Vancouver : book your hotel

Where the great outdoors meets cosmopolitan city cool, Vancouver is the jewel in the crown of British Columbia. The Canadian metropolis is surrounded by the rising coastal mountains and the pacific ocean offering sublime vistas against a backdrop of artful dining, cultural charm, and a wealth of museums, galleries and renowned shopping.

Buzzy and bright, there are many reasons to love vibrant Vancouver. There are few cities in the world that offer travellers the chance to climb mountains, chill on beaches, and witness whales breach blue waters - all within striking distance of world-class museums and galleries, restaurants, and plenty of heady festivals and bars that will keep you wanting to explore more. While the downtown area is abundant when it comes to museums, galleries, and all the main sights - the city is also made up of mini districts and chic neighbourhoods. From the trendy Gastown to the beachfront bliss of Kitsilano, there are so many layers to this city that make it a delight to unravel.

The city of Vancouver is situated between snow-capped peaks and the salty sea and while the Downtown area is compact, the city can feel sprawling when you take all the green spaces and neighbourhood corners into account. This is one of the reasons most travellers opt to stay in hotels in Downtown Vancouver when visiting Canada. Fortunately, getting around Vancouver is a breeze with a wealth of bicycles, boats, and public transit routes keeping it well connected. For those who want to explore with the salt air in their face, the city offers over 300km of cycling lanes - many of which are incredibly scenic. The SkyTrain network also offers a speedy way to hop around the city, including direct connectivity from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Downtown Vancouver in 30 minutes. For those who want to hop to Granville Island, services keep you crossing the sea in style.

Vancouver packs a punch when it comes to inspiring plates and palates. Thanks to its multicultural energy, the city is a melting pot of international ideas and flavours to explore. For those wondering what to eat and drink in Vancouver, you can find some of the best Asian food in North America on these streets, independent restaurants and cocktail bars in Gastown and the evolving Mount Pleasant neighbourhoods, not to mention an exquisite craft beer scene, and incredible sustainable seafood straight out of the cold blue Pacific. You can also find mouth-watering Italian fare on Commerical Drive, unique food vendors and artisans at the Grandville Island Public Market, and the seasonal Richmond Night Market is a delight after dark where over 100 food vendors set up sizzling shop. Michelin stars shine bright in Vancouver too with a handful of amazing award-winning eateries and a host of restaurants also sporting the highly coveted Bib Gourmand designation too.

Soak up the sweet outdoors with a stroll along the Seawall to Stanley Park. As one of the most celebrated green spaces in the world, Stanley Park with its surrounding seawall offering sublime waterfront views and its larger-than-life trees. The park offers a gorgeous backdrop for cycling while soaking up the sight of lofty peaks, kicking back by the beach or the pool in the summer months, and taking the walking trails beneath bright leaves.

Vancouver is full of fabulous neighborhoods but Gastown is something special. With its red brick buildings and cobblestone streets - it can feel like taking a step back in time. Ever atmospheric, the iron lamposts lead you through a wealth of wonderful shops, restaurants, trendy bars, and interesting galleries.

For those traveling to Vancouver in the winter months, the city entices ski enthusiasts out to the slopes of Grouse Mountain. Skiing, snowboarding, skating, and all manner of snowy fun can be had on the mountain that rises over the sweeping skyline of Vancouver. Summer adventures also include hiking, picnicking and sunset panoramas. The Capilano Suspension Bridge.

The former industrial isle of Granville has been lovingly transformed into one of the best activities in Vancouver for tourists and locals alike. Brimmed with artisan studios, a sprawling indoor public market, theaters, and cool craft studios, Granville Island makes for a great afternoon trip. Foodies will fall hard for the cheese and charcuterie offerings, local food stalls, market vendors and diverse restaurants, while active souls can try stand-up paddleboarding, and shoppers will delight in the array of local produce and art on show.