Vancouver

Canada

Vancouver is a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culinary scene, and outdoor activities. It offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and easy access to mountains, ocean, and rainforests, making it a popular destination for both adventure and relaxation.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay4 days
Budget$70/day
Mid-range$250/day
Luxury$600/day

Known For

Vancouver IslandBritish ColumbiaWhistlerSeattleVictoria

🇨🇦 Country Information: Canada

CapitalOttawa
CurrencyCanadian dollar ($)
Language English , French
Phone Code+1
Electricity120V (Type A, B)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is customary in restaurants (15
  • 20% of the bill), bars, for taxi drivers, hairdressers, and hotel staff
  • For delivery services, tipping is also common (10
  • 15%)

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available
  • Credit cards are widely accepted
  • It is not necessary to bring large amounts of cash, but some cash is useful for small purchases
  • There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Punctuality is valued in professional settings
  • Canadians tend to be polite and appreciate direct, but not aggressive, communication
  • Personal space is generally respected
  • It is common to remove shoes when entering someone's home

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Canada has progressive LGBTQ+ laws, including legal same-sex marriage nationwide.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • Legal drinking age is 18 or 19 depending on the province/territory
  • Drug laws vary by province, but recreational cannabis is legal nationwide for adults, with strict regulations

Special Laws

  • It is illegal to drive while using a handheld device
  • Some provinces have laws against jaywalking
  • Hunting and fishing require licenses

Common Phrases

HelloBonjour (bon-ZHOOR)
Excuse mePardon (par-DON)
Thank youMerci (mair-SEE)

Climate

Climate Zone: Marine Oceanic

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

B.C. roll regional_speciality

A distinct variety of sushi originating from the Metro Vancouver region, made with grilled salmon and cucumber. This roll is a popular example of the

Japadog street_food

A Vancouver street food sensation featuring hot dog-style sausages and buns served with various Japanese-inspired toppings like okonomiyaki, yakisoba,

Candied Salmon regional_speciality

A Vancouver specialty, this dish consists of wild Chinook salmon that is cured and then slow-smoked and glazed with maple syrup. It's often found at l

Nanaimo Bar dessert

A classic Canadian dessert that is particularly popular in Vancouver, consisting of a rich, unbaked bar with three layers: a wafer crumb base, a cream

Dungeness Crab seasonal

These prized crustaceans, weighing 2–3 pounds, are particularly meaty, nutty, and sweet. While available year-round, they are said to be the tastiest

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

BC Ferries Vehicle Reservations (to Vancouver Island or Sunshine Coast) Transport
Book at least 1 week, up to 3 months in advance

Vehicle deck space on popular routes (like Vancouver to Victoria/Nanaimo) sells out, and waiting in the standby line can result in multi-sailing waits.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

High-Demand Restaurant Reservations (e.g., Maenam, Blue Water Cafe) Dining
Book 2–4 weeks in advance

Popular or upscale restaurants, especially downtown, often book up weeks in advance, leaving only early or late seating times.

Whale Watching Tours tour_or_activity
Book 1 week to 1 month in advance

Tours, particularly during the prime summer season, have limited capacity and popular time slots fill up quickly.

Fun Facts

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