21 Romantic Things to do in Vancouver

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Looking for the most romantic activities in Vancouver? Much like your partner, there’s a lot to love in this city.

Having lived here for years, we’ve had some incredible date nights… and some pretty forgettable ones. To save you the heartbreak of a bad date, we took a stroll down memory lane and made this list of the most romantic things to do in Vancouver!

Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, or a Vancouver local looking to spice things up, this list covers it all. You’ll find bucket list activities, like flying in a seaplane, a cozy brunch, a memorable sunset dinner cruise, and more.

Romantic Things to do in Vancouver

1. Stroll through Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most popular activities in Vancouver, no matter the occasion! But it’s also super fun to visit with your partner – something about all those Canadian pine trees and swinging bridges makes for a memorable visit. 

This isn’t just one suspension bridge here, it’s a whole park! Several suspension bridges make up a full canopy walk, it usually takes us an hour to get through it all. The iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge itself sways from 70 meters above (230 feet) so if you’re scared of heights, this is a good excuse to grab your partner’s hand!

But, the views are what draw people here and they certainly don’t disappoint. I recommend booking your admission tickets in advance here, as this place is popular for a reason. It can be quite busy, specifically during the summer and even more so on the weekends. If your schedule allows, I recommend going during the weekdays. 

And if you’re in Vancouver during the winter, it’s even more romantic! You can visit at night and see the whole park lit up in Christmas lights, making this place even more charming. I couldn’t believe how different the ambiance here was! Be sure to read our full guide to visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge here so you can see all it has to offer.

You can purchase admission tickets to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for $79 CAD. This includes access to all of the activities within the park and a shuttle from downtown Vancouver – which is very convenient if you don’t have a rental car! 

People love this experience (couples included), and it has nearly 1,000 5-star reviews that you can read here!

Check out the hundreds of positive reviews and secure your admission tickets in advance here. 

2. Sunset Harbour Dinner Cruise

Does anything sound more romantic than a sunset dinner cruise? I don’t think so! We’ve actually done this Vancouver Harbor sunset dinner cruise twice now – we love it that much! 

If you’ve never been on a dinner cruise before, Vancouver is the place to do it. The scenery is so beautiful, as Vancouver is surrounded by water and trees. Add in the skyline and a gorgeous sunset, that alone is a memorable evening! But we also got a unique perspective of Stanley Park and the Lion’s Gate Bridge, and watched the city light up as the sun dipped down – it made us love Vancouver all the more. 

But of course, this is a dinner cruise, so the food was top-notch! They served an amazing buffet and we could try the slow-roasted beef sirloin and the freshly sourced salmon, plus all the sides and desserts that were perfectly prepared. Drinks aren’t included in the price of the tour, but we were happy to buy some wine at the bar to pair with this amazing dinner! 

We go into more detail on why we love this sunset dinner cruise in our blog post here, or you can check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews from other travelers here!

This cruise is available from May through mid-October for $212 CAD per person. 

Dates are limited – reserve your spot in advance here before it fills up!

3. Go out for brunch

There is something so charming about going out for brunch, isn’t there? Grab your partner (or maybe a fun double date) and go out for brunch! Okay – I’m really just looking for any excuse to have someone else cook breakfast, but there are too many good options in Vancouver to pass up. 

Cafe Medina is one of the top brunch spots in Van and one of my personal favorites. I’m not a huge sweets-for-breakfast fan, but they are famous for their Belgian waffles. For savory dishes, be sure to try the Fricassée, which is made with mouth-watering braised short ribs and runny eggs – YUM! Cafe Medina is located in downtown Vancouver and is open daily until 3 pm. 

Jam Cafe is perhaps the most popular place to grab brunch in the city. I recommend coming hungry because all of their dishes are over the top – like the buffalo blue eggs benedict or the green eggs and ham (seriously!). Expect a line out the door and an hour wait, unless you get there right when they open at 8 am.

Yolks is another eggcellent option! As the name would suggest, they specialize in egg dishes and can make them anyway. They even have an eggs benedict bowl which is fantastic. Yolk has two locations, one in East Vancouver and the other in Mt Pleasant, but I’ve only been to the Mt Pleasant location. 

Regardless of which brunch spot you choose, it will be tasty and a great way to start off your day!

Related Read: If you’re planning a full weekend away, check out our ideal weekend itinerary in Vancouver for all the options.

4. Bike the Seawall in Stanley Park

As active people, Dan and I always enjoy a day together when we can explore! Vancouver is full of outdoor areas that we love adventuring through, and one of our favorites is biking the seawall in Stanley Park. 

Stanley Park is an iconic part of Vancouver, you’ll find yourself here for some activity or another. The park spans over 4 square kilometers (1.4 square miles) so it certainly takes a while to cover a lot of ground here. That’s why we love bicycling along the Seawall, which follows the water and wraps around the edge of the park. The views are incredible the whole way, and you can even have a break to take a dip in the water if it’s a warm enough day! 

The Seawall trail is 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Many bike shops are located around Stanley Park, so you can easily rent a bike for about $20 CAD for a 1.5-hour rental. 

But, if you and your partner are keen on learning about Stanley Park and Vancouver, I recommend taking this 3-hour bicycle tour! There’s actually a ton of history within the grounds of the park, having the local guide is really helpful. You’ll pedal by the First Nation totem poles and the Brockton Point lighthouse, both of which are really beautiful sights to see. 

This tour is $103 CAD and includes your bike, helmet, and your guide. All in all, it’s not much more than a bike rental would be anyway! 

And if biking isn’t your jam – check out our other favorite Stanley Park tours to experience it in a new way!

Book this tour with over 500 5-star reviews here!

5. Have a cocktail at one of North America’s best bars

Enjoy a night out by hitting one of Vancouver’s best cocktail bars! Okay – there are actually a lot of great cocktail bars, but The Keefer Bar should be at the top of your list. Their menu is full of unique concoctions, and because it’s located in Chinatown, some of them have an Asian twist!

I always start with the Chinatown Sour, then follow it up with the Fantasy Island. Of course, I should branch out and try more, but I know these are so good and I always crave them! The Keefer Bar was voted one of the top 50 bars in North America and one of the top 3 bars in Canada. It really is worth a visit with all of those accolades!

Even with all this fame, it’s mostly known amongst locals, not those passing through town. So consider this your inside scoop on Van! I recommend making a reservation at least a few days ahead of time. It’s not a huge bar and you’d hate to show up just to wait forever to get in!

6. Walk Lynn Canyon

We listed the Capilano Suspension Bridge high up on this list because the lights during the winter are truly so magical. But as far as impressive suspension bridges go, Lynn Canyon takes the cake!

This is another stunning nature walk that boasts British Columbia’s scenery. We love spending a few hours wandering through the forest and taking in the views from the suspension bridge. It’s a very peaceful area. Even better, it’s completely free to visit!

Depending on your adventure level, you could spend a short time here or take a long hike. I think the Baden Powell Trail is the best option, as it leads to Deep Cove! It’s 12 kilometers (7.4 miles) each way, so you’ll need plenty of time to complete it. We’ve never personally completed this trek, instead, we just hike a few kilometers and then turn back. 

The only downside to Lynn Canyon is that everyone knows how awesome this place is. It can get pretty busy, especially as you see a busload of people hit the trails. Our local tip is to go before 9 am so you can beat the rush, then head out to brunch after!

Check out our guide to visiting Lynn Canyon so you can discover all the fun things to do here!

7. Ride in a Seaplane!

Oftentimes the most romantic activities are those that are once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and you get to experience it with your partner! Taking a ride in a seaplane over Vancouver is the perfect memorable and picturesque activity to do together. 

This is also one of the most iconic activities in Vancouver, the city surrounded by water! You’ll see dozens of these planes taking off and landing in the water, it’s super impressive to see and even more impressive to experience. 

We went on this 20-minute scenic flight, and although 20 minutes sounds like the time will fly by, it felt much longer! The views from above are impeccable and the feeling of floating on the water in a plane is unreal. Luckily, the pilots were great at their job and made us feel safe the whole time, and also provided commentary so we knew what we were looking at. 

I was expecting a seaplane flight to be much more expensive, but the whole experience was only $187 CAD! We aren’t the only ones who loved this scenic flight, it has over 700 reviews as well (check them out here!).

Reserve this popular tour here and have flexibility with FREE cancellation options!

8. Ride the Grouse Mountain Gondola 

Grouse Mountain is a double feature! It is home to one of Vancouver’s best skill hills during the winter and is also a scenic cable car ride all year round. From the top, you’ll get panoramic views of Vancouver and the sprawling British Columbia beauty, and also enjoy the fun activities up there!

The first part of the fun is riding the Skyride cable car to the top. You can snag tickets in advance here, which guarantees admission and saves you time in line! Once you’ve summited the mountain, there are heaps of things to do, like ziplining, ropes course, a Lumberjack show, and grab a bite to eat at the restaurants. I really love the Wildlife Refuge where you can see the resident Grizzly Bears. 

There are even more activities in the winter, including an ice skating rink, snowshoeing, a sledding hill, and a light walk – how cute!

Admission tickets are $87 CAD and they provide a free shuttle from downtown to Grouse Mountain. Most of the activities at the top are free, but some cost extra so just be aware of that! 

Skip the line and purchase your Skyride tickets in advance here!

9. Go whale watching 

If you’re like me, going on a whale-watching tour was high on my bucket list. So I was ecstatic when Daniel surprised me with this top-rated tour! Vancouver is actually one of the best spots in the world to go whale watching, as they have a wide variety of whales and wildlife like humpbacks. Orcas, seals, otters, and seabirds!

Plus the scenery of the Gulf and the San Juan Islands is nothing to shrug at, so even enjoying the boat ride is simply amazing.

The tour we went on (and many others around) offers a guarantee of whale sighting, or else you can return for a free cruise. That’s how common it is to see whales! While on the boat, we saw tons of whales, even a pod of five Orcas. 

May to October is the high season for whale watching in Vancouver – and when the weather is most favorable! This half-day whale-watching cruise is $236 CAD, including heated indoor and outdoor spaces, tea and coffee, and naturalist guides. We thought the guides were super valuable, as there was a lot to learn.

This is a very popular tour, so I recommend booking it in advance. It also offers free cancellation 24 hours before you take off, and I personally love having that flexibility. 

Book this tour with over 3,400 5-star reviews here, before spots fill up!

10. Day trip to Whistler

Take a little getaway to the cutest ski town in BC – Whistler! I think this is the perfect day trip, even if you’ve visited before or this is your first time. Whistler is well known for its amazing ski scene during the winter, and for heaps of outdoor rec during the summer. 

It’s about a 2-hour drive from Vancouver, and the route is a journey in itself. It follows the Sea to Sky Highway, a super scenic stretch of road with plenty of fun stops along the way. We like to take this drive slow, stopping for lots of photos – check out all the details on the Sea to Sky Highway drive before you go.

Then once you get to Whistler, there are a ton of things to do (see our full list here!). Enjoy a hike or mountain bike, and be sure to check out some of the lakes right outside of town – you’ll probably see some wildlife. If you’re in the mood for a relaxed afternoon, wander through the Village! The pedestrian-only street is full of cute shops, restaurants, and cafes. 

If you can squeeze it into your schedule, spending the night in the mountain town will make for an even more idyllic way to spend some time with your partner. Plus, there are plenty of things to do, I doubt you’ll want to leave after a few hours. Check out the hotel options in Whistler here.

11. Explore Granville Island

How does strolling through a historic market, full of fresh produce and artisanal goods, with your partner sound? Pretty romantic to me! Head to Granville Island and you’ll find just that, and more! This is one of my favorite parts of the city and once you get there, I think you’ll understand why.

As I mentioned, visiting the Granville Island Public Market is the top thing to do. It’s been around for decades, and really lovely to casually wander through. Of course, you should plan on eating here because there are too many good options. We love grabbing some donuts from Lee’s Donuts (they are famous in Vancouver) or some pizza from Pizza Pzazz!

You can also spot street performers on Granville Island or even join a boat tour for a bit of an adventure. Be sure to stop by Granville Island Brewing – one of our favorite breweries in the city. 

Getting to Granville Island is easy, you can get there via taxi or bus. But, I prefer to take the Aquabus Ferry from the city center. It’s like a boat tour and gets you where you need to go! It runs daily and has multiple stops so be sure to check out the schedule before you go. Tickets start at $4.50.

12. Watch the sunset at Kitsilano Beach 

If you’ve never been to Kitsilano Beach, you’re in for a treat! There’s a lot to explore in Kitsilano, but I think the best thing to do is head to the beach for sunset. It has one of the best views in the city – hands down! 

Summertime is the ideal time to catch the sun dip below the water and the beach is abuzz with activity. Some days we bring a blanket and some drinks to sit and take in the views. There are always a lot of locals here doing the same!

Other times, we like to go to The Boathouse Restaurant and enjoy the sunset from the patio (a great way to avoid the sand!). They have a yummy seafood menu and make some fantastic cocktails. What’s better than fresh seafood and a drink with incredible sunset views!?

13. Tour the Butchart Gardens and Victoria

The Butchart Gardens and Victoria are some of the most beautiful parts of British Columbia. And that’s saying something – this province is known for its natural beauty! Victoria sits on Vancouver Island, so you have to take a ferry to get over there. 

Once you’re in Victoria, spend some time exploring (see our list of top things to do in Victoria here)! This charming city gives me major European vibes with all of its historic architecture. And of course, the Butchart Gardens are often paired with a visit to Victoria, as they are stunning! These gardens are over 55 acres, hosting 900 plant varieties and 26 greenhouses, quite impressive if you ask me. 

You can reach Vancouver Island on your own if you take the 90-minute ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria. From there, the Butchart Gardens are an hour’s drive from the city. If you’re short on time or don’t have a vehicle, I recommend taking this organized tour from Vancouver. 

While group tours don’t normally scream “romantic getaway” to me, I appreciate how much downtime this tour allows. It essentially makes your transportation easier for the day and still allows people to wander off and explore Victoria and the Butchart Gardens independently. The tour price also covers your ferry tickets and admission to the gardens!

With over 2,000 positive reviews, it’s apparent this tour is a winner! You can reserve this full-day tour for $277 CAD per person, including all transportation, admission fees, and a guide.

This tour is likely to sell out – book it now to reserve your spot!

14. Visit the Vancouver Aquarium

If you’re an animal lover, visiting the Vancouver Aquarium is a must! Since Vancouver sits right on the coast, they have a fantastic aquarium. I know you might be thinking that aquariums are for kids – but we actually love visiting just the two of us!

Not only does the Vancouver Aquarium have over 65,000 aquatic creatures, but they do a lot of good work for conservation. The aquarium is committed to animal rescue, research, and environmental stewardship. In addition, some educational programs help visitors learn more about animals and how to care for them. The aquarium has also put a ban on dolphins and whales, which is great to see!

But you will find sea lions, fish, penguins, sea otters, turtles, and more here! Admission tickets start around $42 CAD for adults, and I highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance. As one of Vancouver’s top attractions, it can get very busy and if you don’t have pre-purchased tickets, you might have to wait a long time to get in. I’ve even seen people turned away it’s so busy!

For all the details, check out our top things to know about visiting the Vancouver Aquarium here.

15. Enjoy a meal or drinks at a waterfront restaurant

I’ve said time and time again that Vancouver’s waterfront location makes the city oh-so-charming, so we always like to take advantage of these views! There are tons of waterfront restaurants to choose from, but we have a few favorites to recommend.

Mahony’s Tavern is our top choice, with an impressive outdoor deck overlooking the water! It’s also really easy to get to, as it’s one of the aqua ferry stops in False Creek. The food is also amazing, which certainly helps with the overall vibe – be sure to check out their live music on the weekends too! 

Near Granville Island, The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant is another hit. As the name suggests, it’s famous for its fresh, locally caught seafood. If you’re a fan of Dungeness crab, giant prawns, or ahi tuna, you’ll love it here. 

Closer to Coal Harbour, Cardero’s Restaurant overlooks the marina for some stunning views. We like to stop here after exploring Stanley Park, it makes for a lovely evening together!

16. Day trip to Bowen Island

Bowen Island is one of our favorite ways to escape the city for the day. We often enjoy taking a day trip here to explore all of the outdoor activities on the island. Catch a BC Ferry from Horseshoe Bay (which is about 25 minutes from downtown Van) and you can reach the island in about a 20-minute boat ride. Ferry tickets are $12 CAD per person without a vehicle.

There’s lots to do here, especially for the adventurous couple! Take off on a hike to Dorman Point or up Mt. Gardner, go kayaking, or relax at a beach or Killarney Lake. You don’t necessarily have to be in a tropical destination to enjoy island life!

But if you’re looking for a memorable way to experience Bowen Island, check out this Bowen Island Dinner and Zodiac Boat tour! We went on this exact tour and had such a fun time, starting with a scenic boat ride in a Zodiac Boat (which was really unique!). Our guides pointed out a lot of important landmarks as we zoomed past, and we stopped to check out a seal colony.

When you reach Bowen Island, you’ll head to dinner at Doc Morgan’s. Enjoy marina views, tasty food, and good company! Afterward, have some free time to wander around Bowen Island. We thought this was a fun way and unique way to enjoy the island, and well worth $219 CAD. 

This tour runs seasonally, so dates fill up quickly! Don’t miss out on this epic tour.

Check availability and book this Bowen Island dinner tour here!

17. Walk the Seawall

While we already put biking the seawall on this list, the seawall actually extends further than Stanley Park! The Vancouver Seawall is a great walking path that follows the water and takes you all through the city. Fun fact: it’s the longest continuous waterfront path in the world stretching 28 kilometers (17 miles) long! 

Explore Stanley Park, Yaletown, Olympic Village, Granville Island, all the way to Kitsilano. You can hit all my favorite parts of the city in one walk! Well, not quite – it is quite a long walk! 

No matter what part of Vancouver you’re staying in, you’ll be able to access the Seawall. Just find the path and start walking. We always find something interesting along this route. You can use the Aqua Bus or one of the bridges to cross False Creek if need be.

18. Go wine tasting in the Fraser Valley

British Columbia is home to some amazing wine! We are big fans of wine, and especially of going on wine tours so we can sample a variety of yummy wines. 

Luckily, the Fraser Valley is just outside of Vancouver and has some of the top wineries in BC. There are a variety of wine tours you can go on, but we personally loved this 5-hour wine tasting experience. We went to three different wineries, sampling at least 4 wines at each place (maybe more if you can befriend the guide!), and enjoyed a charcuterie board. 

Best of all, taking a guided tour ensures you have a designated driver, so both you and your partner can enjoy the experience! This experience is $180 CAD and includes all your tasting fees as well. 

This tour is likely to sell out, book it here and get FREE cancellation options.

Related Read: If you LOVE wine, be sure to visit Kelowna! It’s BC’s famous wine region so check out our 5 favorite wine tours in Kelowna!

19. Take the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay

The SeaBus is one of Vancouver’s most unique aspects. As you can guess from the name, it’s like a bus but on the water! This makes getting around the city very easy, as there is so much water surrounding Vancouver, and traffic jams aren’t as much of a thing via boat.

Plus, we think it’s pretty fun to ride the SeaBus. It departs from the Waterfront Station in Vancouver and takes you to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. The journey takes about 12 minutes and departs every 15 minutes for the same price as normal bus fare ($4.65 CAD).

Once you cross, you can enjoy an afternoon in Lonsdale Quay! Check out the Lonsdale Quay Market, which has lots of shops, restaurants, and locally made items. There are actually more than 60 local vendors, so you’re sure to find something unique. We like to grab a cup of coffee at Shipyards Coffee and enjoy strolling around the market together.

20. Wander the VanDusen Gardens

While the world-class Butchart Gardens are definitely worth a visit, there is another really beautiful botanical garden located right in Vancouver! The VanDusen Botanical Gardens are another display of British Columbia’s natural beauty, and they are a bit of a hidden gem in the city. Although 55 acres of scenery in the middle of the city isn’t exactly “hidden”!

It’s a really peaceful area to explore, taking in the views and the unique plant life. I particularly love the hedge maze, so if you and your partner enjoy solving problems together this is the place to go (it’s surprisingly hard!).

But most impressively, there are over 7,500 different plant species and each season is a little different. It’s worth a few hours of exploring, especially if you love the outdoors as much as we do.

Hours and admission prices vary by season. Tickets are $13.50 CAD during the spring and summer, and $9.80 CAD during the fall and winter. I recommend checking their website for the most up-to-date hours, as those vary more frequently!

21. Go ice skating at Robson Square

If you happen to take a romantic getaway to Vancouver during the winter, there are still a lot of lovely things to do! The most popular (and our personal favorite) is ice skating in Robson Square. 

Robson Square is the hub of activity in downtown Vancouver. During the holiday season, they set up a temporary skating rink that is incredibly festive! Christmas lights and trees, festive music, and lots of hot chocolate are all around. It almost feels like you’re in a Hallmark movie!

The skating rink is free to use, and you can rent skates for just around $5 CAD. It’s open from December to February, so while this is a seasonal activity, it’s easily one of the most romantic things to do in Vancouver!

Check out our list of things to do in Vancouver during the winter for even more options!

Where to Stay in Vancouver, Canada

If you’re traveling to Vancouver for a romantic getaway, you’ll need somewhere equally charming to stay! We have a few recommendations on the best places to stay in the city for couples, with a range of budgets. But, we did include some luxury options to splash out and treat yourself!

Hyatt Regency Vancouver – $$$

Can’t decide whether you’d prefer to stay near Stanley Park or Gastown? Well, the Hyatt Regency might just be right for you, as it’s located right between them! Rooms here enjoy gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows that help to bring in light and there is a small fridge, work desk, and toiletries in the bathroom too.

You can also conveniently enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at their beautiful Mosaic Bar and Grill just off the lobby. As you can imagine, it’s a luxury stay in a large hotel chain that is highly reviewed! So if you’re looking to celebrate something special, or just fancy taking your vacation to a whole new level, then staying here will definitely do the trick.

I’ve seen a one-night stay at the Hyatt Regency going as low as $232 CAD per night, although the rooms here on average are more around the $300-$500 CAD mark. So, for the best price, don’t forget to reserve your room in advance.

Times Square Suites – $$

For a beautiful hotel close to Stanley Park, the Times Square Hotel is a fantastic choice! It’s very hard to fault this hotel, and the location really is perfect. The fully equipped kitchens and gas fireplaces are a nice touch in all of the rooms, plus the suites have living rooms and a washer and dryer.

For being pretty affordable, it has a lot of amenities, which is just one of the reasons we love staying here! You can book a room here from $230 CAD per night, but as this is a popular stay, I recommend checking your dates and booking ahead of time to secure your preferred room type!

The Cambie Hostel Gastown – $

The Cambie Hostel is a great budget-friendly hostel that’s located right in the heart of Gastown. It’s close to lots of bars and restaurants and there’s a lively bar attached to the hostel too. The rooms are clean, although the bathrooms are a little on the small side, and they offer private rooms too!

It’s perfect for backpackers on a budget and is considerably cheaper than others offering comparable quality. A bed in a dorm here starts at around $50 CAD, and you can book a stay here through Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

Didn’t find exactly what you’re looking for? Click here to browse all hotels in Vancouver!

For more info on the best areas and hotels, check out my complete guide on where to stay in Vancouver. It breaks down everything you need to know before choosing the right hotel!

Getting Around Vancouver 

Transportation and ease of navigating a new city are super important to consider when planning a trip. It will help you determine where to stay and what you’ll be able to visit while in the city. In Vancouver, there are a few different options for transportation in and around the city.

Driving

This is probably the best form of transportation if you want to explore anywhere outside of downtown Vancouver and participate in activities like hiking or skiing, which require getting a bit further away. Traffic in downtown Vancouver can be fairly busy, just like any city center.

There is ample parking available both on the streets and in parkades, though it can be expensive. Some hotels provide parking, so check ahead of time. 

If you can, rent a car so you can explore Vancouver with ease! Just be prepared to pay for parking unless your hotel includes it.

Car share

A great option besides renting a car is using a car share service like Modo or Evo. These services allow you to rent a car and pay based on the time it’s used (i.e., pay for 30 minutes, two hours, or the full day, depending on how long you drive).

You can pick up and drop off the car at specific checkpoints around the city, and the best part is they get lots of free parking. This makes it super easy to use a car for just the time that you need it. 

Public transportation

Vancouver’s public transit system is not as extensive as many other major cities, but it is still a good way to get around to the main attractions. The SkyTrain provides excellent access to some of the neighboring cities, such as Burnaby, New Westminster, or Surrey, so it offers a good option if you plan on exploring outside of downtown. It also runs from the airport, so again, a good option to get into the city from the airport. 

There are also many buses in the city that run frequently. Note that public transportation options are extremely limited overnight, with only a couple of night buses and no SkyTrain options after around 1:00 am. All public transportation is run by the company TransLink and is fairly affordable; a single trip costs $3.15, and a day pass costs $11.25 CAD.

Taxis and rideshares

Taxis are available throughout the city, as are Uber and Lyft. These are good options in the downtown core but can get pricey if you are going further outside of that region. For example, the taxi cost from YVR to Vancouver is about $30-50 CAD.

Aquabus

The Aquabus is one of the more unique ways to get around Vancouver. These small boats visit 8 locations in the harbor all the way from The Village to Granville Island. The Aquabus costs $19 CAD for a full-day pass or round-trip tickets start at $3.75 CAD, but prices vary depending on the route you take. You can check out all their routes and prices here.

Walking and biking

Vancouver is a very walkable city, and it is possible to walk just about anywhere in the downtown core.

Biking is also a good option, as there are dedicated bike lanes throughout most of the city. You can rent bikes all over the city and pretty much ride everywhere you want to downtown. I love doing this, especially on a beautiful day!

Thanks for reading!

Who doesn’t love a getaway with their partner? This list of romantic things to do in Vancouver is sure to make for a memorable weekend, even if you only can hit a few of them! Having lived in the city, we know just how charming it can be – I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time!

If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out our other Canada travel guides. There’s even more to explore around the city and beyond, and we love sharing our expertise. Here are a few related blogs that I think you’ll find helpful.

8 BEST Vancouver Road Trip Itineraries

15 Absolute BEST Tours in Vancouver (that you don’t want to miss!)

4 BEST Food Tours in Vancouver – Chosen by a Local!