How to plan a trip to Vancouver?

When planning your trip to Vancouver you’ll need to consider things like the weather, as rain is common in the city, the currency, the language and even the type of power sockets that are used. And of course you’ll also need to think about local transport, buy plane tickets, book accommodation and make sure you have the necessary travel documents.

As you can see, there’s a lot to prepare before you set out on the streets. But don’t worry because you’re in the right place. In this post we accompany you through the first steps of organising your trip and give you numerous travel tips that will help you prepare for your stay in the country. Get your pen and paper ready and we’ll tell you what our experience was like and everything you need to bear in mind to travel like a real expert.

1. Prepare your travel documents for Vancouver

Filing your travel documents for Canada is easy, but it’s important to be well-informed as it can vary depending on the purpose of your trip, the length of your trip and your country of origin. Here are all the possible options:

US residents and citizens will be able to cross the border with a valid passport, but they are the only ones, as all other countries in the world will have to apply for either an eTA or a visa.

European, Commonwealth and some other countries have to apply for the eTA, which is an electronic certificate linked to the passport, which lasts for 5 years, but only allows you to stay in the country for 6 months. The eTA is processed online and costs $7 CAD. It is usually issued immediately, but can sometimes take a few extra days if there is a glitch. In any case, it is best to apply at least one month in advance.

For travellers from countries that require a visa to enter Canada, it is necessary to apply through the embassy, consulate or online, with a cost of approximately $100 CAD and a processing time of up to 40 days. If the stay is longer than 6 months, an interview for biometric data collection is required. Essential application documents include a valid passport, passport-style photographs, proof of financial solvency, and a letter of invitation if applicable. Details of the travel itinerary, proof of relationship or marital status, and payment of the relevant fees must also be submitted. A letter of explanation, medical examination results and criminal record certificates may also be requested, depending on the length of stay and country of origin.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Vancouver

Visiting Vancouver in the summer months, from June to August, is ideal for taking advantage of the mild, dry weather, with temperatures hovering around 20°C (68°F). This season is perfect for enjoying outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking in the nearby parks and mountains. There’s also the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, which attracts artists from around the world. However, it is high season, so accommodation prices can be higher and tourist sites can be more crowded.

Another option is autumn, when the crowds thin and the landscape takes on autumnal hues. During these months you can enjoy theVancouver International Film Festival, although the weather starts to get cooler and rainier.

3. Find out how to get to Vancouver

Vancouver enjoys a privileged position between sea and mountains that allows you to get there by air, land or sea. Here are all the options for getting here:

• Plane: Most visitors arrive via Vancouver International Airport, which is one of Canada’s largest and best-equipped airports. Direct flights from Europe can cost up to €700, and often require a stopover at another airport.
• Car: Although Vancouver has decided not to build direct highways to downtown, it’s accessible by roads from nearby cities such as Seattle and Calgary. A detailed map is recommended due to traffic and high parking costs. If you’re not going out of the city, this option is not recommended; it’s best to arrive by car, bus or train.
• Bus: Greyhound and Quick Shuttle offer routes connecting Vancouver with cities such as Seattle and Calgary. Pacific Coach Lines connects directly to Victoria.
• Train: Amtrak operates a route between Seattle and Vancouver, and VIA Rail connects to Edmonton, Jasper and Toronto, offering spectacular views along the way.
• Boat: Vancouver is a major port with ferry services from Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo, Victoria and the Sunshine Coast.

On arrival at Vancouver International Airport, the cheapest way to reach the city centre is by public transport. Bus 424 takes you to the airport bus station, and from there, the 98-B bus takes about 40 minutes to get downtown. The fare is valid for 90 minutes and allows for transfers. A taxi costs around 25 CAD and is a faster option.

The city has a network of buses, light rail (SkyTrain) and ferries (SeaBus). A single ride costs $2.95 CAD in Zone 1, with prices increasing for additional zones. To get around the city efficiently and economically, it’s recommended to use the Compass card, which allows unlimited travel and is rechargeable.

4. Find accommodation that meets your expectations for enjoying Vancouver

Accommodation in Vancouver reflects its status as one of the world’s most livable cities. From boutique hotels to cosy flats, the city offers options for every taste and budget in its many neighbourhoods. Here’s a list of some of the best areas to stay:

• Downtown: This is the city centre, ideal for those looking to be close to tourist attractions. There is luxury and budget accommodation, but in general, prices tend to be on the high side.
• Yaletown is a trendy neighbourhood with mid- to high-end accommodation. Ideal for young people and adults who enjoy nightlife.
• Chinatown: perfect for Asian culture lovers, with cheaper accommodation options and good connectivity.
• Kitsilano: close to beaches and with a relaxed atmosphere, it offers moderately priced accommodation, ideal for budget travellers.
• Gastown: historic and picturesque, ideal for families. Offers a moderate price range for accommodation varying in comfort and style.
• Coal Harbour: exclusive and quiet, with luxury accommodation. High prices but with unparalleled views and proximity to major attractions.
• Granville Island: close to the centre, offering an artsy atmosphere and limited but quality accommodation options.
• South Vancouver: is a quieter, more residential area, ideal for longer stays.
• North Vancouver: connects with nature and outdoor sports, with affordable and comfortable accommodation options.

Each neighbourhood has its own unique charm that makes it special, but before you choose, consider how you’re going to get around the city. In this case, the public transport network is very comprehensive, so you can choose to stay further away from the centre and get around by bus or metro.

The Passporter App makes it easy to find accommodation with the help of other travellers’ travel itineraries and Booking, where you can compare prices and book.

5. Choose the activities you want to do in Vancouver

Vancouver is a wonderful city where culture and nature coexist in perfect harmony with modern architecture. We spent three days in the city and had plenty of time to see it all, but if you decide to extend your trip, you’re sure to find a thousand more things to do. In this post you can read more about the city: Things to do and see in Vancouver Canada

Here’s a sneak preview of the must-sees:

• Stanley Park: is a huge urban park with miles of trails, beaches and the famous Seawall.
• Granville Island: This island is known for its public market and lively arts scene.
• Grouse Mountain: is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking in summer and skiing in winter. The cable car ride to get there costs approximately $59 CAD.
• Museum of Anthropology: displays art and artefacts from indigenous cultures. General admission is about $18 CAD.
• VanDusen Botanical Garden: features themed gardens and exotic vegetation. Admission is about $11 CAD.
• Capilano Suspension Bridge: This is an impressive bridge suspended over a lush forest. Entry costs about $54 CAD and is not recommended for people with vertigo.
• Vancouver Aquarium: is home to numerous marine species, ideal for families. Admission is about $40 CAD.
• Gastown: This historic Vancouver neighbourhood is famous for its steam clock and chic boutiques.
• Kitsilano Beach: is a popular urban beach with mountain views and excellent facilities. Free access

6. Where and what to eat in Vancouver?

Vancouver’s cuisine, as well as having a wide variety of fresh, quality ingredients, is heavily influenced by its extensive Pacific coastline, which provides a rich variety of seafood and fish, such as salmon. In the city’s restaurants you can sample a myriad of dishes that combine influences from diverse culinary cultures due to the city’s multiculturalism.

These are some of the dishes you can’t miss:

• Smoked Meat Sandwich: is a smoked meat sandwich with mustard and pickles, a popular choice for locals and visitors alike to eat in restaurants and on the street.
• Pate Chinois: is a meat pie layered with ground beef, corn and mashed potatoes, baked until golden brown.
• Artic Char: Salmon-like fish, usually baked in the oven with rosemary, garlic and lemon.
• Butter Cake: A simple but delicious dessert made with eggs, sugar, butter and maple syrup.
• Trempettes: Canadian pancakes, usually served with maple syrup, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.

A signature drink in Vancouver, and Canada in general, is well-brewed coffee, considered an essential part of the local daily routine. In addition, the city has a notable craft beer scene, with many microbreweries offering innovative and local products.

7. Organise a trip with friends to Vancouver

Vancouver, with its stunning mix of urban and natural landscapes, offers something for everyone, from cycling in Stanley Park to shopping on Granville Island. However, coordinating a group with diverse interests in such an active city can be tricky. Challenges include managing different schedules and balancing the desire for outdoor adventure with cultural exploration.

Luckily, with the Passporter app you can plan a shared travel itinerary that reflects everyone’s wants and needs, keeping the trip organised and avoiding conflicts about what to do next. In this post you can read many travel tips that will help you organise a trip with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Vancouver

• Be sure to bring the local currency, the Canadian dollar, although credit and debit cards are widely accepted. We recommend using international cards.
• Check that you have all your documents in order, including your passport and, depending on your country of origin, an eTA or visa.
• Bring an adapter if your electrical devices have different specifications, as Canada uses A and B type plugs, with a voltage of 120V and frequency of 60Hz.
• Prepare for variable weather depending on the region and the season; bring cold-weather clothing if you’re travelling in winter, especially to the northernmost regions or the Rocky Mountains.
• Use efficient public transportation in major cities such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, and consider buying a local transit card for unlimited travel.
• Bear in mind that English and French are the official languages, with French predominating in Quebec and English in the rest of the country.
• A tip of 15-20% is customary in restaurants. Tipping is also common in taxis.
• Check if you need an international driver’s licence if you plan to rent a car.
• Buy an eSIM card for mobile internet access. Our favourite company is Holafly as they offer Vancouver cards with unlimited data.
• Book flights and accommodation in advance, especially in high season or for popular destinations such as the Rocky Mountains.
• While Vancouver is generally safe, it’s always wise to take standard precautions, especially in larger cities.
• Using apps like Passporter to plan your trip to Vancouver is free and helps you draw inspiration from other travellers, as well as organising your itinerary efficiently.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Vancouver

Download the Passporter App and discover all the possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries.
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and trip information.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you want to visit each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums.
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents.
• Make any changes you need to make and you’re all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you’ve visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Vancouver.

If you have doubts about how to create your itinerary, you can consult our post: How to create a travel itinerary in Passporter.

10. Frequently asked questions about travelling to Vancouver