Daily costs per person in CAD. Vancouver's best attractions are free — Stanley Park, beaches, mountains, and trails. The Asian food scene keeps eating affordable.
Daily cost breakdown
Currency: CAD (C$) (1 USD ≈ C$1.36)
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Splurge | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | C$35–70 | C$130–220 | C$350+ | Hostels → boutique hotels → luxury waterfront |
| Food | C$20–35 | C$50–80 | C$120+ | Asian food & markets → casual restaurants → fine dining |
| Transport | C$7–12 | C$15–30 | C$60+ | Transit + walking → transit + Uber → rental car + day trips |
| Activities | C$0–15 | C$25–55 | C$100+ | Free parks & beaches → museums + gondola → Whistler + kayaking |
| Drinks | C$8–15 | C$20–35 | C$50+ | Brewery tasters → craft pints → cocktail bars |
| Daily Total | C$70–147 | C$240–420 | C$680+ | Budget → comfortable → luxury |
Money-saving tips
Free nature everywhere
Stanley Park, Lynn Canyon (free suspension bridge), English Bay, Kits Beach, Pacific Spirit Park, and dozens of North Shore trails are all free. Vancouver's best attractions cost nothing.
Asian food capital
Richmond has the best Chinese food outside Asia. Dim sum from C$4/dish, ramen C$14, poke C$14, banh mi C$8. Vancouver's Asian food scene is world-class and affordable.
Compass Card transit
Get a Compass Card (C$6 deposit) for SkyTrain, SeaBus, and buses. Single ride: C$3.10 (1 zone), C$4.45 (2 zones). Day pass: C$11. SeaBus to the North Shore is included.
Free festivals
Vancouver has free summer festivals: Celebration of Light (fireworks over English Bay), Vancouver Folk Music Festival (some free events), Car Free Day, and Pride Parade.
Brewery crawl over bars
A pint at a brewery costs C$7–9 vs C$9–12 at a bar. Main Street and Port Moody ("Brewers Row") have the best craft brewery concentrations for crawling.
Pack a picnic
Buy from Granville Island Market or an Asian grocery and eat at English Bay, Stanley Park, or Kits Beach. A market-sourced picnic costs C$10–15 and beats any restaurant view.
