The Cosmopolitan City Of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Icon Share

SHARE

Advisor - Andrew Larder
Curated By

Andrew Larder

  • Vancouver

  • Active Travel

  • Arts & Culture

  • Beaches

  • Food & Wine

  • Canada

  • Sightseeing

  • Entertainment

  • Beach Town

Aerial view of ocean with shore and a boat.
Curator’s statement

Vancouver is the perfect 4-seasons playground, famous for people being able to swim in the ocean in the morning to afternoon, and up in the mountains skiing in the later afternoon to night. There are roughly 3 million residents of metro Vancouver, but only 600,000 in the actual city of Vancouver. Unlike almost every major American city, Vancouver has made the downtown core the most desirable area to live, work, shop, dine and see performances/do activities. Also unique, the actual island of the core of Downtown Vancouver is completely walkable, from side to side, on seaside walkways around the ocean-side perimeter, and there is skytrain transportation to whisk you away to other parts, should you wish to leave the downtown core!

The Fora Difference

Book with Andrew to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

[object Object]
Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

[object Object]
Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

[object Object]
Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay in Vancouver

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

This recently renovated icon, with a full-service spa, has been a Vancouver mainstay since 1939.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    Hotel / resort credit.

  • ★

    VIP welcome & amenity.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver

Nestled along Vancouver's waterfront, The Westin Bayshore offers luxurious accommodations with stunning ocean and mountain views, complemented by top-notch amenities and a convenient location near the city's vibrant downtown.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    Welcome amenity.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Pan Pacific Vancouver

Waterfront Vancouver hotel with sweeping oceanfront and mountain views as well as a heated rooftop saltwater pool and a signature spa.

Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Well-rounded hotel with family, business and romantic package offerings in a luxuriously comfortable setting.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 food / beverage credit.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Wedgewood Hotel & Spa

Indulge in refined elegance and luxurious relaxation at Wedgewood Hotel & Spa, where impeccable service, exquisite accommodations and a tranquil spa sanctuary combine to create an unforgettable experience in the heart of Vancouver.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    $100 food / beverage credit.

  • ★

    Breakfast daily.

  • ★

    Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Unlock perks by contacting Andrew to book your trip.

Things to do in Vancouver

An aerial view of the city of Vancouver with syscrapers, ocean and boats on a sunny day

Basically, everything is downtown!

You want to shop Gucci? Head to Robson Street.

Want to eat JapaDogs or at about 300 of the country's best fine dining restaurants? Stroll downtown.

Want to see NHL Hockey Games, CFL Football games or MLS Soccer games? The stadiums are right downtown.

Want to rent a power boat with nothing but your driver's license and explore the ocean that surrounds Vancouver on all sides? Head to Granville Island.

Want to just take an Aqua Bus, where a skilled captain drives the boat, taking you back and forth across the water, for just a few bucks? Granville island again, plus several beach areas.

Want to go to Science World, the centre for Expo86? Aqua Busses again, or sky train or even walking or taxi.

Want to watch the sunset on warm sandy beaches? Denman and Davie, or even a topless beach at UBC.

Want a cold beer? There are tons of microbreweries all over Vancouver.

Want to see giant native totem poles in the second-largest city park in North America? Head to Stanley Park.

Want to stroll 300 feet above the river on a rickety bridge? Head to Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Day Trips

  • Steveston, seaside village.

  • Richmond, Asian culture and shopping.

  • North And West Vancouver — ocean-front beaches, views, mountains.

  • Horseshoe bay — famous for Troll's Fish and Chips.

  • Whistler is 2 hours up the road — skiing, nightlife, hotels, restaurants.

  • Victoria and all of Vancouver Island, laid back West Coast island style, plus the city that is "More British than Britain itself" — Victoria is a 1.5 hour ferry ride away.

Places to eat & drink in Vancouver

Aerial view of different fine dining dishes on a table at a restaurant

There are probably 300 great restaurants, and new ones arrive almost every month!

These are the classics, with decades and more of experience and success:

There are just too many great spots!

Advisor - Andrew Larder

Travel Advisor

Andrew Larder

Get in touch with Andrew

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Andrew within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, What To Do In Whistler, BC, Canada? This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Vancouver.