Vancouver

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Vancouver occupies a pretty enviable spot in the world. Blessed with miles of coastline, lush vegetation and crowned by the North Shore Mountains, it's hard to be there and not stop at some point and be amazed by what you see.

But scratch beneath that setting and you find a cosmopolitan city of many faces. It's a bit of old and a lot of new, a stopping place for immigrants that have infused the city's neighbourhoods, festivals and food. On one hand, it's the third largest metropolitan area in Canada and the second biggest destination for visitors to the nation and the economic hub of British Columbia. A modern city of glass towers with a variety of festivals, cultures and attractions, it has also been host to world events like the 1986 World Exposition and the Wikivoyage:Past_events/Vancouver 2010|2010 Winter Olympics. To others, it's Vansterdam and the laid-back socially progressive city with the laissez-faire attitude to marijuana. With its Asian legacy and relative proximity to China and Japan, some see it as the gateway to Asia. And with all that nature minutes from your door, Vancouver is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It's one of those rare places you could ski in the mountains, hit the beach and play a round of golf all in the same day.

All of this makes it easy to be a local. Walk the Seawall. Spend a day in one of the parks. Indulge in food and treats from around the world at a neighbourhood restaurant. Or just grab a spot at the beach or on a patio and watch it all go by -- Vancouver is, after all, one of the most beautiful spots in the world.

Districts

Vancouverites broadly split their city into three: the Westside and the Eastside (or East Van) and downtown. This split is simply geography: everything west of Ontario Street is the Westside, everything east is East Vancouver and everything north of False Creek is the downtown. Each of these areas have their own attractions and neighbourhoods, so time permitting, explore as many as you can.

Downtown

{{Regionlist | regionmap=Vcr neighborhoods.png | regionmaptext=Vancouver neighborhoods map | regionmapsize=450px | region1name=Vancouver/Downtown|Downtown | region1color=#42426 b | region1description=The financial, shopping and entertainment centre of the city. It has many of Vancouver's most notable monuments and easy connections to other parts of the city and the Lower Mainland. With its multitude of accommodation and restaurant options, it is the ideal, if pricey, place to base yourself for adventuring the city. | region2name=Vancouver/West End|Stanley Park and the West End | region2color=#b9a05f | region2description=One of the most popular places to hang out in Vancouver, with its beaches, Stanley Park and lots of little shops and eateries. | region3name=Vancouver/Gastown-Chinatown|Gastown-Chinatown | region3color=#d66c8a | region3description=The original townsite of Vancouver. Gastown is a mix of souvenirs, legacy and urban chic. Chinatown is one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. | region4name=Vancouver/Yaletown-False Creek|Yaletown-False Creek | region4color=#95223a | region4description=Reclaimed industrial land that is now modern trendy neighbourhoods with some fantastic views along False Creek. The neighborhood hosts Vancouver's major spectator sports and was home to the Athlete's Village from the 2010 Winter Olympics and the site of the World Exposition in 1986 (Expo 86).

Outside the downtown

Vancouver/Kitsilano-Granville Island The very popular Kitsilano Beach, art studios and the famous Granville Island Public Market and fantastic urban style shopping - particularly 4th Avenue, 10th Avenue and Broadway where chain stores mix with unique independent shops.

Vancouver/UBC-Point Grey The University of British Columbia campus has a number of attractions, including two sets of gardens and the acclaimed Museum of Anthropology. Nearby is Pacific Spirit Park, and further east in Point Grey, are three large beaches, Jericho Beach, Locarno Beach and Spanish Banks. The UBC campus is also home to the popular clothing optional beach, Wreck Beach.

Vancouver/Mt Pleasant-South Main Main Street is an up and coming artsy part of the city filled with unique shops. Nearby is Queen Elizabeth Park, which is the highest point in Vancouver and has some excellent free gardens.

Vancouver/Commercial Dr-Hastings Park A mostly residential area of the city. Commercial Drive has many ethnic restaurants.

Vancouver/South A mostly residential area that includes the Kerrisdale, Dunbar, Oakridge, Marpole, Shaughnessy and Killarney neighbourhoods. This list covers only the city itself. For its many suburbs, see Lower Mainland. Vancouver Halal Travel Guide While Vancouver is a comparatively young city, founded in 1886, its history begins long before. The Coast Salish indigenous peoples (First Nations) have lived in the area for at least 6000 years, and Vancouver's namesake Captain George Vancouver sailed through the First Narrows in 1792. The first settlement on the downtown peninsula was Granville, located on the spot of today's Gastown. In 1867 and the year of Canada's confederation, a saloon was built on this site and gave birth to a small shantytown of cafes and stores adjacent to the original mill on the south shore of what is now the city's harbour. A seemingly endless supply of high quality lumber was logged and sold through the ports of Gastown and Moodyville, across the inlet. Some of the trees were gigantic beams which were shipped to China to construct Beijing's Imperial Palace, and one account maintains that the world's windjammer fleets could not have been built without the trees of Burrard Inlet. Vancouver's first City Hall was little more than a hand-painted sign nailed to a wooden tent post. The arrival of the transcontinental railway a few years later spurred growth even more and by 1892 the area had over 20,000 residents; 18 years later this figure was over 100,000. Factor in constant growth every year since (many in the double digits), and Greater Vancouver today is Canada's largest metropolitan area west of Toronto by far with more than 2,600,000 residents, more than half of British Columbia's population as a whole. It is also the fastest growing part of Canada. Greater Vancouver is one of the most ethnically diverse metropolitan areas in the world and is home to the second largest Chinatown in North America after San Francisco. For many, Vancouver truly "arrived" in 1986 when the city hosted the Expo 86 World's Fair. Media attention from around the world was consistently positive, though many saw the resulting gentrification of poorer areas as being harmful to Vancouver's lower-class citizens, as many residents of the Downtown Eastside were evicted from their homes. Vancouver also hosted the Vancouver 2010

These floatplane facilities offer flights operated by Harbour Air, Salt Spring Air, West Coast Air and Seair fly frequently from downtown Vancouver and/or YVR to Victoria's Inner Harbour, Vancouver Island and the scenic Southern Gulf Islands and other local destinations. Some float plane operators also offer spectacular lal-tours/ tours of the central city and nearby attractions starting at about $80-100 per person... a great way to see a panoramic view of downtown. A quick search of Google will bring up websites for most of these float plane operators.

There are heliport facilities located both at:

• Vancouver International Airport's South Terminal
• Helijet | address=455 Waterfront Road W, Vancouver, BC GPS: 49.286400, -123.106659 Near Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver Helijet | website=http://www.helijet.com perates helicopter service from the downtown heliport next to Waterfront Station, providing quick and convenient connections to Victoria and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) south terminal.

Other nearby airports

• Abbotsford International Airport IATA Code: YXX | address=30440 Liberator Avenue, Abbotsford, BC GPS: 49.022837, -122.380260 Abbotsford - Abbotsford International Airport Located about kilometers 60 east of Vancouver in Abbotsford is Vancouver's alternate airport. It handles mostly domestic flights and, with an arranged ride, you can be in and out of this airport in under 10 min (with no checked in baggage). The best way to reach Vancouver from Abbotsford Airport is by car: take the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) west. The drive will take 45–90 minutes, depending on traffic. There is no public transportation link between this airport and Vancouver. Car rentals are available at the airport.
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport IATA Code: SEA | address=17801 International Blvd, Seattle, WA GPS: 47.443438, -122.302111 Seattle Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Flying in and out of Seattle, particularly for US destinations, and then using the bus, train, or vehicle rental for travel to and from Vancouver city can be a (dramatically, and frustratingly) less expensive option than buying a direct flight from YVR or YXX. A U.S. visa may be required and could take some time to procure. For budget travelers, you may wish to consider checking Flights to and from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The bus or train ride takes about 4 hours one way and driving time is roughly 2½-3 hr. Allow extra time to clear customs at the border crossing.

• Bellingham_(Washington)#By plane|Bellingham International Airport IATA Code: BLI 4255 Mitchell Way, Bellingham, Washington GPS: 48.795579, -122.533055 Bellingham (Washington)|Bellingham Bellingham, Washington About an hour from Vancouver (plus border time), and serves mainly as a launching point for budget-minded Canadian travellers vacationing in the U.S.: excellent service from Hawaii and Las Vegas, but few other useful connections. Also offers connecting service through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Shuttle buses to Vancouver run as low as $39 round trip.

By car

The main highway into Vancouver from the east is Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway). This road skirts the eastern edge of Vancouver, so if you want to get into the city, you will need to exit off it at Grandview Highway, 1st Avenue or Hastings Street.

From the Lower Mainland#By car|U.S./Canada border south of the city, Highway 99, which links up with U.S. Interstate 5, runs north to Vancouver. The freeway ends after the Oak Street Bridge, turning into Oak Street heading north. Drivers with a downtown destination will need to get onto Granville Street (parallel to Oak Street to the west), or Cambie Street (parallel to the east), in order to get on the Granville Street or Cambie Street bridges which cross False Creek into the downtown peninsula.

If you are coming from the North Shore (British Columbia)|North Shore or other points further north and the only way into Vancouver is by bridge. Your options are the Lions Gate Bridge (Highway 99) which brings you into Stanley Park and Vancouver's Vancouver/West End|West End or the Second Narrows Bridge/Ironworkers Memorial Bridge (Highway 1) which brings you into the neighbourhoods of Vancouver/East Van|East Van.

Travel on a Bus in Vancouver

The Lower Mainland, especially Vancouver is well served by bus services, most of which terminate at* Pacific Central Station | | address=1150 Station Street, Vancouver, BC GPS: 49.273372, -123.097311 East of Downtown Vancouver off Main Street Pacific Central Station . A number of them also have additional pick-up and drop-off stops at hotels in downtown, Richmond, Surrey, White Rock and a number of places in surrounding areas as well as from the airport. Not all bus lines serve the Pacific Central Station either. Buses cross between the U.S. and Canada at an alternate crossing point 5 mi/8 kilometers east of the Peace Arch Park (BC Hwy 99/I-5) along BC Hwy 15. Here are a few examples of bus lines coming into town from various places nearby and afar in Canada and the U.S.:

• BC Ferries Connector - Wilson's Transportation Group | ☎ +1 250 475-3235 - Connects Vancouver to Victoria_(British Columbia)|Victoria via Tsawwassen and Swartz Bay Ferry.
• Cantrail - Amtrak Thruway |

Pacific Central Station 1150 Station Street ☎ +1 604-294-5541 +1-877-940-5561 $40 for one-way, $75 round trip; discounts for students, military, seniors & children ages 4-11 Operates express buses between the Seattle King Street Station (Amtrak) and Vancouver. They also make additional scheduled stops at the Sandman Signature Hotel (10251 Street Edwards in Richmond) and the Pacific Inn (1160 King George Hwy in White Rock) to pick-up on the southbound trip and drop off only going northbound

• Ebus - GPS: +1 877-769-3287 - Goes up to Kamloops and Kelowna via Abbotsford on two separate routes
• Greyhound Lines (USA) & Bolt Bus - ☎ +1 604-683-8133 +1-800-231-2222 (US) - Connects Vancouver with Seattle (via Coquilam, Bellingham_(Washington)|Bellingham, Mount Vernon_(Washington)|Mt Vernon and Everett along Hwy 15/I-5). Passengers transfer in Seattle#By bus|Seatte or Portland_(Oregon)#By bus|Portland to continue to other cities the United States. Bolt Bus, a subsidiary brand of Greyhound, operates along the same route as Greyhound Lines except it only stops in Vancouver, Bellingham, Seattle, Portland, Albany and Eugene. Greyhound Canada had discontinued services to central and western Canada.
• Pacific Coach Lines (PCL) - ☎ +1 604-662-7575| tollfree= +1-800-661-1725 - Direct bus to Whistler and Squamish from the downtown Pacific Central Station and the Airport.
• Perimeter Transportation - ☎ +1 604-717-6600 +1-877-717-6606 - Goes up to Whistler and Squamish from the airport and from downtown hotels (Fairmont Hotel & Hyatt Regencey)
• Quick Coach - (bus stop) Canada Place Pier 999 Canada Place ☎ +1 604-940-4428 +1-800-665-2122 - Express bus between Seattle Tacoma International Airport|SeaTac Airport via downtown Seattle, Tulalip Casino in Everett, Bellingham_(Washington)#By plane|Bellingham Airport and Vancouver BC. Northbound buses going to Canada only pick up passengers in the U.S. while southbound buses going to Seattle only drop off in the U.S. They make additional scheduled stops at the downtown Holiday Inn (1110 Howe St); River Rock Casino (8811 River Road Resort) and the Campbell River Store (790 176th St, Surrey). Additional hotel stops can be arranged with a 24hr reservation. Southbound buses pick-up in Vancouver while northbound bus drop off only.
• Rider Express - GPS: +1-833-583-3636 - Bus service along the Trans-Canada Highway from Winnipeg to Vancouver, twice daily, and between Edmonton and Saskatoon. Service from: Revelstoke, Salmon Arm, Kamloops, Hope (British Columbia)|Hope, and Abbotsford (British Columbia); Calgary, Strathmore, Canmore, Lake Louise, and Banff (Alberta); Medicine Hat, Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Regina, Whitewood, and Moosomin (Saskatchewan); and Brandon, and Winnipeg (Manitoba).
• Tofino Bus - ☎ +1 250 725-2871 +1-866-986-3466 - Goes up Courtenay, Campbell River, Parksville and Tofino via Nanaimo on Vancouver Island via Horseshoe Bay-Departure Bay Ferry. They also have additional routes from Nanaimo to Victoria and Port Hardy.

Muslim Friendly Rail Holidays in Vancouver

CN Rail Station - VIA Rail Station - |Pacific Central Station

See also: [[Rail travel in Canada

• Pacific Central Station ]], [[central business area, or you can pick up the SkyTrain at the Main St/Science World station two blocks away.

Taking the train to Vancouver is unlikely to be the cheapest option, but it is a scenic one. Rail options include:

• VIA Rail has The Canadian which runs from Toronto to Vancouver with three weekly departures.
• The Rocky Mountaineer operates routes between Vancouver and Banff, Calgary and Jasper three times a week from April to October.
• Amtrak Cascades runs a twice daily service between Seattle and Vancouver. Additional service to Seattle by Cantrail bus (see 'By bus' in the above), operating as the Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach. Connections to additional Amtrak trains are in Seattle#By train]], [[Seattle.

If you have the time and money, travelling to Vancouver by train can be an excellent way to see the Canadian Rockies. This is discussed further at the Rocky Mountaineer.

By ferry

There are two ferry terminals served by BC Ferries in the Lower Mainland. Both terminals are far enough from the city core that you will need to travel by car, taxi or bus to get into any regional city from them (and vice-versa).

• Horseshoe Bay GPS 49.3754,-123.2717, located in West Vancouver, has routes from Nanaimo, Bowen Island and the Sunshine Coast (British Columbia)]], [[Sunshine Coast. Buses #250 and #257 connect to downtown Vancouver, including a stop located one block south of Burrard Station on the Skytrain Expo Line.
• Tsawwassen GPS 49.0073,-123.1306, located in south Delta (British Columbia)]]

One of the best ways to avoid traffic congestion is to listen to traffic reports on AM730. This station reports only about traffic and can be quick to report any accidents and congestion, as well as B.C. ferry reports, bridge and tunnel updates, border wait times, and other information pertaining to getting around the city and its many suburbs. It also posts frequent weather updates and local news.

A unique feature of Vancouver and the rest of British Columbia is intersections with flashing green traffic signals. These do not indicate an advance left turn as it would in many other parts of North America. Instead, a flashing green light indicates a traffic signal that can be activated only by a pedestrian or a cyclist on the side street, but not by a motor vehicle. When the signal turns red, traffic stops as at any traffic signal. Any side street traffic must obey the stop sign on the side street and must yield to any pedestrians crossing the side street, even if traffic is stopped on the main street.

Parking

Street parking meters in Vancouver with credit card payment option - Parking meters deployed by City of Vancouver that accept coins and credit card. Telephone payment is also accepted for pre-registered payment account. Rate vary depending on location and are stated on the top side, under the timer or on a screen at the top of the meter.

Parking downtown generally costs $1-2.50/hour or $12-20/day. Commercial areas will typically have meter parking on the street, with meters accepting Canadian and American change only (American coins accepted at par value). Residential streets may allow free parking, but some will require a permit. If you do not have cash with you, most meters allow you to text the lot and stall number to byphone.com/ PayBy☎], allowing payment through Visa or Mastercard. Each meter will specify if available.

Easy Park lots (look for an orange circle with a big "P") rank as the most affordable of the parkades, but generally the cost of parking will not vary greatly among parkades within a certain area. Most will accept payment by credit card, as well as coins. Beware of scammers hanging around in some parkades, trying to sell parking tickets for less than their face value — typically and they have purchased the tickets with stolen credit cards. Also be careful parking overnight, as vehicle break-ins are not uncommon.

City meters and parking regulations are enforced regularly. Meter-related offenses will result in fines. Violations in private lots are generally unenforceable, but may result in your vehicle being towed. If your vehicle is towed on a city street, you can recover it at the city impound lot at 425 Industrial Ave.

Some new meters at private parking lots throughout the city no longer accept cash, make sure to also have a credit card with you. Most parking facilities also accept payment using the byphone.com PayBy☎] app.

Car sharing

Vancouver is often referred to as the vehicle share capital, with over 2,000 available vehicles. Car sharing which allow vehicle rentals by the hour and minute. Companies in this space include 2go.com/CA/en/vancouver/ car2go, Evo, Modo, and Zipcar]. If you are a BCAA member, you can get a free Evo membership through their website. If you already have a car2go membership from North America or a Zipcar membership from anywhere, you can use your existing account to access their Vancouver fleet.

Best way to travel in Vancouver by a Taxi

Vancouver based taxi companies:

• Yellow Cab +1 604-681-1111
• Maclures Cabs +1 604-831-1111
• Black Top Cabs +1 604-731-1111
• Vancouver Taxi +1 604-871-1111

Richmond based taxi companies:

• Richmond Cab +1 604-272-1111
• Garden City Cabs +1 604-233-1111

Limousine services:

• Destiny Limousine Ltd +1-855-597-9040 Provide limo services in to and cruise ship and airport to anywhere in Metro Vancouver and Fraser Valley with BBB A+ rating since 2003

How to travel around Vancouver on a bicycle ?

Vancouver Mobi bike share near BC Place stadium in Downtown Vancouver - Vancouver Mobi bike share near BC Place stadium in Downtown Vancouver Vancouver Mobi bike share near BC Place stadium in Downtown Vancouver.jpg

Vancouver is a very bicycle-friendly city. In addition to the extremely popular seawall bicycle routes along Stanley Park, False Creek and Kitsilano and there is a network of bicycle routes that connect the whole city, with many of the downtown bike lanes separated from traffic. The City of Vancouver provides a map of the bicycle routes that is available at most bike shops or online. Also, all buses have bicycle racks on the front to help riders get to less accessible parts. North American visitors will find that drivers in Vancouver are more accustomed to sharing the road with cyclists than many places.

The city of Vancouver operates a bike share program called Mobi. A 24-hour pass costs $7.50 for an unlimited number of 30-minutes trips, with each additional half-hour costing $5. Monthly passes are available for $15 (30-minutes trips) or $20 (60-minutes trips). Trips on a monthly pass that take longer than the allowed time will be charged an extra $2-3 per half hour. Bike stations are spread across downtown and the West End, Gastown, Yaletown and False Creek, Granville Island and Kitsilano. Bikes are unlocked via a user code and PIN that are provided after you complete registration on Mobi's website. It's highly recommended that visitors complete registration before their visit, as you cannot do it at bike share stations.

Longer term bike rentals are available at a number of independent shops, where you can rent bicycles by the hour, day or week. Many places also rent tandem bikes. Shops can be found in the Vancouver/Downtown|downtown and the Vancouver/West End|West End, Vancouver/Yaletown-False Creek|Yaletown and near Vancouver/Kitsilano-Granville Island|Granville Island. Alternatively, buy a used bicycle and either sell it on or donate it to someone in more need of it at the end of your stay.

By scooter

Renting a scooter is a good compromise between a bike and a car. Scooters are not allowed on the famous bike path, but it is feasible to travel in the inner roads, park and walk at all the attractions. Average cost is ~$80 for 24 hours + gas.

• Cycle BC - Location 1: (next to harbour air terminal) Location 2: 73 East 6th Ave GPS: | lhttp://www.cyclebc.caong= ☎ +1 604-709-5663

• Vancouver Scooter Rental - 501-2050 Scotia Street ☎ +1 604-787-9177 -

What to see in Vancouver

While Vancouver is still a young city, it has a variety of attractions and points of interest for the visitor.

Landmarks and historic buildings

Many of the city's monuments and historical buildings can be found downtown. Canada Place, with its distinctive sails and the nearby Olympic Cauldron and the intricate Art Deco styling of the Marine Building and the old luxury railway hotel of the Hotel Vancouver are in the Vancouver/Downtown|central business neighborhood. Stanley Park (the city's most popular attraction), along with its neighbouring Coal Harbour walkway and the Vancouver Aquarium are in the Vancouver/West End|West End and Vancouver/Gastown-Chinatown|Gastown and the original town site of Vancouver, has a number of restored buildings and its steam clock is a popular spot to visit. Modern architecture worth visiting also includes Shangri-La and the tallest building in the city, and the Sheraton Wall Centre. Another popular city landmark and the bustling markets and retail outlets of Granville Island, is just to the south of downtown in Vancouver/South Granville|South Granville.

Museums and galleries in Vancouver

If you're looking to learn about the people of the Northwest Coast and some of its history, one good spot is the impressive Museum of Anthropology at the Vancouver/UBC-Point Grey|University of British Columbia, which houses several thousand objects from BC's First Nations. The museum is also home to significant collections of archaeological objects and ethnographic materials from other parts of the world.

The Vancouver Art Gallery in Vancouver/Downtown|downtown combines local with international through a variety of exhibitions and a permanent collection that focuses on renowned British Columbia artist, Emily Carr.

The Vancouver Public Library, downtown at Homer and Robson Sts, is modelled after the Roman Colosseum, and houses the city's largest library.

Another downtown sight is the small Contemporary Art Gallery on Nelson Street, which features modern art. Also nearby, on the east side of Vancouver/Yaletown-False Creek|False Creek is the shiny geodesic dome of the Telus World of Science (commonly known as Science World), which has a number of exhibits, shows and galleries aimed at making science fun for kids.

Another great spot to check out is the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum at Gate A of BC Place Stadium. The BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum preserves and honours BC's Sport legacy by recognizing extraordinary achievement in sport through using their collection and stories to inspire all people to pursue their dreams.

There are also some smaller sights in Vancouver/Kitsilano|Kitsilano, including the Vancouver Maritime Museum, Museum of Vancouver, and H.R. Macmillan Space Centre.

Parks

The city has a wealth of parks and gardens scattered throughout. The most famous is Stanley Park at the tip of the Vancouver/West End|downtown peninsula. Its miles of trails for walking and cycling, beaches, magnificent views and the attractions (including totem poles) within the park gives it something for everyone. The most popular trail is the Seawall, a paved trail that runs around the perimeter of Stanley Park and now joins with the seawalls in Coal Harbour and Kitsilano, 22 kilometers in length. The Vancouver Aquarium is in Stanley Park. Other notable parks and gardens include VanDusen Botanical Garden in Vancouver/South|South Vancouver and Queen Elizabeth Park near Vancouver/Mt Pleasant-South Main|South Main and the Nitobe Memorial Garden (commonly known as the Nitobe Japanese Garden) and UBC Botanical Garden at the University of British Columbia and the Dr. Sunday Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown downtown.

Admission to Vancouver's diverse points of interest can range from $10 to up to $30 per person. There are a variety of attractions passes available that help visitors save on retail admissions such as the See Vancouver Smartvisit Card.

Nature

Finally, a trip to Vancouver wouldn't be complete without a glimpse of the skyline and the Coast Mountains rising above the city (clouds permitting, of course!). Popular spots to view it include Stanley Park and the Harbour Centre Vancouver/Downtown|downtown, Spanish Banks and Jericho Beaches in Vancouver/UBC-Point Grey|Point Grey and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. Other interesting views can be seen from City Hall at 12th and Cambie, Queen Elizabeth Park and Vancouver/East Van|East Van's CRAB Park.

What to do in Vancouver

Tours

If you want to orient yourself in the city and there are a variety of lal-tours/ tours -- bus, walking, hop-on, hop-off -- based out of the Vancouver/CBD-Yaletown|Downtown that will regale you with Vancouver lore while taking you to many of the main attractions.

Brockton light - Views from the Seawall in Stanley Park

Laugh

Vancouver is also home to an enormous stand-up comedy scene. With 3 dedicated clubs, and more than two dozen venues hosting regular events and the Lower Mainland plays host to nearly 10,000 improv, stand-up, and open mic shows a year. Catch touring comics, well-seasoned local residents, or up and coming newbies at shows from theaters to pizza joints and experience some of the local, underground culture.

Outdoor activities

Vancouverites love the outdoors and one of the most popular things to do is to walk, jog, bike or rollerblade the Seawall. It starts at Canada Place Vancouver/CBD-Yaletown|downtown, wraps around Stanley Park and follows the shoreline of False Creek through Yaletown, Science World and Granville Island to Kits Beach in Vancouver/Kitsilano|Kitsilano. The most popular sections are around Stanley Park and along the north shore of False Creek. Bike and rollerblade rentals are available from a few shops near the junction of Denman & West Georgia if you prefer wheeled transportation over walking. If the weather's nice, go out to Granville Island, rent a speedboat and take a boat ride on the waters around Stanley Park and Coal Harbour. Golf courses are also abundant in the city, along with more cost-conscious pitch-and-putt courses.

If you'd rather lie in the sun than play in the sun, Vancouver has a number of beaches. While certainly not glamorous and lacking waves and there's sand, water and lots of people on sunny summer days. Vancouver/Kitsilano|Kitsilano has a string of beaches and the most well known being Kitsilano Beach, Jericho and Spanish Banks. Kits Beach is the most popular and has beach volleyball, Spanish Banks is a bit quieter and popular with skimboarders. There are a few beaches on the south and west sides of Vancouver/West End|downtown, with English Bay Beach (near Denman & Beach) being the largest and most popular. Finally, no discussion of Vancouver beaches would be complete without mention of Wreck Beach at the tip of Point Grey in Vancouver/UBC-South|UBC. As much rock as it is sand, it holds a place in the Vancouver identity and is the only city beach where you can bare it all.

For many, Vancouver is synonymous with skiing and snowboarding. While there are no ski hills within the city itself and there are three "local" hills (Cypress, Grouse Mountain and Seymour) across the harbour on the North Shore (British Columbia)|North Shore. And of course, Vancouver is the gateway to Whistler and the biggest and one of the most highly rated snow destinations in North America.

Spectator sports

When you tire of doing stuff outdoors, or prefer that someone else do the hard work, you can always grab a seat and take in the local sports teams.

Hockey

The biggest draw in town is hockey (the variety played on ice, not a field) and the local professional team is the Vancouver Canucks. The team plays at Rogers Arena in the Vancouver/CBD-Yaletown|Downtown and the season lasts from October to April (and possibly longer when they make the play-offs). Tickets are pricey and the concessions are even worse, but it's a good game to watch live. The local junior hockey team and the Vancouver Giants, offer a cheaper but no less exciting experience, but play out of the inconviently located Langley (British Columbia)|Langley Events Centre some distance from Vancouver proper.

Football

The BC Lions and the city's Canadian Football League team (think American football with 12 players a side, three downs, a slightly larger field, and much larger end zones) plays during the summer and fall at BC Place Vancouver/CBD-Yaletown|downtown.

Soccer

The Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the third team to bear the "Whitecaps" name, began play in Major League Soccer in March 2022, becoming the second MLS team in Canada (they have since been joined by a third Canadian team). They have played at BC Place since September 2011, when that venue reopened after post-Olympics renovations. The Whitecaps initially planned to build a new stadium of their own near the waterfront, but local opposition led the Whitecaps to make BC Place their long-term home.

Rugby

BC Place also hosts the Canada Sevens, an annual event in the World Rugby Sevens Series, a worldwide series of tournaments for men's national teams in rugby sevens, a variant of rugby union featuring 7 players per side instead of 15 (on the same full-size field) and halves of 7 minutes instead of 40. The event is typically held on the second weekend of March as part of a North American swing that also includes an event in Las Vegas.

Roller derby

The Terminal City Rollergirls are Vancouver's first female roller derby league and are members of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association. Created in 2006 and the league now has four full teams (Faster Pussycats, Bad Reputations, Public Frenemy, and Riot Girls) as well as an All-Stars team made up of the best players in the league. The players are a diverse group of women, from nurses to construction workers, graphic designers, television producers, teachers, stay-at-home moms, PhD students and aspiring rock stars. The bouts are exciting and fun (there is usually an entertaining half-time show). If you're thinking about attending a bout and know nothing or very little about flat track roller derby, check out the 'How Derby Works' section on the TCRG website. Bouts are generally held April to September and at various arenas around Metro Vancouver, although the PNE Forum in Vancouver/East Van|East Van has been a popular venue.

Baseball

Vancouver has a single A baseball team and the Vancouver Canadians, who play out of Nat Bailey Stadium in Vancouver/UBC-South|South Vancouver.

University sports

The two major universities in the Vancouver area both have comprehensive athletic programs, though not at the high profile of similar institutions south of the border:

• Simon Fraser Clan - GPS: - Represent Simon Fraser University in Burnaby. The Clan sponsor teams in seven men's sports and nine women's sports. Notably, SFU is the only Canadian school that's a member of the U.S. NCAA, though they are in Division II, competing with mostly smaller, regional U.S. institutions. SFU's football team, as an NCAA member, plays under American rules and not Canadian.
• UBC Thunderbirds - GPS: - Represent the University of British Columbia, located in the University Endowment Lands at the west edge of the Point Grey peninsula. The Thunderbirds field teams in 15 men's sports and 14 women's sports. Unlike SFU, UBC is a member of Canada's governing body for university sport, U Sports.

Culture and festivals

Vancouver isn't all about the outdoors. It offers a variety of theatre, concerts and other cultural events. There are symphony and opera venues Vancouver/CBD-Yaletown|downtown and much of the city's live theatre can be found in Vancouver/South Granville|South Granville, particularly on Granville Island with its thriving arts scene.

The city's Chinese legacy comes alive during Chinese New Year. Vancouver/Gastown-Chinatown|Chinatown, in the east side of downtown, is awash in colour and has many festivities, including a parade.June sees the annual Dragon Boat Festival on False Creek.

There is no shortage of festivals around the city, with many local ones particular to a neighbourhood. The festival that draws the largest crowds is the Honda Celebration of Light, a three-night extravaganza of fireworks over English Bay in late July. Countries compete with 20-30 min displays choreographed to music. The fireworks start at 10PM and are best viewed from Sunset Beach in the Vancouver/West End|West End or Kits Beach/Vanier Park in Vancouver/Kitsilano|Kitsilano. It is strongly recommended to take public transit and to get there a few hours early as the crowds are huge. Roads in the vicinity of English Bay are typically closed from 6PM onwards.

EAT! Vancouver - The Everything Food + Cooking Festival takes place every year. In 2017 and the festival takes place from November 6 - November 11. Celebrity chefs, popular local restaurants, Cafes, food & beverage manufacturers, cookbook authors, retailers, artisans, & many others from the culinary world will come together for a 3 day public extravaganza. EAT Vancouver encompasses unique food experiences; opportunities to learn behind-the-scenes magic from professional chefs; dynamic entertainment through celebrity-chef cooking demonstrations, intense culinary competitions, and diverse exhibits; and fantastic shopping.

Other notable festivals include the Vancouver International Film Festival that runs in Sept-Oct; the Fringe Festival that presents live theatre in a variety of styles and venues; Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival that runs May - September at Vanier Park in Vancouver/Kitsilano|Kitsilano; and the three day Folk Fest on the beach in Vancouver/Kitsilano|Kitsilano that features a large selection of current and upcoming folk, roots and world music acts. Another notable event is Vancouver's annual Vancouver Pride Parade, for 2013 held on 4 August, which attracts over 600,000 spectators.

Study in Vancouver

Vancouver is a city with a rich assortment of educational institutions offering programs on nearly every feasible occupation &/or avocation. There are two main universities (SFU & UBC) with a number of polytechnic institutions offer degrees in addition to certificates & diplomas.

Places of study within the city of Vancouver include:

• Simon Fraser University, or SFU, has its main campus on the top of a mountain in Burnaby with spectacular views. With over 30 000 full-time students, SFU is consistently ranked as the best Comprehensive University in Canada by Macleans. SFU also has the largest post-secondary presence in the Vancouver/CBD-Yaletown|central business neighborhood, with the Segal Graduate School of Business and the Morris J Wosk Centre for Dialogue, SFU Harbour Centre and SFU Woodwards, not to mention a satellite campus in Surrey (British Columbia)|Surrey.

Vancouver ubc clock - Clock tower in the University of British Columbia

• The University of British Columbia (UBC), is ranked as one of the world's 30 best universities and is the largest university in western Canada. More than 50,000 full-time and part-time students in numerous disciplines are enrolled at the main campus in the Vancouver/UBC-South|UBC and South Vancouver neighborhood. UBC also has a downtown campus in Vancouver, located at Robson Plaza in the Vancouver/CBD-Yaletown|central business neighborhood. This location is geared more towards adult learning, business people and foreign students. Course calendars are readily available at Robson Plaza or on UBC's website.
• Langara College, located in Vancouver/UBC-South|South Vancouver offers a number of programs in the arts, humanities, business and technology, as well as continuing education and ESL classes.
• The Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design on Vancouver/South Granville|Granville Island offers a number of programs focused primarily on design and the visual arts.
• The Great Northern Way Campus in Vancouver/East Van|East Van is a collaborative university campus environment put together with the help of all of the major local universities, focusing on arts, technology, and the environment.
• The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), a technical college based in Burnaby, has a satellite campus in downtown Vancouver.
• The Vancouver Film School is located in downtown Vancouver.
• Many young visitors come to Vancouver to improve their English.
• Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU), located in Richmond, Surrey (British Columbia)|Surrey, Cloverdale (British Columbia)|Cloverdale and Langley (British Columbia)|Langley, offers over 120 programs, including career, vocational trades and technology certificates, diplomas, and degrees across numerous disciplines.
• Brighton College offers numerous diploma and certificate programs with practicums in healthcare, business, construction, international trade, information technology, internet marketing, and accounting. They have three campuses: Vancouver, Burnaby and Surrey.
• Vancouver Community College (VCC) has two campuses: Broadway, and Downtown. VCC offers a number of different certificate and diploma programs.
• Stenberg College Stenberg College specializes in Health Care and Human Services education. Stenberg offers multiple diploma and certificate programs. The College's main campus is located in Surrey, British Columbia.

How to work legally in Vancouver

Traditionally, much of Vancouver's industry has centred around its port facilities and the forestry and mining sectors. Although these industries are still important to the economy, Vancouver's largest employers are now the various hospitals and educational institutions in the area and companies with head offices in Vancouver such as Telus Corp and the Jim Pattison Group. Vancouver however has expanded as a centre for software development and biotechnology, while streets provide a backdrop for an active film industry. Many jobs exist in the varied small and medium sized businesses that operate in the region. As with many cities, jobs are posted on-line or in the newspaper, but it helps if you have some contacts within the industry that can point you to the jobs that are open but not posted.

As with any tourist centre and there are a number of service jobs available. The attractions, restaurants and hotels downtown frequently need staff. Other areas to consider are Vancouver/South Granville|Granville Island and the North Shore (British Columbia)|North Shore with its ski areas and Grouse Mountain.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Vancouver

This is only a sample of things you can look for in Vancouver. Visit the separate neighborhood pages for other info.

Tip - There are two local taxes that are charged on the vast majority of goods and the 7% PST (Provincial Sales Tax) and the 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax). Thepst/exemptions PST does not apply to restaurants, motor fuel, food (including non-alcoholic drinks), vitamins, books, newspaper, magazines, bicycles, and children's clothing.

• Robson Street in the Vancouver/Downtown|Downtown is home to many touristy shops. The neighbouring Alberni intersection is also home to a variety of high-end shops such as Louis Vuitton and Hermès.
• Pacific Centre has more than 150 shops, restaurants and services if you want to walk in an underground shopping centre. The shopping centre begins at a flagship Nordstrom store on the north end at Robson Street, and stretches all the way to Pender Street. There are many floors in the mall depending on where you are, and notable merchants include Holt Renfrew, Harry Rosen, Gap, H&M and Apple Store; the mall is connected to the Hudson's Bay (at Georgia and Granville streets), and Vancouver Centre (a small mall mainly consisting of a lotto centre, London Drugs, and a food court underneath Scotiabank).

Gastown. Streetscape in Gastown, Vancouver - Gastown - the original townsite of Vancouver and now the best place to find Vancouver souvenirs

• Gastown - GPS: - Is the oldest neighbourhood in Vancouver but is being reborn as a fashion and modern urban design neighborhood. Historic buildings house hip restaurants, galleries, and interior design and high-fashion shops.

• Yaletown is also popular for its non-mainstream fashion boutiques and high-end salons. A few Popular Yaletown Shopping Streets are: Mainland St., Hamilton St., and Pacific Blvd.
• Granville Island is an interesting place to go if you fancy the arts. The area boasts a public market, an art school (Emily Carr University of Art + Design), shops, a world music instrument store, restaurants and theatres, galleries, a hotel, boat docks and more.
• Kerrisdale is the area centred on 41st, between Maple Street and Blenheim St, consisting of roughly a hundred or so boutique-like shops, restaurants, and stores (chain or otherwise) in an affluent neighbourhood.
• Commercial Drive, especially the stretch between 3rd Avenue and Venables St. in Vancouver/East Van|East Van, is great for people-watching, produce (Santa Barbara Market), Cheese (La Grotta del Formaggio), sausage (JN&Z Deli), etc.
• Main Street, south of Broadway stretching to around 30th Avenue, has a vibrant and expanding collection of independent restaurants, cafés, high-end niche clothing stores and small boutiques.
• East Hastings between Renfrew and Clark offers some of the best hidden delights in the city. There are many eclectic produce stores (Donald's Market).
• Chinatown around Main and Pender, and westwards down Pender from Main, is an old historic landmark with grocery and herbal medicine markets that mimic the ethnic flavours, sights and sounds of Eastern Asia. Other modern Chinatowns have sprung up around 41st Ave. and Victoria Drive, also in Richmond and Surrey.
• Punjabi Market around Main, between 41st and 49th Ave. Good, affordable Punjabi food along with some Punjabi fashion; street signs are correspondingly in Punjabi.

There are some unique shopping areas in Vancouver/Kitsilano|Kitsilano and Vancouver/East Van|East Van. In Kits you can visit the first store of Vancouver-born and based athletic retailer, Lululemon Athletica, sporting popular yoga-inspired apparel. Gore-tex jackets are ubiquitous in Vancouver and the best place to buy them is at Mountain Equipment Co-op, Taiga Works or one of the other outdoorsy stores clustered together on the east-west main drag called Broadway (equivalent to 9th Avenue, running between 8th and 10th) between Cambie St. and Main St., just east of the Vancouver/Kitsilano|Kitsilano area.

Halal Restaurants in Vancouver

Where to begin? There is something for everyone in this cosmopolitan city, and the variety of cuisines and price points have been described as a foodie's delight. In particular, you will find many different kinds of Asian food available. If you fancy sushi many places offer "all you can eat" lunches for $12, which offers food of a wildly varying quality. In general and the city is up there with some of the best cities in North America when it comes to food. If you can do without alcohol, you can usually have a pretty reasonable meal for under $12, and at one of the more expensive restaurants in the city, $70 will get you a four course feast with exquisite service.

The highest density of restaurants is in Vancouver/Kitsilano|Kitsilano or the Vancouver/West End|West End. The Vancouver/CBD-Yaletown|central business area has many of the high end restaurants either along Robson Street or associated with the many hotels in the downtown area. Vancouver/East Van|East Van tends to have many authentic ethnic restaurants.

Vancouver is also famous for its dim sum restaurants. Because of the big Chinese population and the price and quality of dim sum here is among the best in the world. One of the consistently highly ranked dim sum restaurants by local magazines is Sunday Sui Wah, at 3888 Main St. Also, check out Floata in Chinatown on Keefer St, or the Kirin at Cambie and 12th; reservations recommended. There are some Halal restaurants on Victoria around 41st Ave (or Kingsway and Knight) which offer affordable dim sum ($2.75/plate), albeit with less class and more oil. In Burnaby, try Fortune House in Metropolis Shopping Complex. The city of Richmond, with a majority of its inhabitants being of Chinese descent, will have a plethora to choose from. Restaurants are all over the place on No. 3 Road, Westminster Hwy, Alexandra Road, and on the many side streets just east of Richmond Centre.

Vancouver has become a lot more Vegetarian and vegan friendly. For exclusively veg-fare and there is Indigo Age downtown and the Naam in Kits and the Acorn on Main St, Meet in Gastown, Kokomo in Chinatown, Roots + Fruits in Strathcona, Eternal Abundance on the Drive, and Chomp in Hastings-Sunrise- to name only a few.

Many Vancouver restaurants recommend you have a reservation and the majority of them use OpenTable, or other similar software; however, some require you to phone. Check on the restaurants website or Yelp page before you go to be sure you will be seated in a timely manner.

For budget travellers, pick up a Georgia Straight (a free local paper available all over the place), and clip two-for-one coupons from the food section.

Every January and the city holds a food festival with over 270 local restaurants, which offer prix-fixe menus. The program, Dine Out Vancouver, runs over 17 days and includes the cities new eateries, neighbourhood favourites and award-winners. In 2017, to will be held from January 20 to February 5.

Although the vast majority of stores around Vancouver accept credit cards, small family-owned Chinese businesses and restaurants, more often than not, accept only cash. Very few businesses in the city accept cheques.

• On Robson and Thurlow and there used to be two nd Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.) kitty-corner to one another, hardly suprising as nd Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.) is the most dominant of the three coffee shop chains found in Vancouver and it is claimed there are more Starbucks (Please do not support Starbucks as Starbucks supports Israel. Shun this coffee and go for alternative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned brand.) per capita in Vancouver than anywhere else. The others chain, Caffe Artigiano and Blenz, are found throughout downtown. JJ Bean is favoured among the local residents and it's a great place to spend a few minutes to a few hours nursing a coffee and one of their ginormous muffins; there are ten locations scattered throughout the city. Bean Around the World is a popular coffee house chain with ten locations. Waves Coffee is popular with students for its 24-hour operations, and free Wi-Fi internet. For independent chains try Mario's on Dunsmuir and Howe; they have a unique feel and a slower pace than other coffee shops. Make sure not to miss Trees' cheesecakes and its roasted on-site organic coffees.

Vancouver has seen a rise of new independent coffee shops in the past three years, most of which focus on single-origin beans and a simpler approach to delicious coffee devoid of syrups and flavourings. Examples include: Matchstick, Kafka's, Revolver, 49th Parallel.

Bubble tea (or boba tea) is also a popular drink among the Vancouver youth. There are countless tea houses throughout Vancouver and the most notable being Dragon Ball Tea House on West King Edward Ave and Oak St.

Food safety inspection reports are available online from the local health authority, Vancouver Coastal Health].

Most of the late night restaurants are located in the Vancouver/CBD-Yaletown|central business neighborhood, especially along the Granville Street strip, south of Robson and along Water Street in Gastown. There are a number of good local pubs in the various quieter neighbourhoods of the city, such as along Main Street or Broadway. Closing times for most of these pub-like establishments begin at 1AM; late night restaurants close between 2AM Monday - 3AM with a very small number operating after-hours. Nightclubs with live music, a DJ and a dance floor usually charge an entrance fee. Be aware that many late night restaurants often have long lineup queues on weekends, which are usually self-imposed regardless of whether or not the establishment is near capacity to attract business. Flexibility and willingness to go early is key should nightlife become part of your travel plans.

Liquor stores by 11PM at the latest close, while many are closed by 9PM, and there will exist no other legal options apart from drinking at an establishment beyond this time.

Beer

Vancouver offers a number of destinations for organic juice drinkers. The largest is the Granville Island Brewery on Vancouver/South Granville|Granville Island (tours are available). Other microbreweries are housed in brewpubs, popular ones include the Yaletown Brewing Company in Vancouver/CBD-Yaletown|Yaletown and Steamworks at the entrance to Vancouver/Gastown-Chinatown|Gastown. The Alibi Room, near Gastown, specializes in soft drinks by Northwestern microbreweries as does the Cascade Room in Vancouver/Mt Pleasant-South Main|South Main. Portland, also located in South Main, is another craft organic juice venue that specializes in soft drinks by Oregon based microbreweries.

East Vancouver, near Commercial Drive and E Hastings St, has become a hot spot for smaller craft breweries. This area is popular with local residents who like to hit up a few different breweries, sampling organic juice and eating Snacks like pepperoni sticks. There are over 10 breweries within walking distance of each other. Check out Storm Brewing, Callister Brewing, and Parallel 49 Brewing Company to name a few. $6 for a flight of 6 samples is standard, though some breweries such as Storm Brewing provide samples by donation.

Olympic Village is another craft brewing hot spot, with multiple craft breweries within walking distance of eachother, including 33 Acres Brewing Company, Brassneck Brewery, Main Street Brewing Co, and more. All of these breweries are easily accessible by public transit.

If you fancy a short journey outside of Vancouver proper, Port Moody is easily accessible by Skytrain and has another great strip of small local breweries.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Vancouver

Vancouver - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Vancouver, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Vancouver. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Vancouver and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Vancouver. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Vancouver. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inVancouver: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Vancouver.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Vancouver: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Vancouver, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Vancouver.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Vancouver, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Vancouver, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Vancouver and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Vancouver, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Vancouver, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Vancouver without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Vancouver is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Vancouver.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Vancouver is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Vancouver, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Vancouver Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Vancouver

eHalal Group Vancouver is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Vancouver. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Vancouver.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Vancouver ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Vancouver. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Vancouver, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Vancouver are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

In general, accommodations in Vancouver are on the expensive side. Most upscale hotel rooms begin at $200-250/night, although you can find reasonably priced ones in the $100-180 range quite often. Most motel rooms cost somewhere between $80-150/night. If you are lucky to find hostel accommodation and the cheapest of these will cost around $30/night, more reasonably between $35-50.

The Vancouver/CBD-Yaletown|Downtown is centrally located for attractions and has the bulk of Vancouver's accommodation, including most of the high-end hotels and backpackers hostels. If you don't mind getting away from the chain hotels and there are a number of smaller boutique hotels outside of the central business neighborhood but still close to the action that are cheaper than the four and five star options downtown. Backpacker hostels are another affordable option with beds starting at $25 if you don't mind sharing a room.

Staying outside the Downtown area may give you a wider choice of affordable accommodations. There are a few hotels/motels along Kingsway in Vancouver/East Van|East Van and Broadway in Vancouver/South Granville|South Granville. A number of B&Bs and AirBnB rentals are also scattered throughout the city in each neighborhood. If you want/need to stay close to the airport, Richmond (British Columbia)|Richmond has a number of hotels with varying degrees of luxury and price.

Finally, if you don't mind driving or commuting in to see Vancouver and the suburbs also have some cheaper options. North Shore (British Columbia)|North Vancouver, Burnaby and New Westminster all have easy access to Vancouver via the public transit system. The closest Provincial Parks with campgrounds are near Maple Ridge (Golden Ears Provincial Park), Chilliwack, and Squamish.

Camping in city parks is prohibited under Vancouver’s by-laws. Travellers may hear a claim that it is legal to camp overnight in city parks in Victoria and Abbotsford; (due to court cases that permit the homeless to do); but whether this would also apply to Vancouver or extend to travellers looking to free camp is unknown. That said, a small number of mostly homeless people do camp in city parks and it seems the bylaw is not always enforced. If you decide to do this, avoid the Downtown Eastside (Vancouver/Gastown-Chinatown|Gastown-Chinatown and points directly east), don’t be disruptive, don’t light fires and be aware of the risks of Budget travel#Sleep|free camping/sleeping rough.

Connect

In an emergency, dial 9-1-1 from any phone, even mobile phones with no service. If you're subscribed to Rogers for mobile service, or you're roaming on their network and they support 1-1-2 as well as 9-1-1. All other carriers only support 9-1-1.

The telephone area codes 604, 778, and 236 overlap Vancouver and the surrounding area. This means the Lower Mainland requires ten-digit dialing, so you must dial the area code when making a local call. Calls out of the region (east of Langley, or north of Squamish, including to Whistler) require a 1 before the area code.

At payphones, local calls cost a flat 50 cents each. Be aware that many public phones have been removed, especially in the suburbs, due to the rise of cell phones. Downtown payphones are often broken, but the payphones at the downtown SkyTrain stations are almost always in service. Payphones can be used to call 911 free of charge.

Internet cafés are not as popular as they once were, but many remain in Vancouver, and they're generally reasonably priced, typically $2–5 per hour with all-day passes available. However, free Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, cafés, and restaurants, as well as practically everywhere downtown. At Canada Place, for example, Bell has free standing-room wireless stations in the main concourse of the convention centre. Also, most indoor malls and coffee shops have free Wi-Fi. Also and the city operates 43 free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout the city. A full list of the city operated wireless hotspots can be found here].

Stay Safe

Vancouver is a great place to visit if you use common sense like keeping an eye on your possessions, knowing where you are going and avoiding alleys and unfamiliar areas at night should keep you out of trouble. Unless involved in illegal activities (such as the drug trade), it is highly unlikely you will fall victim to any sort of violent crime. If you need emergency help, dial 911.

Like any major metropolitan city, Vancouver has areas that should be travelled with caution. The most notable is the Downtown Eastside (specifically Hastings Street between Abbott and Gore). This neighbourhood is infamous for homelessness, drug-use, and prostitution. As a result of these conditions, violence is quite a common problem. If you do accidentally stroll into the Downtown Eastside it is not difficult to find your way out, but if you get lost or feel uncomfortable the best thing to do is approach a police officer. Tourists exploring Vancouver/Gastown-Chinatown|Gastown and Chinatown can easily wander into the Downtown Eastside unwittingly.

It's also wise to exercise caution in the Granville Mall area downtown on Friday and Saturday nights. As Vancouver’s and nightclub neighborhood and the sheer volume of people combined with alcohol consumption make disorderly conduct and rowdy behaviour fairly common. But this shouldn't act as a deterrent - if you're not looking for trouble, you probably won't find it, and there is a strong police presence. The streets at night in the Granville Mall area are usually (and quite literally) clogged with people at night time. Such an enormous mix of people and alcohol can be a dangerous mix if you are not cautious.

Some parts of the city have high rates of property crime. Theft from vehicles is especially problematic and parked cars with foreign or out-of-province plates are frequently targeted. The best thing is to not leave any money and valuables in plain view. Many of the local residents use steering wheel locks to prevent vehicle theft.

While using public transit, if you feel unsafe, approach a Transit police officer (usually at SkyTrain stations). For non-emergency requests, you can call +1-604-515-8300.

Panhandling is common in some parts of downtown, but is unlikely to pose a problem. Don't be rude, as there may be negative consequences.

Cannabis

Cannabis can be purchased from private dispensaries or the government run BC Cannabis stores, which also offer online sales. It's legal for adults over 19 to consume and possess up to 30grams of cannabis. It is not permitted to smoke or vape cannabis anywhere tobacco use is prohibited.

There are serious penalties for driving under the influence of THC, which include fines and vehicle seizure. Also, while Washington State has legalized recreational cannabis at the state level it remains illegal to bring any cannabis products over the border in either direction. Do not buy cannabis in Canada and attempt to take it into Washington State, or vice versa, not even at out of the way crossings like Point Roberts.

Cope

Newspapers in Vancouver

• Vancouver Sunday - - Vancouver's biggest daily newspaper.
• The Province - GPS: .Tabloid-style daily. A bit more sensational than the Sunday and a better sports section, but published by the same company and newsroom.
• Georgia Straight - - Free weekly paper that provides the best rundown on local bars and other entertainment listings. It also usually has a number of two for one coupons for local restaurants.
• The Tyee - - Free daily online paper focusing on independent politics and culture reporting.
• Vancouver Observer - The Vancouver Observer is an independent online newspaper, covering local politics, arts and the environment, technology, health, nutrition, and other topics.
• Vancouver Is Awesome - Free daily online paper focusing primarily on cultural events, food, and civic current affairs.

Other free weeklies include the Vancouver Courier, Westender, and Xtra West ( and woke bi-weekly newspaper). Free dailies include 24 Hours and Metro.

Wireless

There are a number of wireless network providers in BC's lower mainland, all with store locations throughout Vancouver, including Telus]/ Koodo, Rogers]/ Fido]/ Chatr, Bell]/ Virgin, and Freedom Mobile]. Another option is en/bc Public Mobile, which operates online only and offers 10 day plans (great for visitors). Many wireless carriers offer out of country travel plans; inquire with your carrier regarding pricing before your trip.

Religious services

• Presbyterian:
• Central Presbyterian Church | 1155 Thurlow Street Davie Village, near Davie and Thurlow ☎ +1 604-683-1913 | Opening Hours: Sunday 10:30AM
• Anglican (Episcopal):
• Christ Church Gothic Church | 690 Burrard Street ☎ +1 604-682-3848
• Protestant:
• St. Andrew Wesley United Church | 1022 Nelson Street ☎ +1 604-683-4574
• Catholic:
• Holy Rosary Gothic Church | 646 Richards Street ☎ +1 604-682-6774
• Seventh-day Adventist:
• Oakridge Adventist Church - 5350 Ballie Street two blocks north of Oakridge Mall/Canada Line Station GPS: Opening Hours: Saturday 10AM and 11AM

Healthcare centres

• Vancouver General -- at the junction of Oak Street and West 12th Ave, VGH serves as the main hospital and emergency ward for Vancouver
• Children's Hospital -- if taking a child under the age of 18 to the E.R., you will be directed to Children's Hospital. It is located at Oak Street near King Edward Avenue.
• St. Paul's -- downtown, or in the Downtown, St. Paul's Hospital also has an emergency ward for adults but is smaller and therefore less equipped to handle many patients. Every winter, St. Paul's decorates the front of the Hospital with lights to encourage charitable donations.
• Mount Saint Joseph Hospital - 3080 Prince Edward St. The only hospital on the city's East Side with an emergency room (8:30AM Monday - 8PM). Outside of these hours, people are asked to go to either Vancouver General or St. Paul's for emergency care.
• UBC Urgent Care Centre -- NOT quite a walk-in clinic but not quite an emergency room and the UBC UCC has limited hours (closed at 10PM, but is a good choice if your problem isn't an emergency -- it is basically a faster-paced walk-in clinic with longer hours.

There are also a number of walk-in clinics around Vancouver. Unfortunately waits are usually around 30-45 min for an appointment.

Meditate

• Tilopa Kadampa Buddhist Centre | 1829 Victoria Diversion GPS: Just south of 18th & Commercial in the Trout Lake neighborhood ☎ +1 604-221-2271 Offers relaxation meditations and meditation classes to increase inner peace.

Consulates

• Australia | 1075 West Georgia St, Ste 2050 GPS: 49.285784, -123.122298 ☎ +1 604-684-1177 +1 604-684-1856

• Brazil | 666 Burrard St, Ste 2020 GPS: 49.285006, -123.119039 ☎ +1 604-696-5311 +1 604-696-5366

China (People's Republic of) | 3380 Granville Street GPS: 49.255670, -123.138088 ☎ +1 604-734-7492 -

• France - 1130 West Pender St, Ste 1100 GPS: 49.287484, -123.121524 ☎ +1 604-637-5300
• Germany | 999 Canada Pl, Ste 704 ☎ +1 604-684-8377 +1 604-684-8334

• India | 325 Howe St, Ste 201 GPS: 49.286526, -123.114152 ☎ +1 604-662-8811 +1 604-682-3556

Indonesia - 1630 Alberni Street ☎ +1 604-682-8855 {{flag|Ireland

• Ireland - Honorary | 837 Beatty St, Ste 210 GPS: 49.277315, -123.114736 ☎ +1 604-683-9233 +1 604-683-8402
• Japan | 1177 West Hastings St, Ste 800 GPS: 49.288658, -123.121750 ☎ +1 604-684-5868

[[File:Flag of South Korea

• Korea (Republic of) - 1090 West Georgia St, Ste 1600 GPS: 49.285322, -123.123071 ☎ +1 604-681-9581 +1 604681-4864 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 4:30PM.svg|frameless|20px|border|South Korea
• Korea (Republic of) - 1090 West Georgia St, Ste 1600 GPS: 49.285322, -123.123071 ☎ +1 604-681-9581 +1 604681-4864 Opening Hours: 9AM Monday - 4:30PM

|link=]] {{flag|New Zealand

• New Zealand - 1050 West Pender St, Ste 2250 GPS: 49.286981, -123.118914 ☎ +1 604-684-7388 +1 604-684-7333

{{flag|Switzerland

• Switzerland | 999 Canada Pl, Ste 790 ☎ +1 604-684-2231 +1 604-684-2806

{{flag|Taiwan

• Taiwan | 650 West Georgia St, Ste 2200 GPS: 49.281859, -123.117356 ☎ +1 604-689-4111

• Thailand | 1040 Burrard Street GPS: 49.280425, -123.125355 ☎ +1 604-687-1143 +1 604-687-4434

{{flag|the United Kingdom

• United Kingdom | 1111 Melville St, Ste 800 GPS: 49.286951, -123.121956 ☎ +1 604-683-4421 +1 604-681-0693

{{flag|the United States

• United States - 1075 West Pender Street GPS: 49.287604, -123.119689 ☎ +1 604-685-4311 +1 604-685-7175

Explore more Halal friendly Destinations from Vancouver

Nearby municipalities

There are a number of things to see and do just outside of Vancouver's borders. Some of the most popular are listed below. All of these places are accessible by public transit, or if you have a car, within an hour's drive.

• North Shore (British Columbia)|North Shore - Take in the views from Grouse Mountain (The Peak of Vancouver), go for a walk on a suspension bridge or enjoy one of the many outdoor recreation opportunities -- hiking, mountain biking, skiing/snowboarding, kayaking -- on offer. The most popular summer activity in the area is hiking the 'Grouse Grind', a 2.9 kilometers, 853 m elevation gain hike up the side of Grouse mountain.
• West Vancouver - A municipality north of the Lion's gate bridge, en route to Whistler. Home to many beaches, coves, parks and expensive real estate, where breathtaking views of Vancouver can be scoped by driving its higher altitudes.
• Burnaby - Shop till you drop at Metropolis at Metrotown and the largest shopping mall in British Columbia, or relax at one of the large regional parks. Also home to Simon Fraser University's main campus (notable for its brutalist architecture), on top of Burnaby mountain.
• Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam and Port Moody (the Tri City area) - Half hour drive down Hastings street to the Barnet Highway will bring you to Port Moody, locally known as the City of the Arts.
• Richmond (British Columbia)|Richmond - City with a large Asian influence with many options for Chinese, Japanese and Korean dining and shopping and the largest Buddhist temple in North America and the historic seaside Steveston towards the south offers a quieter, small-town type atmosphere.
• Surrey (British Columbia)|Surrey/White Rock - A 45 minutes drive away from Vancouver, famous for its moderate climate and sandy beaches.
• Fort Langley - Village with unique shops, restaurants and the site of one of the first forts built in British Columbia.
• New Westminster - Small city on the banks of the Fraser River that was once the capital of British Columbia.
• Delta (British Columbia)|Delta - Made up of three communities separated by farmland; North Delta, Ladner, and Tsawwassen. Ladner has a quaint village-like atmosphere which has attracted several movies to be shot there and is the home of the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary]. Tsawwassen has Boundary Bay Regional Park with its walking trails and bird watching opportunities.

Day trips

• Bowen Island is a popular day trip or weekend excursion offering kayaking, hiking, shops, restaurants, and more. This authentic community is located in Howe Sound just off Vancouver, and is easily accessed via scheduled water taxis departing Granville Island in downtown Vancouver or by ferry from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver.
• For those who enjoy outdoor activities, a trek up the Sea to Sky corridor is crucial. Squamish has branded itself the "Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada" and with an incredible amount of quality rock climbing, mountain biking, white water rafting, hiking, kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, golf, walking trails and more, it certainly deserves the title. Squamish is about half way between Vancouver and Whistler. Whistler (1.5 hour drive from Vancouver) is expensive but well-known because of the 2010 Winter Olympics. In the winter, enjoy some of the best skiing in North America, and in the summer try some authentic mountain biking.
• Another good spot for outdoor activities is Mount Baker across the border in Washington (state)|Washington. Driving time is about three hours, but border line-ups can add anywhere from a few minutes to several hours onto your trip.
• The nearby Fraser Valley has a number of parks and lakes that are nice for fishing, hiking or relaxing.
• A geopolitical oddity: Point Roberts, a village that's part of the United States but can only be reached by land through Delta, BC.

Further afield

• Vancouver Island is a good spot to move on to from Vancouver. Victoria, British Columbia's capital, is a relaxing place. Tofino is a pretty spot on the island's west coast, good for whale and storm watching and has some of Canada's best surf (if you can brave the cold water). The island is reached by ferry, seaplane and bus.
• The Southern Gulf Islands are also a short ferry ride or float plane flight away. The Southern Gulf Islands are known for their artist communities, Cafes, fromageries and farms. These islands also boast incredible opportunities for boating, kayaking, hiking, camping and wildlife viewing
• The Okanagan is a four to five hour drive east, with a large number of Cafes, water activities in the summer and skiing in the winter.
• The scenery of Banff, Banff National Park and the Rocky Mountains is a long day's drive (8-9 hours) east.
• To the south, in the United States, Seattle is a two and a half hour drive and Portland (Oregon)|Portland is a five hour drive (excluding any border line-up).

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