Vancouver Holidays

Some of the world's best cities are on the sea – step forward Rio, Sydney and San Fran – and Vancouver is a very worthy member of this club. From the heart of the city, Vancouverites are within easy reach of the rolling Pacific waves while at the same time catching a glimpse of distant snow-dusted mountains between the shiny towers of downtown. Add to this the burgeoning foodie scene and artistic neighbourhoods and Canada's 'third city' makes a viable bid for the top spot. On sunny days, locals and travellers alike flock to the city beaches where volleyball teams jostle for space with picnicking families, sun worshippers and the toned and tan water sports crowd. Popular Kitsilano Beach even boasts a huge heated outdoor pool overlooking the city, Pacific Ocean and mountains behind.

Vancouver holiday ideas

A few suggestions to get the holiday planning process started

  • One Country USA - Canada - Seattle - Olympic National Park - Vancouver - Vancouver Island

    Orcas, Black Bears and Rainforests - A Road Trip Along the Pacific Northwest

    Drive through the vast coastal, forest and island landscapes of the Pacific Northwest on this 16-day road trip adventure

    16 days, from £3900 to £5700

  • One Country Canada – Vancouver – Vancouver Island – Canadian Rockies

    From the Pacific to the Rockies - A Family Trip Across Western Canada

    Enjoy a 17-day family road trip across Western Canada as you journey from Vancouver to Banff, passing through its most spectacular landscapes

    17 days, from £4050 to £5100

  • One Country Canada – Vancouver – Kamloops – The Rockies – Jasper – Banff – Calgary

    Western Canada by Rail - From Vancouver to the Rockies

    Travel from Vancouver to Calgary, winding from the Pacific coast to the majestic Rocky Mountains

    11 days, from £5100 to £6600

  • One Country USA – Canada – Wyoming – Montana – Yellowstone – Banff – Jasper – Vancouver – Seattle

    Road Tripping the Rockies - From the American West to Canada

    Traverse five states and provinces on this epic three-week road trip, charting the rugged beauty of the Rockies Explore some of North America’s most impressive national parks

    21 days, from £6650 to £9900

  • One Country Canada – Vancouver – Lund – Parksville – Tofino – Victoria

    Exploring Canada’s British Columbia - Grizzly Bears, Coastlines and Wild Adventures

    Hit the open road on a 13-day Canadian adventure, from vibrant cities to remote wilderness and rugged Pacific shores

    13 days, from £6850 to £8050

  • One Country Canada – Vancouver – Ashcroft – Whistler – Desolation Sound

    The Ultimate Family Holiday in British Columbia - City Sights, Mountain Heights & Wildlife Delights

    Fill the family scrapbook on a two-week Canadian adventure across British Columbia

    14 days, from £8150 to £10550

Vancouver Guide

Practical advice and inspiration to help you prepare for your holiday

Some of the city's best beaches are located within Stanley Park, a 404 hectare green oasis just northwest of downtown. Aside sandy stretches, the park boasts miles of tracks weaving through dense forest, best explored on foot or by mountain bike. The final jewel in Vancouver's nature crown is the snowy peaks which can be reached in just 30 minutes making it possible for travellers to ski in the morning and hit the beach in the afternoon.

But enough about the great outdoors. Urban Vancouver is a buzzing city with a booming foodie scene. Given the (relative) ease of travelling from Vancouver to the hub cities of Eastern Asia, it may come as no surprise that the Asian food scene in Vancouver is regarded as the best in North America, be it devouring Cantonese dim sum at Dynasty, savouring tuna belly sushi at Kyuzo's or sampling the now infamous Japadog – Vancouver's prized hot dog, complete with seaweed flakes and 'secret' sauce. There's plenty of local specialities on offer too, from the freshest seafood platters to sumptuous farm-to-table offerings, but whatever you choose be sure to wash it down with a cool pint from one of the city's many craft breweries.

Beyond the city, the world famous ski slopes of Whistler are less than 80 miles away, and are equally as delightful to explore in summer for outdoorsy types, while both Vancouver Island and the BC coast are wilderness playgrounds, home to world class lodges and incredible nature experiences.