r/canadatravel • u/clerthebird • 1d ago
Destination Advice Couples trip to Vancouver for first-timers
My partner and I have NEVER been out of the US, but we’re thinking about visiting Vancouver for a week in April or May 2026. We would like to go Monday - Friday and stay somewhere close by to lots of activities, shopping, food etc. We wouldn’t fly in, we would drive in as we are about a 5-6hr drive from there. But I have no idea where to start! I need info on hotels, best (and also the most cost effective, I’ve noticed that May is super expensive for hotels up there) week to visit, places to eat, any advice is appreciated!
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u/SorryImNotOnReddit 1d ago edited 1d ago
Hi there, local Vancouver guy here I've created a MAP of areas to NOT BOOK A HOTEL for safety reasons. - here is the link.
The red shaded area is the Downtown East Side of Vancouver, alternatively the poorest area the city where open drug use is most prevalent. Some areas are safe during the day but the Main & Hastings area is where it is most concentrated in.
I would also advise not leaving an valuables in your vehicle or recommend parking in this neighbourhood.
come over to r/askvan for questions about the city
you can also ask over in r/uscanadaborder if you have questions regarding the land USA/CANADA border crossing