Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Vancouver, Canada! Most of the links on this site will direct you to the Destination Vancouver website, a fantastic resource for all your tourism information needs.
Vancouver’s spectacular setting gives you the opportunity to explore both city life and outdoor nature experiences within minutes. Visitors can stroll or cycle along the world-renowned oceanside Seawall, one of the city’s most beloved outdoor routes, where the views shift from open ocean to beaches and forest landscapes as you continue along its length. You can wander through trails shaded by old-growth trees, listen to the sounds of nearby wildlife, and take in the broad mountain views that define the region. These experiences sit close to the city’s modern downtown core, where contemporary architecture, dining, and shopping districts bring vibrant energy to the urban landscape.
VANCOUVER ATTRACTIONS YOU MUST-EXPERIENCE
TRANSPORTATION
This guide is designed to help you navigate Vancouver. Whether you’re commuting from your hotel to the venue, exploring the city between sessions, or networking with fellow participants, Vancouver offers a wide array of transportation options.
PUBLIC TRANSIT
SkyTrain Access to the Vancouver Convention Centre
- Closest Station: Waterfront Station – just a 5-minute walk or roll to the VCC.
- Elevator Access: Use the Cordova Street entrance.
- The Howe Street entrance has stairs only.
- SkyTrain Lines Serving Waterfront Station:
- Canada Line: Connects to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Richmond.
- Expo Line: Runs from downtown Vancouver to Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey.
- Accessibility: All stations and trains are wheelchair accessible with elevators and escalators.
SkyTrain from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Vancouver Convention Centre
- Board the Canada Line at YVR–Airport Station (located at the airport).
- Travel northbound to Waterfront Station (final stop).
- Walk to the VCC via Cordova Street or the Canada Place promenade (approx. 5 minutes).
- Travel Time: ~25 minutes.
- Train Frequency: Every 6–12 minutes depending on the time of day.
You can visit the SkyTrain Schedules website to find out more.
Bus Access to the Vancouver Convention Centre
- Several bus routes serve stops near the VCC:
- Route 4: UBC / Powell
- Route 19: Metrotown Station / Stanley Park
- Route 240: Lynn Valley / Downtown
- Route 250: Horseshoe Bay / Downtown
- Most routes stop within a 5–10-minute walk of the Convention Centre.
- Buses run frequently throughout the day and evening.
- All buses are wheelchair accessible and equipped with bike racks.
You can visit the TransLink website to find out more about bus schedules.
SeaBus Access to the Vancouver Convention Centre
- Closest Terminal: Waterfront Station SeaBus Terminal – just a 5-minute walk or roll to the VCC.
- Elevator Access: Elevators available at both Lonsdale Quay and Waterfront Station terminals.
- SeaBus Route:
- Connects Lonsdale Quay (North Vancouver) to Waterfront Station (Downtown Vancouver).
- Operates 7 days a week, including holidays.
- Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible with priority seating and accessible washrooms.
SeaBus from North Vancouver to Vancouver Convention Centre
- Board the SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay Terminal.
- Cross Burrard Inlet to Waterfront Station (~12-minute ride).
- Walk to the VCC via Cordova Street or the Canada Place promenade (approx. 5 minutes).
- Sailing Frequency:
- Every 10–15 minutes during peak hours.
- Every 30 minutes during the early mornings and late evenings.
You can visit the SeaBus Schedules page for more details.
CYCLING
Mobi by Rogers Bike Share Access to the Vancouver Convention Centre
- Docking Stations Nearby: Multiple Mobi stations are located within a 5-minute ride or walk of the Vancouver Convention Centre.
- Service Area: Covers the downtown peninsula, including key areas like Coal Harbour, Gastown, and Yaletown
- Pass Options:
- Pay-per-ride, 24-hour, 30-day, and 365-day passes available.
- Equity Program: Offers discounted or free annual passes for eligible community members.
- Accessibility: Bikes are designed for comfort and ease of use; helmets are provided at docking stations.
- Corporate Memberships: Businesses can offer discounted passes to employees.
Using Mobi to Reach the Vancover Convention Centre
- Find a Bike: Use the Mobi App or website to locate nearby bikes and docking stations.
- Ride Downtown: Enjoy scenic bike lanes and protected paths leading to the VCC.
- Park Easily: Dock your bike at one of the nearby stations and walk to the venue.
Dedicated Bike Lanes Near the Vancouver Convention Centre
- Protected Bike Lanes: Vancouver features physically separated bike lanes with concrete medians, planters, or parked cars for added safety.
- Nearby Routes:
Hornby Street: Two-way protected lane connecting downtown to Canada Place and the VCC. - Dunsmuir Street: Elevated, separated bike lane ideal for east-west travel.
- Burrard Bridge: Dedicated bike lanes connect to downtown and the West End.
- Seawall Path: Scenic, multi-use path along the waterfront, perfect for reaching the VCC from Stanley Park or False Creek.
- Nearby Routes:
- Safety & Comfort: These lanes are designed to make cycling safer and more appealing for all skill levels.
- Signage & Signals: Dedicated bike traffic signals and clear signage help guide riders safely through intersections.
WALKING
Walkable City
Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the most walkable cities in North America, especially in the downtown core.
Proximity to the VCC: The Vancouver Convention Centre is centrally located, with hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions all within a 10–15-minute walk.
Pedestrian Infrastructure: Clearly marked crosswalks and pedestrian signals with curb cuts and ramps for wheelchair and stroller access.
Scenic Routes
- Seawall Promenade: A beautiful waterfront path perfect for walking between the VCC, Stanley Park, and False Creek.
- Robson Street: A lively shopping and dining corridor just a short walk from the Convention Centre.
Safety
Downtown Vancouver is generally safe and well-lit, with a visible presence of community safety ambassadors and transit police.
Accessibility
Most public spaces and sidewalks are wheelchair accessible, and many intersections have audible signals for the visually impaired.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES
Electrical Vehicle Car Shares
Evo Car Share:
- Fleet: Includes hybrid and fully electric vehicles (e.g., Kia Niro EVs).
- How It Works:
- Free-floating model: pick up and drop off anywhere within the Metro Vancouver Home Zone.
- Use the Evo app to locate, reserve, and unlock vehicles.
- Charging:
- Electric Evos can be parked at designated public charging stations listed in the app. Plug in at the end of your trip to earn free driving time.
- Accessibility: All vehicles include bike and ski racks; some models are more spacious for mobility needs.
- Learn more at evo.ca/electric
Modo Carsharing Co-op
- Fleet: Over 1,000 vehicles including EVs, hybrids, trucks, and vans.
- How It Works:
- Station-based model: reserve and return to the same location. Book in advance or on demand via the Modo app.
- EV Benefits:
- Reduced co-op fees for EV bookings.
- Charging included; no need to pay for fuel.
- Accessibility: Offers a variety of vehicle types to suit different mobility needs.
- Learn more at modo.coop