About Vancouver

A world-class city nestled in nature that stretches minds, and muscles. There’s something special about Vancouver that will inspire you to see things differently. And you’ll feel it as soon as you arrive. Maybe it's the snow-capped mountains, the urban rainforest, or the reflection of the pacific ocean on our cosmopolitan skyline - whatever it is, it inspires those who come here to leave with a totally different perspective than the one they arrived with.

If all of that sounds inspirational, it’s because it is. Vancouver is a natural incubator, a hotbed for entrepreneurialism where you’ll meet pioneering minds that are as invigorating as the mountains they’re surrounded by. As one of the

top 25 best startup ecosystems in the world, we attract thought leaders from across the globe. But it’s not just innovation that draws them here, it’s also our inclusivity. Whether it’s to Mother Nature, or each other, connectivity is

at our core. Maybe that’s what makes this place so welcoming - the only way to find out is to experience it for yourselves.

Getting to Vancouver

If you're arriving by air, you'll most likely be flying into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Located just 25 minutes from downtown, YVR is consistently rated one of the best airports in North America. There are more than a dozen international flights in and out of YVR every day, with 22 bound for the United States. For an estimate of how long it might take to fly to Vancouver, see our international flying times map in the Destination Vancouver's website map section. Find out if you need a visa here.

Weather

Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by a range of mountains, Vancouver's weather is mild year-round. From high 70's Fahrenheit (low 20's Celsius) in summer to a mild mid 40's Fahrenheit (0º to 5º Celsius) in winter, the climate is always hospitable. Our winters are wet, but it rarely snows, except on our local ski hills.

Languages

Federal government departments provide service in English and French, but most of the population speaks English as either a first or second language.

The City of Vancouver is quite cosmopolitan and is a mix of many multicultural groups. Because the city is multicultural, it's also multilingual on an unofficial level. Its people speak many different languages and many follow the traditions of their native lands, sometimes moderating them with Canadian culture.

After English and Chinese, the most common mother tongue languages spoken are Punjabi, German, Italian, French, Tagalog (Filipino) and Spanish. More than half of Vancouver's school-age children have been raised speaking a language other than English.

Currency

Canada uses the Canadian Dollar - CAD, visitors can exchange currency at Canadian chartered banks, trust companies, credit unions, or at offices of foreign exchange brokers, but it is advised to have local currency on hand prior to arriving. Some hotels, merchants, restaurants and suppliers accept US or other foreign currency at a pre-determined rate, which may differ from the daily rate posted by financial institutions.

The Canadian Dollar is made up of 100 Canadian cents. Coins are in denominations of 5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), 25 cents (quarter), $1 (loonie), and $2 (toonie). Notes are in denominations $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 and $1,000.

Note that Canada phased out use of the 1 cent (penny) coin in 2013. If you are paying cash, the total amount of your purchases will be rounded either up or down to the closest 5 cents. Credit card and debit card payments are not rounded.

Taxation

Most purchases in British Columbia are subject to a 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) as well as a federal 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST), with a few exceptions including liquor (10% PST) and accommodation (8% PST plus up to 3% hotel tax). Some goods such as food and restaurant meals, books and magazines, and children’s clothing are GST and/or PST exempt.

Time Zone

Vancouver is in the Pacific Time Zone and observes Daylight Savings Time from the second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November. You can see Vancouver's time in relation to most cities around the globe by visiting www.thetimenow.com, which is also home to a Canadian calendar with important dates.

Virtual Guide

For instant access to Destination Vancouver’s Official Visitor Guide, click here.

Getting around Vancouver

Attractions, shopping, outdoor activities - everything you want to do and see in Vancouver is easily accessible - within walking distance, a short drive, quick ferry ride or convenient trip on Vancouver's local transit system.

Vancouver is known for being a very walkable city with a compact downtown core, so you’ll likely find many of the places you want to go are just a short walk from your hotel. Visit Destination Vancouver's Maps section to help plan your route.

Things to do in Vancouver

A cosmopolitan city right on the edge of nature, Vancouver makes it easy to combine an urban getaway with outdoor adventure. From family-friendly fun to thrill-seeking exploits; from marine exploring to mountaintop luxury, you'll find plenty of things to do in Vancouver. Click here to find out more.

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