Vancouver holidays

Where to stay in Vancouver

For families

Little legs won’t have to walk far to the main sights if you stay downtown. A little further south, Yaletown borders False Creek; it’s here you can find the ferry service across to Granville Island and the interactive Science World. There’s also green space in David Lam Park and Coopers’ Park, as well as a waterfront promenade.

To live like local families, head to Kitsilano – known as Kits to residents. It has a more chilled vibe, with tree-lined streets, sandy beaches, and public swimming pools.

For travellers on a budget

For a cheap Vancouver break, look to laid-back West End – it has plenty of accommodation to suit all budgets. Stay here to you’ll be between downtown and Stanley Park – you can spend a full day in the latter without spending a cent.

The city beaches are also a short walk – or hired-bike ride – away. Head to English Bay Beach in time for the incredible sunset views. When you’ve worked up an appetite, West End’s Denman Street is brimming with cool cafes and restaurants serving international cheap eats.

For food and drink

Yaletown has the best in upmarket dining in Vancouver, with local celebrity chefs serving up fresh seafood and fine Pacific Northwest cuisine. Stay around Mainland and Hamilton Streets for great nightcaps or if you fancy some dancing.

For something more casual, take a craft-brewery walking tour at Mount Pleasant, with several food-serving brewpubs within stumbling distance of each other. Most offer food ranging from artisan pizzas to gastro classics. Or, wander up to Main Street and take your pick from Lebanese cuisine, fried chicken, and much, much more.

For nightlife

For great nightlife, stay near Granville Street downtown – particularly in the blocks bordered by Nelson Street and Robson Street. Here, you’ll find nightclubs, restaurants, and late-night bars ideal for club hopping (expect queues on weekends).

To keep life more chilled, choose accommodation near the old centre of Gastown. You’ll be with a mixed crowd enjoying a drink or listening to live music in low-key pubs and relaxed cocktail bars.

For spotting local celebrities in pricey cocktail lounges and hotel bars, opt for Yaletown.

For culture

Art galleries, fashion boutiques, and diverse accommodation and dining are all downtown. It’s also home to the Vancouver Opera and Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

To discover Vancouver’s multicultural vibe, you could stay near Japantown or Chinatown – both central and a short walk from downtown. Meanwhile, Kitsilano is a beachside neighbourhood with three great museums. It also has good transport links to Granville Island, where you can visit the city’s renowned public market.

When to go to Vancouver

It’s just best to admit it: Vancouver gets plenty of rain. But the showers are vital for keeping the surrounding landscape green and rarely last too long.

Vancouver is a city with four distinct seasons, so the best time to visit depends on how you want to spend your days.

Fans of winter sports will find December to February ideal for powder on the nearby slopes, with temperatures sitting just below zero.

Spring is perfect for hikers, with temperatures around 10 to 15C. Meanwhile, summer months are high season, when the crowds increase with the temperature (averages around 22C). Expect to find plenty of people on the city beaches soaking up the sunshine – and be prepared for the highest accommodation prices at this time of year.

September and October are good options if you’re looking for cheap Vancouver holidays. There are fewer crowds, it’s not too cold, and the autumn leaves are abundant.