Destination information
With its breathtaking oceanfront location, surrounded by sandy beaches and spectacular mountains, Vancouver combines the best of outdoor life with a vibrant and cosmopolitan city.
Spend a few days, or a couple of weeks with Vancouver as your destination, perhaps a starting point to one of our fantastic tours and you will be surprised that one city can offer so much. Head off in a different direction every day to explore the city’s colourful neighbourhoods or experience the heart-stopping canyon cliffwalk, and cross the swaying 450ft long Capilano Suspension Bridge. There’s also hiking in the temperate rainforests close to Vancouver or take a spectacular floatplane ride to Victoria, spotting basking whales from the air and further afield marvel at the the fjords and majestic mountain ranges. Remember to carry your camera at all times, to capture those amazing natural canvasses that present themselves so readily in and around this beautiful city of nature.
With all that water and wide open spaces to explore, climb aboard a yacht for a spot of sailing around Vancouver harbour or paddle a kayak gliding along the shoreline. With bike hire readily available why not cycle along the seawall of Stanley Park to truly enjoy the great outdoors, at your own pace of course, just like one of the locals. If you want to get up close and personal with a different type of inhabitant of Vancouver, take a trip to the Grouse Mountain’s Refuge for Endangered Wildlife to see the resident Grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola! Alternatively, if it’s the sealife that ‘floats your boat’, not only can you take a boat tour to view the whales and dolphins in the wild, you can almost touch them they are so close in the Vancouver Aquarium, in the centre of Stanley Park – North America’s largest city park.
Eats & drinks
Vancouver has made a name for itself in recent years as a gourmet capital, specialising in Asian-Pacific Rim cuisine. Chinatown is North America's second largest. Yaletown and Gastown has some excellent restaurants, while Robson Street is also lively. Don’t miss Granville Island’s colourful market for foodie delights, arts and crafts.
Non drivers
Transfers are available to pre-book at an additional cost.
Getting around
Within the main city area you won't need a car as public transport is plentiful and reasonably priced. Jump on one of the regular trolley buses or try one of the great city bus tours to ensure you don’t miss any of the great attractions this beautiful city has to offer. The SkyTrain and public ferries are a great fun way to get around and an excellent way to see the city, too!
Additional info
Time difference - GMT -8 hours.
Different destinations have different magic touches so make sure to check out the "Rockstar Service" to see what makes your holiday with us so special.
Getting there
NEW FOR SUMMER 2012
Virgin Atlantic will be operating direct flights from London Heathrow to Vancouver on Tue, Thu, Sat and Sun between 24 May-27 Oct '12. Alternatively Air Canada fly daily from London Heathrow to Vancouver year round.
Time difference: GMT -8 hours.
Flight time: approx. 10 hours.
Language: English
Currency: Canadian Dollars C$