Flights To Vancouver Guide

The primary airport for tourists landing in Vancouver from the UK is Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Multiple airlines provide convenient travel alternatives by operating direct flights between Vancouver and the United Kingdom.

Direct flights from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) are available from major airlines like British Airways and Air Canada. The normal duration of the flight is about 9 to 10 hours. 

Apart from direct flights, tourists may also find connecting flights flying from other UK airports like Edinburgh Airport (EDI), Manchester Airport (MAN), and London Gatwick Airport (LGW). Before arriving in Vancouver, these connecting flights may have layovers at airports in North America or Europe.

Woking Travel offers convenient transfer services that are intended to facilitate easier travel for tourists seeking hassle-free transportation from the airport to their hotel. 

For further information and to book your transfer, visit our Transfers page.

Finding suitable accommodation is critical to ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable trip to Vancouver. Woking Travel provides a range of accommodations to your destination. You can browse hotels by visiting our Hotels page at Hotels-Woking Travel or explore our holiday packages at Packages-Woking Travel. When visiting Vancouver, you have a variety of accommodation options, including luxury, designer, and low-cost hotels. Here are the top ten hotels to consider for your stay:

1. Fairmont Pacific Rim: Located right downtown, this luxurious high-rise hotel features rooms with breathtaking waterfront and mountain views.
   
   
2. Wedgewood Hotel & Spa: This boutique property is renowned for its elegant surroundings and impeccable service and is in downtown Vancouver.
   
   
3. L’Hermitage Hotel: L’Hermitage Hotel – stylish boutique hotel offering contemporary rooms & suites, rooftop pool & French bistro dining.
   
   
4. Rosewood Hotel Georgia: A classic luxury establishment that mixes history with modernity, Rosewood Hotel Georgia stands out amongst all other hotels in Vancouver due to its graceful accommodation options as well as award-winning eateries provided within it.
   
   
5. The Sutton Place Hotel: The Sutton Place Hotel is known for its luxurious amenities and prime location, making it a top choice for discerning travellers seeking sophistication in downtown Vancouver.
   
   
6. Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver: Staying at Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver means looking for refined luxury without a historic atmosphere and perfect service.
   
   
7. Pan Pacific Vancouver: Set up on the iconic sails of Canada Place, Pan Pacific Vancouver offers stunning views of the harbour and mountains, opulent rooms, and unique dining experiences.
   
   
8. Opus Vancouver: Located in the stylish Yaletown neighbourhood amidst some high-end restaurants and shops, Opus Vancouver is a vibrant boutique hotel with an eye-catching design. 
   
   
9. The Listel Hotel: If you are environmentally conscious, you can stay at The Listel Hotel. It uses sustainable methods and meets modern comfort standards.
   
   
10. Shangri-La Vancouver: Guests will find inspiration from Asian influences throughout their stay at Shangri-La’s luxurious accommodations, complemented by world-class amenities and unparalleled downtown service. Shangri-La encompasses all your dreams about comfort in Asia since its downtown facilities provide guests with nothing short of superior living conditions.

Vancouver facilitates its residents and tourists by providing various transit options, suiting every passenger. From the convenient public transit network to taxis, ride-sharing services, and bike rentals, there’s something in store for everyone. Here is a rundown of the multiple modes of transportation that are available in the city:

• Public Transit: Vancouver has a public transport network run by TransLink. This covers buses, the West Coast Express rail, SeaBus ferries, and SkyTrain (automated rapid transit). Principal parts of the city, such as the airport, suburban districts, and downtown, are linked by the SkyTrain network.

• Taxis and Ridesharing: Taxis operate throughout the city, particularly in downtown areas and transit points like airports. In addition, ride-sharing businesses like Uber and Lyft also run in the city, offering practical transportation options.

• Ferries: At scheduled intervals during the day, the SeaBus provides passenger ferry rides to travel between the North Shore (Lonsdale Quay) and downtown Vancouver (Waterfront Station).

• Car Rentals: If you prefer to drive, many car rental companies in Vancouver offer a variety of automobile rental options.

• Tourist Shuttles: Several sites in Vancouver offer shuttle services for tourists to conveniently move them from one attraction to another.

• Cycling and Walking: Vancouver is a bike-friendly city with a myriad of biking routes mapped out in the city. Bike-share programs like Mobi by Shaw Go also operate in the city. In addition, many neighbourhoods in the city are pedestrian friendly, such as Yaletown and Gastown.

Vancouver is among Canada’s densest and most ethnically diverse cities, situated on the bustling west coast port of British Columbia. It has many tourist attractions, including natural landscapes, cultural centres and outdoor activities. Nature lovers can find many options, while culture enthusiasts have numerous places to visit. Here are the top 10 best things to do in Vancouver:

1. Stanley Park: A verdant metropolitan haven with seawall strolls, beautiful landscaping, and iconic totem poles and the Vancouver Aquarium among its attractions.
   
   
2. Granville Island: A swarming commercial area with theatres, artisan shops, the Granville Island Public Market, and waterfront restaurants.
   
   
3. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: Famed for its exhilarating Cliffwalk, treetop encounters, and majestic suspension bridge.
   
   
4. Grouse Mountain: Referred to as the “Peak of Vancouver”, this mountaintop offers incredible views, outdoor pursuits such as skiing and trekking, and wildlife adventures.
   
   
5. Vancouver Art Gallery: A prominent museum of art which houses a wide range of Indigenous and Canadian artwork in addition to evolving foreign exhibitions. 
   
   
6. Science World: A well-known geodesic dome featuring hands-on science experiments for all age groups, an OMNIMAX theatre, and interactive science displays.
   
   
7. Gastown: The most historically significant neighbourhood in Vancouver, with its famous Gastown Steam Clock, centuries-old structures, cobblestone roadways, and trendy stores.
   
   
8. Queen Elizabeth Park: An exquisitely constructed park with expansive vistas of the city, the Bloedel Conservatory, and the Quarry Garden.
   
   
9. Vancouver Aquarium: This magnificent marine science centre is based in Stanley Park and features a diverse variety of marine life including instructional exhibits.
   
   
10. Robson Street: The premier food and retail area in the city, with plenty of posh stores, unique boutiques, and gourmet dining options.

Vancouver prides itself on having a variety of places where people from different cultural backgrounds can eat food. Here are the ten best restaurants to enjoy various cuisines served within the lively ambience of this Canadian city:

1. Hawksworth Restaurant: For contemporary Canadian cuisine that uses local ingredients sourced from British Columbia, Hawksworth Restaurant, inside the Rosewood Georgia Hotel, is perfect.
   
   
2. Miku: Miku, known for its flame-seared sushi, is located at 70-200 Granville Street in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is popular for blending traditional Japanese practices with flavours of the West Coast, and it has a modern setting with views of the waterfront.
   
   
3. Tojo’s: Tojo’s, a pioneer of Japanese food in Vancouver, offers a famous omakase-style dining experience. The chef personally creates customised tasting menus featuring the best seafood and seasonal ingredients.
   
   
4. Vij’s: Vancouver’s most iconic Indian restaurant, Vij’s, offers its customers a mixture of traditional Indian flavours and innovative cooking techniques in a friendly environment.
   
   
5. Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar: With a touch of modernity on classic steakhouse meals, Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar has developed a reputation for its well-aged steaks, extensive wine collection, and first-class service.
   
   
6. The Acorn: This vegetarian restaurant in Vancouver serves plates of sophisticated plant-based cuisine that appeal to vegetarians and meat-eaters. The Acorn concentrates on locally sourced ingredients that are fresh each season and used to prepare inventive dishes full of flavour.
   
   
7. Bao Bei: Bao Bei blends Chinese cuisine with contemporary influences. It features small plates inspired by traditional Chinese flavours. The restaurant also serves dumplings, noodles, and innovative cocktails in a cosy atmosphere.
   
   
8. Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House: Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House is a must-visit destination for seafood lovers. It offers oysters, lobster, crab, prime steaks, and chops. Joe Fortes Seafood is known for providing its clientele with old-school luxury and good service.
   
   
9. Au Comptoir: Escape to Paris at Au Comptoir, an adorable French restaurant in Kitsilano. There, you can taste France right at the heart of Vancouver when you order Croque Monsieur or Coq au Vin or even steak frites from Au Comptoir, who still keep their recipes authentic.
   
   
10. Cardero’s: On the Coal Harbour waterfront, Cardero’s offers magnificent marina views alongside menus featuring fresh seafood and West Coast fare. This makes Cardero’s the perfect place to relax, eat, and enjoy Vancouver sites with a focus on seafood.

Vancouver is among Canada’s densest and most ethnically diverse cities, situated on the bustling west coast port of British Columbia. It has many tourist attractions, including natural landscapes, cultural centres and outdoor activities. Nature lovers can find many options, while culture enthusiasts have numerous places to visit. Here are the top 10 best things to do in Vancouver:

1. Explore Stanley Park: Take a leisurely walk through Stanley Park’s lush green oasis, which features scenic trails for walkers and cyclists, attractive beaches, and attractions like Totem Poles and the Vancouver Aquarium.
   
   
2. Tour Granville Island:  Visit Granville Island to experience life at its fullest. Street performances are everywhere; you can shop for artisan goods or sample local delicacies.
   
   
3. Walk across Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: Experience walking across the Capilano Suspension Bridge high over the Capilano River, exploring treetop adventures, and taking cliff walks nestled amidst a rainforest filled with greenery.
   
   
4. Take a skyride to Grouse Mountain: Ride up Grouse Mountain on a gondola with views overlooking the city and surrounding areas, then enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, zip-lining, and skiing, depending on the season.
   
   
5. Check Out Museum of Anthropology: The Museum of Anthropology showcases aboriginal art and artefacts from around British Columbia’s First Nations population. Discover the cultural practices and history of indigenous peoples worldwide at this museum.
   
   
6. Queen Elizabeth Park: Queen Elizabeth Park is one of Vancouver’s attractions because it has beautiful gardens, such as Quarry Garden and Bloedel Conservatory, from which you can view the city skyline and mountains.
   
   
7. FlyOver Canada: Another exciting place in Vancouver is FlyOver Canada, which takes visitors on virtual flights across the country’s stunning landscape throughout their stay in this part of Canada.
   
   
8. Sciences World at TELUS World of Science: Science World is the place to be since science-related issues are dealt with there.
   
   
9. Vancouver Lookout: Soaring up to 600 feet above ground level allows visitors to see 360-degree views of Vancouver’s skyline, mountains, and WA and visit Vancouver Lookout.
   
   
10. Unwind at English Bay Beach: Spend a day basking in the sun, diving in the sea, and picnicking at one of popular Vancouver beaches

Vancouver undergoes temperate weather and moderate precipitation throughout the year. Here is the detailed weather information:

Spring (March to May): 

• Spring in Vancouver has mild temperatures ranging from 7°C to 14°C (45°F to 57°F).
• Vancouver experiences frequent rainfall in springtime.
• Tourists can enjoy activities like cherry blossom viewing at the Queen Elizabeth and Stanley Parks, outdoor exploring, hiking, biking, and spotting whales in the waters nearby Vancouver.
  
  

Summer (June to August):

• In Vancouver, summers are characterised by warm weather and dry spells with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 22°C (59°F to 72°F).
• This season is ideal for beachy days, outdoor festivals like the Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Celebration of Light fireworks festival, and Pride Parade. Moreover, carrying out outdoor adventures such as climbing mountains and hiking in forests are also activities that tourists can try, in the summer.
  
  

Fall (September to November):

• Fall brings relatively cooler temperatures that range from 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F) with an increase in rainfall as the season progresses.

• Throughout this season, tourists can visit farmers markets like the Vancouver Farmers Market and the Granville Island Public Market, explore parks, and pay a visit to art galleries and museums.

Winter (December to February):

• Vancouver experiences a winter milder than other parts of Canada with temperatures that may fall anywhere between 3°C to 7°C (37°F to 45°F).
• Rainfall is frequent in the winter but snow may only be occasionally seen at higher altitude regions in the city.
• Activities in the winter consist of enjoying seasonal winter festivals, skiing and snowboarding, and enjoying hot delicacies in cosy eateries.

• Standard Time: Vancouver is 8 hours behind the UK, during standard time (GMT).

• Daylight Saving Time: Vancouver is 7 hours behind the UK, during BST.

Currency:

The currency that is used in Vancouver is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Moreover, all sorts of cards are accepted throughout the city and cash is only used for smaller transactions and tipping. Contactless payments via mobile apps are also facilitated via Apple Pay, Google Pay and more.

Language:

English is the predominant language spoken in Vancouver. However, you’ll also hear a range of other tongues including Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Tagalog, and Spanish, because of the city’s diversified populace and tourists.

Local Customs:

People in Vancouver are courteous, social, and inclusive. Moreover, It’s customary to tip anywhere from 15% to 20% for meals and services. With a growing prevalence of sustainable strategies and reuse and recycling, ecological awareness is crucial for Vancouverites. Although stylish and weather-appropriate clothing is appreciated, casual clothes tend to be most frequently used. Being punctual is valued, particularly in workplaces. In conclusion, local customs place an emphasis on human decency, civility, and ecological stewardship.

Laws:

For the latest travel advisories and important laws and information for tourists travelling to Vancouver, visit the official websites mentioned below:

• The UK Government Travel Advice

• The Government of Canada

• Vancouver City Administration

Exploring Vancouver is a journey through natural beauty, vibrant culture, and diverse experiences. From the majestic terrains of the North Shore mountains to the busy streets of downtown, every nook and cranny offers something new to uncover. Whether you’re taking a stroll through Stanley Park’s lush trails, devouring fresh seafood at Granville Island, or immersing yourself in the city’s rich arts scene, Vancouver enchants you with its charm and allure. Embrace the laid-back atmosphere and welcoming essence of the residents as you savour culinary delights, engross in outdoor adventures, and uncover secret gems. With its spectacular landscapes, dynamic cityscape, and warm hospitality, Vancouver guarantees an unforgettable experience that will leave you longing to return. Come and experience the magic of Vancouver and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Book your flight to Vancouver and enjoy a seamless travel experience.