A Guide to Vancouver, Canada (2024)

Since we've just stayed in Vancouver twice so far, we can only personally recommend two places to stay :

• The Burrard- centrally located in downtown Vancouver, a few blocks from the Cruise port
• Seaside Hotel North Vancouver - located in North Vancouver, a little quieter location near many food options

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However, there are many other places to stay in Vancouver that we've heard are supposed to be very nice, including :

• ​Pan Pacific Vancouver- the closest you can get to the cruise port, with stunning waterfront views
• Hilton Vancouver Downtown- next to the Yaletown neighborhood with close proximityto many bars, boutiques, and restaurants
• Loden Hotel- a luxury boutique hotel within walking distance of Robson Street shopping
• Fairmont Waterfront- a luxury hotel on the waterfront with stunning views from their outdoor pool
• Paradox Hotel Vancouver-a boutique hotel with a pool and patio jacuzzi

Vancouver has an incredible selection of amazing places to eat, no matter where you are I guarantee you'll be able to find a new favorite place. However, if you're looking for some recommendations our personal favorites were :

• Steamworks Brewpub- their Poutine and Quinoa Power Salad were great!
• Nero Waffle Bar - with a few locations around town, our favorites here were the Lavender London Fog, Brussels Benny, and Banella Brûlée
• Lift Breakfast Bakery - this local bistro had a great Breakfast Croissant and Lonsdale Fog
• Granville Island - our favorites at this public marketwere the The Lobster Man's Connecticut Lobster Roll, A La Mode's Clam Chowder Pot Pie, The Lemon Square's Lemon Square, Kaisereck Delicatessen'sCheese and Potato Perogies
• Tap & Barrel - we loved the Green Goddess Bowl and Margarita Pizza
• Budda-Full - they have fantastic smoothie bowls!
• Welcome Parlour Ice Cream - natural ice cream!
• Larry's Market - the only place we've found with kombucha slushies!

In addition to having so many great places to eat - there is seriously so much to do and explore in the Vancouver area! Our favorite things to do were :

• Olympic Village - Once where the athletes of the 2010 olympics stayed, this area of Vancouver is now filled with residential buildings and parks. Try walking the 2.9 km False Creek walking route that takes you around the waterway and to sites like the opening ceremony site.
• Rent a Bike and Explore - Included with many hotel stays downtown (like The Burrard) this is a great way to get around the city! Just be sure to grab a helmet and bike lock as it can be very busy on the streets of Downtown Vancouver.
• Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour - We always think these are great way to see a new city and explore with ease. Plus, tickets are good for 24 hours so you can spend 2 days with free transportation around the city.
• SeaBus - Speaking of transportation, we honestly loved using the $3 SeaBus to get to and from North Vancouver to Downtown Vancouver.
• Granville Island - Our favorite spot in Vancouver, with all of the best food! Head here for a few hours or the whole day for shopping, drinks, great food and stunning views of the city!
• Lynn Canyon Park & Suspension Bridge - Epic canyons and hiking trails, just be prepared for lots of crowds! Make sure to also check out Twin Falls and 30 Foot Pool. We've also heard great things about Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which looks awesome but is quite a bit pricier.
• Robson Street - Known for shopping, head further down the street towards the West End to explore Vancouver's Korea Town!
• Skyride at Grouse Mountain - We didn't have the chance to ride this on our last visits, but we heard the views of Vancouver and the Gulf Islands are incredible!
• Gastown Steam Clock - A small stop, but one that draws crowds. This steam powered clock is one of only a few in the world, and goes off every 15 minutes!

• ​Banff Gondola
• Banff National Park
• Canada's Hot Springs
• Columbia Icefield Skywalk
• Lake Minnewanka Cruise​
• Niagara Falls - 24 Hours
• Top 10 Tours at Niagara Falls
• A Guide to Vancouver