EC Vancouver Travel Guide and Activities

Consistently rated as one of the top places in the world to live, Vancouver is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Mountain range. Massive totem poles and large stone figures called Inukshuk welcome visitors. Students enjoy the world-famous Stanley Park in the middle of the city for strolling along the oceanside sea wall or visiting Granville Island with its marinas and artists’ studios.

Climate

Vancouver enjoys the most temperate climate in Canada. Daytime summer temperatures are typically 22°C, while winters are around 6°C. Spring and fall are usually 14°C.

Money

Currency: Canadian dollar CAD$
Major credit card companies in Canada: American Express, Visa and Master Card.
Standard banking hours: Monday to Friday from 9:30 until 16:30. Some banks and specific branches may be open later and even on Saturdays and Sundays.
Public holidays falling on a weekday

2024 Public holidays on a weekday
02 Sep, 30 Sep, 14 Oct, 11 Nov, 25 Dec and 26 Dec.

2025 Public holidays on a weekday

01 Jan, 17 Feb, 18 Apr, 19 May, 01 Jul, 04 Aug, 01 Sep, 30 Sep, 13 Oct, 11 Nov, 25 Dec & 26 Dec

Monthly Activities

Check out the Monthly Activities Calendar

5 things to see

Stanley Park
Granville Island
Vancouver Art Gallery
Victoria
Whistler

5 things to do

Ride a Bike to the seawall
Take the bus or drive to Kelowna – Okanagan
Visit Vancouver Aquarium
Visit Squamish, Bowen Island, Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast.
Visit Tofino for Surfing mountains

Useful Information

Telephone Country Code

Electricity

110 V; 60Hz – 2 flat-pin plug.

Tap water

Tap water is safe unless there’s a sign to the contrary.

Medical

If you have a medical emergency, go to the emergency department of the hospital closest to you. Take some identification with you, and your insurance policy number. Some hospitals may ask you to pay a fee. Keep the receipt to send to your insurance company for payment. For Emergencies call 911.
Go to a walk-in medical clinic are for medical problems that are not emergencies. You do not need to make an appointment. You can simply go see a doctor. The closest walk-in clinics to EC Vancouver is:

Coal Harbour Health Centre
622 Bute Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 3M1

Call: (604) 558-3313

Public Transport Info

Transit cost varies, depending on time of day, day of the week and distance of travel. Vancouver’s transit system is divided into three zones.
Schedules & Maps
Fares & Passes
Trip Planner

Driving Age

The minimum age to rent a car is 21. Additional charges may apply to drivers 21 to 24 years of age. Most rental companies require that you have an international driving license, a second form of identity and a major credit card.

Alcohol Age

Legal age for drinking in Vancouver is 19 and many places will ask for identification.

Smoking laws

Legal age for smoking in Vancouver is 19. Smoking is prohibited in all buildings, including all restaurants and bars. Smoking is permitted outside (6 metres from the nearest entrance or ventilation system). If you smoke in a “smoke free” place, you may receive a fine of up to CAD$2000.

Insurance

All EC Vancouver students must be covered by health insurance for the entire length of their stay. EC can help students to purchase insurance upon arrival at the school. The cost of insurance is CAD$18 per week. Students will be asked to show proof of coverage on arrival if they are not purchasing insurance through EC.

Useful Links

Visa

For Visa information please visit our Visa Requirements page

Cost of Living

Coffee, Frapuccino,Caramel Machiato, Latte

C$7.00-C$10.00

Bottle of water / soda (0.33 litre)

around C$3.00

Food Court

C$10.00-C$15.00

Meal, inexpensive restaurant

C$25.00- C$50.00

Fitness club (monthly, 1 adult, depending on the membership)

C$25.00-C$50.00

Seabus to Granville island

C$5.00

Movie Theater Tuesday

C$7.00-C$8.00

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