Often seen as the gateway to some of North America’s best skiing, Vancouver makes it easy to reach world-class resorts. But as we discovered, it is far more than just a stopover, writes Benjamin & Erin Tuffy.
Just a short drive from the city, you’ll find Whistler Blackcomb, renowned for its vast terrain and village atmosphere. Closer to the city, Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, and Mount Seymour offer convenient day trips. For those, like us, willing to venture a bit further, Sun Peaks Resort, located about 4.25 hours northeast of Vancouver (or a 1-hour flight), boasts Canada’s second-largest ski area, with 137 runs across three mountains.
Where is Vancouver located
Vancouver is located on the west coast of Canada, in the province of British Columbia. It sits between the rugged Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, offering stunning views and easy access to both mountain adventures and ocean-side fun..How Do You Get there?
If you’re flying from Australia, it’s a long haul, but definitely worth it for the mix of nature, city life and access to Canada’s big mountains and powder.- From Brisbane: Non-stop flights take about 13 hours and 40 minutes.
- From Sydney: Direct flights via Air Canada and Qantas take about 14 hours and 25 minutes.
- From Melbourne: There are no direct flights, but most travellers will have a stopover in cities like Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland, or Los Angeles, with a total travel time of 18 to 20 hours.
How to access the city from the airport?
You’ve got a few choices depending on price and ease, but with all our ski gear and the four of us, Uber was the way to go.- Uber (CAD $35–50, AUD $45.90–54.00)
- SkyTrain (Canada Line) (CAD $9.25, AUD $9.99), which takes 25 minutes.
- Public bus (CAD $4.25, AUD $4.59)
- Shuttle services (starting at CAD $15.50, AUD $16.74).
Discover Vancouver
Vancouver isn’t just a stopover before heading to the mountains, it’s a beautiful adventure city that offers everything a young family, couple, or solo traveller needs to reset before or after the long haul home. Nestled between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the city blends urban energy with natural beauty which seems to cradle the city in every direction you look.
Where to Stay?
Vancouver offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, from hotels and Airbnbs to hostels and boutique guesthouses. For families like ours looking for comfort, convenience, and affordability, there’s plenty of choice. Mid-range hotels typically range from AUD $162 to $324 per night, with luxurious options in areas like Coal Harbour running upwards of AUD $432. For a more budget-friendly stay, Airbnb rentals or hostels can be found starting from AUD $81 to $162 per night
For our family of four, the Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown was a perfect and comfortable price point. Located at 1110 Howe Street, it provided easy access to Stanley Park, Granville Island, and Yaletown’s vibey restaurants and cocktail lounges, ideal for the adults when they had some time off duty. The rooms were spacious and recently renovated, with super-comfortable bedding, modern amenities, and blackout blinds, ideal for jetlag recovery. The indoor heated pool was a hit with the kids, and breakfast (maple bacon, waffles, eggs, and more) was a highlight for Piper (9) and Jack (5), offering plenty of options to suit their picky tastes.
What to do in Vancouver?
With so much to see and do, and if you want to explore without the stress, be sure to check out Destination Vancouver. Their AI-powered concierge is up to date with all events and places to see, from ‘sea to sky’ they say. Which is true, because there are a lot of options. For us it was great, and here’s the itinerary crafted.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Experience
With a lovely drive through the city, Stanley Park and over the Lions Gate Bridge, we kicked off our Vancouver adventure with a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Suspended high among 250-year-old Douglas firs, red cedars, and western hemlocks, the park’s Canyon Lights display, Cliffwalk, and TreeTop Adventures create an enchanting experience for both kids and adults. It felt a bit like stepping into the 1991 film Hook, with the Lost Boys running through the treetops of Neverland. Nostalgic for the grown-ups, yet a true wonderland for the kids, it was completely unexpected. The views from the bridge itself are incredible, with the rushing water beneath and the towering trees surrounding you, offering a glimpse of Vancouver’s natural beauty at its finest.
Stanley Park
Walking distance from the city, Stanley Park serves up panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, the harbour, and the skyline. It’s just the thing to level you out after a long haul. It’s the perfect spot to take in Vancouver’s scenery and get your bearings, with 107 mountains surrounding the city.
There’s plenty to see, so give yourself time to wander, get a little lost, and stretch your legs. It gets pretty frosty in winter, so layer up and pack a few snacks. Make sure to swing by the totem poles too. They’re a powerful glimpse into Vancouver’s deep First Nations heritage and the stories of the Indigenous peoples who’ve shaped this place.
Granville Island
One of Vancouver’s most vibrant cultural hubs. Our guide shared the fascinating history of the island, which was once an industrial area and is now home to a mix of local artisans, markets, and dining spots. Originally built on a sandbar in False Creek, the island was filled in and developed in the early 20th century as “Industrial Island,” home to factories, sawmills, and shipyards. It was reinvented in the 1970s as a public space, transforming the old industrial buildings into a lively creative precinct.
It was amaze for the kids here, scoring warm crepes and hot chocolate at the markets, where stalls served up everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. The atmosphere was great, with locals and tourists cruising around. The Adventure Zone was a definite highlight for the little ones, while we kicked back and soaked in the laid-back, artsy vibe of the island at the Granville Island Brewery.
FlyOver Canada
This seriously awesome flight simulation, located at Canada Place on Vancouver’s waterfront, takes you on an epic visual journey across the country. Soaring over snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, and dense forests, it left us in awe of Canada’s natural beauty. The experience felt like the perfect prelude to the mountains we were about to explore.
Robson Square Ice Rink
For some outdoor fun before dinner, we visited Robson Square Ice Rink, located right in the heart of downtown. Skating is an affordable and fun way to spend time with the family, with rentals priced at just CAD $5.00. It’s a great opportunity to interact with other families visiting the city while taking in the stunning downtown skyline.
Gastown
Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood. Steeped in history, Gastown is where Vancouver first began, with its cobblestone streets and Victorian-style buildings. The area is filled with unique boutiques, cafés, and candy stores, making it a great place to wander. It’s like a mix of Fitzroy and Collingwood in Melbourne, The Rocks in Sydney, or Fortitude Valley in Brisbane, full of character and charm. We grabbed a coffee, soaked in the atmosphere, and ducked in and out of boutique shops as we waited for the famous Steam Clock to steam before heading on.The Old Spaghetti Factory
Found in Gastown, this is a truly authentic pasta experience in amid turn-of-the-century decor. With a huge train carriage inside where you can dine, it was a unique dining experience for the whole family. Mama mia, it was delicious and a perfect way to wrap our huge day out around Vancouver City.
A few more to put on your list…
Make it authentic, see a hockey match. If you can line it up, catch a Vancouver Canucks game for a true taste of Canada’s sports culture. We missed out on a weekend game, but after seeing one years ago, it was definitely a highlight of the trip. The atmosphere at Rogers Arena is so memorable, and it’s an experience you won’t forget.
If you have the time, visit Grouse Mountain. Take the Skyride gondola up for stunning views of the city, ocean, and Coast Mountains. In winter, enjoy skiing or snowboarding, or hike the Grouse Grind for a challenge. You can also see the resident grizzly bears at the mountaintop refuge.
Want a different look? Take a harbour cruise or scenic flight. See Vancouver from the water with a harbour cruise, passing Stanley Park, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore Mountains. Or, for a bird’s-eye view, hop on a scenic flight (if only we did), whether a seaplane over the Gulf Islands or a helicopter tour, for stunning views of the city and mountains. It looks to be an unforgettable way to take in the city.
Would we recommend staying in Vancouver?
Vancouver isn’t just a gateway to the mountains; it’s a destination in its own right. Whether you’re gearing up for powder or winding the body down from the slopes, the city offers the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and urban comfort. From the artsy culture scene of Granville Island to the thrill of a Canucks ice hockey game at Rogers Arena, there is plenty of West Coast charm on offer, making it a great start or end to your British Columbia winter holiday.
He said: “Vancouver was the perfect intro to our trip. We needed a place to decompress from work and the flight before heading to Sun Peaks. We didn’t expect the city to be so needed for us all before the slopes. What they’ve built at the Suspension Bridge is a world-class experience. Must see it.”
She said: “The Holiday Inn was great for our family. The breakfast was great, and the heated pool was a good kid sitter. Plus, being downtown meant we could explore everything easily and pick up some of those loose items we forgot or couldn’t find on the Sunshine Coast.”
They said: “Our favourite was walking through the forest, up in the trees… so much fun! And the ice skating and pasta.”