Top 10 Vancouver Travel Tips

We are proud of our city and helping you get the most from your Vancouver visit is important to us. Our downtown Vancouver hotel is at the center of it all, so you can easily access the best of what the city has to offer. And getting a locals perspective simply adds to the experience.

Major points of interest in the downtown core are close by, with most being only a 15-20 minute walk. And some neighborhoods, like Kitsilano or the North Shore, are easily reached by transit. In the summer, you can also rent a Mobi bike, which are located all over the downtown core.

Although known as “Raincouver,” it never rains hard enough to keep you from the great outdoors. But don't fret, you can always ask for a complimentary umbrella at the Front Desk.

Vancouver has one of the largest free public WiFi providers in North America. Look for #VanWiFi hotspots across the city, as well as in all the public library branches and the City and Park Board Buildings.

Vancouver has officially received its own Michelin Guide. With 8 restaurants receiving a much-coveted star, and many notable mentions, it'll be tough deciding on which one to try first! But in case you'd like to stretch that dollar further, remember to look for spots with happy hour menus (typically during 3-5 pm)!

Vancouver can be very expensive and there is no shortage of shops, restaurants and cafes to try. But since your Vancouver hotel suite has its own kitchen, stocking up on some basics at the Urban Fare grocery makes sense. And for families travelling with picky eaters or for those with dietary restrictions, being able prepare your own food helps.  

The weather in Vancouver can be unpredictable, so it's best to dress in layers. In the spring, you could go for a round of golf in shorts and still go night skiing on local mountains. But just be prepared for a drizzle or two in between the sunshine.

Some ride sharing apps have surge pricing during rush hour, when the Canucks, the Whitecaps, or the BC Lions have a game, on Friday & Saturday nights, and sometimes when it's raining. So if you want to save a little, you can go old school and hail a cab, or walk to you destination.

In an effort to make transit easier and more affordable for families, children 12 and under can ride TransLink services free of charge.

You don't have to venture far to immerse yourself in extraordinary nature. The Northshore is home to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, numerous hiking and mountain biking trails and to the infamous Grouse Grind (nature's stair climber). But for the adventurous with extra time, get that shot of yourself on the Joffre Lakes log.

Well, almost free. Walk towards Jack Poole plaza to see the Olympic Torch and then walk along Gastown's cobblestone streets to see the Steam Clock. If you are feeling energetic, you can walk, run or cycle along Stanley Park's 10 km seawall. Destination Vancouver has even put a list together. And visit our things to do in downtown Vancouver page for more sights to see.

We’d love to be the hub from where you experience all that Vancouver has to offer. Let our team at the Carmana Hotel take care of all the details of your stay, so you can stay focused on making more memories in our beautiful city. Whether you're planning business travel to Vancouver or a Vancouver extended stay, pick from our downtown Vancouver hotel suites.