Vancouver is one of the friendliest city in the world with the perfect ratio of city and nature. It is situated in British Columbia, one of the most beautiful parts of Canada. With mountains as a backdrop and the Pacific Ocean ahead, Vancouver is one of the most attractive cities in the world. Whether you prefer the bright lights and bustling pace of the city or the serene sound of nature and warmth of a cosy little house in the suburbs, Vancouver is a city where holiday dreams come true. South African passport holders need a visa to travel to Vancouver or anywhere else in Canada.
Vancouver is one of the most alluring cities in Canada. It is a safe city with one of the most beautiful mountain backdrops in North America. But beyond its pine forests and rocky mountains, Vancouver has a reputation for interesting neighbourhoods, weird and wonderful attractions, and superb food scene. Gastown is the oldest part of Vancouver and known for its historic architecture, chic cocktail lounges, hip eateries, art galleries, and its iconic whistling steam clock. Some of the most popular attractions in Vancouver are Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. And some of the weirder attractions in Vancouver are the Digital Orca, Shameful Tiki Room, and the Neon Vancouver exhibit at the Vancouver Museum. Be sure to also stop by one of the Japadog stands for an Asian inspired American hotdog. If you want to spend your trip exploring the food scene, Japadog is just the beginning.
Like most other cities, Vancouver has an array of shopping centres, boutique shops, food stores, and offbeat stores. Robson Street and Alberni Street in Downtown Vancouver are home to big brand name stores such as Zara and Gucci. Gastown is a patchwork of high end fashion boutiques, art galleries, and antique stores. If you prefer shopping malls, Metropolis at Metrotown has over 400 shops and restaurants. In terms of costs, Vancouver is not a particularly cheap city to travel to. Accommodation can be anything between R700 and R3000 depending where you stay. A meal at a regular restaurant is about R400 and a three course meal at a nice restaurant will cost you about R1000. A local beer is around R80, a cup of coffee around R50, and a decent bottle of wine in a store costs about R230. A reloadable metro card costs about R70.
Public transport is extensive, safe, and reliable, which makes getting around Vancouver easy. The Skytrain is a railway system with three lines crossing the city, including one from the airport. There is also a public bus that is efficient and that operates throughout the city. Cabs are also available, but public transport is the cheapest way to get around Vancouver. They operate throughout the day and a rechargeable card is available that can be used on public transport. If you want to travel between Downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver, there is a ferry. It is easy to use and offers some magnificent views. Uber is not available in Vancouver and renting a car is not recommended since most places are easy to walk to. However, if you want to venture beyond the city limits and explore the rest of British Columbia, renting a car is the best way to get around.
The best places to stay in Vancouver depend on what kind of atmosphere you prefer. If you want to be in the middle of the action, Downtown Vancouver and Gastown are the best areas to stay in. Downtown Vancouver is near the famous food scene and best attractions and Gastown is a hotspot for younger travellers who want to be near the coolest restaurants and nightlife. The West End of the city is more easy-going with amazing parks and beaches. It is also the gateway to Stanley Park. The West End is also home to Davie Village, the heart of Vancouver’s legendary gay district. In terms of types of accommodation in Vancouver, you are spoiled for choice. The guest houses and hotels in Vancouver are abundant and extremely comfortable.
There are currently no direct flights to Vancouver, but connecting flights to Vancouver depart from all the major cities in South Africa. A connecting flight to Vancouver is about 23 hours with one layover. Almost all flights from South Africa will stop in Johannesburg first before flying to Canada. Flights to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Most international airlines operate flights to Vancouver. Some of the most popular airlines that fly to Vancouver are KLM, Turkish Airlines, and Lufthansa.
Skiing in Grouse Mountain is one of the best things to do in Vancouver in winter. Not only is skiing extremely fun when you get the hang of it, but the views from the slopes and ski lift are incredible.A trip to Grouse Mountain is the perfect romantic escape for couples, a great weekend getaway for the family, or even a great place to go if it’s just you looking for a little fresh air and snow. Visit Grouse Mountain during the warmer months and witness the famous lumberjack show, zipline or hike through the mountains, or go paragliding and get the best views of the mountains and city below.
