International travel doesn't necessarily mean long, expensive flights, foreign languages and days of jetlag — Canada is so close. If you're looking to explore America's northern neighbor, consider Vancouver. The bustling Pacific coast seaport, located in British Columbia, is one of Canada’s densest, most ethnically diverse cities. The city is surrounded by mountains and boasts thriving art, theater and music scenes, not to mention a delicious food scene closely tied to the region's bountiful seafood offerings.
It’s more doable than you think. According to travel site Skyscanner, there are plenty of flights from Virginia Beach to Vancouver in the next few months, and the prices aren't too shabby.
So if you're looking for a change of scenery, here are some deals to put on your to-do list. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)
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Flight deals to Vancouver
The cheapest flights between Virginia Beach and Vancouver are if you leave on Aug. 14 and return from Canada on Aug. 18. WestJet currently has tickets for $304, roundtrip.
There are also deals to be had in July. If you fly out of Virginia Beach on July 17 and return from Vancouver on July 21, WestJet can get you there and back for $316 roundtrip.
Top Vancouver hotels
To plan your accommodations, here are some of Vancouver’s top-rated hotels, according to Skyscanner, that we selected based on price, proximity to things to do, and customer satisfaction.
The Rosewood Hotel Georgia (801 W. Georgia St.)
If you're looking to treat yourself, consider The Rosewood Hotel Georgia. The hotel has a five-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $292.
The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver (791 W. Georgia St.)
There's also the 4.8-star rated The Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver, which has rooms for $247/night.
The Four Seasons is a luxury hotel in the center of downtown Vancouver, bordering the business district and a short walk to the Vancouver Art Gallery, Pacific Centre Mall, the Vancouver Convention Centre and the Canada Line and Skytrain.
The Westin Bayshore (1601 Bayshore Drive)
If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, try The Westin Bayshore. The 4.6-star hotel has rooms for $129/night.
The Westin Bayshore is next to Stanley Park and a five-minute drive or 20-minute walk to the downtown core. The Vancouver Convention Center and Canada Place are a 10-15 minute walk away.
Featured Vancouver food and drink
Vancouver has plenty of topnotch dining options. Here are a few of the most popular, according to Skyscanner.
New Town Bakery & Restaurant (148 E. Pender St.)
One of Vancouver's most popular restaurants is New Town Bakery & Restaurant, which has an average of 4.9 stars out of nine reviews on Skyscanner.
"There are lots of Chinese bakeries in Vancouver, but New Town takes the cake," wrote visitor Laina. "The bakery has a lot of variety, from the classic pineapple bun and BBQ pork buns to taro or apple turnovers. They also have steamed buns and egg tarts."
Hokkaido Ramen Santouka (1690 Robson St.)
Another popular dining destination is Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, with 4.9 stars from seven reviews.
"The slow-cooked pork ramen broth at Santouka made me want to have bad table manners and lift the bowl to my lips," wrote reviewer SaraLua. "The slow-cooking of the pork stock enables it to have a creamy texture. It was the best ramen bowl I've ever had."
The Naam Restaurant (2724 Fourth Ave. West)
Also worth considering is The Naam Restaurant.
"The restaurant is one of the oldest vegetarian restaurants in Vancouver," wrote Zerlander. "Eat there and you'll see why. The food is 100% vegetarian (some vegan dishes) and 100% delicious."
Bridges Restaurant (1696 Duranleau St.)
Finally, there's Bridges Restaurant.
"Not only is this one of the most upscale seafood restaurants in all of Vancouver that will have you licking your lips the moment you arrive (and long after you leave), this restaurant also has a beautiful view of False Creek from Granville Island," wrote Alexa. "For an absolutely unforgettable experience, come here when the sun is going down and watch as the whole (glass-encompassed) restaurant becomes filled with the most gorgeous glow."
Featured local attractions
To round out your trip, Vancouver offers plenty of popular attractions worth visiting. Here are some top recommendations, based on Skyscanner's descriptions and reviews.
Stanley Park
First up is Stanley Park, which is home to art events, acclaimed restaurants and world famous landmarks, like Prospect Point and the Nine O'Clock Gun. Lining Stanley Park is the Seawall, a stretch of pavement next to Vancouver's waterfront that is popular for jogging, walking, and skating.
"It is just a lovely and massive park," wrote visitor Stephen. "You can bike, swim or just walk around and explore the bounties that nature has to offer, all under a backdrop of the city."
Granville Island Public Market (1669 Johnston St.)
Granville Island Public Market is another popular destination.
It houses an assortment of colorful stalls, showcasing unique homemade products and the very finest in gastronomic delights – all fresh from the ocean, the oven or the field.
"The Granville Public Market is a massive place, and you can find everything from a bar to fresh seafood, a butcher shop, old albums or to whatever artistic venture beckons you," wrote visitor Stephen.
Granville Island (1661 Duranleau St.)
Lastly, consider checking out Granville Island.
Granville Island is a shopping district located across downtown Vancouver's peninsula. The island is famous for its street performers – jugglers, musicians, magicians and more.
"There are live theaters, fun buskers, restaurants and cafes," wrote visitor Toni. Check them out online to find out what's going on there."
This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.
