Vancouver Layover Guide (YVR)

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Self-Guided Tour

This is one of the most popular and exciting attractions of the city. It gives you the opportunity to explore the beautiful nature that surrounds Vancouver and it takes you to cross a world-famous suspension bridge, with stunning panorama views above the Capilano River and the rainforests. » book this tour

Vancouver City Highlights: 4-Hour Tour

Are you ready to explore Vancouver? This 4-hour excursion would show you the main touristic spots of the city, including Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown Granville Island, Robson street and more. You would follow the steps of an award-winning guide and tour along the historic and artistic streets of Vancouver. Pick-up from your hotel is also included. » book this tour

2.5 hour Gastown Walking Food Tour

Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood and probably the most visited part of the city for tourists too. If you would like to know what is so special, then this tour would explain you the reason in the best way possible: while enjoying a local beer, tasting local wine, and eating delicious cheese, chicken or some local and fresh seafood. You would visit nine remarkable restaurants and shops and learn about Gastown’s history. » book this tour

Vancouver Aquarium

Plan an educational plan for your spare waiting time at Vancouver airport and learn about the pacific life in its marvellous aquarium. This is Canada’s largest aquarium and one of the largest in North America, so you should not miss it. It has plenty of exhibitions, about 50,000 different types of aquatic animals and special events from time to time.

Time required: You could stay as long as you want, but 2-3 hours are recommended to explore everything the aquarium has to offer. A small queue to enter depending on the day.

Airport to here: By private car or taxi (30+/- mins). By public transportation, take the Canada Line to Waterfront Station and then the bus to Westbound Stanley Park (60+/- mins).

Stanley Park

Take a walk or bike along Stanley Park, an emblem of Vancouver that shows the love of the city for nature and outdoor spaces. It has 405 hectare (1,001 acre) and it is located right next to the downtown center. Discover this green oasis and its aquarium, its monuments and its famous landmarks. Relax on its beach or have lunch in one of its restaurants.

Time required: You could spend here a whole day, a half day or just stay for a while. There is no waiting time to get in.

Airport to here: The fastest way to get to Stanley Park is by car or taxi (30+/- mins), but you could take the Canada Line to Vancouver City Centre Station and then a bus to the downtown (50+/- mins).

Granville Island

This is a very touristic spot and one of the shopping districts of the city. It homes a fabulous public market where you can easily taste some local flavours, but it also has great restaurants that offer the best seafood you could ever imagine. Besides, this is the perfect place to buy some souvenirs for back home.

Time required: You could spend at least one hour and up to a lot more if you eat in there or if you like to browse. There is no waiting time.

Airport to here: By car or taxi you can reach Granville Island very quickly (30+/- mins), but if you rather go by public transportation, you need to take the Canada Line to Broadway-City Hall and then a bus (60+/- mins).

Steveston village

This small and charming town is worth a visit, particularly if you want to experience an authentic fishing community. It has museums, pubs, restaurants, gift stores and a fish market. If you have enough time, you could also go aboard a whale watching expedition or bike along the dykes.

Time required: It would be recommended to stay at least a couple of hours, so you would have time to get some lunch and visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site.

Airport to here: Take a taxi or a private car to get into the village (20+/- mins) or the Canada Line to Bridgeport Station Bay and then a bus (50+/- mins).

Chinatown

This is one of the biggest Chinatown in North America and it has a lot of attractions you could see: the Millennium Gate, the Shanghai Alley, the Chinese Cultural Centre (dedicated to Chinese history and culture) and the world’s narrowest building. You could also stop by to do some shopping or to eat in a classic Chinese restaurant.

Time required: At least half an hour to enjoy the neighborhood and see all its interesting monuments and attractions. There is no waiting time.

Airport to here: Taxi or private car (30 +/- mins) or the Canada Line to Yaletown-Roundhouse Station and then a bus to Eastbound Keefer Place (40 +/- mins).

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Mall

If you enjoy shopping, then you should seriously consider a visit to this luxury mall, which is located just outside the airport. It features premium and lifestyle brands such as Armani, Hugo Boss, Guess and many more, with saving of up to 70 per cent less all year round.

Time required: In this outdoor mall you could stay as long as you want.

Airport to here: Take the Canada Line Templeton Station and then walk ten minutes (10 +/- mins).By taxi (10 +/- mins).