Vancouver

Arriving at Vancouver Airport (YVR)

There are currently no direct flights to Vancouver, so you’ll need to connect through a major hub including, but not limited to, Dublin, Paris or Frankfurt, before continuing on to Vancouver.

Vancouver Airport has two terminals with international flights operating out of Pier D of the Main Terminal. The airport is around a 20 minute drive from downtown Vancouver and you can pick up a taxi outside the International Arrivals Hall on Level 2.

You can also reach downtown Vancouver via the regular Canada Skyline Train railway service. The airport's onsite train station is located between the Domestic and International terminals.

What to Expect in Vancouver

Whether its the snowy peaks of the North Shore Mountains or the spectacular Salish Sea waterways, Vancouver is a city renowned for its natural beauty and energetic adventurous culture. This is a city that enjoys a slower pace of living and embraces everything the great outdoors offers - nature is integral to Vancouverite's way of life.

There's a reason why the city has been dubbed the 'Rainy City', mild regular showers are part of the Vancouver experience and locals boldly embrace it If you're visiting the city during October to May then ensure you pack plenty of waterproof jackets, layers and water-resistant shoes.

Tipping for any service is the norm in Canada and it's very rare to not tip unless the service was exceptionally poor. Customary tips for standard service are typically 15% to 20% of the pre-tax bill with tips for exemplary service being even higher.

There's so much to see and do in Vancouver and the wider region. As a hub of natural beauty, the city is hugely popular amongst hikers and outdoor adventurers. For unforgettable outdoor thrills and panoramic views, visit Grouse Mountain, a hugely popular adventure destination with aerial high-ropes courses, mountain biking trails and even a grizzly bear enclosure!

Vancouver is home to many must-visit cultural attractions including the Museum of Vancouver, The Polygon Gallery and Chinatown Storytelling Centre. The city has also become synonymous with film production in recent years with many popular movies and television series being filmed around the region. If you're a self-proclaimed cinephile then schedule a movie location tour to see some of the city's most famous landmarks that have featured on the big screen.

To experience the city from a completely different view, hit the open waters of the Salish Sea for a boating excursion. Many tour providers offer specific cruises around the coast that focus on different sights including whale watching, snorkelling and waterfall chasing.