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8 mistakes to avoid when visiting Vancouver, BC

If you’re planning a trip to Vancouver, then in this post I’m going to share the most common mistakes I see tourists make. As a local, I’ve hosted plenty of friends and family here, and through much trial and error have figured out what to avoid and what to focus on when visiting. I hope this helps you plan the best trip possible!

View of a sandy beach in Vancouver with people, dogs, sailboats, and city buildings—essential for anyone visiting Vancouver.
Vancouver skyline from Kitsilano dog beach.

1. Trying to Do Whistler in a Day

It’s a two-hour drive each way, which means going for the day can be very rushed. Make a night of it, either in Squamish or Whistler proper. If you do go for the day, start early, so you can check out all the amazing sights along the Sea to Sky Highway!

Snow-covered mountain peaks and ridges under a partly cloudy sky, with skiers visible on a slope in the foreground.
Whistler mountain with views towards Garibaldi.

2. Thinking Victoria Is a Quick Side Trip

Even further than Whistler, some tourists think that Vancouver Island is much closer to Vancouver than it is, and that they can do Vancouver Island in a day. You can, but the ferry takes about 1.5 hours each way, not including needing to line up at least 30 minutes in advance on each end. Plus, the ferry from Vancouver to Victoria doesn’t leave from downtown Vancouver, it leaves from Tsawwassen, which is an hour drive south of Vancouver. And once you get to the island, it’s another 45 minutes from the ferry terminal in Swartz Bay to Victoria! Plus, the ferry isn’t super cheap, so it is a lot of time and money to spend for just a day.

A stone fountain in front of a domed government building with multiple towers under a clear blue sky.
BC’s Legislature House in Victoria.

If you are truly itching to visit Vancouver Island in a day and travel by ferry, you definitely will want to rent a car so you can more quickly get to and from the ferry terminals. I would personally recommend either flying by sea plane directly into Victoria from downtown Vancouver (pricey but fast), or instead of going to Victoria, taking the Hullo fast passenger only ferry from downtown Vancouver to Nanaimo. What I recommend visitors do is spend at least one night in Victoria – check out my guide for more!

3. Underestimating Hiking Conditions

Trails here are rugged – more so than most other places I’ve hiked in North America. As such, you can’t underestimate even the shorter hikes that seems innocent because they are visible from the city. Make sure you always pack your 10 essentials and let someone know your hiking plans before setting out. Also, it might be rainy in the city but snowing at the top of the mountain, so dress for all types of weather! I have some suggestions for day hiking gear here.

People walk along a wooden path through a green meadow with a forest and mountain in the background under a clear blue sky.
Hiking trails along the Sea to Sky Corridor.

4. Expecting Vancouver’s weather to match most of the rest of Canada

Due to the gulf stream effect, Vancouver and much of coastal BC, including Vancouver Island, experience a much drier and warmer climate than the rest of Canada. While much of Canada is known for being the great white north, it rarely snows in Vancouver, and when it does, the city shuts down! It does snow in the mountains however (the snow line in the North Shore is around 1000m), so if you are heading out, be prepared.

In the summer, Vancouver gets mostly rain free, long days of comfortable warmth, rarely reaching above 30C (86F) with little to no humidity. Most residences don’t have air conditioning for that reason.

The shoulder seasons in Vancouver tend to be longer than the rest of Canada, with spring blooms happening between March and May, and Autumn colors between September and November. The weather can be a lot more variable in this timeframe, but depending on the year summer can stretch through to mid-October or start as early as late May.

City skyline with tall buildings and mountains, partly cloudy sky, and boats on the water—perfect for enjoying Vancouver winter activities.
Vancouver skyline, showing snow in the mountains but clear days in the city below.

5. Renting a Car When You Don’t Need One

Most of the downtown and lower mainland is well connected with Translink buses (in the city) or the SkyTrain metro (between metro areas). You don’t have to hassle with buying a transit card, and can just swipe a credit card to board. If you plan to leave the city however, car rentals can be quite helpful.

A wide river with light blue water winds through a forested valley near Vancouver, with mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.
Sea to Sky Highway from above.

6. Missing Nature Right in the City

Fortunately you don’t have to rent a car to get to nature, as there is so much right inside the city! Pacific Spirit Park offers gorgeous and easy low elevation and low grade trails among giant Douglas Firs and Red Cedar trees. In Stanley Park, you can rent a bike and explore the many corners or hike within the twisting trails. Both offer rainforest experiences within easy reach to urban areas.

Tall trees rise above lush green ferns in a sunlit Vancouver forest, with rays of light streaming through the branches.
Rainforest in Stanley Park.

7. Overlooking the Food Scene

Two plates of assorted sushi rolls on a wooden table—perfect for anyone visiting Vancouver and looking to avoid common dining mistakes.
Aburi (pressed) sushi.

Sushi and Japanese food in general, along with Chinese food, are mainstays of the Vancouver food scene. My favorite are Tom Sushi on Davie’s Street or the Eatery in Kitsilano (make sure to order some Aburi, a Vancouver staple). For Chinese, Michelin rated iDen Duck House is a favorite for peking duck and elevated fare, or go for more local Chinese cuisine in Richmond at Dinesty Dumpling House.

Donuts are also an important part of the food scene – my favorite is Mello.

8. Treating Vancouver as Just a Cruise Stop

Many Alaska cruise passengers only give Vancouver a few hours. That’s a mistake! This city deserves at least a few days to be experienced thoroughly. Check out my 3 day Vancouver itinerary guide for food and sight seeing recommendations that are tried and true.

Sunset over a calm Vancouver bay with silhouetted houses, distant ships, and mountains under a clear sky.
Vancouver at sunset.

Rebecca runs The Adventure Beckons, a travel and outdoor adventure blog based in Vancouver, British Columbia. As an experienced traveler to over 40 countries and counting, she provides her readers with practical travel itineraries from day trips to multi-week adventures. She strives to balance nature and hiking with the must-see tourist highlights that are genuinely worth your time and money.

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