Vancouver in Canada

Canada is one of the most fascinating, beautiful, and exciting countries we know. So it's not hard for us to claim that the city of Vancouver, located on Canada's west coast, will undoubtedly amaze you. We provide you with all the tips for your Vancouver vacation.

The city of Vancouver in Canada is among the six most livable cities in the world and is considered 'naturally spectacular'. It is the birthplace of Greenpeace and is nestled in greenery, between the sea and mountains. A coastal city that couldn't be better or more beautiful. Yes, Vancouver deserves the title: 'The Coastal Gem'! Major cities are known to offer plenty, but often they are also very bustling, making many tourists feel the need to escape the hustle and bustle. However, Vancouver is a bit different - the atmosphere here is much more relaxed than in other big cities. There is a different vibe. No matter where you are, through the canyons of the impressive skyline, the breathtaking nature and deep blue sea are always visible. Learn here all the tips for a spectacular Vancouver vacation!

Vancouver is located at the southwestern tip of Canada in the province of British Columbia. It is the largest city in Western Canada and the third-largest in the whole country, after Toronto and Montreal. Therefore, Vancouver Airport offers optimal flight connections. Direct flights are available from Frankfurt and Munich. A 9-hour flight will take you to British Columbia on Canada's west coast. Finding a hotel is also quick and easy, as the selection is very large and thanks to the good infrastructure, you don't necessarily have to stay in the city center.

In this trendy city, there is plenty to discover. To ensure you experience all the highlights during your Vancouver vacation and don't miss any spectacular activities, we present our highlights in detail. Be sure to plan at least 4-5 days for your trip to explore the center of Vancouver. If you wish to explore the surroundings as well, plan for 7-14 days.

You can recognize Downtown Vancouver from a distance. It is the district where all the skyscrapers are located, forming the Vancouver skyline. There is a lot happening in this part of the city.

Robson Street is THE shopping street in Vancouver. Here, you can not only enjoy leisurely strolls but also indulge in extensive shopping! Above all, it is the street to be seen. It runs through the center of Vancouver, from Lost Lagoon at Stanley Park to B.C. Place Stadium. While strolling through Downtown, you will likely notice the library, which is located in a very striking building that resembles the Colosseum in Rome. The Vancouver Lookout is also nearby and offers a fabulous view over the city and far beyond. The lookout area is adjacent to historic Gastown - where we would find our next hotspot.

The residents of Vancouver affectionately call the area Gastown 'Gassy'. Unlike the surrounding neighborhoods, the historic center is characterized by reddish-brown buildings that are more reminiscent of West Village in New York than the rest of Vancouver.

Gassy Jack was the de facto founder of the district, which is named after him. It evolved into an important trade center after Gassy's restaurant opened 151 years ago.

Even though the district attracts many tourists due to the famous Gastown Steam Clock, it is worth visiting because the architecture truly stands out from the surroundings. Additionally, there are many restaurants and cafes here. You can find our tips about these in the culinary delights section.

Between False Creek and Robson Street, in the southern part of the city, lies Vancouver's trendiest area, Yaletown. Here, you can stroll along the marina by the bay and admire the Yaletown Roundhouse. Yaletown also features designer shops and trendy bars such as The Yale and The Roxy. This is a neighborhood you should not miss.

Southwest of Yaletown, you will find a small 'island' that isn't really an island but is called Granville Island. What makes it special is the mix of culture and culinary delights.

Open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM.

Alongside many small art galleries and charming shops that invite you to browse, trendy cafes and restaurants line up here - our personal highlight being the Public Market. Fish, cheese, and meat varieties next to fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and oils sit alongside chocolates and wine - the market is a paradise for foodies. Even if you don't want to buy anything, it is simply wonderful to wander through the aisles.

One of the absolute highlights you can experience in Vancouver is visiting one of the parks within the city or regional or provincial parks in the surrounding area. The environment of Vancouver - as well as the city itself - shines in the most beautiful green.

Enjoy the view of the skyline.

It's best to stroll to Coal Harbour and rent a bike after enjoying the view of the harbor. Stanley Park is not far from here and it's a great idea to cycle around this small peninsula, cross through it, and enjoy a picnic on the grass with a view of Vancouver's skyline. In North Vancouver, there's also Capilano River Regional Park, through which the namesake river flows. Perfect for a little trip into nature.

Sure, Vancouver is right by the water - what would the most livable city be without beaches? Believe me, there are quite a few in Vancouver. The quickest access is to English Bay Beach, located directly on the west coast of Downtown, Third Beach in Stanley Park, or Kitsilano Beach. If you prefer to get a little further from the city center, we recommend Jericho Beach or the nearby Spanish Banks. From here, you still have a wonderful view of the skyline, yet you are surrounded by wide sandy beaches and the sea view.

The nice thing about this area is you can not only bring your dogs, but you can also enjoy a number of activities on the water or in the sand. Whether it's kite surfing, beach volleyball, soccer, or simply letting the dogs splash in the water - here, you can escape the bustle of the big city.

Vancouver is so ideally located in Western Canada that you don't have to go far to experience adventures in nature and engage in sports activities. For instance, if you drive north on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, you will reach beautiful Squamish in less than an hour, a place brimming with outdoor fun. A further 60 kilometers north lies Whistler, the mecca for both winter and summer sports. Between these two cities, countless mountains await climbing, panoramic landscapes ready to be discovered, and waters perfect for water sports that enchant by their very sight.

Here, you can really immerse yourself in the wilderness.

Would you prefer to shift your Vancouver vacation to the island? Vancouver can offer that too: Vancouver Island lies just offshore and can be reached quickly by ferry. The ferry to Vancouver Island takes you to the over 30,000 square kilometer island in one to two hours, depending on your destination. Here, you can truly dive into the wilderness, hike the West Coast Trail, surf the massive waves, discover waterfalls and wildlife, and enjoy nature.

Raincouver is what the city, which sees rain on almost 170 days of the year, is jokingly called. But we must constantly remember that Vancouver is among the most livable cities in the world - and this is despite countless rainy days. It would be a shame if you couldn't find matching activities for a rainy vacation in this cool city.

Museums are a classic option, excellent for expanding your knowledge of Vancouver or diving into the world of arts, for example, at the Museum of Vancouver or the Museum of Anthropology. If you prefer to stroll or shop, then Pacific Centre Mall, Hudson's Bay, and Park Royal are good destinations. Vancouver Aquarium offers exciting insights into the underwater world, and Science World has varying exhibitions to visit. Like all major cities, there are also swimming pools, climbing halls, and an indoor sports arena. But if you prefer to be outdoors, remember: the right clothing is essential!

As you can see, Vancouver is just a mega cool and multicultural city that offers plenty of variety. Whether beaches and water sports, mountains and nature, or big city action - Vancouver has it all! And that's probably why it has remained one of the most livable cities in the world for years. If you have been there, we are curious to hear how you experienced Vancouver and what your personal highlights were. If you are still looking for the perfect Vancouver vacation, check out our offers!

Vancouver is a paradise for foodies. There are many different places and neighborhoods that are perfect for diving into culinary Vancouver.

If you're into culinary variety, Gastown is the place to go. From Mexican to Italian to American and Canadian, there's something for every taste.

You will find real treats on Robson Street. Shopping can make you quite hungry - this must have been on the minds of the owners of the many street food stalls, eateries, and food trucks that line Robson Street. Hot dogs, wraps, sushi, or burgers - you can satisfy your small hunger here. Our recommendation: Mr. Shawarma Food Truck.

We also want to share another foodie hotspot with you: Quietly situated in the far east of North Vancouver is Deep Cove, a picturesque city section. People come here primarily to enjoy stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or boating, have a picnic in the park, or just indulge in some good food.

The Arms Reach Restaurant offers truly delicious Canadian cuisine: Fresh fish dishes, pasta with seafood, juicy salads, all served on a terrace overlooking the bay. Simply wonderful! If you ask us, it's the perfect grand finale for your Vancouver vacation.