A delicious blend of city and nature
View of Vancouver with mountains in the background
- © karamysh / Shutterstock
Vancouver
Vancouver in short
Vancouver stands out above all for its quality of life: despite its size (with over 600,000 inhabitants, it is Canada's eighth-largest city, but the third-largest conurbation with 2.5 million), the metropolis manages to retain a pleasant atmosphere that is the envy of many other cities! The city has a very modern look, as the lack of space has led to the emergence of numerous skyscrapers in order to save space, making Vancouver the Canadian city with the highest population density. Wide avenues make it easy to get around, however, and locals love to hop on their bikes for a spin, making for a thoroughly enjoyable experience of the city.
The town known as Lotusland is surrounded by mountains and unspoilt countryside, ideal for hiking and sporting activities. The nearby sea offers excursions and a discovery of nature that is almost unique in the world, while the city's museums provide an opportunity for a cultural stroll. It's a real little jewel, both natural and urbanised, that's a pleasure to discover or rediscover, as there's something for everyone!
In winter, the surrounding mountains are waiting to be explored! Several resorts are 10 km or less from the town centre, even accessible by bus! You can also take the opportunity to hike or snowshoe in the mountains. There's even an ice rink at the top of Grouse Mountain.
Ski slopes near Vancouver
- © Pierre Leclerc / ShutterstockSummer is best reserved for hiking. Once again, Grouse Mountain is a must-see, even in summer. There's plenty to do here, from axe-throwing to nature guides telling tales of the local wildlife. In the city, the gigantic Stanley Park and its 400 hectares are a must! Nearly eight million visitors walk along its 200km of paths every year! It's a veritable little nature reserve.
View of Vancouver from Stanley Park, Vancouver, Canada
- © West Coast Scapes / ShutterstockDo you prefer the sea? If so, you're in luck, and boating enthusiasts will have a field day, especially on the large Vancouver Island opposite the city. From March to October, you can even spot whales on an offshore expedition. For a closer look at the underwater wildlife, head to the Vancouver Aquarium! Dolphins and seals rub shoulders with exotic species such as piranhas.
A giant humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) spills water with a large splash in the Broughton Archipelago, British Columbia, Canada.
- © William Drumm / ShutterstockWhen it comes to culture, you won't be left out: the city's many museums are a must for any art lover or anyone wanting to learn a little more about the region. These include the Vancouver Museum, which focuses on the city's history, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, which has a number of exhibitions on ancient civilisations.
MOV - Vancouver Museum, Canada
- © 4kclips / ShutterstockLast articles
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The must-sees
All the must-sees
How to get there?
Vancouver International Airport, 13 km south of the city, is the country's second busiest airport, so it's very easy to get to British Columbia by plane. From France, direct flights leave from Paris, but you can also make a stopover in Montreal from another French city.
Vancouver
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Where to stay?
There are several accommodation options to choose from, depending on your tastes, your budget, whether you're going as a couple or with your family, and so on. It's a fairly expensive city, and accommodation (especially in the summer tourist season) is no exception to the rule, but it's possible to find some good deals!
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Practical information
- Weather: Rain is fairly frequent, mainly in winter, so bring a good umbrella! To make the most of Vancouver and the surrounding area, summer is the best time to travel, but prices are higher. During the other seasons, the climate remains mild and the city has so much to offer that you can still visit all year round.
For those who prefer winter sports, December to February is the best time to take advantage of the maximum amount of good-quality snow.
Flight: It takes around 10 hours to fly from Paris to Vancouver airport.
Time difference: You need to subtract 9 hours from French time to get Vancouver time.
Currency: The currency is the Canadian dollar, which is different from the US dollar. There are numerous exchange offices, but the most practical and cost-effective option is to have an international option on your bank card for the duration of your stay.
Health and safety: The local emergency number is 911. There are several hospitals in the city, including Ultima Medicentre: Plaza Level, 1055 Dunsmuir St. Tel: 604-683-8138. By SkyTrain, Burrard station. Below the fountain, on the left. Monday to Friday 8am-5pm. Medical centre for travellers and students; consultations without appointment.
Saint Paul's Hospital: 1081 Burrard St. Tel: 604-682-2344. 24-hour emergency service in the centre.
There are no pharmacies as such as in France, but there are many drugstores selling basic medicines and many other items.
- Travel documents: As with any foreign destination, you'll need a valid passport, including for children. All travellers must also obtain an electronic travel authorisation (AVE), the equivalent of the ESTA, to enter the United States.
As far as administrative measures are concerned, all you need is an electronic travel authorisation (AVE) for French tourists, which is issued very quickly. This costs around €5 and lasts for several years (subject to the validity of your passport).
Language: Remember to bring a good English guide if you are not fluent, as Vancouver is not a French-speaking city.
Transport: The public transport network is dense and efficient, and also allows you to travel outside the city to the main tourist attractions, thanks in particular to dedicated shuttles. The largest automatic network in the world, its affordable price and reliable service make it an essential part of your stay, if only for journeys to and from the airport (special fare zone).
SkyTrain is very practical, even for senior citizens or pushchairs. As well as walking, the metro and buses, the ideal mode of transport is cycling, as the city is very well designed for its use.
If you want to explore the wider region, a vehicle may be useful, although the SkyTrain remains a good option.
You can also take advantage of the ferries to vary the pleasures during your stay.
lightbulb_outline Editor's tip
Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city, and its gastronomy is all the better for it! The large Asian community offers excellent Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese and Thai restaurants. Alternatively, the proximity of the sea means that shellfish lovers can enjoy a feast, provided they find the right places to eat beforehand. Beware, however, of the food on Granville Island, which is not renowned for its price and average quality.
Vancouver website
Destination Vancouver website
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