Hotels in Vancouver

Getting around Vancouver

Most of what you want to see and experience in Vancouver, you can do on foot. It is known for being a walkable city, especially with the downtown core being so compact. Taxis are plentiful when you must venture away from the walkable areas and the local transit system helps you get where you need to go. The TransLink system has buses, the SkyTrain, and SeaBus that cover most of Vancouver. To save money, purchase a DayPass that lets you travel all 3 zones for 24 hours for $10 CAD per adult and $7.75 CAD for children 5 – 13. Children 4 and under ride free.

How to get to Vancouver Island

You cannot visit Vancouver without seeing the Island. Luckily, you have the BC Ferry that transports you from the harbour over to the island throughout the day. The Vancouver ferry also runs to Victoria and Nanaimo.

Essential first-time travel tips for Vancouver

Vancouver rests on the Pacific Ocean and has mountain ranges offering mostly comfortable temperatures. Summer temperatures get to 23 degrees Celsius, while winter sees a high of 6 degrees Celsius. The winters are wet, but you are not likely to have much snow unless you are hitting the ski slopes.

Best places to stay in Vancouver

Nestled along the west coast seaport of British Columbia is the beautiful city of Vancouver. It is easy to see why it features among the top tier cities of the world and is a much sought-after place to live. As a bustling metropolis surrounded by water, Vancouver is Canada’s most culturally diverse city. Movie producers flock to the city for its aesthetics and scenic vistas. With mountains surrounding the city and reflecting in the ocean, the thriving art scene, hiking trails and nightlife, you find something to explore just about everywhere you go. When looking for hotels in Vancouver, it is all about the neighbourhood and the experience you want in the city.

Downtown Vancouver

If hustle and bustle describes your ideal adventure, you can stay in the heart of the action right in Downtown Vancouver. These hotels accommodate both business and pleasure, and include some of the city’s most luxurious and boutique notables. In downtown, your best hotel options include the swanky L’Hermitage Hotel on Richards Street and the Opus Hotel Vancouver on Davie Street with everything from extravagant shampoos to modern accommodations and amazing room service.

Chinatown

Vancouver’s Chinatown is vibrant, cool, and has somewhat of a gritty vibe going on. Most of the hotels in Chinatown are budget hotels, like the Patricia Hotel.

Gastown

Gastown is a popular tourist neighbourhood. The steam clock, the area’s biggest attraction, combined with the bars, clubs, and cool restaurants gives you plenty to explore. It is also one of the older and more well-preserved areas of the city. You are just 15 minutes walking distance from Granville Street, and you can hop to the Waterfront Station for the SkyTrain and SeaBus. For a boutique hotel, stay at the Victorian Hotel or the contemporary and artsy Skwachays Lodge on West Pender.

Yaletown

Yaletown offers up the hippest restaurants, waterfront views, and boutique hotspots. Yaletown is the best location for luxury hotel accommodations too, like Hotel Blu & Residences Vancouver on the eastern end of Robson Street. It is conveniently located between Yaletown and Vancouver City Centre SkyTrain, and gives you a quieter stay.

Olympic Village

If you are ready to soak up the history of the Olympics, Olympic Village and Granville Island are perfect places to see. These areas are family-friendly, romantic, and great for relaxation. For a pristine hotel, book a room at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia. For something more affordable and family-friendly, try the YWCA Hotel.

Waterfront and Coal Harbour

If your ideal vacation is on the waterfront and harbour sections of Vancouver, Coal Harbour hotels are perfect. Here you can see the sun rise and set over the blue waters below, walk to historic sites, enjoy the nightlife, and get out on the waterfront without walking far. Stay at The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver right on the water’s edge or the opulent Coast Coal Harbour Hotel by APA.

Cheap hotels in Vancouver

Vancouver can get expensive, especially staying in downtown or by the harbour. Luckily, you do not have to spend a fortune to enjoy this vibrant city. Of course, you want to be cautious about where you pick your cheap stay, because some are not necessarily the cleanest or safest. To make it easier, we suggest trying the Barclay House Bed and Breakfast on Barclay Street. Also check the Samesun Backpacker Hostel or the HI-Vancouver Central, both on Granville Street.

Vancouver is home to the magical day trips and weeklong adventures. Whether you have a weekend here, you are coming for the day, or you plan to spend a full week in the city, you have more than enough to keep your days and nights occupied. From the exciting night life to the family-friendly options, Vancouver is by far one of the more versatile destinations in British Columbia. While here, add a few of these must-see items to your travel plans:

• Vancouver has attractions in the city as well as on the outskirts. The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Treetops Adventure is fun for the entire family. The Museum of Vancouver has Vancouver-centric exhibits, and walking across the Sea to Sky Gondola is perfect for the thrill seeker in you. Go whale watching with the entire family along the coast.
• In the winter, hit the slopes of Cypress Mountain and Grouse Mountain. You can also see the Grizzly bear habitat and enjoy a live lumberjack show atop Grouse Mountain if you visit during the summer.
• Rent bicycles for your group and ride through picturesque Stanley Park or spend a day walking around with your picnic basket. You can visit Canada’s largest aquarium here and explore the 400-hectare natural rainforest along the famous Seawall at this historic site.
• The British Columbia wine country from Vancouver into Okanagan offers hidden gems and big name wineries. However, most wines made here stay here, so if you are a wine enthusiast, the only way to taste these creations is by visiting the local wineries in the area.
• The beaches are everywhere you go in Vancouver because the city is surrounded by water. Some of the best beaches include: Kitsilano Beach, which is Vancouver’s version of Venice Beach; Jericho Beach, perfect for picnics and fishing; and, Spanish Banks for the skim boarders.