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Aerial views of city and downtown
Vancouver | Destination Vancouver/Barbershop Films

Metro Vancouver

A gateway to the outdoors and a wonder all its own

As the largest urban area in British Columbia, Metro Vancouver on the southern tip of the province, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and cosmopolitan adventurers alike.

Framed by the Pacific Ocean and Coast Mountains, the metropolitan area is a constellation of smaller cities—each with its own unique character and curiosities.

Metro Vancouver is as culturally diverse as it is beautiful. For thousands of years First Nations Peoples have called the area home and their distinct cultures are woven into the fabric of communities. Learn their stories through Indigenous-led tours, restaurants, and galleries. The area also reflects the many global cultures that have shaped and continue to enrich life on these lands.

This eclectic metropolis is a gateway to the Rainforest to Rockies route to the east and just a ferry ride away from The Infinite Coast to the west.

Map Of British Columbia, Canada
Stanley Park, seawall and Vancouver skyline from Lions Gate bridge
Explore Vancouver
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BC Place and Science World at daybreak, dawn
Vancouver | Destination Vancouver/BC Place

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Takaya Tours First Nations Canoe Adventures on Indian Arm in North Vancouver.
Indian Arm in North Vancouver | Destination BC/Albert Normandin
Family walking outside at Granville Island
Granville Island | Destination Vancouver/Hubert Kang

Here, communities buzz with art, festivals, and global cuisine—everything from food trucks to MICHELIN restaurants. Explore neighbourhoods along the Fraser River, the historic waterway that once fueled the Gold Rush. Or hop the SeaBus to Vancouver’s North Shore and discover the Shipyards District, a revitalized shipbuilding area filled with breweries, restaurants, and boutique shops. In Richmond, the Dumpling Trail and bustling night markets are a must.

Beyond the city lights, nature is never far in Metro Vancouver. Spot migratory birds in coastal wetlands, stroll sandy beaches, or tackle a vast network of hiking and biking trails through lush forest. In winter, skiing and snow adventures are just 40 minutes from Downtown Vancouver.

An aerial view over Sunset Beach Park in Vancouver.
Sunset Beach Park | Jon Ross Films

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Vancouver: Spectacular By Nature

Immerse yourself in the culture, cuisine, and energy of BC’s largest metropolitan area, perched on the edge of mountains, ocean, and forest.

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Places to Go

  • A closeup of two people's hands as they eat a meal at Sooda Korean BBQ restaurant at Brentwood Town Centre in Burnaby.
    Tourism Burnaby/Jeremy Segal | Tourism Burnaby/Jeremy Segal
    Burnaby

    Burnaby is the third-largest municipality in British Columbia, and its central geographic location within Metro Vancouver makes it easy to access.

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  • Three people riding mountain bikes on the Watershed Park biking trail in Delta.
    Delta | Tourism Delta/Tyler Garnham
    Delta

    Located within a half-hour drive of Vancouver and edging the US/Canada border, Delta (pop. 102,655) packs a punch when it comes to pioneer history, beaches, parks and farmlands.

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  • Richmond Night Market, Kezia Nathe
    Richmond

    Vibrant Asian culture, a street-food night market, and a seaside village.

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  • Coquitlam

    Coquitlam is a growing and vibrant community that prides itself on outdoor activities, destination attractions and a thriving history of arts, culture and heritage.

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  • A person is standing at an outdoor patio on the waterfront filled with green shrubs and trees on an overcast day.
    Kingfisher's Waterfront Bar & Grill in Maple Ridge | @miraecampbell
    Maple Ridge

    A blend of authentic rural activities and urban amenities.

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Jogging along the Stanley Park Seawall at sunset
Stanley Park Seawall | Destination BC/Maurice Li
People walking in the woods
Stanley Park | Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout

A city set between ocean and mountains, where urbanites play outside.

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