PlanetSKI Visits the Ski Gateway City of Vancouver

20th September 2026 | James Cove, Vancouver, Canada.

Most skiers know it as the city to fly into to head to Whistler or some of the other ski resorts in British Columbia. We visit in the autumn to see if it might be worth a winter stop off. NEW

I have never visited the city of Vancouver despite flying in and out many times to visit some of the ski resorts in British Columbia – Whistler, Sun Peaks, Fernie, Red, Whitewater, Revelstoke & Kicking Horse.

The first aspect that struck me is the architecture.

Think Singapore, New York, Tokyo.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI

Then there are mountains, not in the distance, but bang in front of you across the bay.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI

The city itself can best be seen from the Vancouver Lookout tower.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI

Going up:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by PlanetSKI (@planetski.eu)

A visit to the viewing platform costs $23 (£12.27), but a ski friend of mine said a better way it is to have a drink in the revolving restaurant at the very top where there is no entrance fee and a beer costs $17.50 (£9.34).

That is a no-brainer.

Same views and a beer thrown in with some change.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI

And here are those views:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI

There’s even a view of Mount Baker in Washington USA in the distance.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI

In the Gastown area where we are staying is one of the city’s biggest tourist attractions.

Er, a steam clock.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by PlanetSKI (@planetski.eu)

I am told it is magical as it steams away when snow is falling in the winter months.

I am not sure what Granville Island is like in the winter months, but it was high on the list of must-visit places in Vancouver.

It was worth it alone for the walk over the bridge to the island.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by PlanetSKI (@planetski.eu)

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI

The area is Vancouver’s artisan centre, and home to western Canada’s largest public market.

There are artists workshops, galleries, restaurants and shops aplenty.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI

The food market and its restaurants are a must.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI

Then there is Stanley Park.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI

It is one of North America’s largest urban green spaces and has 400 hectares of woodland

It is best to hire a bike and then cycle the seawall.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI

The island has a selection of totem polls that are located on the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tseil-Waututh indigenous people.

The indigenous settlement of Vancouver began more than 10,000 years ago.

They tell the story of the parks roots and have stood in position since 1920.

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Image © PlanetSKI

The food in Vancouver is off the scale.

There is no need to dine on endless meals of burgers, chicken wings and processed food in a restaurant that has TV screens on every available wall space.

Vancouver has some fabulous restaurants and eateries.

Here’s one of my favourites – the Nightingale (another recommendation from the aforementioned ski friend).

Next door is the Brass Fish.

Top tip for lunch- honey salmon on a bed of rice with fresh vegetables.

Then there is this gem:

A boat journey across the bay to North Vancouver is worth it in the winter months as snow covers the surrounding mountains.

It is spectacular outside of winter too.

It is a boat route used mainly by commuters and is just $3.40 (£1.81) for a return ticket.

Passing by the docks reveals the importance of Vancouver as an international sea port and seeing one of the huge container ships up-close is quite a spectacle

I have seen Canadian goods trains so many times in the winter months as they endlessly pass by.

This is where many end up as their cargo is transferred to ships, that then head across the globe.

PlanetSKI is planning a visit to ski Whistler and other resorts in British Columbia next winter and I will find the time for a winter return visit to Vancouver.

I am told the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Bill Read Gallery of Northwest Coast Art are worth a visit.