Mountains to the north, beaches to the west, and rainforest inside the city limits. Canada's mildest big city, and by some distance its most Pacific.
Free things to do
Free
Stanley Park seawall
Ten kilometres of car-free seawall, one-way anti-clockwise, free on foot and about $18 on a hired bike.
Free
Granville Island market graze
Take the tiny Aquabus across False Creek.
Free
Lynn Canyon suspension bridge
A 1912 span swaying fifty metres above Lynn Creek, with rainforest trails and swimming holes under it.
Where to stay
from $60
HI Vancouver Jericho Beach
Dorm bed · per night · Located 4 minutes’ walk from Jericho Beach Park, this Vancouver hostel features free WiFi in the common areas.
from $71
Cambie Hostel - Gastown
Dorm bed · per night
from $83
Homey Backpacker Stay
Private room · per night
from $313
Samesun Vancouver
Private room · per night
Trips that take it in
North America · 11 days · loop · 4 nights in Vancouver
The Cascadia Loop
Vancouver → Whistler → Victoria → Vancouver
$788
plus flights · Dec 2026 dates