Quick answer
First-timers do best in Downtown, Coal Harbour or the West End: you can walk to Stanley Park, the seawall and Gastown, and the Canada Line reaches YVR airport in about 25 minutes. Choose Kitsilano for beaches, North Vancouver for mountains (the SeaBus crosses in 12 minutes), or Richmond for early flights.
Neighbourhoods at a glance
| Area | Best for | Getting around |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | First-timers, transit, shopping | Canada Line, SkyTrain and SeaBus at Waterfront |
| Coal Harbour | Waterfront walks, Stanley Park access | Walk to Waterfront Station |
| West End | Beaches, restaurants, Stanley Park | Buses; walkable to downtown |
| Yaletown | Restaurants and nightlife | Canada Line (Yaletown–Roundhouse) |
| Gastown | Historic streets, bars | Walk to Waterfront Station |
| Kitsilano | Beaches, a quieter local feel | Buses |
| North Vancouver | Mountains, hiking, Lonsdale Quay | SeaBus to downtown in 12 minutes |
| Richmond | Airport stays and food | Canada Line |
From the airport
The Canada Line runs from YVR to Waterfront Station downtown in about 25 minutes (TransLink). Trips starting at the three Sea Island stations (YVR) carry a $6.50 AddFare (TransLink fares).
Transit fares
| Zones | Compass card | Cash or tap |
|---|---|---|
| 1 zone | $2.85 | $3.50 |
| 2 zones | $4.20 | $5.10 |
| 3 zones | $5.40 | $6.70 |
A DayPass costs $12.55. Buses, and all trips on evenings and weekends, are charged as 1 zone (TransLink). Prices checked November 2026.
SeaBus to North Vancouver
The SeaBus crosses Burrard Inlet between Waterfront and Lonsdale Quay in 12 minutes, every 15 minutes in the daytime (TransLink).
Tips
- Stay near a SkyTrain or Canada Line station if you don’t have a car.
- Parking downtown is expensive; check your hotel’s fee.
- Book early for summer.
Travel rules, prices and product details change. Check official government, airline and manufacturer sources before you book or buy.
