Quick Facts
Best Time To Visit
May to September for warm weather, outdoor activities and Alaska cruise season.
Spring and autumn are mild with light rain.
Winter is cool and rainy but scenic.
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Cards widely accepted everywhere
Powerplugs
Plug type: A/B
Voltage: 120V
Frequency: 60Hz
Handy Apps
Uber / Lyft
TransLink (public transport)
Google Maps
Evo / Modo (car share)
Timezone
Pacific Time (UTC -8)
UTC -7 during daylight savings
Emergency Numbers
Police, Fire, Ambulance: 911
Wifi
Free WiFi at Canada Place, downtown and many cafés
Hotels usually include free WiFi
Getting Around
Port Location
Most ships dock at Canada Place Cruise Terminal, located on the downtown Vancouver waterfront. The terminal is steps from hotels, restaurants, shops, Stanley Park, and public transport including the SkyTrain. Everything is within easy walking distance.
Taxi & Transport Info
• Taxi from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Canada Place: CAD $38 flat rate (25–30 mins)
• Uber/Lyft to Canada Place: CAD $28–$45
• SkyTrain (Canada Line) from YVR to Waterfront Station: CAD $9.45–$10.75 (25 minutes)
• Taxi to Stanley Park: CAD $10–$15
• DayPass for transit: CAD $11.25 (SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus)
Port Shuttle Info
Shuttles operate between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Canada Place, though taxis and rideshares (Uber/Lyft) are more direct. Many downtown hotels are within 5–10 minutes on foot. No shuttle is needed once in the city.
Walking Difficulty Level
Easy. Downtown Vancouver, the waterfront and Stanley Park are all flat and pleasant to walk. Distances are short, though some parts of the seawall are longer if walking from end to end.
Mobility Info
Canada Place is highly accessible with ramps, elevators and smooth walkways. Vancouver’s downtown is flat and easy to navigate. SkyTrain stations have elevator access, and many attractions provide mobility-friendly access.
Map
Things to See & Do
Must Try Foods
• BC salmon
• Sushi (Vancouver is famous for it)
• Poutine
• Fresh seafood chowder
• Japadog (street food)
• Nanaimo bars (local dessert)
• Craft coffee from local cafés
Shopping Areas
• Robson Street – fashion and brands
• Pacific Centre – major indoor mall
• Granville Island – artisan shops and markets
• Gastown – boutiques and galleries
• Vancouver Waterfront – souvenir shops and cafés
Top Things To Do
• Walk or cycle the Stanley Park Seawall
• Visit Granville Island Public Market
• Stroll through Gastown and see the Steam Clock
• Explore Vancouver Waterfront & Canada Place
• Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
• Vancouver Aquarium
• FlyOver Canada ride at the cruise terminal
Family Friendly Activities
• Stanley Park (totem poles, playgrounds, seawall)
• Vancouver Aquarium
• Science World
• Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
• Granville Island Kids Market
• FlyOver Canada
Half Day Itinerary
• Walk the waterfront around Canada Place
• Explore Gastown and see the Steam Clock
• Visit Granville Island Public Market
• Take in harbour views or FlyOver Canada at the terminal
Full Day Itinerary
• Morning cycle or walk around the Stanley Park Seawall
• Visit Vancouver Aquarium
• Lunch at Granville Island Public Market
• Explore Gastown and Robson Street shopping
• Sunset at Canada Place or English Bay
Two Day Itinerary
DAY 1:
• Stanley Park Seawall walk or bike ride
• Vancouver Aquarium
• Lunch on Granville Island
• Afternoon in Gastown
• Evening waterfront stroll
DAY 2:
• Capilano Suspension Bridge Park or Grouse Mountain
• Explore Robson Street & Pacific Centre
• Visit Science World or the FlyOver Canada attraction
• Dinner at Coal Harbour
Helpful Tips
Local Etiquette Tips
• Tipping is standard: 15–20% at restaurants and taxis.
• Drivers stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
• Keep to the right on footpaths and escalators.
• Respect wildlife, especially in Stanley Park.
• Recycling is common—use the correct bin.
Cruise Tips
• Arrive at least one day early for Alaska cruises due to flight delays.
• Hotels near Canada Place fill fast—book early.
• The SkyTrain is the fastest way to reach downtown from the airport.
• Consider taking the free Canada Place luggage transfer service (available for some airlines).
• FlyOver Canada inside the terminal is a great pre-cruise activity.
Safety Info
Vancouver is generally safe, especially around the waterfront and major attractions. Some areas east of Gastown can be challenging—stick to well-trafficked streets.
