From vibrant city streets to mountain hikes and coastal road trips, here’s the ultimate guide to help plan your first trip to Vancouver!
My favourite destinations are those where I don’t have to choose between the things I enjoy most — whether it’s spending time by the beach, escaping into the mountains, or enjoying a bit of city life in between.
If you’re someone who loves a trip with a little bit of everything (like me), Vancouver offers exactly that.
So here’s our ultimate guide to help you plan your first trip there, split into three main sections — exploring the city, discovering the stunning nature hikes and parks in North Vancouver, and an incredible 4-day road trip around Vancouver Island!
*Pro-tip: Book flights, accommodation and activities with your Citi Mastercard to score exclusive travel deals on your trip!
Getting to Vancouver
We flew with China Airlines from Singapore to Vancouver, with a layover at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. While the entire journey took ~24 hours, we had such a pleasant time throughout!
The seats were comfortable with a good recline, making it easy to rest and sleep throughout the flight. When we were awake, there were plenty of in-flight entertainment choices from movies to TV shows and games (our favourite being Plants vs. Zombies).
The frequent meal and snack service also kept us well-fed and satisfied throughout the journey. Plus, we were surprised to find out about the menu on the entertainment screen, where you can order drinks you might not even know are available — like speciality cocktails!
Pssttt… book one business class return ticket to Canada/USA with China Airlines and get one economy class return ticket to Taipei for free with your Citi Mastercard! Valid until 31 December 2026.
Vancouver (City)
Vancouver is a vibrant city known for its modern skyline, diverse food scene, lively neighbourhoods and incredibly walkable downtown. Whether you’re exploring bustling shopping streets or simply wandering around, the city offers the perfect mix of urban energy and laid-back charm.
Best Things to Do
1) Take a Stroll or Cycle in Stanley Park
Stanley Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world, offering beaches, forests and walking trails right in the heart of Vancouver.
The park is also home to a famous collection of Indigenous totem poles, which showcase the rich history and cultural traditions of the First Nations peoples of the Pacific Northwest.
Photo credit: Destination Vancouver
One of the best ways to explore Stanley Park is by cycling along the Seawall, a scenic waterfront path that loops around the park. Bring some food, drinks and a picnic mat, as there are many spots to picnic in the park!
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 6AM – 10PM
Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada
How to get there: 25min walk from Downtown Vancouver (Google Maps)
2) Shop in Downtown Vancouver
Downtown Vancouver is dangerously good for shopping, packed with international brands and stores that are hard (if not impossible) to find back home in Singapore.
Some popular brands include Urban Outfitters, Aritzia and Hollister Co., but our favourite shopping spots were Marshalls for affordable clothes and Old Navy for everyday basics at great value. We also found familiar brands like Lululemon, where prices were noticeably lower than in Singapore!
Here are some places to visit for the best shopping:
– Robson and Granville Street: Main shopping streets for international clothing brands, sportswear stores and beauty shops
– Main Street: Independent boutiques, vintage stores and local designer brands
– Alberni Street: Luxury shops and high-end designer boutiques
– Water Street (Gastown): Famous for brick heritage buildings, cobblestone roads and the whistling Gastown Steam Clock, with indigenous art galleries and independent design shops
Most shops close around 6PM to 7PM, so do plan accordingly!
Shop till you drop and earn 2.2 Citi Miles for every S$1 foreign currency spent with the Citi PremierMiles World Select Mastercard when you’re overseas! Annddd… you’ll earn unlimited miles that never expire.
3) Visit Granville Island
Granville Island is one of Vancouver’s most interesting districts, filled with local boutiques, artisan shops and a lively creative atmosphere. Here, we managed to pick up some locally illustrated postcards and classic Canadian maple snacks for our friends back home.
A highlight is the Granville Island Public Market, where beyond fresh produce, you’ll find plenty of baked goods, pastries, ready-to-eat food and speciality stalls selling a huge variety of local bites.
We grabbed some food — donuts from Lee’s Donuts, a candied apple and a bowl of French onion pot pie soup, and enjoyed them at one of the many seating areas in the market.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM (Mon – Wed), 9AM – 7PM (Thu – Sun)
Address: Public Market, 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3X4, Canada
How to get there: 2min walk from Granville Island Aquabus Ferry Dock (Google Maps)
4) Water Bike Around False Creek
Photo credit: BC Water Bikes
Explore Vancouver in a unique way by water biking around False Creek with BC Water Bikes! En route, you’ll pass by landmarks like the geodesic dome at Science World and Granville Island.
You can choose to go for the 1-hour or 2-hour rentals during the day, but we recommend the sunset session as it gets especially dazzling when the city lights start to glow over the water. If you’re really lucky, you might even spot wild orcas or whales passing through the surrounding waters!
Cost: From CA$39/adult for 1hr
Opening hours: 9AM – 9PM
Address: Vanier Park, Boat Launch
How to get there: Take the False Creek Ferry from Aquatic Centre to Maritime Museum Ferry Terminal. Walk 10mins to Vanier Park (Google Maps)
5) Pick Berries at Birak Berry Farm
If you happen to be in Vancouver during berry-picking season, make a stop at Birak Berry Farm for some fresh fruits. Going to a U-Pick farm meant we got to choose only the ripest berries straight from the field and enjoy strawberries that were incredibly sweet, juicy and surprisingly affordable at just CA$5 per pound.
Strawberry season typically runs from May to June, while blueberry season usually starts around late July and lasts until the end of September. Take note that harvest periods can shift from year to year as changing climate conditions continue to affect growing seasons.
Cost: CA$5/pound (~S$4.50) for strawberries (prices vary depending on type of berry and weight)
Opening hours: 8AM – 8PM
Address: 3600 No 6 Rd, Richmond, BC V6V 1P5, Canada
How to get there: 3min walk from WB Cambie Rd, No. 6 Rd Bus Stop (Google Maps)
6) Try California Rolls at Tom Sushi
Having sushi in Vancouver might not be the first thing that comes to mind — after all, Japan is usually the place most people associate with great sushi.
But it’s said that the iconic California Roll was invented right here in Vancouver. Thanks to the large Japanese community and access to incredibly fresh seafood here, sushi can be found everywhere!
Locals recommended Tom Sushi for their premium quality fish and creative flavour combinations, and it definitely did not disappoint! The California Roll has a light, creamy and refreshing taste from the imitation crab meat, avocado and crunchy cucumber.
Pay for your meal with Citi PremierMiles World Select Mastercard and earn 2.2 Citi Miles for every S$1 foreign currency spent! There’s no cap on miles earned and they never expire.
Opening hours: 12PM – 9:30PM (Mon, Wed – Sat), 12PM – 9PM (Sun)
Address: 1175 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1N2, Canada
How to get there: 2min walk from WB Davie St, Thurlow St Bus Stop (Google Maps)
How to Get Around the City
Getting around Vancouver is incredibly convenient thanks to its efficient public transport system. Buses and the SkyTrain make it easy to get to most attractions, with single fares typically costing ~CA$3 per trip.
If you’re planning to visit multiple places in a day, it may be more cost-effective to get a Compass Card day pass instead, which gives you unlimited rides for that day for only CA$12.95 (plus an additional CA$6 deposit). This card can be purchased at any train station, but the deposit can only be refunded at Waterfront Station Customer Service Centre.
Another great way to get around is by ferry. The SeaBus connects Downtown Vancouver to North Vancouver, while the Aquabus mainly operates around Downtown Vancouver. Unlike the SeaBus, fares for the Aquabus are not included in the Compass Card day pass, with rides costing between CA$4.25 and CA$8.50.
Driving a car in the city is not encouraged as traffic tends to be bad.
North Vancouver (Nature)
North Vancouver is the perfect escape into nature without having to venture too far from the city. Easily accessible by public transport, buses and shuttle services, this area is home to some of the region’s most lush forests, scenic hiking trails and exciting outdoor attractions.
Best Scenic Spots
1) Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is home to the iconic 137m-long suspension bridge, hanging 70m above the Capilano River — offering breathtaking views of the forest below.
Beyond the main bridge, experience the Treetops Adventure, where you can walk across suspension bridges high among towering Douglas firs. There’s also the Cliffwalk, a thrilling pathway that hugs the granite cliffside above the canyon. Both attractions are included in your admission ticket!
*Pro-tip: Get 7% off your Klook bookings (min. S$250 spend, capped at S$20) when you purchase tickets with your Citi Mastercard! Valid until 31 December 2026.
Entrance fee: From ~S$75/adult via Klook
Opening hours: 7AM – 9PM (Spring & Summer), 7AM – 7PM (Fall & Winter)
Address: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada
How to get there: 20min ride from Downtown Vancouver via the free shuttle (Google Maps)
2) Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is best known for the famous Grouse Grind, a steep and challenging hiking trail often nicknamed “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster” by locals. But instead of hiking, you can take the Red Skyride or Blue Gondola up.
We took the Skyride as it travels above the treetops and offers panoramic views of Vancouver on the way up. Alternatively, the Gondola may not have the same open views since it travels amongst the trees, but it has a more private and cosy experience in an enclosed eight-person cabin.
At the summit, there are plenty of seasonal activities to choose from, including the popular lumberjack show, zipline tours and the thrilling gravity coaster — which was what we decided to try. The ride was exhilarating as we sped down the mountain with spectacular views of the city below.
During summer, Grouse Mountain is especially popular for mountain biking, while in winter, it transforms into a hub for skiing and snowboarding. If you’re lucky, you might also spot the mountain’s two resident rescued grizzly bears.
You can also save more by purchasing discounted sunset tickets (after 6PM) at S$34/adult, but do note that some attractions may be closed!
Cost: From CA$89/adult
Opening hours: 9AM – 9PM
Address: North Vancouver, BC V7R 4P4, Canada
How to get there: 20min ride from Downtown Vancouver via the free shuttle (Google Maps)
PSA: For a fuss-free way to visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain on the same day, check out this two-in-one tour (~S$162) that also includes hotel pick-up!
Book your experiences on Tiket.com and get up to 10% off, exclusively for Citi Mastercard holders! Valid until 31 December 2026.
3) Lynn Canyon Park
Photo credit: lynncanyon.ca
Lynn Canyon Park is a beautiful nature escape surrounded by lush rainforest, scenic trails and crystal-clear freshwater pools. The suspension bridge sits 50m above the canyon, with incredible views of the rushing river below — and best of all, crossing it is completely free!
Photo credit: lynncanyon.ca
Within the park, you’ll also find Twin Falls, as well as the 30 Foot Pool — an emerald-green swimming spot that’s especially popular during summer. As the glacier-fed waters stay freezing cold year-round, most people would also picnic on the sun-warmed rocks surrounding the pool.
If you’re looking to explore it all, the Lynn Canyon Loop is a 2.4km trail that covers all these spots and takes roughly 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 7AM – 9PM (Spring & Summer), 7AM – 7PM (Fall & Winter)
Address: 3690 Park Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7J 1Z1, Canada
How to get there: 10min walk from NB Lynn Valley Rd, Burrill Ave Bus Stop (Google Maps)
How to Get Around
Don’t rely solely on Google Maps when planning your route! We learnt that the hard way after travelling an hour to Grouse Mountain via public buses, before discovering later that there was a 20-minute free shuttle bus option.
These options may not appear on navigation apps, so check the park’s official website beforehand, especially if you’re heading to popular hiking areas like Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain.
Vancouver Island (Road Trip)
Located off the west coast of Vancouver, Vancouver Island is a paradise for nature lovers. It’s known for its rugged coastlines, charming seaside towns and incredible outdoor adventures.
We rented a car from Avis as it’s more convenient for our 4-day road trip around the southern and central parts of the island. Unlike the city, public transport here is less accessible, so having a car is essential if you want the freedom to venture deeper into the idyllic natural landscapes and experience the best of what the island has to offer.
We also highly recommend getting full insurance coverage and roadside assistance, as you never know what could happen on the road! We unexpectedly punctured a tyre on the highway and only had to top up CA$30 (~S$28), while insurance covered majority of costs.
Suggested Road Trip Route
We spent our first night in Victoria before beginning the journey up to a small coastal town located about a 4-hour drive away.
To break up the long drive, we made a few scenic stops along the way and finally arrived at Ucluelet, where we stayed for 2 nights. After exploring the west coast, we hiked 5040 Peak, then drove to Nanaimo for our last night and caught the ferry back to Vancouver the next day.
Here are some highlights on our route:
| A | Day 1 – 2: Victoria | Historic buildings, whale watching |
| B | Day 2: Coombs | Goats on roof |
| C | Day 2: Little Qualicum Falls | Waterfalls |
| D | Day 2: Taylor River | Swim hole, rest area |
| E | Day 3: Ucluelet/Tofino | Surfing |
| F | Day 4: 5040 Peak | Hiking |
Day 1: Victoria
Start off your road trip in Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia, located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island.
We spent some time exploring downtown, filled with heritage architecture, local boutiques and many unique vintage shops that were fun to browse through.
One of the highlights for us was visiting the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, an iconic landmark overlooking the harbour and one of the city’s most recognisable buildings.
The building is free to enter, with both guided and self-guided tours. There’s also the opportunity to observe live legislative debates!
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 8:30AM – 4:30PM
Address: 501 Belleville St., Victoria, BC V8V 2H2, Canada
How to get there: 30min drive from Swartz Bay (Google Maps)
Day 1: Red Fish Blue Fish
Red Fish Blue Fish is famous for offering interesting seafood options beyond the usual, including salmon served as fish and chips (from ~S$16), which we had to try.
It’s crispy, fresh and incredibly delicious when paired with tartar sauce, white vinegar and a squeeze of lemon. We enjoyed our meal right by the harbour, watching seaplanes take off and land while taking in the sea breeze.
Opening hours: 11AM – 9PM
Address: 1006 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1N8, Canada
How to get there: 3min drive from Legislative Assembly of British Columbia (Google Maps)
Day 2: Whale Watching
Go on a whale watching tour and spot some of the marine life living along Victoria’s coastline.
Vancouver’s whale watching season runs from April to October, so we were super excited to see orcas and humpback whales. We chose the zodiac tour, as this gave us a 360° view of the waters.
*Pro-tip: Bring a dry bag for your camera equipment and essentials, as you may get wet!
With any ethical wildlife experience, sightings are never guaranteed. We unfortunately did not meet any killer whales, but we did see some cute harbour seals instead! In the rare chance you don’t see any whales, you’ll get a complimentary tour to make up for your experience!
Book your experiences on Klook for 7% off min. S$250 spend (capped at S$20), exclusively for Citi Mastercard holders! Valid until 31 December 2026.
Cost: From ~S$188/adult for 3-hour tour via Klook
Tour timings: Varies
Meeting point: 812 Wharf St, Victoria, BC V8W 1T3, Canada
How to get there: 6min walk from Legislative Assembly of British Columbia (Google Maps)
Day 2: Coombs
Along the drive, stop at Coombs, a little village with a unique Old Country Market, famously home to goats grazing on the rooftop.
There are many interesting stores and cafes to check out — munch on donuts from Billy G’s Doughnut Shop or drop by Wabi Sabi Boardwear for surf apparel. It’s also a great place to stock up on some drinks and snacks for the road ahead.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 7PM
Address: 2326 Alberni Hwy, Coombs, BC V0R 1M0, Canada
How to get there: 2hr drive from Victoria (Google Maps)
Day 2: Little Qualicum Falls
A short drive from Coombs lies Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park, a natural and serene spot with cascading waterfalls surrounded by dense forest.
The trails are easy and well-maintained, leading to viewpoints overlooking the upper and lower falls — the full loop takes about 45 minutes to complete.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 6AM – 11PM
Address: 4001 Alberni Highway, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1X6, Canada
How to get there: 10min drive from Coombs (Google Maps)
Day 2: Taylor River
Taylor River Rest Area is a convenient stop for drivers looking to take a break during the long journey through the region. There’s a toilet here, though it may not be that clean.
In the summer, you’ll often see people jumping into the river and swimming in the crystal-clear water. But when we visited, the weather was too cold and rainy for that. Instead, we just paused to take in the peaceful surroundings and enjoyed the view of the clear, flowing river.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: 858 Pacific Rim Hwy, Ucluelet, BC V0R 1W0, Canada
How to get there: 1hr drive from Little Qualicum Falls Provincial Park (Google Maps)
Day 3: Ucluelet
Catch some waves and go surfing at Ucluelet. It’s much quieter and less crowded than the nearby Tofino, making it a great spot for a more relaxed surf experience.
We booked a lesson with Relic Surf Shop, where beginners can easily pick up the basics of surfing. The Pacific water was freezing cold, but once we got moving, it was an incredibly fun experience!
Don’t forget to use your Citi PremierMiles World Select Mastercard to book your lessons, as you can earn 2.2 Citi Miles for every S$1 foreign currency spent! The best part? You’ll earn unlimited miles that never expire!
Cost: From CA$49/adult (~S$45)
Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM
Address: 1998 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet, BC V0R 3A0, Canada
How to get there: 1hr drive from Taylor River (Google Maps)
Day 3: Tofino
Photo credit: Tourism Tofino
After surfing, head to Tofino and grab some fish tacos at Tacofino to recharge! It first started as a food truck here back in 2009 and now boasts a dozen locations across British Columbia.
You can also chill at one of the many cafes, shop for surf apparel or catch the sunset by the beach at this laid-back surf town.
Opening hours: 11AM – 7PM
Address: 1184 Pacific Rim Hwy, Tofino, BC V0R 3A0, Canada
How to get there: 30min drive from Relic Surf Shop (Google Maps)
Day 4: 5040 Peak
The last big stop of the road trip would be 5040 Peak — easily one of the most challenging yet rewarding hikes of our trip. Standing at over 1,500m in elevation, the trail is relentlessly uphill almost the entire way, with steep sections made up of exposed tree roots, loose rocks and uneven terrain that can get especially slippery after rain.
*Pro-tip: Along the hike, you may also have to cross small streams, so we highly recommend wearing waterproof hiking shoes and packing an extra pair of socks just in case.
Unfortunately, we only made it as far as the Cobalt Lake and did not continue all the way to the summit after hearing from hikers coming down that there was a blizzard at the peak.
Even at the lake, the weather was cold and visibility was poor at first, with fog and clouds covering most of the landscape. We waited around for a while and thankfully the fog slowly cleared, revealing the cobalt alpine lake and surrounding mountains.
Although we didn’t make it to the top, the views we eventually got were still incredibly beautiful.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs
Address: Alberni-Clayoquot, BC V9Y 9A5, Canada
How to get there: 1hr 15min drive from Tofino (Google Maps)
How to Get to Vancouver Island
To get there, it’s a ~1.5-hour ferry ride from Vancouver via BC Ferries. We found that renting a car from Downtown Vancouver and driving it across to the island was more affordable than renting a car on Vancouver Island itself. The entire process was super simple — just check in with your vehicle up to 30 minutes before departure, then drive directly onto the ferry.
BC Ferries operates several routes connecting Vancouver to different parts of the island. For our trip, we took the Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay route to get to the southern end of the island and returned via Nanaimo to Horseshoe Bay.
However, if you’re looking to shorten your travel time to Vancouver Island, you can also fly directly to Victoria International Airport. It’s just a ~30-minute flight from Vancouver International Airport!
Looking to save on your trip? Book your flights and accommodation via Trip.com and get S$200 off with a min. S$3,000 spend on Business Class, Premium Economy flights and selected 5-star hotels worldwide — only for Citi Mastercard holders!
Tips on Planning Your First Vancouver Trip
Pre-trip Preparations
Prepare essential documents:
Most travellers will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), which costs CA$7 (~S$6.50). It’s a simple online application, but should be done at least 3 days before your trip to avoid any last-minute stress.
If you’re planning to rent a car for road trips, do get an International Driving Permit (IDP), as car rental companies will require it alongside your regular licence.
Book flights and accommodations early:
Prices for flights and accommodations tend to rise quickly, especially if you’re visiting during the summer months from June to August, which is peak travel season. Hotels may also fill up, so booking in advance can help you secure better deals and more convenient locations around downtown.
As the journey to Vancouver is a long one, we’d recommend flying with a full-service airline like China Airlines. We really appreciated having comfortable seats, multiple meal and snack services, and a wide selection of movies and games that made the long flight much easier. Plus, the layover at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport allowed us to stretch, relax and do more shopping before the second leg of the journey!
*Pro-tip: Get more out of your holiday when you fly with China Airlines! Book one business class return ticket to Canada/USA with your Citi Mastercard and get one economy class return ticket to Taipei for free. Valid until 31 December 2026.
Tipping Culture
Tipping is generally expected at most restaurants, cafes and service establishments, with around 15–20% being the common range. Since tips can quickly add up over the course of a trip, it’s worth factoring this into your budget beforehand, especially if you plan on dining out as often as we did.
Save More on Flights, Accommodation and Activities!
Travelling to Vancouver can be expensive, with flight tickets, accommodation and food costs adding up quickly.
Even though we initially thought cooking some of our own meals would help us save money, our itinerary ended up being so packed with activities that we found ourselves eating out for every meal instead.
Well thankfully, the more we spent, the more miles we could earn with the Citi PremierMiles World Select Mastercard — that’s 2.2 Citi Miles for every S$1 foreign currency spent (T&Cs apply). And yes, you can earn unlimited miles and there’s no expiry for it!
If you’ve yet to become a Citi Cardmember, apply for the Citi PremierMiles World Select Mastercard and receive a welcome bonus of up to 30,000 Citi Miles*!
*T&Cs apply, subject to qualifying criteria. Applicable for new Citi Cardmembers.
You can also score great deals and discounts with the following merchants:
| Category | Partner | Deal |
| Flights | China Airlines | – Buy 1 Business class return ticket to USA/Canada and get 1 Economy class return ticket to Taipei for free – Valid until 31 Dec 2026 |
| Flights and hotels | Trip.com | – S$200 off with min. S$3,000 spend on Business Class, Premium Economy flights and selected 5-star hotels worldwide – Valid until 30 Sep 2026 – 50% off Economy flights every Friday, cap at S$100 – Valid until 25 Dec 2026 |
| Activities and attractions | Klook | – 7% off with min. S$250 spend, cap at S$20 – Valid until 31 Dec 2026 |
| Hotels and attractions | Tiket.com | Hotels – 10% off for selected Citi Cards with min. S$300 spend, cap at S$50 – Promo code <CITIH10> – 8% off for all other Citi Cards, cap at S$50 – Promo code <CITIH8> Attractions – 8% off for selected Citi Cards, cap at S$50 – Promo code <CITIA8> – 6% off for all other Citi Cards, cap at S$50 – Promo code <CITIA6> The above promos are valid for booking and travel by 31 Dec 2026. |
Discover more exclusive Citi Cards Travel Offers here.
This post was brought to you by Citi Singapore, Mastercard, and China Airlines.
