Destination Guide - Vancouver

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When you think of neon lights, Vancouver probably isn’t the first city that comes to mind. Yet, in the 1950s Vancouver boasted 18,000 neon signs – that was one for every 19 residents. The city was so bright that pilots considered it to be the most illuminated city in North America. Although many neon lights have dimmed since the 1950s, Vancouver continues to shine – securing the most liveable city title according to the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2009. It’s easy to see why – pristine ski slopes, cosmopolitan culture and friendly folk make it an attractive city to do some serious living in.

Weather

Vancouver is milder than other parts of Canada. The temperature hovers around 0°C in winter (December to February) while in summer (July to August) the average is 20-25 °C.

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Getting there and around

There’s a multitude of transport options in Vancouver: SkyTrain light-rail, SeaBus ferries, bus, taxis and hire car.

Book a flight

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Travel Insider Vancouver suggestions

Shopping

Vancouver: Main event

Vancouver’s Main Street is home to a mixed bag of restaurants, designers, artists, vintage clothiers and antique shops.

Book an activity & experience

Travel Blog

Vancouver Spotlight: Part 3

After seeing his work in some of our favourite shops and restaurants – and on the 2010 Winter Olympic medals – we wanted the Vancouver insider scoop from the eyes of Omer Arbel.

Global Roaming: Fruits of Vancouver's Granville Street

Our pick of the Granville Street watering holes and refuelling stops that earned their colours well before Olympic fever hit town.

Further reading

Here are some suggestions for other travel destinations and experiences near Vancouver and around Canada.

• Vancouver Island dining
• Ski Canada
• Whistler
• Kieren Perkins' Whistler tips
• Rachel Ward's Rockies adventure