Vancouver is a destination like no other, with majestic mountains as a backdrop and a towering skyline framed by the sparkling ocean. This spectacular city delivers in all four seasons, with foodie delights and breathtaking nature on its doorstep. No matter what type of traveler you are, you’re bound to have an adventure here.
Travel at any time of year to experience Vancouver at its finest. Or deep dive into the city’s weather, events, and attractions below to plan your perfect getaway.
Table of Contents
- The Weather in Vancouver
- Vancouver’s Most Popular Annual Events
- The Best Tourist Attractions in Vancouver (And When to Visit Them)
- Vancouver Sporting Events That Make Tourists Go Wild
- Canadian Public Holidays and Occasions
The Weather in Vancouver
Compared to the rest of Canada, Vancouver’s milder climate makes it an ideal destination to travel year-round.
Spring (March to May)
While the weather warms up around March for most of Canada, spring can arrive a little earlier along the west coast—you may even spot some tulips in bloom by February. Expect highs of 61°F and lows of 37°F, and be prepared for rainy spells in April.
Summer (June to August)
This is the peak tourist season, with July and August being the busiest summer months. There’ll be highs of 81°F, making it a great time to enjoy the outdoors and spend time at the city’s beaches. Although it can get hot, the coastal breeze can help to keep you cool.
Fall (September to November)
Fall is the perfect time for hiking and sightseeing due to the milder temperatures. It’s also the shoulder season for travel, meaning you’ll find some fantastic travel deals on flights and hotels.
Winter (December to February)
While you can expect below-freezing temperatures for the rest of Canada, Vancouver promises milder weather, with highs of 39°F.
Vancouver’s Most Popular Annual Events
Never a dull moment, Vancouver is a hot spot for culture, festivals, and events. Here are the ones you won’t want to miss while you’re there.
Cherry Blossom Festival (March/April)
Thanks to the 40,000 cherry trees lining the city, Vancouver is a dream destination for cherry blossom fans. The best time to visit Vancouver is spring if you want to catch sight of the city streets painted pink.
Richmond Night Market (May-October)
Running over a number of months, Richmond Night Market is one of the largest open-air night markets in North America, and it takes place every weekend. Sample over 600 street food items, from Malaysian roti and Japanese dango to fresh lobster rolls.
TD International Jazz Festival (June/July)
Hundreds of thousands of jazz fans attend this festival every year, with big headliners from around the globe. Ticket prices vary based on the performance, venue, and available seats.
Vancouver International Film Festival 2022
This event is one of the largest film fests on the continent. Movie buffs, get ready to book your flights come fall! Dates this year will be from September 29th to October 9th.
Honda Celebration of Light 2022
Head to the English Bay to enjoy a jaw-dropping, pyro-musical firework show. Admission is free but paid VIP seating is available. Dates for this year are July 23rd, 27th, and 30th.
Vancouver Folk Music Festival 2022
Taking place from July 15th to 17th at Jericho Beach Park is one of the city’s best music events: the Vancouver Folk Music Festival. Ticket prices for a weekend pass start from 221.58 CAD ($177 USD).
The Best Tourist Attractions in Vancouver (And When to Visit Them)
Vancouver is a diverse and exciting city that offers so much to see and do. Here are some of the attractions that will make your trip unforgettable.
Granville Island
Home to more than 300 restaurants, cafes, shops, and venues, this cultural hub is Vancouver in a nutshell. Discover amazing indigenous arts and crafts, catch a theater show, or enjoy delicious international cuisine at the many eateries.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: Visit from May to October to enjoy the best weather for walking around the island.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
Boasting more than 7,500 plant species and varieties, VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 22-hectare urban oasis providing a tranquil escape from city life. Tickets are 7.20 CAD ($6 USD) for adults, 5.05 CAD ($4 USD) for under 18s and $3.60 CAD ($3 USD) for under 13s.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: Visit in late spring when the flowers are in full bloom or in fall when the leaves start to change color.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Head to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to take a hike on the wild side. Cross the famous bridge and discover breathtaking views on the cliff-side walk. This is Vancouver’s best outdoor escape for nature fans. Admission is 59.95 CAD ($46 USD) for adults, 31.95 CAD ($25 USD) for under 18s and 21.95 CAD ($17 USD) for under 13s.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: Visit the park in November to experience the magical Canyon Lights!
Whistler Blackcomb
Located just two hours from Vancouver is Canada’s top ski resort: Whistler Blackcomb. It’s also a great location for spotting the beautiful Northern Lights.
Next Vacay Travel Tip: The best time to visit Vancouver and Whistler together is winter, but summer has plenty to offer, too, including golfing and cycling at the resort.
Vancouver Sporting Events That Make Tourists Go Wild
Nothing will get you closer to experiencing Vancouver like a local than cheering on the city’s favorite sports teams. Grab a drink and check out these iconic sporting events while in town.
The Stanley Cup
Go and support the Vancouver Canucks during the annual ice hockey championships—it’s one of the biggest and most loved sporting events in Canada. Get tickets from the box office at Rogers Arena.
Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Cups
Every winter, World Cup events are held in Whistler (less than two hours from the city). So if you’re staying in Vancouver in December and January, hop on the YVR Whistler SkyLynx shuttle bus to catch a bobsleigh event.
Canadian Public Holidays and Occasions
Canada is a popular destination in the winter, and the Christmas holidays can make travel and public transport especially busy. But with so much going on (including the bustling Christmas markets), the festive season can be a wonderful time to travel to Vancouver.
However, if you’d rather avoid the crowds, the best time to visit Vancouver is in the shoulder season. The shoulder season is also a cheaper time to fly, with airfares at their highest in December and January.
Vancouver is also popular with families during the school summer break, but it’s still possible to find some great travel deals in the summer months.
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