Featured Activities, Arts & Attractions

There’s always something exciting to do in Vancouver, from sporting events and cultural festivals, through to live theatre, art openings and culinary happenings. For more information, visit: www.tourismvancouver.com

Recommended Sights

• Stanley Park
• Science World
• Grouse Mountain
• Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
• Bloedel Conservatory
• VanDusen Botanical Garden
• Vancouver Art Gallery

Beaches

• Kitsilano Beach
• English Bay Beach

Landmark Buildings

• Canada Place
• Chinatown Millennium Gate
• Vancouver Public Library
• City Hall

Parks

• Stanley Park
• Queen Elizabeth Park
• Pacific Spirit Regional Park
• Mount Seymour Provincial Park
• Lynn Canyon Park

See full list of the best attractions in Vancouver here (Find galleries, museums, attractions for kids, gardens, and other nature attractions).

Other Important Information

Maps

Tourism Vancouver Visitor Centre provides free downtown maps. Alternatively, the laminated Streetwise Vancouver Map (CAD 8.95) is sold at many convenience stores. 
For free online maps, check out the VanMap system.

Smoking

Smoking is forbidden in all enclosed publicly-accessible spaces. Some restaurant or bar patios that are not fully enclosed may permit smoking (although this is rare). Some hotels rooms may be designated for smoking.

Smoking is not permitted within 6 metres (19.6 feet) of an entryway, openable window or air intake of a building. In addition, smoking is also banned in all Metro Vancouver parks including on the seawall, in Stanley Park, and on beaches. Signage will be posted to indicate the applicable smoking restrictions. Please smoke in designated areas only.

Internet Access

If you are toting your hardware around town, drop into one of the many coffee shops for free Wi-Fi. 

The City of Vancouver has also created free Wi-Fi services at several local community centers, including the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre.

Opening Hours

Most business hours are consistent throughout the year, with the exception of attractions which often reduce their hours slightly outside the summer.

Banks 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekdays, with some opening Saturday mornings.
Shops 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday; noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Restaurants 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.; 5 – 11 p.m.
Coffee shops from 8 a.m., some earlier.
Pubs and bars often from 11:30 a.m.; bars often from 5 p.m. Closing midnight or later.

Accessible Travel

Vancouver is an accessible city. On your arrival at the airport, vehicle-rental agencies can provide prearranged cars with hand controls. Accessible cabs are also widely available at the airport and throughout the city, on request.

All TransLink SkyTrain, SeaBus and transit bus services are wheelchair accessible. Check the TransLink website (www.translink.ca ) for a wide range of information on accessible transport around the region.
 

Dangers & Annoyances

Vancouver is relatively safe for visitors.

• Theft from unattended cars is not uncommon; never leave valuables in vehicles where they can be seen.
• Persistent street-begging is an issue for some visitors; just say “Sorry” and pass on if you're not interested and want to be polite.
• At times, there are small groups of scam artists who work the downtown core, singling out tourists and asking for “help to get back home”. Do not let them engage you in conversation.
• Although rare, purse-snatching and pickpocketing may occur; be vigilant with your personal possessions.

Tipping

The following are typical/average rates for gratuities:

Restaurant wait staff: 15% to 18%
Bar servers: CAD $1 per drink
Hotel bellhops: CAD $1 to CAD $2 per bag
Taxis: 10% to 15%