Vancouver sits between the ocean and the North Shore mountains closely enough that both are visible from most of downtown, with Stanley Park's seawall and Granville Island's market anchoring a city built for walking and biking.
Planning a Vancouver trip
For the full Vancouver travel guide, or jump straight to a section:
Day-by-day itineraries
Frequently asked questions
Does it rain a lot in Vancouver?
Yes, outside of summer — the city is genuinely rainy from roughly October through April, which is part of why June through September is the recommended visiting window.
Is Whistler a day trip from Vancouver?
It is possible (roughly two hours each way by car or bus) but is more comfortably treated as its own overnight or multi-day extension rather than a rushed day trip.
How many days do I need in Vancouver?
3-4 days covers the city itself, including Stanley Park and Granville Island; add a day for the North Shore mountains like Grouse Mountain or Capilano.
Is Vancouver walkable?
Downtown and the West End are genuinely walkable and bike-friendly, with the Stanley Park seawall as a highlight; the SkyTrain covers longer distances efficiently.