Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | C$35–70 | C$130–220 |
| Food | C$20–35 | C$50–80 |
| Transport | C$7–12 | C$15–30 |
| Activities | C$0–15 | C$25–55 |
| Drinks | C$8–15 | C$20–35 |
| Daily Total | C$70–147 | C$240–420 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Visa-exempt countries (EU, UK, Australia) need an eTA (C$7). US citizens need a passport only. Apply online at canada.ca/eta
- Vancouver International Airport (YVR): Canada Line SkyTrain to downtown (C$9.30, 25 min). US flights pre-clear customs at YVR — saves time at US arrival
- YVR is consistently rated one of the world's best airports — the Indigenous art and aquarium in the terminal are worth arriving early for
Health & Safety
- Travel insurance is essential — Canada has universal healthcare for residents only. Visitors pay full price — ER visits start at C$800+
- Vancouver is safe for tourists. The Downtown Eastside (Hastings between Gastown and Chinatown) has visible drug use and homelessness — walk through with awareness
- Mountain safety: trails can be challenging and weather changes fast. Bring water, layers, and tell someone your route. Cell coverage is poor on North Shore trails
Getting Around
- Compass Card (C$6 deposit) for SkyTrain, SeaBus, and buses. 1-zone: C$3.10, 2-zone: C$4.45, day pass: C$11. SeaBus to North Shore is included
- SkyTrain connects airport, downtown, Main Street, and Richmond. SeaBus crosses to North Vancouver (12 min). Buses cover neighborhoods SkyTrain doesn't
- Mobi bike share (C$2.50/30-min trip) covers the downtown core and Kits. Uber/Lyft available. The city is very bikeable and walkable along the seawall
Connectivity
- Free WiFi at most cafes, libraries, and public spaces. Vancouver Public Library has excellent free WiFi. SkyTrain stations have Shaw Go WiFi
- Canadian SIM: Public Mobile or Chatr (C$25–35/month prepaid). Available at phone stores and some convenience stores
- Cell coverage drops on North Shore mountain trails and in some valleys. Download offline maps before hiking
Money
- Cards and tap payment accepted virtually everywhere. Vancouver is largely cashless. Apple Pay and Google Pay widely used
- Tipping: 15–20% at restaurants (15% is Canadian standard), C$1–2/drink at bars, 15% for rideshare. BC has no tip credit — servers earn full minimum wage
- Tax (12% in BC: 5% GST + 7% PST) is added at checkout. Prices on menus and shelves are before tax
Packing Tips
- Rain jacket year-round — Vancouver gets 160+ rainy days per year, mostly October through March. Summer (Jun–Sep) is reliably dry and warm
- Layers: mornings are cool (12°C), afternoons warm (22–25°C summer), and mountains are always cooler. A fleece or light down jacket even in summer
- Hiking shoes for North Shore trails, comfortable walking shoes for the city, and a swimsuit for Kits Pool and beaches. Compact umbrella is essential
Cultural tips
Tipping Culture
Tip 15–20% at restaurants (15% is the Canadian baseline). C$1–2/drink at bars. 15% for rideshare. BC servers earn full minimum wage (C$17.40/hour) but tipping is still expected.
Indigenous Respect
Vancouver is on unceded Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territory. Learn the land acknowledgment. Visit the Museum of Anthropology and Indigenous art galleries. Support Indigenous-owned businesses.
Rain Culture
Vancouverites don't use umbrellas — they wear Gore-Tex. Rain is a way of life from October to March. But summer (June–September) is gloriously dry and sunny. The rain is what makes everything so green.
Sushi Culture
Vancouver has the best sushi outside Japan — the fresh Pacific salmon and tuna are extraordinary. Local rolls often feature BC salmon and spot prawns. Avoid the tourist sushi on Robson and find the neighborhood gems.
Cannabis
Recreational cannabis is legal in Canada for 19+. Buy from licensed BC Cannabis Stores. No smoking in public parks, beaches, or near building entrances. Edibles are discreet for public consumption.
Nature Integration
Vancouver integrates nature into daily life — people ski before work, kayak at lunch, and hike after dinner. The mountains and ocean aren't vacation; they're routine. Join in and you'll understand the city instantly.
