Vancouver

In summer, the temperate rainforests will have atmospheric mist and drizzle, while the beaches and downtown bask in sun - but it never gets too hot. This is the perfect season to watch wildlife like whales and bears, and you’ll find plenty of tours operating. North Shore is ideal for walking and hiking; as is Whistler a little further afield. Head to English Bay or Stanley Park to explore the beaches like a local, and makes the most of al fresco dining in Gastown.

Vancouver’s mild autumn climate lends itself to long walks punctuated by spectacular colours and fresh autumn air. But in a city where culture and nature coexist, you’ll want to make time to immerse yourself in Vancouver’s arts, shopping and culinary scenes. From festivals to fashion, autumn is a great time to find yourself in Vancouver!

Vancouver’s mild ocean climate means it avoids the more perishing winter temperatures experienced in much of the rest of Canada. It doesn’t get too cold here, so you can easily enjoy festive Christmas shopping in the city's boutiques and malls. On the mountains of Vancouver’s North Shore, the snow is perfect for skiing, just 15 minutes from downtown. You’re also only 90 minutes from Whistler, the ski capital of Canada.

Vancouver’s unique perch between the Pacific Ocean and Coast Mountains makes the natural world easily accessible. The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is just a short drive or bus ride away, where you can learn about First Nations Culture and walk across the iconic rope bridge. The North Shore also offers fantastic hiking with views worth the effort. The ocean is a great way to explore Vancouver, whether on a harbour boat tour or a whale watching tour. A short cruise takes you to Vancouver Island.

Black bears and grizzlies live in Vancouver's outdoors. From May to October, bear watching opportunities are endless. From Vancouver Island, tours look for coastal black bears foraging along the shoreline. The Great Bear Rainforest is an unparalleled wilderness just a floatplane ride away, where grizzlies and rare white “spirit bears” live. Drive to Garibaldi Provincial Park to spot more black bears in the wild.

Vancouver is right by the Strait of Georgia, Haro and Juan de Fuca. Here, three resident orca populations live year-round, which means good odds of seeing dozens of orcas on your trip. Spot humpback whales during their migration in the summer months, while minke, gray whales, porpoises, seals and sea lions are also regular sights. Tours like Prince of Whales, Orca Spirit and Wild Whales Vancouver leave from Vancouver or Victoria.

Downtown is Vancouver’s hub, containing so much of its arts, entertainment, sports and shopping. As a peninsula, Downtown is bounded by Burrard Inlet to the north, and False Creek and the popular district of Yaletown to the south. The West End and world-famous Stanley Park are to the west, while the historic districts of Gastown, Chinatown and Strathcona are to the east. Downtown is home to the Waterfront and the best shopping.

Historic Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, and one of its most vibrant. It borders on the Waterfront area and the edge of downtown. Victorian architecture and the famous steam clock form the backdrop to a vibrant dining and nightlife scene. The streets are interspersed with independent boutiques and galleries, stylish cocktail bars and Vancouver's best culinary fare. Bohemian, upmarket, relaxed, stylish…Gastown is a lot of exciting things.

Activities are so close at hand in Vancouver. A relaxed cycle around the seawall in Stanley Park is a rite of passage and is perfect for all ages. Over on the North Shore, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Parks has boardwalks through old growth cedar rainforests. The star attraction of the rope bride itself isn’t strenuous, but does require a head for heights! Summit Grouse Mountain - without a punishing hike - by gondola and enjoy stunning views from the top.

If you’re after big thrills, you won’t need to look far. North Shore is a mecca for downhill mountain bikers, while the “Grouse Grind” to the top of Grouse Mountain is a challenging climb for keen walkers. Squamish and Whistler offer more hiking and biking in summer, or world-class skiing in winter. If you’re a water baby you’ll find kayaking and paddleboarding in Vancouver’s harbours, scuba diving in Deep Cove, and white water rafting in Squamish.