How to get to Vancouver

When planning a journey and deciding how to get to Vancouver, you are discovering one of the most picturesque metropolises on the west coast of Canada. This city harmoniously combines the dynamics of a modern centre with the majesty of pristine nature, welcoming guests from all over the world.

You can reach Vancouver in various ways: the international airport receives flights from five continents, whilst a developed network of roads and railways ensures convenient connections with neighbouring regions.

The main air gateway to the region is Vancouver International Airport (YVR), which serves millions of passengers annually and is considered one of the best in North America. For domestic flights and budget airlines, travellers often use Abbotsford Airport, located approximately an hour's drive from the city centre.

A special touch to your journey would be arriving at Coal Harbour Seaplane Base, which welcomes seaplanes right in the city harbour with breathtaking views of the skyscrapers. If direct tickets are unavailable, you might consider flying to neighbouring cities, such as Nanaimo or Sidney, from where it is easy to continue your route to the metropolis.

A railway journey is an excellent way to enjoy the country's landscapes en route to your destination. Trains arrive at the main Vancouver Railway Station, which serves as an important transport hub and an architectural landmark of the city.

Routes connect the metropolis with both eastern provinces and southern neighbours. In some cases, tourists combine modes of transport, travelling by train to nearby settlements such as Eastsound or Nanaimo, and then transferring to a ferry or bus.

Bus services in the region are organised to a high standard, offering comfortable journeys with scenic views from the window. A popular route from the city of Nanaimo takes about 2.1 hours, covering a distance of 70 km, often including a ferry crossing.

There is also a regular service connecting with the town of Sidney: a trip spanning over 90 km lasts approximately 3.8 hours. This is a budget-friendly and eco-conscious option for those who wish to reach the centre of events at a leisurely pace.

Travelling by car offers complete freedom of movement, although in this region it often requires complex logistics (including ferries). The road from Nanaimo will take about 2.5 hours (81 km), allowing you to enjoy maritime views during the crossing.

If you are driving from the direction of Eastsound, expect to spend approximately 3.7 hours on the road, covering nearly 195 km. The route from Sidney is slightly shorter — about 92 km, which usually takes 2.7 hours considering traffic.

Vancouver is renowned for its hospitality and unique lifestyle, combining urban comfort with proximity to wild nature. To ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible, please note a few important details.

1. Clothing and Weather: Due to frequent rain, especially in the off-season, it is essential to bring a waterproof windbreaker and comfortable footwear. Locals dress in layers to easily adapt to weather changes.
2. Transport: The TransLink public transport system (SkyTrain metro, buses, and SeaBus) works excellently. It is most economical to purchase a top-up Compass Card to pay for your fares.
3. Finance: The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, but keeping a small amount of cash for minor purchases at markets is useful.
4. Health and Safety: The city is considered safe, but it is best to avoid the Downtown Eastside area, especially after dark. You can safely drink water straight from the tap — it is amongst the cleanest in the world here.
5. Tipping: In restaurants and taxis, it is customary to leave a tip of 15–20% of the bill amount, as service charges are usually not included in the bill.
6. Restrictions: Smoking (including vapes) in parks, on beaches, and in most public places is strictly prohibited and subject to fines.
7. In Nature: If you plan on hiking in the surrounding forests, be mindful of wildlife. Familiarise yourself with the rules of conduct for encountering bears, which occasionally wander towards the outskirts.

Observing these simple guidelines will help you feel confident and allow you to focus on the beauty of the Canadian landscapes.