Best Times to Visit Vancouver
The best times to visit Vancouver are from March to May and from September to November when the weather is mild and hotel rooms can be found at bargain rates. Summer is the most popular time thanks to the promise of warmer weather; however, if you're planning a trip then, make sure to reserve your hotel room at least two or three weeks in advance. If you're a winter sports fanatic, then don't let the biting temperatures deter you: This city makes a great home base for skiers and snowboarders looking to challenge the powder at Grouse Mountain or nearby Whistler.
°F | °C
Temperature (°F)
in | mm
Precipitation (in)
| March-May |
Spring comes early in Vancouver, making this season one of the best
times to travel. As temperatures begin to rise (averaging in the 40s and
60s), the city starts to bloom. Residents like to kayak on the English
Bay, stroll through flower beds in Stanley Park
and take part in the numerous special events held throughout town.
Plus, this is the time to nab deals on hotel rooms before the summer
tourists start flooding in. Key Events:
|
| June-August |
Summer marks the high season, with people flocking to the city from
all over North America to enjoy the exciting outdoor activities and
numerous special events. And although temperatures only reach the low
70s on average, Vancouverites don their swimsuits and head to Kitsilano Beach
at the English Bay. The only real downside to a summer visit: Hotel
prices. To accommodate the number of tourists, hotels tend to
significantly up their rates. Book at least several weeks early to
ensure both availability and a reasonable price. Key Events:
|
| September-November |
Autumn is another good time for Vancouver tourism. Although the
summer tourists have already headed back home and temperatures fall into
the 60s and 50s (sometimes even the 40s), the city has yet to go into
hibernation. Hotel rates drop, but Vancouverites continue to frequent Stanley Park's walking paths (now littered with red and orange leaves), and the beaches of Kitsilano and Point Grey. Hotel rates also start to plummet around this time -- a definite perk for bargain-hunters. Key Events:
|
| December-February |
If winter sports are your main motivation, Vancouver makes a great
home base. Colder weather draws thousands of powder hounds to the nearby
slopes. But for those of you looking to see the city, now is probably
not the best time. Although hotel prices are at their lowest during the
winter, temperatures in the 30s and 40s, as well as frequent rain
showers, can put a damper on your trip. Key Events:
|
Getting Around Vancouver
The best ways to get around Vancouver are on foot and by public transportation. Many major attractions and popular neighborhoods are located within walking distance of one another in this condensed city. However, if you feel your feet growing weary, the Translink system -- which includes the SkyTrain, the SeaBus ferry and numerous bus routes -- is both manageable and affordable. You can also hitch a ride on the trolley to several of the city's best attractions. Getting into town from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is also easy: an airport shuttle that will take you downtown for about $15 CAD (or $15 USD), or you can use the SkyTrain and Translink buses.| On Foot or Bike | Because it is so condensed and the streets are aligned on a grid,central Vancouver is very easy to navigate on foot. You could also take a bike to the paths that weave throughout the city. There are plenty of bike rental shops downtown, and prices average between $30 and $40 CAD per day. Just be aware that helmets are mandatory and biking on the sidewalk is illegal. |
| Public Transport |
Vancouver’s public transportation is both efficient and convenient.
The Translink system includes electric buses, the SeaBus ferry and the
SkyTrain, all of which are ecologically friendly, reliable and
inexpensive. Regular service runs from 5 a.m. to 2 a.m. every day.
One-way fares cost between $2.50 and $5 CAD (the Canadian dollar is
roughly equivalent to the U.S. dollar), while day passes cost $9 CAD and
include unlimited rides on all buses, SeaBus Ferries and the SkyTrain.
Keep in mind that you will need exact change in order to purchase a
one-way ticket.
|
| Trolley |
If you're looking for a straightforward way to see the sights, you
should also consider taking one of the several hop-on hop-off trolley
tours that stop at city sites like the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Vancouver Lookout observation deck at Harbour Centre. Rides cost about $38 CAD per day.
|
| Car | Vancouver is easier to navigate by car than most major cities, but traffic tends to move slowly because there are no major freeways. Keep your eyes peeled for downtown's one-way streets, as they can cause confusion. If you do decide to bring a car, keep in mind that gas is sold by the liter rather than the gallon and tends to be more expensive. The average speed limit is also a little slower; 50 kmph (or roughly 30 mph). You might also want to stock up on Canadian change, as parking meters in the downtown area do not accept American money. |
| Taxi | When you need to get somewhere fast, taxis are a good option. However, you might want to call ahead of time, since it can be difficult to hail a cab from the street. The meter starts at about $2.50 CAD -- roughly the same amount in U.S. dollars -- with each additional kilometer (about 0.6 miles) costing around $1.50 CAD. |
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