Local Information

Vancouver and Attractions

VancouverVancouver is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is a city of stunning natural beauty nestled between the snow capped Coastal Mountains and the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, as well as being a cosmopolitan city, bustling with activity.

To enhance your stay, Vancouver presents a dazzling array of attractions to entertain, excite and inform visitors. Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking panoramic views while walking along the Seawall, relaxing in Stanley Park, or taking a boat ride to Granville Island. Imagine going sailing, playing a round of golf on an internationally renowned golf course and a sunset dinner with a view of the majestic mountains at Whistler/Blackcomb Resort - all in the same day! Families will find exceptional facilities that their children will thoroughly enjoy.

For more information on Vancouver, please contact: www.tourismvancouver.com

For more information on Vancouver Restaurants, please see: www.dinehere.ca

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Festivals and Events

Summer Festivals in BC:

Summer Festivals in Canada:

  • Festival de Lanaudière - Joliette, Quebec
  • Stratford Summer Music - Stratford, Ontario
  • Lamèque International Baroque Music Festival, Lamèque, New Brunswick
  • Le Festival International du Domaine Forget, Saint-Irénée, Quebec
  • Orford Festival, Orford, Quebec
  • Montreal Chamber Music Festival, Montreal, Quebec
  • Ottawa International Chamber Music Festival, Ottawa, Ontario
  • Festival of the Sound, Parry Sound, Ontario
  • Enbridge Symphony Under the Sky, Edmonton, Alberta
  • Banff Arts Festival, - July /August
    More info: www.banffcentre.ca/bsaf
  • The Mountain View Festival of Song and Chamber Music, Calgary, Alberta For More info: www.mountainviewfestival.com.

Vancouver Attractions

Vancouver has an endless supply of things to see and do. It doesn't matter what time of day or what time of year - whether you want to be indoors or out, active or a spectator, spend a lot of money or none at all - Vancouver has it all!

Here are but a few things to see and do while in Vancouver.

Vancouver Aquarium
[Photo]Come to face-to-fin with over 70,000 animals including beluga whales, Steller sea lions, dolphins, seals and more! Enjoy the dolphin and whale shows, sea otter feeds, and shark dives. Free-roaming animals abound in our popular Amazon Gallery and be sure to stop by our newest gallery that's full of interactive exhibits and a children's play learning area. For a unique hands-on adventure, ask about our Animal Encounters program. Open 365 days of the year.
www.vanaqua.org

VanDusen Botanical Garden
VanDusen Botanical GardensA living museum of plant collections from around the world, this spectacular 55-acre botanical garden is beautiful in every season. Highlights: Spring - Rhododendron and Laburnum Walks, ornamental cherry trees; Summer - Perennial and Water Lily Gardens; Autumn - brilliant autumn colour display; Winter - witchhazels, viburnums, hellebores. The Garden is home to 65 species of birds. Free parking, convenient access by public transportation, wheelchair accessible.
www.vandusengarden.org

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
Bard on the BeachEvery June through September, Bard on the Beach professional Shakespeare Festival brings to life the magic of Shakespeare’s great plays. The Festival site is located on the waterfront in Vancouver’s Vanier Park, adjacent to the downtown core. Staged in two open-ended performance tents, the productions are set against a spectacular natural backdrop of mountains, sea and city skyline.
www.bardonthebeach.org

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese GardenWhether the sun is shining or the rain is falling, the Garden is a perfect place to visit year-round. Our covered walkways provide shelter so that our beautiful vistas can be appreciated in any weather. Chinatown and the Garden are easily accessible by car or transit and a pleasant walk from downtown Vancouver. Don't forget to join us for one of our concerts or events like Chinese New Year's Day or Mid Autumn Moon Festival.
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com

Grouse Mountain, The Peak of Vancouver
Grouse Mountain, The Peak of VancouverThe famed Grouse Mountain Skyride is your departure point for a mountaintop of summer adventure. Travel on North America’s largest aerial tram system to take in some entertainment, hike far above the city, learn to paraglide and more.
www.grousemountain.com

Capilano Suspension Bridge
Capilano Suspension BridgeNaturally thrilling since 1889, Capilano Suspension Bridge is breathtakingly suspended 450 feet (135m) across and 230 feet (70m) above Capilano River. Cross over to Treetops Adventure and walk from one magnificent Douglas fir to another via a series of seven elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 100 feet (30m) above the forest floor. A complete West Coast experience just minutes from Downtown.
www.capbridge.com

Vancouver Trolley Company Ltd. (The)
Vancouver Trolley Company Ltd. (The)This live commentated, 26 stop, Hop-on, Hop-off sightseeing tour is your natural transportation link between Vancouver’s top attractions. Our fleet of propane fueled Trolley’s provide summer service (April – November) every 20 minutes, and winter service (November – April) every 45 minutes. A World of Fun Awaits you!
www.vancouvertrolley.com/

Whistler Mountaineer
Whistler MountaineerWhistler Mountaineer, a train experience like never before! Join us onboard for an unforgettable three-hour rail excursion between Vancouver and Whistler! Enjoy cascading waterfalls, snow-capped peaks and breathtaking canyons from a unique train perspective. This perfect getaway includes a choice of two onboard services: Glacier Dome or Coast Classic experience and access to the unique, open-air Heritage Observation Car.
www.whistlermountaineer.com

Gastown
GastownHear about the colourful people and events that shaped our city. Experience the architecture and history of Vancouver's birthplace.

The tour meets at Gassy Jack's Statue in Maple Tree Square (intersection of Water & Carrall street) at 2:00pm daily from June 15th to August 30th
http://www.gastown.org/

Stanley Park
Stanley ParkA huge green space smack in the middle of the 3rd largest city in Canada! Walk the seawall - all 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) of it.  Say hello to the beluga whales at the aquarium or grab a hotdog from one of the street vendors, choose a seaside bench and watch the sun go down.
http://www.seestanleypark.com/

Weather

Vancouver enjoys warm, comfortable summers that are rarely scorching. June to August has daytime temperatures that linger just above 20º Celsius (70º Fahrenheit). Evenings, especially in the surrounding mountains, can be cool, so it is recommended to pack a light jacket and/or sweater. For up-to-date weather information, please visit http://www.theweathernetwork.com.

Banks / Currency Exchange

1 CAD $ = 100 cents
Banks are generally open from 10:00 to 16:00, Monday through Friday. Visitors to Canada are encouraged to exchange funds for Canadian dollars at Vancouver International Airport, at a bank or at a foreign currency exchange outlet where they will receive the prevailing rate. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are found throughout Vancouver. International credit cards are accepted throughout the country and traveler cheques can be changed at banks, hotels, resorts and the airport.

For up-to-date information, please refer to the Universal Currency Converter at: http://www.xe.com/ucc/.

Electricity

Canada operates on 110V, 60 cycle electric power, which is the same as in the United States. Non-North American visitors should bring a plug adaptor if they wish to use their own small appliances from home (razors, hair dryers, etc). If you are visiting from countries, such as Australia, that use a higher voltage, you may encounter problems charging your re-chargeable batteries. Canadian electrical goods come with either a two-pronged plug, which is the same as the US, or a three-pronged plug; most sockets accommodate both.

Taxes

A provincial tax of 7% is charged on the majority of items purchased in British Columbia. An additional Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5% is charged on most items and services, (10% on alcoholic beverages); accommodation tax is 8%.Visitors to Canada are eligible to participate in the Canada Tax Back Program which allows you to claim the 5% GST (Good and Services Tax).

Tipping

Some properties and resort hotels include tips or gratuities with group tours to simplify bookkeeping. This will usually include gratuities for housekeeping, bell service and food service. Otherwise, customary gratuity will be calculated at 15%, which is a base standard tip in most restaurants, bars and hotels.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted at the Congress facilities. The City of Vancouver has public health regulations that prevent smoking in public buildings, on public transportation and in ALL restaurants. Certain bars have designated smoking areas.

Liquor Laws

In British Columbia, the legal drinking age is 19; bars and restaurants are open from 11:00 to 02:00. In BC, there are stiff penalties for drinking and driving.

Page last updated: May 25, 2010