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British Columbia’s biggest city is a rugged, outdoorsy, escape. Set on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, it boasts breaching orcas and massive humpback whales, towering Douglas firs, the sky-scraping North Shore Mountains, and thousands of acres of natural parkland. Sustainability filters naturally into every facet of daily life, and Indigenous tourism offerings place visitors within vibrant communities. On the other hand, Vancouver is also a cosmopolitan dream. Gourmet restaurants are playgrounds for award-winning chefs, including Hawksworth’s namesake David Hawksworth and L’Abbatoir’s Lee Cooper. Stunning hotels, including recently renovated Rosewood Hotel Georgia, combine historical architecture and modern conveniences. And fashion-forward shopping, like trendy Robson Street and the eclectic Granville Island Market, lighten any visiting wallet. That ever-present swirl of fancy and rustic makes the city an interesting one to explore. And in 2026, the city’s role as FIFA World Cup 2026 co-host will bring about one million travelers to Vancouver. What to do FIFA World Cup: The city will host seven games starting in June 2026, and new flight options and favorable exchange rates make it a popular choice for fans from around the world to take in a game (or seven). Grouse Bike Park: This recently opened (summer 2025) mountain biking park is a must for two-wheeled adventurers. From June through October, the park has 11 active bike trails and three-trail learning zones. Riders can take a chairlift ride to the top before riding as much of an almost 900-foot vertical drop on this choose-your-own-mountain-adventure. Grouse Gravity Coaster: Also on Grouse Mountain, this rollercoaster offers an alternative for those who want a non-bike, non-ski vertical adventure. This two-person seated ride has a 298-foot vertical drop that will thrill families wanting an adrenaline rush with a view. Stanley Park National Historic Site: This 1,000-acre natural escape—which is about 16 percent larger than New York City's Central Park (at 840 acres)—has long been one of Vancouver’s prime attractions. These unceded, traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nation communities boast nature trails and the Vancouver Aquarium. On the Talaysay Talking Trees tour, visitors can learn about the history of the lands as well as the flora and fauna that the Sechelt and Squamish people continue to rely on. Jack Poole Plaza: This waterfront walk is where locals often gather for city-wide events; it’s also where the Olympic flame sat during the 2010 Olympic and Para Olympic games. But on any random afternoon, it’s a beautiful place to walk, take in the harbor, and admire public art. The Douglas Coupland statue of a giant, pixelated orca—dubbed the Digital Orca—is likely the area’s most photographed piece. When to go Vancouver's spring rains turn the city pink with cherry blossoms. Comfortable temperatures and smaller crowds in this off-season travel time make it popular with hikers and bikers. May through September is prime whale-watching season. Expect temperatures that range from 59-77°F. Beach and boat lovers will love this time of year best. In September, milder temps and changing foliage colors bring a kaleidoscope of red and gold to the city’s natural spaces. The city gets its most precipitation during the winter. For skiers and snowboarders, it can be a dream—fresh powder in the mountains and milder temps in the city center. Where to eat Botanist: Chef Hector Laguna sources his local produce and seafood with a focus on showcasing the Pacific Northwest. And the creative cocktail bar is consistently rated among the world’s best. Food trails: If you're not sure where to start, local food trails can help. In neighboring Richmond (that’s where the international airport is), the popular Dumpling Trail offers 15 stops. In suburban Surrey, the Spice Trail introduces on-the-rise chefs and family-owned businesses. Food tours: The three-hour North Vancouver Foodie tour starts with a harbor ferry cruise before exploring the eateries in Lonsdale Quay Market. And the Gastown Brunch Foodie Tour takes you through a historical area of the city with a storytelling guide as you dine on brunch favorites. Public markets: The iconic Granville Island Public Market is home to popular eateries like Lee’s Donuts—the honey dip is most popular, and the jelly-filled is said to be Seth Rogen’s favorite. And Richmond Night Market, which celebrated its 25th season in 2025, is the spot for Asian cuisine with everything from Japanese poutine to barbecued squid. In between bites, ride the 600-foot zip-line for a bird’s-eye view. Where to stay Rosewood Hotel Georgia: This recently renovated Vancouver institution remains a celeb favorite: Elvis Presley, Katharine Hepburn, and Jennifer Lopez have all stayed here. The hotel’s modern glamor feel is bolstered by art deco features which remain prominent throughout. The Smithe House: Families, or those looking for a bit more space, will enjoy the new designer family suites (bunk beds) in this low-rise property on the edge of Yaletown. Studios, one- and two-bedroom units are also on-site and feature laundry spaces and large kitchens. The Park Hyatt Vancouver: A multi-million-dollar makeover of the Hyatt Vancouver Downtown Alberni will transform it into the city’s first (and the country’s second) Park Hyatt. Expect a fresh take on the 119 guest rooms, upgraded amenities, and a refreshed spa when it opens in 2026. Getting around International flights land at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The SkyTrain is the fastest route to downtown Vancouver (about 25 minutes), and public transportation (buses and light rapid rail) will get you to most of the city’s top attractions. Renting a car makes sense if you want to explore spots like Squamish and Whistler. Heather Greenwood Davis is a travel journalist, on-air personality and family travel advocate. An inaugural National Geographic Traveler of the Year (2012), she’s a regular contributor to top-tier publications and networks. She lives in Toronto, Canada, and you can follow her on Instagram.
