Vancouver Overview

Vancouver: Spectacular by Nature!

This really is a "city of nature": look in one direction to see glass skyscrapers, sidewalk cafes and art galleries, then turn around and take in a view of temperate rainforest, oceanfront beaches and majestic mountains.

Vancouver so effortlessly combines the excitement of a modern city with true access to the great outdoors. You can hike in the morning amongst ancient trees without even leaving the downtown peninsula, then have lunch at a busy waterfront market, spend the afternoon on a mountain wildlife-watching, then come back down again to dine and dance the night away in one of the city's hip neighbourhoods. You won't find a city quite like Vancouver.

Vancouver Shopping Heaven

Shopping in Vancouver is like a dream come true and is sure to please even the most ardent shopper. With everything from artisan markets in hip Gastown to international designers in downtown's Robson Street and Pacific Centre, there is surely more than enough to quench your appetite for fashion.

If you are looking for something more traditional and you are looking to explore the local arts and crafts, then head to Granville Island where you will find the famous Public Market. This is also the perfect spot to excite your taste buds with delicious foods from all around the world.

Trendy Yaletown is also worth a stop which is dotted with designer boutiques and antique stores, but if size matters then head out to Metropolis at Metrotown - the mall boasts more than 450 shops and is just 20-minutes from downtown.

Vancouver's Culinary Delights

A destination as active as Vancouver gives you plenty of ways to work up an appetite, which is a good thing given the city's justifiably lauded dining scene!

Situated on the coast, you can enjoy outstanding fresh seafood caught on your doorstep, so whether it's a salmon barbecue on a beach or a sophisticated scallop ceviche on a sunny patio, it's not to be missed. And in a city as rich in culture as Vancouver, you can indulge in the most incredible gourmet foods from around the world and in particular you will find some of the best Chinese and Japanese food you will ever come across, right in the heart of the city. Pair it all with British Columbian wines and micro-brewed beers to get a unique taste of the city.

Chef-guided culinary walking tours and cooking classes give the gastronomically-minded plenty to do away from the table, but for the ultimate way to combine cuisine and sightseeing, try a floatplane "fly and dine" tour where you can join together breathtaking views with scrumptious foods.

Wild about Vancouver

You might not believe it upon first sight in Vancouver, but you are absolutely surrounded by fascinating wildlife at every turn as the mountains loom over the city, and the fresh scent of the forest is in every breath.

Get to know the region's wilder inhabitants with a whale watching excursion, or visit Grouse Mountain's Refuge for Endangered Wildlife to meet Grinder and Coola, the resident Grizzly bears.

Kayaking along a coastal shoreline is a tranquil experience not to be missed, and a rainforest walk is a beautiful way to re-connect with nature. Those looking to quicken their pulse can zip-line through the trees, raft the rapids, or try their hand at mountain biking. All of this and you're still in the city!

Vancouver Top 10 Things to Do

There is so much to see and do in Vancouver and choosing what to do first can be tricky! We have listed our top 10 recommendations of things to see and do so that you can spend your time wisely in this incredible city.

Vancouver City Breaks

Booking a city break package is a fantastic way to save money, as we have incredible deals on packages to suit all holiday plans and budgets. Included in the prices below are return flights and accommodation in vibrant downtown Vancouver, and also some of our best tours and attractions that depart from the city.

Vancouver Hotels

We have listed some of our favourite hotels and best sellers in downtown Vancouver. We always guarantee to offer you the lowest prices on all of our hotels, whether you are looking for a stylish city retreat or a budget hotel to lay your head after a busy day of sightseeing, we have it and always at the best prices.

If you can't see the hotel that you are looking for then just call our travel specialists who will be happy to find you the best prices.

Call now on (London) 0207 616 9184 or (Glasgow) 0141 223 7517.

Vancouver Winter 2012/13

Vancouver: Where mountains meet the beach

A visit to Vancouver during winter provides a refreshing balance to the usual ski vacation. From the mountain peaks to the oceanfront, this Winter Olympic city offers terrific value during its off-peak season, effortlessly combining the excitement, nightlife and shopping of a young, modern city along with true access to the great outdoors. This really is a 'city of nature': look in one direction to see the mountains run down to meet sandy beaches, then turn around and take in vibrant neighbourhood streets, cafes and markets. Vancouver's mild weather lets you sail in the morning, cycle the seawall after lunch, ski or board the local peaks at dusk, then come back down again to dine and dance the night away in one of the city's hippest nightlife districts.

More to explore

As one of the world's premiere city destinations, much is made of Vancouver's beauty, but this city is about more than just a photo-opp - it's all about the lifestyle. Two days in the city offers a great contrast to time spent at one of B.C.'s ski resorts, and enough time to have an authentic Vancouver experience. The locals like to say that they leave the snow up on the mountains, where it belongs, and mild daytime temperatures (around 7 degrees C) mean that visiting iconic spots such as Stanley Park, strolling colourful local neighbourhoods and even cycling the seawall are all still possible during winter. The local mountains offer plenty of adventure aside from skiing and boarding, while the amazing natural scenery also forms a backdrop for unique attractions - Capilano Suspension Bridge's newCliffwalk takes thrill-seekers out over a canyon on a narrow cantilevered walkway and families will love Western Canada's only 4D theatre experience at the Vancouver Aquarium, while cultural types can explore First Nations history at the breathtaking UBC Museum of Anthropology. Whether it's watching a Canucks ice hockey game, catching a live concert or hitting the clubs, Vancouver has a multitude of nightlife options to satisfy the crowd, and the dining in Vancouver is always superb.

Shop to it!

If you're looking for a little retail therapy, Vancouver is sure to please even the most ardent shopper, with everything from artisan markets to international designers, unbeatable bargains through to decadent splurges. Downtown's Robson Street and Pacific Centre offer well-known brands and high-end boutiques, while Vancouver's oldest district, Gastown, has been re-invented as a hipster hangout and home to some of the city's coolest independent stores, bars and restaurants. A former warehouse district, Yaletown is now where Vancouver's chicest crowd can be found, along with designer boutiques and modern galleries. The beachside Kitsilano area is known for its laid-back vibe-check out the yoga-wear stores and some great neighbourhood bistros.Nearby, Granville Island is the perfect stop for exploring artisan studios and local craftpurveyors. When size matters, head out to Metropolis at Metrotown - the mall boasts more than 450 shops and is just 20-minutes from downtown.

Sip and savour

A destination as active as Vancouver gives you plenty of ways to work up an appetite, which is a good thing given the city's justifiably lauded dining scene. Vancouver's chefs use the region's best seasonal ingredients and combine them with traditional techniques and multicultural influence to create a delicious West Coast fusion cuisine. From tiny local sushi restaurants through to high-end seafood, Vancouver has an astounding range of restaurants for all budgets and tastes. Pair it all with British Columbian wines and micro-brewed beers to get a unique taste of the city. And there's plenty to explore even after you've put down your fork! Foodies will love a culinary walking tour of Granville Island Public Market to discover home-grown specialties and local flavours. Those visiting at the end of January can experience Dine Out Vancouver, an annual festival bringing together great value set-priced menus at top restaurants, gourmet tours and classes, and exclusive events.

Night moves

Don't let the evening end when your plates are cleared: Vancouver has a vibrant cocktail scene worthy of exploration along with nightlife options to suit all tastes. Chose a neighbourhood and explore your choices, from neon-lit Granville Street lined with clubs, through to sophisticated Yaletown and super-hip Gastown. Whether your preferences lean towards a jazz performance, a spirited pub or cocktail lounge, dance clubs, catching an action-packed Canucks ice hockey game (either live or on a big-screen at a sports bar), or a quiet nightcap, you won't be disappointed.

Take a peak

Vancouver's Cypress and Grouse mountains are visible from just about anywhere downtown, and skiers and non-skiers alike will love that you can be up at the top of one in just 20 minutes. Grouse Mountain is closest to downtown and presents a myriad of options for all of the family: downhill skiing and boarding, snowshoeing tours, sleigh rides, ziplining over alpine forest, and skating on an outdoor rink. Cypress Mountain, home to snowboarding and freestyle skiing events during the 2010 Winter Games, offers snow-tubing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails that lead you to a historic rustic lodge in the woods, perfect for a warming cocoa mid-trek. For a truly unique alpine experience, try night skiing with a spectacular view of the sparkling lights of downtown Vancouver below you. All of this and you're still just a short transfer from your hotel!

'tis the season

One of the most enchanting times to visit Vancouver is during the holiday season. The city's streets, hotels and shops twinkle with seasonal cheer, and the sounds, scents and excitement of the holidays are all-encompassing. Already-popular attractions take things a step further and get dressed up for the holidays: The Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain features sleigh rides, carol singing and Santa's workshop, while light festivals in Stanley Park, VanDusenBotantical Garden and Capilano Suspension Bridge all combine thousands of twinkling lights with seasonal activities and performances for the whole family. In the centre of downtown at Robson Square, you can even lace up a pair of skates and take a seasonal glide around the outdoor ice rink. The annual Carol Ships Parade of Lights sees vessels big and small get dressed up in lights and sail in procession. Climb aboard and cruise the harbour or watch from vantage points along the waterfront.

Time out

Of course, a visit to laidback Vancouver wouldn't be complete without absorbing the relaxed spirit of the locals. A walk along the beaches, joining your friends for a well-deserved cocktail, indulging in a natural spa treatment or just grabbing a coffee and taking in the view - it's right here that you'll understand why this city is regularly ranked as one of the most liveable places in the world. Combined with a ski/board trip, Vancouver is an easy place to visitbut it's much harder to leave!