Vancouver Travel Tips for First-Timers (And What Not to Do)
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If you’re looking for Vancouver travel tips that are actually helpful, you’re in the right spot! I live a few hours away in the Okanagan and have visited Vancouver a bunch of times and have made all the classic first-timer mistakes. You’re in good company.
This guide has everything I wish I’d known before exploring Vancouver, from getting around and what to pack, to which neighbourhoods make the best home base.
Let’s walk through the common travel mistakes and Vancouver travel tips so that you can actually enjoy the city without blowing your budget or your patience.
I’ve Made Lots of Silly Travel Mistakes in Vancouver
I grew up a few hours from Vancouver in the Okanagan, so you’d think I’d know the city pretty well. The thing is, even though I’d been a handful of times as a kid, it’s different as an adult and let’s just say I had some learning to do.
Turns out, Vancouver loves to play by its own rules. So if you’re heading to the coast for the first time, just know that even (relative) locals make mistakes and there’s nothing wrong with that.
The great thing is, these are all the Vancouver travel tips I wish someone had told me before I went and you’re here, ready to learn! You’re one step ahead of me, so you’ll save you time, cash, and maybe even a shoe change.
1. Packing an Umbrella
One of my first Vancouver travel tips is to skip the umbrella. I know, it rains over 169 days a year in Vancouver, so packing one feels like a no-brainer.
But the thing is that umbrellas in Vancouver are kind of useless. Locals don’t really bother with them. Most wear rain jackets and waterproof shoes and just get on with it. Plus, it usually just drizzles, not pours, so you’ll probably end up carrying the umbrella more than you actually use it.
I felt like such a tourist the first time I popped mine open downtown and realized hardly anyone else had one. Of course, if it makes you feel more comfortable, bring it, but if you’re trying to pack light, this is one item you can probably leave behind.
What to pack instead:
- A good waterproof jacket with a hood
- Quick-dry pants or leggings
- Waterproof shoes or boots (blisters in wet socks = not fun)
- A small packable towel if you’re planning outdoor adventures
If you’re visiting Vancouver between October and May, assume it’ll be damp even if the forecast says otherwise. But hey, the rain’s part of the charm! Everything’s so green, it’s like walking through a rainforest.
2. Trying to Day Trip to Vancouver Island
This is by far one of my top Vancouver travel tips! Don’t try to squeeze in a day trip to Vancouver Island! I know it looks close on the map, but trust me, it’s not close. Not at all.
People visiting from other countries often underestimate just how big Canada is and this is a perfect example. Between getting to the ferry terminal, the 90-minute crossing, and the drive or bus ride into Victoria, you’re looking at 4 to 5 hours each way.
That’s your entire day gone just getting there and back!
If a full-day round trip sounds “nearby” to you, then sure, Vancouver Island is close to Vancouver. But if that’s not you, save it for a longer trip. Vancouver Island’s amazing and deserves more than a rushed afternoon.
Vancouver travel tip:
If you want to visit Vancouver Island, give yourself at least two nights (but ideally more). That way, you’ll have time to explore Victoria’s inner harbour, check out Butchart Gardens, and maybe even sneak in a cider tasting or explore the Gulf Islands.
Or head west and do something really memorable like camping right on the beach at Mystic Beach! It’s one of my favourite west coast adventures and way more fun when you’re not racing the clock to get back to the mainland.
Don’t try to cram a trip to Vancouver Island into one day unless you enjoy spending your trip on buses and ferries and not really seeing anything (other than the great views from the ferry).
3. Renting a Car to Explore Downtown Vancouver
I’ve found that one of the most overlooked tips for Vancouver is that you really don’t need a car to get around downtown. We usually drive from the Okanagan, so I figured we’d just park and zip around the city like normal. Nope. Rookie move.
Downtown Vancouver is tiny. Between the maze of one-way streets, aggressive bike lanes, and insane parking rates, I’ve found that having a car quickly becomes more of a hassle than it’s worth.
Vancouver travel tip:
If you’re road-tripping in, book a hotel with parking and ditch the car for the rest of your trip. Vancouver is super walkable and public transit—especially the SkyTrain—is fast, cheap, and easy.
If you’re flying into Vancouver and thinking about renting a car, skip it unless you’re planning to explore beyond the city (like up to Squamish or Whistler or the beautiful Okanagan).
You really don’t need a car for downtown Vancouver. You’ll be happier without it, I promise.
4. Thinking Chinatown is the Only Spot for Great Asian Food
When I was a kid, Vancouver’s Chinatown was the place to go for amazing Chinese food. And it’s cool, don’t get me wrong. There’s history, there’s bubble tea, and there’s that famous steam clock just around the corner in Gastown.
But the truth is, Chinatown isn’t what it used to be. While there’s still great food, the neighbourhood has become quite impoverished and has been hit hard by the drug crisis. It can be a tough area to explore, especially if you’re not expecting it.
That said, the city is actively working to support and revitalize Chinatown with new funding, heritage protections, and community initiatives. There’s hope for its future, but for now, it’s not quite the food hub it once was.
If you’d rather skip Chinatown but still want incredible Asian food, head to Richmond instead. It has one of the best Asian food scenes in the entire country. I didn’t even realize how massive Richmond’s food scene was until a friend dragged us out there and it blew my mind!
Vancouver travel tip:
Another one of my top Vancouver travel tips is to make time for Richmond. It’s a bit outside the downtown core, but if you love food even a little, it’s more than worth it.
Take the SkyTrain to Aberdeen Station in Richmond’s Golden Village and come hungry. It’s packed with incredible spots that have everything from Taiwanese night market snacks to Japanese BBQ to old-school Cantonese staples.
It’s soooo good and I don’t really know how to describe it other than to say, you gotta try it yourself.
You’ll find the best dumplings, bubble tea, and hot pot outside of Asia (or so I’m told, I’ve never actually been to Asia) and probably spend less than you would downtown.
Bonus tip: If you’re visiting in summer, don’t miss the Richmond Night Market!
5. Underestimating Vancouver’s “Easy” Hikes
One of the biggest mistakes I’ve seen in Vancouver is people showing up to a hike in completely the wrong outfit, especially for the so-called “easy” ones.
I’ve seen people in flip-flops on muddy trails, carrying iced coffee like they’re out for a picnic (this is far from a Vancouver problem, it also happens in the Okanagan). Meanwhile, we’re heading up the Grouse Grind, or worse, down a slippery section of Lynn Canyon, and they’re clinging to tree roots like it’s Survivor.
You don’t need to be decked out in full Arc’teryx gear, but a little prep goes a long way. Vancouver’s trails are beautiful, but they’re not always beginner-friendly. Some are steep, slick, and will absolutely make you sweat. Come prepared.
Vancouver travel tips:
Always pack proper shoes, wear layers, and check the trail conditions before you go. Even the forest strolls can get sketchy after a rain. And let’s be honest, it probably has rained.
Bring water and snacks, even on short trails, because you never know when you’ll decide to keep going “just a little farther.”
And yes, you’ll probably see someone attempting the Grouse Grind in jeans, but please don’t let it be you.
6. Thinking You Have to Dress Up (You Don’t)
When I was planning my first trip to Vancouver as an adult, I packed outfits. Like, real outfits. Cute jackets, heeled boots, a few nice “just in case” dresses. Bless my little heart for thinking that’s what going to the “big city” meant.
But once I got to Vancouver, that stuff stayed in the suitcase. And I was 100% fine with it.
Vancouver is the land of rain gear, yoga pants, and casual everything. It’s probably the only city where you can wear leggings, trail runners, and a Patagonia fleece to dinner and no one even blinks.
People wear Gore-Tex to brunch. Yoga gear to breweries. Half the time, you genuinely can’t tell if someone’s just come from a hike or heading to a meeting. And I love it.
Vancouver travel tip:
One of the most comforting Vancouver travel tips I can give you is to not overthink your wardrobe. Comfort wins here. Every. Single. Time.
Unless you’re going somewhere ultra-fancy, lean into the laid-back style. Pack layers, comfy walking shoes, and outdoor gear you’ll actually wear.
Bring one cute outfit if you’ve got a special dinner or show booked, but otherwise, function over fashion wins every time in Vancouver. Especially if (and when) it rains.
7. Only Visiting the Big Attractions and Missing Some Great Stuff
The first time I planned a Vancouver trip, I made a checklist: Stanley Park. Capilano Suspension Bridge. Granville Island. Gastown. You know, the big attractions.
And don’t get me wrong, they’re all great! But if that’s all you do, you’ll miss out on the parts of the city that make it feel, well, real.
Just like all cities, some of the best moments in Vancouver happen when you’re not chasing the famous stuff.
Like finding a cozy café tucked into a residential street. Watching the sunset from a quiet beach. Browsing secondhand shops on Main or people-watching on Commercial Drive. That little ramen spot someone swears is better than the “famous” one? Yeah, go there.
Just pay attention, poke around, and have fun.
Vancouver travel tips:
Always leave space in your trip to explore without a plan! You’ll get a better feel for the city when you wander off the main trail a little.
Yes, do the big stuff—Stanley Park is amazing and Granville Island deserves a visit!
But balance it out with smaller moments. Head to Kits Beach for a picnic, or kayak and coffee tour. Take the Granville Island Ferry just for fun. Explore Main Street, Mount Pleasant, or Commercial Drive.
No matter where I am, this is always one of my favourite ways to get to know a city: just wander. Skip the reviews, ignore the must-visit lists, and pop into places because you think they look cool, not because some blogger told you to (yes, I get the irony).
8. Forgetting About Tipping & Sales Tax
If you’re visiting from outside Canada, brace yourself: prices in Vancouver are rarely what they seem.
That $18 burger? It’s gonna cost more like $23 once you tack on the 5% BC sales tax and a tip (usually 10–20%). The price on the menu doesn’t include any of that, so it can be a bit of a shock—even for me, and I live in Canada.
Vancouver travel tips:
Here’s a travel tip that’ll save you from feeling like you’re getting ripped off: build in a buffer when you’re budgeting. Expect to pay 15–30% more than what’s listed on the menu, especially at restaurants and bars where tipping is expected.
While tipping is technically optional in Canada, it’s very much the norm, especially if you’re getting table service. The good news is that unlike in the US, staff here earn at least minimum wage ($17.40/hour in BC as of June 2024), so your tip isn’t making up their base pay, it’s more of a thank-you.
You can skip tipping at fast-food restaurants or chain coffee shops, but tossing a few coins in the jar (or adding a little extra on your card) is always a kind move.
9. Skipping the Cultural Side of Vancouver
It’s easy to get swept up in the pretty parts of Vancouver—Stanley Park, ocean views, sushi patios, the whole West Coast dream. I love all of that, too. But if you only stick to the scenic stuff, you’ll miss out on parts that really make the city special.
Vancouver is one of the most diverse cities in the world and has deep Indigenous roots and communities from all over the world that shapes its food, neighbourhoods, and culture.
The first time I visited as an adult, I mostly stuck to the classic tourist checklist. But once I started learning about who lived here first, how the neighbourhoods evolved, and where to find the real food, that’s when the city started to click for me.
Vancouver travel tips:
One of my most underrated Vancouver travel tips is to go deeper than the views.
Take the time to learn whose land you’re on. The Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations are the Indigenous peoples whose unceded territory the city is built on. The Museum of Anthropology, the Bill Reid Gallery, or the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (in Whistler) are great places to start.
Then explore beyond the main tourist zones. Commercial Drive and Richmond are packed with stories, and food, that’ll stick with you long after your trip.
I think the real magic of Vancouver is found in its streets, its history, and its people. You just have to look past the postcard version to find it.
10. Trying to Do Everything in One Trip (& Burning Out by Day Two)
Vancouver looks pretty compact on a map, and it is, but that doesn’t mean you can squeeze everything into a single weekend. I highly recommend you don’t try.
I’ve been guilty of overplanning here more than once. Like, wake up early, hike the Grouse Grind, hit Granville Island, rent bikes for Stanley Park, eat sushi, catch sunset at Kits, and still make it to a cocktail bar? Yeah… no.
You’ll end up racing around, skipping the best parts, and wondering why you’re exhausted at the end of the day.
Vancouver travel tip:
Build in buffer time. Vancouve shines when you slow down a bit. Leave room for a lazy lunch, spontaneous detours, or just sitting on a bench by the seawall with a coffee. You don’t need to pack your days to the brim to enjoy the city— in fact, please don’t.
And while we’re here, quick reminder: don’t try to squeeze in a day trip to Vancouver Island!
It looks close on the map, but between the ferry and travel time, it’ll eat up your whole day, and you’ll barely have time to see anything. Save it for a longer trip. Victoria (and the rest of the Island) deserves more than a rushed afternoon.
If you’re lookin for an epic trip, my 2-day Vancouver itinerary is where it’s at! I mean, it’ll probably wipe you out. But at least you’ll see a lot while you’re at it. Even if it goes against my rec to slow down 😬
Quick Tips for Visiting Vancouver Like a Local
I’m not a Vancouver local, but I’ve visited a bunch of times and live just a few hours away in the Okanagan. So while I may not know every secret alley or underground noodle spot (yet), I’ve made enough trips, and enough mistakes, to know what actually helps when you’re visiting.
Even if you dodge all these silly mistakes, these quick tips will help you make the most of your trip to Vancouver, hopefully with fewer “wait, what’s happening?” moments.
Don’t Fear the Rain
Rain is just part of life in Vancouver. Pack a waterproof jacket, skip the umbrella, and embrace the moody forest and city walks. The city looks extra magical in a drizzle! Besides, it doesn’t usually rain all day.
Tip: Pick up a pair of Vessi shoes! They’re 100% waterproof, comfy, and from Vancouver.
Use Transit like a Pro
Get a Compass Card, tap in and tap out on the SkyTrain, and enjoy one of the best public transit systems in North America. Bonus: the Canada Line takes you straight from the airport to downtown in under 30 minutes!
Souvenirs? Skip the Tourist Traps
Instead of splurging on overpriced trinkets in Gastown, grab local maple syrup or smoked salmon from a grocery store. It’s cheaper and way more useful. Or, if you want a souvenir you’ll actually use, treat yourself to something from Lululemon or Roots. Both are iconic Canadian brands.
Pick One Splurge
Whale and dolphin watching, the Sea to Sky Gondola, or the Capilano Suspension Bridge—pick one big-ticket activity, then fill the rest of your trip with Vancouver’s many free or low-cost gems. You don’t have to spend a fortune to have an amazing time here.
Bring a Swimsuit (Yes, Really)
If you’re visiting in summer, don’t rule out swimming! Kits Beach and Second Beach are local favourites and the water’s surprisingly warm (well… by Canadian standards). It’s the perfect cool-down after a day of exploring.
Want to support locally? Check out Londre, they’re a sustainable swimwear company from Vancouver! Use EXPLORETHEMAP15 for 15% off.
Hungry? Follow Your Nose
Instead of Googling “best food near me,” head to dining hubs like Main Street, Commercial Drive, or Richmond’s Golden Village. Or just wander around until you find somewhere that looks good. You’ll eat better (and probably cheaper).
Free Wifi Everywhere
Many spots around downtown, especially near major tourist areas, have free public wifi. Just look for the #VanWiFi network. It’s super handy if you’re travelling without data or just want to save some battery while you wander.
That said, I definitely recommend using a VPN to keep your info safe while you’re connected (I always use Bitdefender).
Visit the Grizzly Bears at Grouse Mountain
It’s easy to miss the grizzly bear sanctuary at the top of Grouse Mountain. It’s tucked behind the main area and people walk right past it without even knowing it’s there! There are two rescued grizzlies who live up there full-time. It’s such a cool experience and way less crowded than the main viewing spots.
Try a Caesar
If you’re not from Canada, a bartender will eventually ask if you want a Caesar. It’s a very Canadian cocktail—kind of like a Bloody Mary, but made with Clamato juice (yep, that’s clam and tomato). It sounds weird, but it’s weirdly delicious and Canadians love it! It’s totally worth trying at least once.
Bookings & Reservations
Some restaurants and big attractions like Capilano Suspension Bridge or whale watching tours fill up fast, especially in summer. Booking ahead can save you from long waits or missing out completely. It’s a small thing that makes your trip way smoother, especially if you have bucket list items you absolutely don’t want to miss.
Where to Stay in Vancouver
Not sure where to stay in Vancouver? I’ve been there! Even though I’m just a few hours away in the Okanagan, figuring out where to book still took some trial and error. Vancouver’s super walkable and easy to explore, but where you stay can really shape your trip.
Here’s a quick rundown of the best neighbourhoods to stay in, depending on what kind of trip you’re planning.
Downtown Vancouver
This is always a solid pick, especially if it’s your first time visiting. You’ll be close to everything—SkyTrain stations, the Vancouver Seawall, restaurants, shopping, and all the major stops on any Vancouver itinerary.
It’s a little busy, but if you’re planning to visit a ton of sights, this is the best base.
Where to stay:
- Samesun Hostel – If you’re keeping things low-budget, this spot has a fun, social vibe.
- Blue Horizon Hotel – Right on Robson Street. Walkable with great views.
West End
I love the West End. It’s way more relaxed than downtown Vancouver, but still right next to Stanley Park and the beach. The leafy streets are super walkable, and it feels super cozy. If you want chill mornings, sunset strolls, and easy access to nature and city stuff, this is your spot.
Where to stay:
- The Sylvia Hotel – A cute old-school spot literally across from the beach.
- Times Square Suites – Great if you’re staying a while and want more of an apartment feel.
Mount Pleasant / Main Street
If you’re into craft breweries, indie shops, and more local-feeling spots, Mount Pleasant is where it’s at. It’s not as central, but it has a fun, artsy vibe that’s easy to fall in love with. This is where I’d stay if I wasn’t planning on doing all the touristy things in one go.
Heads up: Most accommodations here are smaller hotels or Airbnb-style rentals, so book early if you’re going during peak season.
Yaletown & Coal Harbour
Both of these neighbourhoods are right on the water and definitely lean into the bougie side of Vancouver. Yaletown’s great for foodies, while Coal Harbour is quieter and super close to the cruise terminal if that’s part of your trip.
Where to stay:
- Loden Hotel – Stylish, boutique, and close to everything.
- Fairmont Pacific Rim – Total splurge, and the views and rooftop spa are gorgeous!
Important: A Note About the Downtown Eastside
If you’re not familiar with Vancouver, it’s good to know that the Downtown Eastside (around Hastings and Main) can be a tough place to visit. It’s very close to popular tourist areas like Gastown and Chinatown, so it’s easy to stumble into without realizing.
The neighbourhood is home to many people struggling with homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. It’s a very difficult area to visit even during the day (open drug use is pretty much guaranteed), and in some areas, it can be genuinely unsafe.
There are amazing organizations and small businesses doing important work here, but I wouldn’t recommend booking a hotel in the area or walking through it at night. If you do pass through, be aware of your surroundings and stick to the main streets.
That’s a Wrap on the Mistakes, Now Go Have Fun!
So there you have it, some of the silliest mistakes I’ve seen (and made myself) while visiting Vancouver. Even though I live just a few hours away in the Okanagan, it took me a few trips to really figure out how to enjoy the city without overdoing it, under-prepping, or wasting time in the wrong spots.
Whether you’re planning your first Vancouver itinerary or just want a few new tips for your next trip, I hope this guide helps you feel a little more confident—and a lot more excited!
And hey, if you’re ready to see how it all comes together, check out my 2-day Vancouver itinerary. It’s got the perfect mix of iconic sights, local gems, and built-in coffee breaks (because yes, you’ll need them).
See you on the Seawall!