Vancouver Coast Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Whistler Ski Area featuring forest scenes, landscape views and a lake or waterhole
Vancouver Coast
Ambleside Park which includes a lake or waterhole and a sunset as well as an individual male
Gastown featuring street scenes and a city
Downtown Vancouver which includes cycling and a park as well as an individual male

From soaring mountains to the Pacific Ocean, this stretch of coastline contains the rugged beauty of the West Coast’s islands and British Columbia’s biggest city.

The Vancouver Coast encompasses the beaches of the portside city of VancouverOpens in a new window, the picturesque waterways of the Salish Sea and the wild wonders of Vancouver IslandOpens in a new window. Whether you’re sampling magnificent seafood on the Vancouver Waterfront, scouting for secret swimming spots or learning about the region’s First Nations people, there’s plenty to discover on the Vancouver Coast.

Begin your adventure on Vancouver’s superb waterfront. This metropolitan mountain-fringed city is one of the few places in the world where you can spend the morning skiing and the afternoon sailing. Catch the ferry across to Lonsdale Quay and check out the Capilano Suspension BridgeOpens in a new window. Visit Lynn Canyon and explore the trails and swimming beaches around this monumental landmark.

Go on a charter boat trip to explore some of the majestic fjords, sounds and inlets that make up the Vancouver Coast. Many of the major waterways, such as the Inside Passage, are strewn with fascinating gold-rush heritage sites. Check out Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park on the Sunshine Coast on a cruise trip. From historic Lund, you can go on a breathtaking sunset cruise and spend a night in a heritage waterfront hotel. Other popular cruise-trip departure points are West Vancouver, Mission and Gibsons. Go sailing on the Fraser River or try sea kayaking from a charter schooner.

Discover beautiful Vancouver Island to find the capital city of British Columbia, VictoriaOpens in a new window. The city’s 19th-century architecture, formal gardens and excellent dining make it a fantastic getaway. From Victoria, you can leap into the island’s wild west. Explore old-growth cedar forests and Pacific beaches and spot orcas swimming offshore. In winter, be sure to check out the Beaufort Mountain Range for picturesque ski slopes. Check out the Gulf Islands to experience some of Vancouver Coast’s exciting craft studios and artists’ communities.

Visit the Vancouver Coast in July or August for sunny summer days or make the most of the region’s mild winters. Reach the region by flying into Vancouver International Airport or catching the scenic railway, The Canadian, into Vancouver. Catch buses and ferries to reach major coastal towns or explore the region’s most secluded spots on foot or by watercraft.

Where to stay in Vancouver Coast

Downtown Vancouver showing a city, a high-rise building and modern architecture

Downtown Vancouver

4.5/5(354 area reviews)

Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal and BC Place Stadium are a few top attractions in Downtown Vancouver. Hop around the city on the metro at Vancouver City Center Station or Granville Station and check out the area's captivating waterfront views, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

Downtown Vancouver
Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort showing snow as well as a small group of people

Whistler Village

4.5/5(48 area reviews)

The majestic mountain landscape and popular shops are just a few highlights of Whistler Village. Make a stop by Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort or Whistler Village Gondola while you're exploring the area.

Whistler Village
Kitsilano featuring street scenes, flowers and road cycling

West Side

While you're in West Side, take in top sights like VanDusen Botanical Garden or Kitsilano Beach, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at King Edward Station or Oakridge-41st Avenue Station.

West Side
West End featuring signage, a city and street scenes

West End

The stunning beaches and popular shops are just a few highlights of West End. Make a stop by Robson Street or Sunset Beach while you're exploring the area.

West End
Pacific Coliseum which includes ice skating, a sporting event and interior views

East Vancouver

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

While you're in East Vancouver, take in top sights like Port of Vancouver or Commercial Drive, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Nanaimo Station or 29th Avenue Station.

East Vancouver
Default Image

Kitsilano

Kitsilano is noteworthy for its beaches, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Kitsilano Beach and Museum of Vancouver.

Kitsilano
Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina

4 out of 5
3500 Cessna Dr, Richmond, BC
The price is ₹21,070 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
₹21,070
per night
6 Aug - 7 Aug
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Richmond. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,304 reviews)
"Amazing stay! The staff were so friendly, and the hotel was so clean :))"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Radisson Blu Vancouver Airport Hotel & Marina
River Rock Casino Resort

River Rock Casino Resort

4 out of 5
8811 River Road, Richmond, BC
The price is ₹20,700 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹20,700
per night
28 Jul - 29 Jul
Stay at this 4-star luxury resort in Richmond. Enjoy a full-service spa, 5 restaurants and a marina. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (9,362 reviews)
"Overall, our stay at the hotel was good, though there were a few areas that could be improved. The rooms were clean and well-maintained each day, and the cleaning staff was incredibly helpful — always ready to provide bottled water whenever we needed it. The front desk and service staff were generally ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

River Rock Casino Resort
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹22,229 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹22,229
per night
30 Jul - 31 Jul
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Vancouver. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,964 reviews)
"Enjoyed stay. Staff was great. Was given a late check out"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pinnacle Hotel Whistler Village

Pinnacle Hotel Whistler Village

3.5 out of 5
4319 Main St, Whistler, BC
Stay at this aparthotel in Whistler. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,635 reviews)
"Nice property right in the Village at a reasonable price"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Pinnacle Hotel Whistler Village
Legends Whistler

Legends Whistler

4 out of 5
2036 London Lane, Whistler, BC
Stay at this 4-star ski aparthotel in Whistler. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 hot tubs and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,560 reviews)
Awesome hotel
"Lovely apartment in a great location. Hot tub and pool were great. Staf gave all information needed at check-in. Highly recommended!"

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Legends Whistler
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Revival Apartments English Bay

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Revival Apartments English Bay

4 out of 5
1771 Comox Street, Vancouver, BC
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Vancouver. Enjoy parking (surcharge), concierge services and an in-room coffee maker. Our guests praise the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (541 reviews)
Great place
"Great location near lots of restaurants, shops, and the park. Hotel was quiet and checkin was easy. You do have to pay to park, which is about $20 a day."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Revival Apartments English Bay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Vancouver Coast