Framed by ocean and mountains, Vancouver is a city where glass towers catch the glow of snowy peaks and salty breezes roll in from the Pacific. One moment you’re eating sushi that rivals Tokyo’s, the next you’re on a forest trail or riding a gondola up into alpine air, with the city skyline still in view.
Every neighborhood feels like a different side of the city—Gastown’s cobblestone streets and steam clock, Kitsilano’s laid-back beach vibe, Yaletown’s converted warehouses and trendy restaurants, and Commercial Drive’s indie cafés and global eats. Vancouver is cosmopolitan without pretense, adventurous without effort—an urban playground where nature is always within reach.
Where to stay in Vancouver
Image courtesy of Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Fairmont Pacific Rim: On Vancouver’s waterfront, the Fairmont Pacific Rim blends sleek, contemporary design with sweeping harbor and mountain views. The lobby bar and Willow Stream Spa are favorites among locals.
Fora’s Accor Preferred partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Rosewood Hotel Georgia: This restored 1920s landmark pairs historic glamour with modern luxury in the heart of downtown. Elegant rooms, a celebrated cocktail bar, and fine dining at Hawksworth anchor its reputation as one of the city’s most iconic stays.
Fora’s Rosewood Elite partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, a $30 daily breakfast credit per person, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
AZUR Legacy Collection Hotel: A boutique newcomer downtown, AZUR Legacy stands out for its polished interiors, intimate scale, and attentive service. A chic rooftop lounge and design-driven spaces give it the feel of a contemporary urban retreat.
Fora Reserve perks include 10% off food and beverage, complimentary access to fitness facilities, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver: Nicknamed “The Castle in the City,” Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has been part of the skyline for nearly a century. Today it pairs a prime downtown location with spacious rooms, bold interiors, and restaurants that draw a local crowd.
Fora’s Accor Preferred partner perks include a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Things to do in Vancouver
Grouse Mountain
Stanley Park & the Seawall: Vancouver’s backyard playground, Stanley Park is best experienced by bike. Circle the 6-mile seawall past totem poles, driftwood beaches, and lookout points where mountains and ocean meet in one frame.
Granville Island: A food lover’s paradise under the Granville Street Bridge. Pick up fresh salmon candy at the market, sip local craft beer, and wander the island’s studios and theaters.
Grouse Mountain: Hike the Grouse Grind, a thigh-burning 2.5-km trail locals nickname “Nature’s Stairmaster,” or glide up on the gondola to alpine trails, lumberjack shows, and panoramic views.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: A classic crowd-pleaser, this swaying bridge stretches 450 feet above the Capilano River. Kids love the treetop canopy walk, while adults can test their nerves on the glass-bottom cliffwalk.
Museum of Anthropology at UBC & Bill Reid Gallery: Learn about Indigenous art and culture at these two must-visits. The MOA houses breathtaking Indigenous works from across the Pacific Northwest, while the Bill Reid Gallery shines a spotlight on one of Canada’s most celebrated Haida artists.
Seaplane tour: Few experiences show Vancouver’s drama like a floatplane ride. Take off from Coal Harbour and see the city shrink beneath you as glaciers, islands, and fjords unfold in every direction.
SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay Market: This 15-minute harbor hop to North Vancouver feels like a mini-adventure. Grab fish and chips, browse local shops, and enjoy skyline views with the mountains rising behind downtown.
Gastown Steam Clock: Yes, it’s touristy—but hearing the iconic steam clock whistle is a rite of passage. Afterwards, stick around for cobblestone streets lined with cocktail bars and indie boutiques.
Kitsilano Beach: Known simply as “Kits,” this sandy hangout is where the city chills out. Come for the sunset over English Bay, stay for the volleyball games, seawall strolls, or a dip in Canada’s longest saltwater pool.
Day trips:
Whistler (1.5–2 hrs): Canada’s best-known ski town is just as lively in summer, when alpine meadows swap ski runs for hiking and biking trails. Stroll the pedestrian village, ride the record-breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola, or cozy up in a mountainside lodge.
Squamish & the Sea-to-Sky Corridor (1 hr): The journey is half the experience—this highway hugs cliffs and ocean with mountains looming overhead. Stop in Squamish for the Sea-to-Sky Gondola, local breweries, or trails that make it BC’s adventure capital.
Bowen Island (30-min ferry): A quick ferry ride delivers you into small-town West Coast life. Paddle a kayak along sheltered coves, go whale watching, or hike forested trails before grabbing coffee in Snug Cove.
The Lions (2–3 hrs hike): One of Vancouver’s most iconic hikes, The Lions is a steep, intermediate-to-hard climb with rewarding 360-degree views over the city, Howe Sound, and the Coast Mountains. Best tackled by seasoned hikers.
Tofino & Ucluelet (5–6 hrs) On Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast, Tofino and Ucluelet are the ultimate surf-and-nature escape. Think storm-watching in winter, sandy beaches and surfing in summer, and a year-round mix of rainforest trails, whale watching, and small-town surf culture. Best added on as a longer getaway rather than a day trip.
Places to eat & drink
Upscale eats:
Nightingale: Chef David Hawksworth’s laid-back sibling, serving wood-fired pizzas and seasonal share plates in a relaxed downtown space.
Giardino Restaurant: A Vancouver institution for Tuscan-inspired classics in a warm, rustic setting.
Savio Volpe: Lively osteria serving handmade pasta, wood-fired meats, and Italian comfort done right.
Miku: Sleek waterfront dining best known for its signature aburi (flame-seared) sushi.
AnnaLena: Playful, contemporary Canadian cuisine where creativity shines on every plate.
Kissa Tanto: Retro-chic dining room serving an unlikely but irresistible Italian-Japanese fusion menu.
Casual eats:
Jam Cafe: Beloved all-day brunch spot with hearty plates and a Southern twist.
Pizza Coming Soon: Funky Chinatown hangout for Japanese-inspired pizzas and late-night energy.
Autostrada Osteria (Vancouver House): Neighborhood Italian with seasonal pastas and a curated wine list.
Lunch Lady: Vibrant Vietnamese fare that pays homage to a Saigon street-food legend.
Magari by Oca: Roman-style pizza al taglio served with crisp edges and creative toppings.
The Greek Yaletown: A lively spot for mezze, grilled specialties, and cocktails in the heart of Yaletown.
Minami: Sister to Miku, with a polished Yaletown space serving sushi and modern Japanese plates.
Coffee & quick bites:
Revolver: Gastown’s destination café, rotating global roasters for serious coffee drinkers.
Bahar Bakery & Cafe: Persian-inspired sweets and pastries in a cozy, neighborhood space.
Nemesis Coffee: Trendy cafés known for inventive brews and bold design.
Rain or Shine Ice Cream: Small-batch scoops made with local, seasonal ingredients.
Cowdog: A cool café-snack bar hybrid serving Korean-inspired street eats and specialty drinks.
Drinks:
Botanist Bar: A sleek, plant-forward cocktail spot inside the Fairmont Pacific Rim, known for drinks that look like works of art.
Bagheera: A hidden speakeasy in Chinatown with old-world decor and dramatic cocktails worth the hunt.
Meo: A retro-cool basement bar inspired by 70s Hong Kong, serving inventive cocktails in a moody, velvet-draped space.
La Mezcaleria: A lively Commercial Drive hangout for mezcal and tequila flights, margaritas, and Mexican bar snacks.
33 Acres Brewing: Bright, minimalist, and always buzzing, this local brewery pours some of the city’s best craft beers.
Guilt & Co: Gastown’s go-to for late-night drinks and live music, with a cozy, underground vibe.
Bar Tartare: A natural wine bar with a rotating chef lineup, serving small plates alongside a stellar wine list.
Lala (June): A vinyl listening bar tucked under June restaurant, pairing cocktails and snacks with warm analog sound.
Prophecy (Rosewood Hotel Georgia): A glamorous, underground cocktail bar where art-deco style meets modern mixology.