Located on the southwestern edge of British Columbia, Vancouver is a busy seaport where rich greenery and stunning natural landscapes are intertwined with its cosmopolitan metropolis. The North Shore Mountains overlook the city and serve as a spectacular backdrop to Vancouver’s glittering skyline. If you want to immerse yourself in the city’s lush, natural surroundings, head to Lynn Canyon Park in northern Vancouver for scenic hiking trails, swimming holes, and one of the city’s iconic suspension bridges. Make your way to Queen Elizabeth Park for a peaceful stroll through the pristinely landscaped plants, or head to Chinatown to soak up the tranquility of exquisite Chinese gardens.

Vancouver’s culinary scene is one of Canada’s most exciting, known for its fresh ingredients and multicultural cuisine, with seafood a staple part of local dining and food trucks and brunch spots galore. For uninterrupted views of the city, ascend Vancouver Lookout, where you’ll be greeted with a stunning 360-degree panorama. The city’s spirited nightlife is also a major draw. If you want to hit the dance floor and explore Vancouver’s club scene, make your way to Granville Street. Gastown’s range of bars, pubs, and beer halls offers a more relaxed evening out.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the main hub for air transit to the city, located around 30 minutes from downtown. The city’s comprehensive public transportation network includes buses, light rail, and ferries, offering efficient service throughout downtown and the suburbs, and stops for most major attractions. It’s quick and easy to reach vacation rentals in Vancouver, British Columbia, via public transit, although renting a car is also an option if you’d prefer to have your own wheels. As many of the city’s major sights and attractions are located within walking distance of one another, it’s easy to take in Vancouver’s beauty and explore on foot or by bike.

Vancouver experiences warm, sunny summers, providing perfect conditions for sightseeing and pleasant temperatures for boat trips. If your visit includes a host of outdoor activities, summer may be the best time to explore. The city is known to have a long rainy season, which can span from October to June. Brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow paint the landscape during the fall as the foliage begins to change color. Temperatures begin to cool during this time, so layer up to stay cozy. Outdoor enthusiasts head to Vancouver during the winter to spend time on the snowy slopes just 20 minutes away from downtown.

A night market offers music performances, art installations, and a bounty of food stalls every weekend between May and October, while Bard on the Beach combines time-honored theater with unique takes on 16th-century plays throughout the summer.

Museum of Anthropology

You’ll find this iconic concrete and glass building on the University of British Columbia’s campus, overlooking the mountains, ocean, and Burrard Inlet just 20 minutes from downtown. Traditional weaving, intricate wood carvings, and contemporary works from First Nations peoples tell the story of Vancouver’s origins and explore its mix of cultures today.

Granville Island

Formerly an industrial site, historic Granville Island has been transformed into a cultural hub, housing art galleries, studios, and artisan workshops. One of the main attractions in this artsy neighborhood is the indoor Public Market, featuring fresh produce, baked goods, seafood, and other gourmet treats. Hop on a tugboat ferry to the other side of False Creek and peruse stalls selling handcrafted goods.

VanDusen Botanical Garden

The lush, 55-acre VanDusen Botanical Garden sits in the city center, home to thousands of species from around the world, local wildlife, and a hedge maze. In the spring, the Laburnum Walk is in full bloom, creating a stunning bright yellow tunnel of blossoms. From early December to early January, the gardens are bedecked with over a million lights, creating illuminated paths on dark winter nights.