considered one of the safest cities in the world. But like all major metropolises, mind your belongings — especially in the highest touristy areas of the city.

Currency: Canadian Dollar – nicknamed the "loonie." (Check the current exchange rate )

Language: English

Calling Code: +1 604

Capital City: Victoria (capital of British Columbia)

How to Get Around

Trains: Vancouver SkyTrain is one of the most-efficient means of getting around the city. There are three lines: the Expo Line with four downtown stations, including Chinatown and the Waterfront; the Canada Line, which can take you to and from the airport, in addition to Vancouver City Centre and Yaletown; and the Millennium Line that links with the Westcoast Express commuter train. Depending on where you're going, fares run from $1.95 to $5.75.

Buses: Vancouver has an extensive bus system that typically runs from 5am to 1am with stops in every major neighborhood and beyond. Vancouver's TransLink website has a simple plug and play that can help you get to wherever you need to go and includes fare prices.

Taxis: If you plan on taking a taxi from the airport, the fares will change depending on the zone of your destination. Airport rates range from $20-$40. All taxis are regulated in the city and run on meters.

Ferries: Connecting downtown Vancouver with the North Shore is the SeaBus, a passenger-only ferry that departs every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night. SeaBus fares are similar to SkyTrain fares.

Car service: When you arrive at the Vancouver International Airport, you have a bevy of transportation options. One of the most comfortable rides is hailing a luxury vehicle to whisk you into the city in style. There are officially-licensed limousine services from the airport that do not require any advanced bookings.

Best Hotels

Fairmont hotel vancouver.

Address: 900 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2W6, Canada Phone: +1 604-684-3131 Website

Arguably the nicest hotel in the entire city, the Fairmont resides in the central part of the city with epic waterfront views. The classic Châteauesque-styled hotel was built in the 1930s, has more than 500 rooms, and features an indoor pool. Other highlights of the property include its lavish afternoon tea and a pet-friendly policy.

Shangri-La Hotel

Address: 1128 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6E 0A8, Canada Phone: +1 604-689-1120 Website

Part of the luxurious Shangri-La chain of hotels, the Vancouver iteration is home to 119 rooms and 15 floors within the tallest building in the city. This central downtown spot is known for its Zen-inducing spa, award-winning service, and excellent dining at Miantiao — a Chinese/Italian fusion spot that's filled with surprises.

Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Address: 801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7, Canada Phone: +1 604-682-5566 Website

This vintage downtown hotel was originally opened in 1927 and has played host to A-list celebrities and British royalty alike. In 2011, the hotel unveiled a massive renovation, bringing the property into the 21st century with today's finest amenities. Guests here are treated to an incredible spa, 52-foot indoor saltwater lap pool, and personalized experiences that range from rainforest hikes to helicopter journeys.

Skwachàys Lodge

Address: 31 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1R3, Canada Phone: +1 604-687-3589 Website

Indigenous-owned and operated, the Skwachàys Lodge is a hotel in the Gastown areas of the city. This arts-forward property hosts an urban Indigenous artist residence and a gallery featuring Indigenous art. If you're looking for the soul of the Indigenous experience, the hotel offers a private sweat lodge purification ceremony on the rooftop garden, in addition to a smudging ceremony meant to purify the body.

Address: 1177 Melville St, Vancouver, BC V6E 0A3, Canada Phone: +1 604-669-5060 Website

This boutique hotel is close to Stanley Park and is constantly recognized as one of the best hotels in Vancouver. Known for its health and wellness program, each room comes with its own yoga mat and a 24-hour yoga channel on the in-room TVs. Other unique amenities include an infrared sauna and free use of electric cruiser bikes that can zip you around the city with ease.

Hotel Belmont

Address: 654 Nelson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6K4, Canada Phone: +1 604-605-4333 Website

For tourists wanting to be in the fray of Vancouver's bustling nightlife, Hotel Belmont is in the perfect spot. This funky hotel is right off Granville Street, which is home to some of the city's best bars, pubs, and nightclubs. Inside, the hotel leans into kitsch with multicolored layouts and retro design. And if you want to keep the entertainment going at the property, The Basement has a neon-lit arcade with a bowling alley and late night DJ-led dance parties.

Address: 322 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5Z6, Canada Phone: +1 604-642-6787 Website

A Yaletown mainstay, Opus Hotel is a hip boutique that features in-house Muses who are there to design your entire stay in Vancouver – virtually anyway. The pre-ordained characters give you a helpful guide to the city based on your mood or personality. In addition to making your stay more personalized, the hotel also features a delectable Italian restaurant called Capo with tasty pizzas and slick cocktails.

Best Restaurants

Address: 200 Granville St #70, Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4, Canada Phone: +1 604-568-3900 Website

Not only does Miku have some of the best sushi in Vancouver, but it also prides itself on its sustainability. The restaurant is part of the Ocean Wise Program, which is overseen by the Vancouver Aquarium and recognizes restaurants for their commitment to sustainable fishing practices. As a result, you can feel good when you devour the specially curated Kaiseki meals or a la carte albacore, yellowtail, and king salmon nigiri.

L'Abattoir

Address: 217 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2, Canada Phone: +1 604-568-1701 Website

There isn't a Michelin Guide in Vancouver, but if the French publication ever decided to review the city, L'Abattoir would be star worthy. Located in Gastown, the restaurant leans into West Coast cuisine with heavy French influences. Menu highlights include chilled marinated octopus, fillet of wild Pacific halibut "à la nage," and pigeon paillard.

Address: 207 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1K6, Canada Phone: +1 604-688-1655 Website

If you're looking for some of the best vegetarian and vegan options wrapped in Middle-Eastern flare, Nuba is the restaurant for you. This Lebanese spot is famous for their falafel, red lentil soup, Merguez meatballs, and creamy hummus. There are four separate locations, so you can generally fill up on Mediterranean delights anywhere in the city.

Cioppino's

Address: 1133 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5P6, Canada Phone: +1 604-688-7466 Website

Easily the best Italian restaurant in the city, Cioppino's is helmed by chef Giuseppe Posteraro, who is as much an artist as he is a cook. The restaurant is the recipient of the coveted three-fork rating from Italian food and wine magazine, Gambero Rosso—basically the Italian version of the Michelin guide. You'll quickly understand why when Pino whips up original, artistic meals on a nightly basis themed on whatever is in-season and whatever has inspired him on that day.

Burdock & Co.

Address: 2702 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E8, Canada Phone: +1 604-879-0077 Website

Burdock & Co. was one of the first restaurants to adopt the concept of the 100-mile meal. The idea is to source all ingredients from the area and make out-of-this-world farm-to-table dishes that literally can't be seen anywhere else. As a result, the menu is chock-full of locally-forested mushrooms, freshly-caught mussels, charcoal-grilled steaks from local farms, and more. If you care about true sustainability, this is the restaurant for you.

Address: 801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7, Canada Phone: +1 604-673-7000 Website

Typically one of the top-rated restaurants in the city, Hawksworth is a proponent of modern West Coast Canadian dining that sources only the finest-quality ingredients and delivers them in the most innovative of ways. A walk through chef Hawksworth's menu is a foodie's dreamscape that seems to travel around the globe with specialties like Korean-fried cauliflower, wagyu beef carpaccio, spring ricotta agnolotti, and his take on baby-back ribs.

Salmon n' Bannock

Address: 1128 W Broadway #7, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G5, Canada Phone: +1 604-568-8971 Website

The focus of Salmon n' Bannock is to highlight First Nations' traditions within the culinary space. The staff is a cacophony of First Nations' peoples, and the food represents a variety of First Nations' cultures. Classics include a bison pot roast, a "Fiss n' Rice" that's a wild sockeye atop Ojibway wild rice, and loads of Bannock breads with creative toppings.

Things to Do

Vancouver mural festival.

Address: 2410 Columbia St, Vancouver, BC V5Y 3E6, Canada Phone: +1 604-675-1793 Website

The Vancouver Mural Festival is a non-profit that was formed in 2016 with the aim of enhancing the artistic side of the city. Murals are created throughout the city every year and culminates in a yearly, multi-week event that spans 11 neighborhoods, and includes art walks, live shows, and more.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Address: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada Phone: +1 604-985-7474 Website

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a 450-foot-long, 230-foot-high bridge that crosses the Capilano River and has been freaking out acrophobes since 1889. The bridge is also part of an expansive park that traipses tourists through bridges and walkways among the coastal rainforest.

Talaysay Tours

Address: 334 Skawshen Rd, West Vancouver, BC V7P 3T1, Canada Phone : (800) 605-4643 Website

The guiding ethos of the Talaysay Tours is to simply 'love the land.' If you want to discover authentic cultural experiences, Talaysay Tours can give you an inside look at indigenous culture throughout Vancouver's history and ventures through Stanley Park and other historic sites.

Museum of Anthropology

Address: 6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada Phone: +1 604-822-5087 Website

Since 1947, the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) has been displaying and celebrating the arts and cultures of First Nations' peoples and other communities in and around British Columbia. MOA is a teaching museum that houses upwards of 50,000 works from across the globe and is famous for its vast collection from the Northwest Coast.

Vancouver Art Gallery

Address: 750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7, Canada Phone: +1 604-662-4700 Website

One of the largest museums in all of Canada, the Vancouver Art Gallery was first established in 1931 and features art from around the world with an emphasis on First Nations and Canadian art. Past exhibits include everything from Picasso and Monet to Murakami and anime.

City Cycle Tours

Address: 648 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2G2, Canada Phone: +1 604-618-8626 Website

Vancouver is an incredibly bike-friendly city and riding is one of the best ways to see all the sites. A guided bike tour by City Cycle Tours can take you through Stanley Park, into Chinatown and Gastown, around the Public Market at Granville Island, and so much more. One of the true highlights is biking the seawall that has views of Vancouver's stunning seascapes and architecture.

Stanley Park

Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada Phone: +1 604-681-6728 Website

Vancouver's largest play area, Stanley Park is a massive green space on the northwest side of the city that is home to Vancouver's famous Seawall, the Vancouver Aquarium, multiple beaches, and dozens of walking and biking trails. The 400-hectare park is a local's favorite and includes multiple dining outlets, swimming pools, ice rinks, golf courses, and more.

Grouse Mountain

Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9, Canada Phone: +1 604-980-9311 Website

If you want to take in the overwhelming beauty of Vancouver and British Columbia, think about jaunting up Grouse Mountain aboard the Super Skyride. Grouse Mountain is only 15 minutes from the city center and the gondola rises 4,100 feet to the summit for mesmerizing views. The mountain is also home to disc golf, paragliding, zip lines, and more.

Best Shopping

Granville island public market.

Address: Public Market, 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada Phone: +1 604-666-6655 Website

Just across the Granville Bridge, Granville Island Public Market is home to dozens of food stalls that can provide a full sampling of Vancouver's entire culinary scene. Outside the market are theaters, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Access to the island is via the Granville Bridge or one of Vancouver's SeaBuses.

Alberni/Robson Street

Address: 800 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A7, Canada Website

For all kinds of shopping finds, the parallel streets of Robson and Alberni are a spender's paradise. Stores run the gamut from Zara and Lululemon to Tiffany & Co. and Jimmy Choo. If you can't find what you're looking for, you're not trying hard enough.

West 4th Avenue

Address: West 4th From Fir Street to Balsam Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M4, Canada Phone: +1 604-617-9070 Website

West 4th Street has been a shopping hub in Vancouver since the 1920s and shows no signs of slowing. There are more than 250 unique businesses along the street that include clothing, sporting goods, homeware, health and wellness, and a wide variety of specialty shops.

Address: 1100 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1B2, Canada Phone: +1 604-684-3251 Website

This Vancouver-born brand is known for high-end ladies' fashion. Since 1984, the brand has grown to more than 100 locations in North America and eight in Vancouver alone.

Herschel Supply Co.

Address: 347 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B8, Canada Phone: +1 604-620-1155 Website

Another Vancouver-born brand, Herschel Supply Co. is known for its wide range of bags, backpacks, duffels, totes, and so much more. The company now has more than 40 locations around the globe as their fine craftsmanship sees higher demand every year.

Saje Natural Wellness

Address: 2252 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N8, Canada Phone : +1 604-738-7253 Website

Saje Natural Wellness is a Canadian-owned-and-operated wellness business that prides itself on all-natural products. The company is known for their soothing oils, lotions, diffusers, soaps, and shampoos. There are multiple Saje locations around Vancouver.

Neighborhoods to Know

Coal Harbour : Sitting on the north side of central Vancouver, Coal Harbour is a sleepy narrow neighborhood that is bordered by Canada Place to the east and Stanley Park to the west. Canada Place is home to the Vancouver Convention Centre that attracts international expositions. One of the main attractions of the neighborhood is the waterfront views where pedestrians can stroll and peer out into Vancouver Harbour while browsing small shops and eating at quaint cafés.

Chinatown : Vancouver's Chinatown dates back to the late 1800s and is considered a National Historic Site in Canada. One of the largest Chinatowns in the world, the central Vancouver neighborhood is filled with incredible Chinese restaurants and bakeries, apothecary shops, Asian markets, and more. A must-stop is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which is a Ming Dynasty style garden, and plays host to festivals, concerts, and educational activities.

Davie Village : Vancouver has an incredibly diverse and thriving LGBTQ+ community, and Davie Village is a stretch of streets where you'll find rainbow-colored flags flying with pride. You'll know you're in the right place when you step over the vibrant rainbow crosswalk that leads to a bevy of great restaurants and cafés during the day and buzzing bars and clubs at night.

Gastown : For lovers of historic areas, the cobblestoned streets of Gastown are the place to be. The neighborhood dates back to 1867 and features buildings with classic Victorian architecture and restaurants that are a foodie's dream. Instagrammers might want to take a picture in front of Gastown's most famous landmark, an antique clock that's partially powered by steam.

Granville Island : Technically not an island (it is bordered by water on three sides), Granville Island is a short ferry ride or bridge drive across False Creek on the southwest side of town. Once there, a must-stop attraction is the Granville Island Public Market where vendors hawk every type of local food imaginable. Around the market are theaters, galleries, and waterfront restaurants and breweries.

Kitsilano : Across the water to the west, Kitsilano is one of Vancouver's bigger neighborhoods. Within its confines includes West 4th Avenue, which is one of the best shopping streets in the city, the Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver's Greektown, and lots of green space for joggers, bikers, and lazy weekend hangouts. Kitsilano was once considered the Haight-Ashbury of Vancouver and its hippy roots can still be seen with loads of healthy vegan restaurants and wellness shops. It's also the birthplace of famed clothing brand Lululemon.

West End : The West End is the largest neighborhood on the peninsula, encompassing Davie Village, and is bordered by Stanley Park on the northwest, and Nelson Park and Robson Square to the southeast. Within the area is the Vancouver Art Gallery, the shopping Meccas of Robson and Alberni Streets, and multiple beaches. One of the more popular attractions is biking the Stanley Park Seawall that hugs the west side of the neighborhood.

Yaletown : This tony neighborhood is home to some of the nicest restaurants in the city alongside chic boutiques and luscious green space. To the southeast is BC Place, Vancouver's largest sports complex for soccer and football matches, as well as mega concert performances. The parks along the waterfront draw in locals and tourists alike.

Summer is peak tourism season with the least amount of rain and long sunny days that are rarely unbearably hot. Winters are milder than you'd expect for a Canadian city, but you'll encounter more rain from November to March. Shoulder seasons of spring and fall feature stunning blooms and changing leaves.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month. January: 37°F to 44°F February: 38°F to 47°F March: 40°F to 51°F April: 44°F to 56°F May: 49°F to 63°F June: 54°F to 67°F July: 58°F to 72°F August: 58°F to 72°F September: 53°F to 66°F October: 47°F to 57°F November: 41°F to 49°F December: 37°F to 44°F

Apps to Download

Mobi-Bikes : Vancouver is such a great biking city with dozens of trails that weave in and around the streets, parks, and boardwalks. Mobi is cheap and easy way to find bikes anywhere in the city. iOs | Android

Uber : For quick ride services, download the popular Uber app to zip you around the city with ease. iOs | Android

Street Food Vancouver : Vancouver has an excellent street-food scene and if you want to know where, when, and how to find it all, download this app and you'll be street-feasting in no time. iOs | Android

Vancouver Transit : This app will help you catch a train, bus, or ferry to anywhere you want or need to go in Vancouver. iOs | Android

OpenTable : For all your restaurant reservation needs, download OpenTable. iOs | Android

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These Vancouver bars were just named among the best in North America

A new ranking has placed two popular Vancouver bars among the 50 best on the continent.

Botanist took the No. 24 spot while The Keefer came in at No. 49 in the annual ranking of North America's 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier.

The top honour for 2024 was given to Handshake Speakeasy in Mexico City, becoming the first bar in Mexico to claim the No. 1 spot.

Botanist , located in the Fairmont Pacific Rim, boasts an array of "sophisticated-yet-whimsical" cocktails – including the Duck Duck Goose made with bourbon fat-washed with foie gras, sweet vermouth, cherry plum, prune saline and bitters.

The bar made the 2023 ranking as well, coming in at No. 19.

"To be recognized on this list for a second year in a row speaks volumes about Botanist Bar's constant pursuit of creativity," Grant Sceney, beverage director for the hotel, said in a statement. "It's a reflection of all of the people that have been a part of its seven-year journey."

The Keefer , an "apothecary-inspired" cocktail bar on Keefer Street, in the city's Chinatown neighbourhood, also features dozens of imaginative offerings. The current spring menu includes the Chivo, a mixture of Siete Misterios mezcal, Aalborg akvavit, black raspberry wine, beet shrub, goat milk and beet meringue.

The establishment – which placed No. 8 on a 2023 list of the best bars in Canada – celebrated its latest honour on Instagram, thanking its "amazing, creative staff who work not only as a team but as a family."

        View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by The Keefer Bar (@thekeeferbar)

Only a handful of other Canadian bars made the ranking for North America's 50 Best Bars, including Civil Liberties, Bar Pompette and Bar Mordecai in Toronto.

New York claimed more spots on the list than any other city, accounting for 12 of the 50, including three of the top five.

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Advocacy group calls on Vancouver to 'embrace' cannabis tourism after 4-20 'debacle'

V ANCOUVER — The head of a B.C. cannabis growers group says the City of Vancouver's choice to discourage instead of sanction a marijuana celebration over the weekend was a costly "missed opportunity." 

The BC Craft Farmers Co-Op says the city should rethink its approach to 4-20 celebrations and sanction what could be an "international cannabis tourism event."

Co-op president Tara Kirkpatrick says the city erected barriers around Sunset Beach and had police target vendors at the unsanctioned celebration over the weekend, instead of authorizing a "professionally run special event," similar to the annual Pride Parade. 

Previous celebrations in Vancouver on April 20 — considered the day to celebrate smoking cannabis — have drawn tens of thousands of people, caused traffic gridlock and expensive damage to city parks.

However, Kirkpatrick says such an event could generate millions in tourism revenues for the province, which could cash in on B.C.'s "rich cannabis culture" and reputation as a place with "legendary craft cannabis farmers." 

Vancouver's Parks Board had temporary fences put up, and closed washrooms and parking lots on Saturday as a way to "mitigate" what it said was a "non-sanctioned cannabis protest event." 

The group says Vancouver could have followed in the footsteps of the City of Prince George, which held a permitted "cannabis summit" over the weekend attended by thousands, including the city's mayor.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 22, 2024.

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Hot deal: You can save hundreds on flights to Portugal from Vancouver

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Travellers can enjoy reduced prices on flights to Portugal from Vancouver if they are flexible with travel dates. 

Lisbon, Portugal is one of the world's fastest-growing tourist destinations, attracting tourists in droves to its sun-soaked streets. 

Most people travel to Portugal in the summer from April through September when temperatures are hot. Lisbon has the month-long festas (festivals) in June, featuring dance, decorations, and music. The month is centred around the feast of Santo António from June 12 to 13 which features several parades.

However, travellers from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) may wish to travel at a different time to avoid paying high prices. 

When can I book the cheapest flights to Portugal from Vancouver?

Generally, November is the cheapest month to fly to Lisbon from Vancouver, with prices ranging from $780 to $1,000 (see slide two), according to Google Flights.

July is the most expensive month to visit Portugal, with the cheapest prices averaging between $1,500 and $1,850. But there are some cheap tickets during the warmer months.

For example, a flight that departs YVR on Tuesday, Aug. 27 and returns from the Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in Lisbon costs $898 through third-party supplier Flighthub. The ticket includes segments by Canadian carriers Porter Airlines and Air Transat with one stopover in Montreal on the outbound journey and one in Toronto on the return portion of the trip (see slide three). 

Are there cheap one-way flights available for travellers who wish to fly home from another country?

Travellers from YVR who don't mind making two stops en route to Portugal can fly for around $600 on multiple dates in October and November. 

For example, a flight departing Vancouver on Monday, Oct. 14 makes two stops before arriving in Lisbon and costs around $600 (depending on what third party you book with). Flights booked directly with Azores Airlines cost $647. The first stop in Toronto is just over two hours long and the second one in Ponta Delgada is under two (see slide four).

Can I fly direct from Vancouver to Lisbon, Portugal?

There are no direct flights to Portugal from Vancouver. 

The fastest flight with stops from Vancouver to Lisbon takes 12 hours and 25 minutes, according to Google. 

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Here's when you need (and don't need) a passport to cruise.

It's the type of sailing – closed-loop or open-loop – that largely determines whether or not you need a passport to cruise.

Do You Need a Passport for a Cruise?

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A passport isn't always required for cruising.

To determine whether or not you need a passport to cruise, you first need to figure out if the itinerary is closed-loop or open-loop (also known as open-jaw).

Closed-loop cruise: A closed-loop cruise typically doesn't require a passport since it begins and ends in the same U.S. port (though there are some exceptions to this rule).

Example: Royal Caribbean International 's seven-night Western Caribbean & Perfect Day cruise stops in several countries – the Bahamas, Jamaica, Haiti and Grand Cayman – but the itinerary is considered closed-loop because it starts and ends in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Open-loop cruise: An open-loop cruise begins in one U.S. port and ends in a different U.S. port.

Example: Carnival Cruise Line 's 16-day Panama Canal from Seattle itinerary is not considered closed-loop because it departs from Seattle and completes its journey in New Orleans.

All of the above regulations have been determined by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative: a plan by the departments of State and Homeland Security that determines which documents are acceptable for proving identity and citizenship when entering the United States.

Where to cruise without a passport

There are several destinations where you can cruise without a passport on a closed-loop sailing. They include the following:

• The Bahamas

When looking at cruises to these locations, be mindful of the home ports. The Bahamas, Mexico, Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada are all foreign ports, which means they only qualify for the passport exception if they are a stop along your cruise itinerary . If the cruise originates in any of these countries, it is likely you will need a passport.

Since Alaska, Hawaii and New England are all U.S. destinations, any closed-loop routes departing from these locations will not require a passport. However, keep in mind that it can be hard to find closed-loop cruises originating in Hawaii or Alaska.

To find closed-loop itineraries for a Hawaiian voyage or Alaskan cruise , try searching for sailings departing from major cities on the West Coast, like Seattle or Los Angeles . By contrast, quite a few closed-loop cruises leave from New England ports, but they are often marketed as Canadian cruises.

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When you need a passport for closed-loop cruises

Some cruise itineraries include foreign ports that require a passport for disembarkation. This is most commonly an issue for travelers on a closed-loop Caribbean cruise. Barbados , Guadeloupe , Haiti, Martinique , St. Barts , and Trinidad and Tobago all require U.S. citizens to present a valid passport to disembark and enter the country, despite WHTI regulations not requiring a passport for these destinations. Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private island , is an exception and does not require a passport despite its location in Haiti.

If your itinerary includes a country requiring a U.S. passport, your cruise line will require you to have the passport at check-in. Note that your passport must not expire within six months of your arrival in a foreign country or else it won't be considered valid for international travel.

Read: The Easiest Way to Renew Your Passport

Acceptable forms of ID

All travelers – U.S. citizens and foreign nationals alike – must present documents that show identity and citizenship when entering the United States. A U.S. passport can show both. If you don't have one or don't want to bring one, be aware that you may need to present more than one document.

U.S. citizens 16 and older

If you're a U.S. citizen age 16 or older sailing on a closed-loop cruise without your passport, you will need a government-issued photo ID like a driver's license. In addition, you must present a document that proves your U.S. citizenship. These include:

• Passport card
• State-issued enhanced driver's license (EDL)
• Government-issued birth certificate
• Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST)
• American Indian Card (Form I-872) or Enhanced Tribal ID Card

The Trusted Traveler Programs are risk-based programs to facilitate the entry of travelers who have been vetted and preapproved. Most of these programs will provide you with a machine-readable card that allows you to pass through border checkpoints quickly. Keep in mind, some of these IDs are only available to travelers 16 and older.

Read: TSA Precheck vs. Global Entry

U.S. citizens younger than 16

U.S. citizens younger than 16 are only required to present proof of citizenship, such as one of the following documents:

• Original, notarized or certified copy of their government-issued birth certificate
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by U.S. Department of State
• Certificate of Naturalization issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Read: How to Get a Passport for Kids

Non-U.S. citizens

If you are a lawful permanent resident (or LPR) of the United States, you are required to present a permanent resident card or other valid evidence of permanent residence status.

Non-U.S. citizens, with the exception of Canadians and Mexicans, are not subject to passport exceptions, so a valid passport will need to be provided. Canadian citizens can present a valid passport, Enhanced Driver's License or Trusted Traveler Program card. Mexican citizens must present a passport with a visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Unacceptable forms of ID

While most common forms of identification are accepted, there are a few exceptions. U.S. military identification cards and U.S. Merchant Mariner documents are valid forms of identification, but only when traveling on official orders or in conjunction with official maritime business, so it is unlikely they will be accepted when traveling on a cruise.

Here are some other documents that will not be accepted as proof of citizenship:

• Voter registration cards
• Social Security cards
• Baptismal papers
• Hospital certificates of birth (for anyone older than a newborn)

It is important to note that many of the permitted forms of identification, such as a passport card or EDL, are only accepted at land and sea border crossings. Unforeseen circumstances, such as a medical air evacuation, may cause you to return to the U.S. by air travel. In this case, these documents won't be accepted when you try to reenter at the border crossing.

To avoid extra delays in your return to the U.S. following unforeseen travel complications, the Department of State recommends that everyone taking a cruise from the United States carry a valid passport book in case of emergency.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Erin Vasta has traveled extensively to international destinations, gaining a deep knowledge of travel regulations in the process. Her expertise in this area has saved her family and friends from unnecessary travel delays and ensured stress-free trips through border security in nearly 15 countries. To write this article, Vasta used her international travel experience and research skills.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Passport Holders
• Cruise Packing List: Essentials to Bring
• Safe at Sea: The Best Cruise Insurance

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