Vancouver Holidays
Where mountains meet the sea, Vancouver is a bucket list destination of glittering skylines, towering forests and wild Pacific coastline - a place where you can ski a mountain slope in the morning and stroll a seawall beach by afternoon.
Few cities pack in so much natural drama. One moment you're wandering the ancient rainforest and totem poles of Stanley Park, the next you're riding a gondola up Grouse Mountain for jaw-dropping views across the city and the Strait of Georgia. Vancouver effortlessly blends cosmopolitan buzz with raw wilderness, making it one of the most rewarding destinations in Canada for every kind of traveller.
Foodies are in for a treat too, from the bustling stalls of Granville Island Public Market to fresh-off-the-boat seafood, buzzing Asian night markets and a thriving craft-beer and coffee scene. And when the city's charms are matched by the call of the wild, the ferry across to Vancouver Island opens up a whole new adventure - think whale watching, storm watching and ancient forests.
Whether you're planning relaxed beach holidays in Vancouver, exhilarating group ski holidays Vancouver is famous for, or unforgettable Vancouver Island wildlife holidays, there's something here for couples, families and groups alike - all year round.
Why Visit Vancouver?
- Stanley Park offers 1,000 acres of rainforest, seawall trails and totem poles right beside the city
- Grouse Mountain and Whistler put world-class slopes within easy reach - perfect for family ski holidays Vancouver is renowned for
- The Capilano Suspension Bridge sways high above a lush canyon of ancient trees
- Sandy city beaches like Kitsilano and English Bay make beach holidays in Vancouver a summer delight
- A short ferry hop reaches Vancouver Island for whale watching and incredible wildlife holidays
Get in touch and book your perfect holiday with Hays Travel
With so much choice out there, stop the endless searching – our experts at Hays Travel will find the perfect holiday for you. Speak with an expert now, find a branch near you, search online for great deals, or enquire today to start planning your dream getaway.
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Where is the best place to stay in Vancouver?
Downtown and Coal Harbour put you close to Stanley Park, the waterfront and buzzing dining - ideal for first-time visitors. Yaletown offers stylish converted warehouses, rooftop bars and a lively nightlife scene, while Kitsilano is the go-to for laid-back beach holidays in Vancouver, with sandy shores and leafy streets. For ski trips, Whistler's village base is unbeatable for group ski holidays and family ski holidays Vancouver travellers love, and West Vancouver suits those wanting mountain calm close to the city.
When is the best time to visit Vancouver?
Summer (June to September) is the best time for warm, dry days, city beaches and outdoor adventures. Spring and autumn bring fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, while winter (December to March) is prime time for group ski holidays Vancouver and the wider Whistler region are world-famous for. Autumn and winter are also superb for storm watching and wildlife spotting on Vancouver Island.
Discover Vancouver's Iconic Landmarks
No trip is complete without Stanley Park and its scenic seawall, the thrilling Capilano Suspension Bridge, and a gondola ride up Grouse Mountain, "the Peak of Vancouver". Explore the historic cobbled streets and steam clock of Gastown, soak up the atmosphere of Granville Island, and take in sweeping views from the Vancouver Lookout.
Skiing & Mountain Adventures
Vancouver is a gateway to some of the planet's finest slopes. World-renowned Whistler Blackcomb sits under two hours away, delivering epic runs for all abilities, while Grouse Mountain, Cypress and Mount Seymour offer skiing and snowboarding right on the city's doorstep. With ski-in-ski-out lodges, snow schools and lively après-ski, it's perfect for both group ski holidays Vancouver thrill-seekers crave and relaxed family ski holidays Vancouver resorts cater to so well.
Vancouver Island & Wildlife
A scenic ferry ride reaches Vancouver Island, home to charming Victoria, wild Pacific Rim beaches and ancient rainforest. It's the heart of Vancouver Island holidays, with whale watching for orcas and humpbacks, bear spotting, storm watching at Tofino and sea-kayaking among islands. For nature lovers, Vancouver Island wildlife holidays deliver once-in-a-lifetime encounters in truly breathtaking surroundings.
Food & Drink in Vancouver
Vancouver's multicultural food scene is a highlight in itself. Graze your way around Granville Island Public Market, feast on fresh salmon and seafood, and sample some of the best Asian cuisine outside Asia at buzzing night markets. Add a thriving craft-beer trail, speciality coffee roasters and waterfront restaurants with mountain views, and every meal becomes part of the adventure.
Travel guide
- Best time to visit: June to September for beaches and city life; December to March for skiing
- Average temperature: 22°C / 72°F (summer season)
- Average flight time: 9.5 hours from the UK
- Most suited for: Outdoor lovers, families & ski enthusiasts
- Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- Time Difference: -8 hours to the UK
Weather
Average monthly temperature in Vancouver(°C)
- Jan 4°C
- Feb 6°C
- Mar 8°C
- Apr 11°C
- May 14°C
- Jun 17°C
- Jul 20°C
- Aug 20°C
- Sep 17°C
- Oct 12°C
- Nov 7°C
- Dec 4°C
FAQs: Planning your Vancouver Holidays
Summer (June to September) is ideal for warm, dry weather, city beaches and outdoor adventures, while winter (December to March) is best for skiing and snowboarding. Spring and autumn offer fewer crowds, lower prices and stunning scenery - and are excellent for wildlife spotting on Vancouver Island.
The Canadian Dollar (CAD) is used. Cards are widely accepted almost everywhere, including shops, restaurants and transport, but it's handy to carry some cash for markets, tips and smaller vendors. The Hays Travel Money Card is a great prepaid option.
Yes. The SkyTrain, buses and SeaBus make the city easy and affordable to explore, while the compact downtown is very walkable and cycle-friendly. For Vancouver Island holidays, regular ferries and float planes connect the mainland to Victoria and beyond.
3 to 4 days covers the city highlights, while a week or more lets you add skiing, beaches and a trip across to Vancouver Island. Many travellers combine city, mountains and island for the ultimate British Columbia adventure.
Absolutely. Vancouver pairs perfectly with world-class slopes for group ski holidays and family ski holidays Vancouver is famous for, as well as Vancouver Island wildlife holidays. Our experts can tailor the perfect itinerary to combine city, snow, beach and nature.
Yes. Stanley Park, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, beaches, wildlife cruises and family-friendly ski resorts make it a brilliant and welcoming destination for all ages.
Get in touch and book your perfect holiday with Hays Travel
Speak with an expert now, find a branch near you, search online for great deals, or enquire now to start planning your dream getaway.
Call our experts
Contact the Hays Travel long-haul holiday experts today for personalised advice and unbeatable deals on your next getaway.
Enquire today
Submit an enquiry today and one of our experienced Hays Travel holiday experts will get back to you as soon as possible.
Visit us in branch
Visit the Hays Travel holiday experts in branch today for personalised advice, inspiration, and unbeatable deals on your next getaway.