Vancouver has all it takes to become one of the world's best cities. Yes, even for tourists. Tourists from all over the world visit Vancouver every year to enjoy its fantastic combination of natural beauty and thriving city life.

Vancouver has been voted as the one of the "most beautiful cities in the world" on several occasions. Enclosed by the snow-capped peaks of North Shore Mountains and sparkling blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, the port-city of Vancouver makes for a stunning landscape.

Tourists from all over the world visit Vancouver to enjoy its entertaining city life. Also known as the "City of Neighborhoods", Vancouver offers a diverse cultural experience. The city is also renowned for its farmers markets and community food markets apart from conventional shopping malls. If you are traveling with kids, don't miss the opportunity to visit its kid-friendly attractions like Science World, Granville Island, and PNE (Pacific National Exhibition). Make sure you purchase travel insurance or travel medical insurance before you take off for Vancouver to financially cover any unexpected illnesses, injuries, or accidents.

Things to Do for Travelers in Vancouver

Vancouver and its surrounding areas offer never-ending opportunities to all types of travelers. The weary traveler may rejuvenate the senses with a relaxing stroll at Stanley Park. Vancouver is also home to some of the best restaurants in the world. Satisfy the foodie in you by trying different gourmet cuisines including Japanese, Italian, Chinese, Indian, and Mexican. You can also spend a quiet evening at a beach or go bar-hopping. There's always something to do in Vancouver.

• Sea-To-Sky Highway: The Sea-To-Sky Highway is considered to be one of the most scenic drives in the world. Also known as BC 99, this legendary route gives visitors the chance to enjoy the quintessential Canadian road-trip experience. This 90-minute-long drive takes visitors from Vancouver to the picturesque skiing town of Whistler. The many small towns on the way offer visitors the opportunity to try local delicacies, learn about Indigenous communities and even go gold-hunting in a goldmine.
• Go Park Hopping: One of the best ways to enjoy Vancouver's maritime weather and natural beauty is by strolling through its numerous parks and gardens. Believe it or not, there are more than 230 different gardens, parks, beaches, and recreation facilities in Vancouver. Not to be missed is the iconic Stanley Park. This gorgeous park is one of Vancouver's most popular tourist attractions. Spread over 405 hectares (about 1,000 acres), Stanley Park is often known as the heart of Vancouver. During your visit to Stanley Park, don't miss the chance to enjoy and witness the amazing marine life at the famous Vancouver Aquarium. Click pictures of an eight hundred-year-old Red Cedar tree stump at Hollow Tree. You may even learn about the history of Indigenous Canadian tribes at the Totem poles at Brockton Point.
• Vancouver Whale Watch: If there's a place in the world where you can enjoy whale watching, it is Vancouver. You can whale watch in style. Visitors can engage in different whale watching experiences by riding a kayak, seaplane, a zodiac speed boat, or even a luxury catamaran. Listen to whale calls using state-of-the-art hydrophones, catch their playful saunters, or simply enjoy an enchanting sunset.
• Adventure Activities Like No Other: Vancouver and its surroundings offer a wide range of adventure and outdoor activities throughout the year. These include the gondola ride to Grouse Mountain, walking on the iconic Capilano Suspension bridge, zip lining, camping, swimming in freshwater lakes, hiking trails, kayaking, and surfing. Come winter you can try different winter sports in the nearby town of Whistler.
• Explore the Neighborhoods: Each of Vancouver's neighborhoods comes with its distinct flavor and personality. The downtown areas of Gastown and Yaletown offer a distinctive historical influence. South Granville is home to the University of British Columbia. It has a characteristic university charm and youthful vibe. Explore Chinatown, Punjabi Market, Granville Island, and Kitsilano to enjoy Vancouver's diverse cultural influences.

Travel Risks for International Travelers in Vancouver

Canada has been ranked as the second safest country in the world, and Vancouver is one of the safest cities in Canada. Travel risks for international travelers are considerably less in Vancouver. Unfortunately, international travel is never completely safe. International travelers may consider the following travel risks in Vancouver:

• Unpredictable weather: Sometimes Vancouver and its surroundings experience extreme weather conditions. Conditions like extreme cold, snowstorms, blizzards, and heavy rainfall with strong winds are common during winter. Vancouver is also infamous for rain. Also known as Raincouver, the city experiences about 170 days of rain a year. So, you have a 50:50 chance of rain during your visit. Travelers need to exercise caution while driving. They also need to keep in mind the possibility of flight delays or cancellations.
• Downtown troubles: Vancouver is one of the safest cities in the world. Like all big city downtown areas, Vancouver downtown also has its share of small crimes. Visitors should be careful of pick-pocketing, ATM thefts, robbery and mugging. Visitors should avoid notorious areas, especially during night time.
• Driving pains: One of the best ways that travelers can experience the true colors of this stunning city is by driving around it. Rent a car and explore its beautiful surroundings. Travelers should be careful of road closures, construction zones, speeding rules, and local rules. To avoid accidents, visitors should also be extra careful of the many biking lanes that run through the city.
• Wildlife risks: While you are enjoying a hiking trail through Vancouver's beautiful outdoors, be careful of encountering wild animals like elk, cougar, and even bears. Always stick to designated hiking trails and clean-up your picnic area after eating.
• Flu Season: Vancouver experiences flu or influenza (A or B) season during fall, winter, and early spring. Symptoms of influenza-A or B include sore throat, cough, headache, body ache, and fever. In most cases, the flu is treated through home treatment.

Vancouver Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

A travel medical insurance plan can provide insurance coverage against the financial costs of medical aid that may occur during your visit to Vancouver. It includes medical aid for unexpected accidents, injuries, and illnesses. A Vancouver travel medical insurance plan can provide coverage to both leisure and business travelers.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Vancouver?

International travelers legally do not need travel medical insurance for visiting Vancouver. However, it is always highly recommended for international travelers to buy travel medical insurance before flying to Vancouver.

Vancouver has some of the best hospitals and medical facilities in Canada. However, medical aid in Vancouver is expensive. Travel medical insurance in Vancouver can protect you from the financial distress that an illness or injury resulting in medical expenses in Vancouver may cause you.

Why buy travel medical insurance for Vancouver?

Vancouver travel health insurance can provide numerous benefits to international travelers. It can protect you from extensive financial expenses related to illness in a foreign country. The insurance coverage may include cost of an ambulance to transport you to a medical facility, hospitalization charges, and expenses for x-rays, MRIs and other diagnostic tests and scans. Purchasing a travel medical insurance plan before traveling to Vancouver is always highly recommended for your financial safety.

Vancouver Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

In recent times, hotels, airlines, cruise-liners, and theatres offer "early bird discount". Unfortunately, these aren't refundable. Vancouver trip cancellation insurance for tourists is an insurance plan designed for international travel. It can provide a safeguard against losing your money when any part of your tour is canceled for a reason listed inside the policy.

Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Vancouver?

Trip cancellation insurance offers coverage from financial loss arising during trips abroad. It can include coverage for last-minute trip cancellations, missed flights, loss of baggage, and personal valuables. Most travelers buy travel insurance before their international voyage. Buy comprehensive insurance coverage in Vancouver and enjoy your vacation with one less thing to worry about. Read your travel insurance plan before buying to know what reasons are approved under the plan and can provide reimbursements if the trip is canceled.

What all is covered under trip cancellation insurance for Vancouver?

There are different types of trip cancellation insurance plans that travelers may choose from. Basic travel insurance for tourists typically provides coverage for flight cancellations, missed flights, trip interruption and cancellations. Other additional coverages are often included, but since benefits can vary between plans, compare several and before you leave, purchase the plan that offers the best coverage for you and your trip.

Before You Travel to Vancouver - Do This

• Pack your rain-jacket: The weather in Vancouver can change drastically. Carry a rain-jacket and wind-breaker with you at all times to avoid being drenched in the rain.
• Book Early: Vancouver is a very popular destination. It is equally popular among domestic Canadians as well as international tourists. Make sure you book your hotel and rental car well in advance to get the best deals possible.
• Buy travel insurance: Don't forget to buy travel insurance for you and your family. Enjoy Vancouver to the fullest. With travel insurance in your pocket, there can be no more worrying about the risk of medical expenses or last-minute cancellations.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.