An escape to Canada - why Vancouver needs to be on your travel bucket list

Air Canada will be launching direct flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Vancouver from 3 April 2024. This is the only non-stop flight connecting Canada and Singapore, so be sure to put Vancouver at the very top of your travel list! If you’re wondering, “What’s there to do and see in this under-rated city?”, here are some suggestions and travel tips for the best things to do in Vancouver!

1. Soak in the exquisite natural surroundings

Located on the west coast of Canada, in the province of British Columbia, Vancouver has consistently been ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities. Take a walk through town, and it’s easy to see why – you might even be tempted to add it to your list of the world’s most beautiful places. The juxtaposition of the imposing peaks to the north of Vancouver city and the glimmering waters of the Pacific Ocean is undeniably gorgeous. There are also beautiful gardens strewn across the city, creating little respites from the urban hustle and bustle.

From the Stanley Park Seawall, you can get spectacular views of the Lions Gate Bridge that connects Vancouver city centre to the North Vancouver suburbs and North Shore.

To get a better sense of this contrast between summit and sea, embark on a walk or bike ride along the 8.8km seawall that encircles Stanley Park, the large public park located at the western tip of the city. You’ll not only get to work off some of those holiday calories, but will also enjoy great views of the wooded hills on Vancouver’s North Shore. There are several bike rental shops conveniently located along Denman Street, where the southern end of Stanley Park meets the city – a great place to start your ride! Be sure to pack your towels and water bottles and load up on your sun care and skincare as you conquer the 2-hour bike route. 

Pro travel tip: Vancouver is generally considered a safe travel destination (including for solo female travellers!) with low rates of violent crime and natural disasters. But as with any major city, do be alert and remain mindful of your belongings at all times. Refrain from visiting poorly lit areas at night, and trust your instincts and common sense. Tourists should also be on the lookout for pickpockets and petty scammers in urban areas (here’s where an anti-theft wallet could come in handy!).

Thrill-seekers will definitely get a rush upon stepping onto the Capilano Suspension Bridge!

It is in those northern forests where you can also find sights like the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which hangs 70m over a deep river canyon, and is connected to a series of nature trails, allowing you to have a more up-close appreciation of the temperate rainforest’s natural beauty. 

Pro travel tip: The company overseeing operations at the Capilano Suspension Bridge offers a free shuttle bus service from multiple locations in Vancouver city centre.  

And you’re in the mood to spend a bit more, there’s nothing more thrilling or beautiful than taking to the skies for a bird’s eye view of the city and its surroundings. Check out activity booking websites like Viator or GetYourGuide for operators offering seaplane tours, which conveniently depart from the downtown area - remember that Vancouver is surrounded by water!

2. Discover the city’s urban delights

A jewel in the island’s crown, a vast array of temptations awaits you at the Granville Island Public Market. Photo credit: Granville Island

When you’re done sightseeing Canada’s natural scenery, it’s time to head indoors. The Granville Island Public Market, located southwards of English Bay Beach, is a covered market with a wide array of food and produce stalls, including the  famous Lee’s Donuts. ‘Do-nut’ leave without sampling a sweet treat from this iconic stall, which Vancouver native Seth Rogen cites as one of his favourite food places in the city. The Market and the surrounding area also feature shops selling all sorts of artisanal products to pique your interest. Perhaps you might be interested in picking up a handcrafted broom from the

Granville Island Public Market

Address: Public Market, 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada

Opening hours: Open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm

With a large Chinese population, Vancouver is famed for its Chinese cuisine. A second wave of immigrants from Hong Kong who left before the 1997 handover has meant that numerous Chinese dining spots have popped up all over the city in the years since. These range from seafood restaurants to dim sum outlets to humble bubble tea stalls.

The city even has its very own ye shi (night market) in the Richmond Night Market, the largest night market in North America.  It draws over a million people every year and is a place where you can try both unique offerings like a bolo bun burger and Asian market staples like tornado fries. Note that the Night Market only operates in the summer months though.  

Richmond Night Market

Address: 8351 River Road, Richmond, British Columbia

Opening hours: The 2024 edition of the Market runs from April – exact duration and opening hours are yet to be confirmed. Keep a lookout for more information on their site.

3. Visit the outdoor wonderland of Whistler

Take your sightseeing adventures to new heights with uninterrupted views galore! Hop on a sky gondola or cable car and save yourself from having to make long ascents up the mountains!

No getaway to Vancouver is complete without a trip to Whistler. Capable of transforming your trip overseas to Canada into a luxury travel venture, the pretty resort town is nestled in a mountainous valley just 1.5 hours to the city’s north. From town, cable cars and sky gondolas are available to whisk you up to the top of those peaks, saving you from a painful slog up. And once at the top, that’s where the magic happens.

Alpine hikes lead you to great views of turquoise lakes.

A real treat for backpackers, you can peer down into the valleys below or enjoy 360-degree views of the mountains that encircle you from your lofty vantage point. Then, for even finer views, embark on a day-hike on one of several well-maintained trails. For example, venture onto the Overlord Trail, a 6km family-friendly trek that takes you past beautiful alpine lakes and culminates in a viewpoint above the Overlord Glacier that gives the trail its name. You may even spot some marmots while hiking; fun fact – the whistling sound that these beaver-like mammals make gave the town its name!

Whistler is truly a town for all seasons – while hiking is the activity in summer, Whistler becomes the largest ski area in North America in winter (around December to February). It hosted events like the biathlon, cross-country skiing and alpine skiing in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, so you know the snow’s going to be good. 

Of course, if neither hiking or skiing appeal to you, you’re free to lounge around in one of the mountaintop visitor centres with a coffee or hot chocolate, and just admire the views.

Pro Tip: A shuttle bus is the easiest way to get to Whistler, with regular departures from Vancouver city centre or Vancouver airport depending on the service provider. You can book your shuttle bus ticket online on the Whistler Tourism website up to 24 hours before the shuttle bus departure time, or via phone call. Buses and cars take the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway to get to Whistler, so have those cameras ready.

4. Venture further out for close encounters with wildlife

When visiting Vancouver, be sure not to confuse the city with Vancouver Island. The latter is a large island lying to the west of the city that is largely covered in unspoiled forests (including the iconic Douglas Firs), misty peaks and wild beaches. Vancouver Island’s natural beauty makes it a popular spot for wildlife watching tours – orcas (aka killer whales), humpback whales and sea lions are among the animals you will be able to spot. Again, when it comes to the ultimate trip planner, booking sites like GetYourGuide and Viator are your best bet for sourcing reputable operators.

Or if you’ve got a hankering for more mountains, rent a car in Vancouver city, and embark on an overnight road trip to Banff National Park in the Rocky Mountains, about 11 hours away. Similar to Whistler, Banff offers great hiking and skiing opportunities, but you might also come across wildlife that is native to the Rockies, like elk, bighorn sheep and wolverines.

5. Complete your itinerary with fun things to do in Vancouver for any traveller

If you’re travelling with kids, head over to Science World. Its geodesic dome is more than just a landmark; it's a gateway to interactive exhibits and thrilling IMAX movies that make science a tangible, exhilarating journey that’s fun for the whole family!

Sports fans who want to dip their toes into local sports culture can pay a visit to BC Place, a multi-use stadium located just across the waterfront from Science World. You might be able to grab some tickets for a football or American football match, or hear local acts perform at the occasional music festival.

Lovers of local art scenes will no doubt adore the popular tourist attraction neighbourhood of Mount Pleasant in East Vancouver, where the city's artistic pulse comes to life. Here, street murals tell stories of cultural identity and creativity, while independent art galleries and breweries offer a taste of East Vancouver's innovative spirit. This district, with its vibrant atmosphere and eclectic charm, serves as a testament to the city's dynamic character, offering a glimpse into the contemporary culture that thrives amidst its historic streets.

So if you’re thinking of going somewhere a little further for your upcoming holiday, be sure to give Vancouver a thought when doing your planning! The wide, open spaces, lush forests, and craggy mountains will make for a welcome getaway from Singapore’s concrete jungle, and may just be what you need to recharge and renew your body and soul. And if you’re more of an urbanite, Vancouver’s city centre promises endless opportunities for exploration and enrichment, too, be it a day out hopping between art galleries, paying a visit to beautiful gardens, or discovering fresh produce at a public market.

With the resumption of the much-anticipated Singapore-Vancouver direct link by Air Canada, it will make the journey between Singapore Changi Airport and Vancouver International Airport easier than ever.

Singaporeans flying to or transiting through Canada will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA), which costs approximately S$7. Do remember to apply for it online before your trip!