Vancouver is an ideal destination for travellers, offering a comfortable mix of international familiarity and breathtaking natural scenery. Surrounded by mountains, forest paths, and the Pacific coastline, the city suits those who enjoy taking their time, whether that means walking through gardens, cycling along the waterfront, or paddling calm inlets. Every part of Vancouver offers a refreshing experience that still feels familiar. With thoughtful stops, cultural notes, and easy places to stay, what follows speaks especially to the interests of Taiwanese visitors. But first, here’s why Vancouver feels so naturally welcoming!
Vancouver often feels both familiar and comfortable to visitors from Taiwan. Its welcoming atmosphere comes from cultural diversity, a strong Asian presence, and a wide variety of international dining options. English is spoken, and the city's reputation for safety and friendliness helps travellers settle in easily. Vibrant East Asian communities add to this sense of comfort, with familiar foods, shops, and cultural details offering a reassuring connection.
Vancouver’s coastal climate brings mild summers and greenery that thrives throughout the year. Nature is woven into daily life, with gardens, beaches, parks, and mountains always within reach. For first-time visitors, it offers a smooth introduction to Canada’s Pacific Coast, where urban living and outdoor calm go hand in hand.
Getting around Vancouver is easy thanks to its reliable Trains, buses, and ferries, which cover most of the city's main attractions. These options are ideal for exploring urban areas, but when your plans extend beyond the city limits to forest trails, quiet beaches, or scenic coastal routes, a rental car becomes a valuable advantage.
With your vehicle, you can travel on your schedule, make spontaneous stops, and enjoy sunset views without worrying about transit timetables. A car also gives you access to local cafés, lookouts, and hidden spots that public transportation may not reach. While public transit works well for solo travellers, families, couples, and those seeking more freedom often find that driving adds comfort and convenience to their journey.
Start your week with a relaxing day close to the heart of the city. Stanley Park offers a unique green space bordered by sea and city skyline. A walk or cycle along the Seawall, which loops 9 km around the park, offers views of the harbour, Lions Gate Bridge, and forested coastline. Along the way, pause at iconic stops like the totem poles, Brockton Point Lighthouse, and Second Beach.
Later, you can stroll through the formal gardens or unwind at the Vancouver Aquarium. For dinner, Coal Harbour offers a scenic dining setting, with restaurants overlooking the water and mountain backdrops that shift beautifully with the light. It’s an easy first day that gently introduces you to both city life and the West Coast wilderness. To learn more about what Stanley Park has to offer and how to make the most of your visit, read Experience the Charm and Beauty of Vancouver’s Iconic Stanley Park.
Begin your morning with something active yet calming. Rent a kayak or paddleboard from Granville Island or Kitsilano Beach and explore the waters around False Creek and English Bay. These inlets are protected and suitable even for beginners. Early mornings offer calm conditions and the chance to see wildlife. Seals, otters, and birds are common sightings.
After drying off, head to Richmond for lunch. This area is known for its authentic Asian eateries and shopping centres. Taiwanese visitors often find a comforting taste of home here, with familiar dishes, groceries, and a sense of cultural connection. In the evening, venture into Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, for a walk through cobbled streets, historic buildings, and trendy cafés.
Cross the iconic Lions Gate Bridge into North Vancouver and spend the day in the mountains. Grouse Mountain offers stunning ridge-top views and activities ranging from scenic hiking trails to gondola rides. If you’re interested in cycling, nearby trails in Mount Fromme and Mount Seymour range from beginner-friendly loops to more technical forest descents.
The air is cooler and fresher in the mountains, making it ideal for active days. Pack a lunch or enjoy a mountaintop café before descending. In the evening, return to the city’s West End and try one of the farm-to-table restaurants. With seasonal produce and creative menus, it’s a tasty way to end a day of forest adventure.
Take a short ferry ride to Bowen Island, a calm retreat just a short distance from Vancouver. Here, you can hike through shaded trails to Dorman Point for sweeping views of the coastline, cycle quiet island roads, or rent a kayak for a more intimate view of the coastline. Lunch in Snug Cove offers local seafood and a chance to browse the artisan shops around Artisan Square. The island has a slow pace, perfect for a midweek break. On your return ferry ride, enjoy the scenic views as the sun begins to lower—mountains turning gold and the water reflecting the colours of the evening sky.
Today, travel north along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, one of Canada’s most scenic drives. Begin with a stop at Shannon Falls, where water cascades down a dramatic cliff face, and enjoy a gentle riverside walk through the forest. Continue to Porteau Cove, a peaceful waterfront spot that’s perfect for ocean views or a quiet picnic.
The journey leads to Squamish, a small town nestled between mountains and sea, known for its wide range of outdoor activities. You can hike the Stawamus Chief for sweeping views from the summit or choose an easier trail like Dog Mountain. For thrill-seekers, options like zip-lining or rock climbing add a dose of adventure. On the return to Vancouver, the drive invites unplanned stops for photos, scenic pauses, or moments of quiet reflection along the way.
Begin your day with a visit to Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver, where winding trails lead through towering old-growth forests to rocky cliffs and the striking Point Atkinson Lighthouse. Despite being close to the city, the park feels remote and untouched. Early morning brings a quiet calm, with sunlight filtering through the trees, creating a peaceful and almost magical atmosphere.
From there, make your way east to Deep Cove, a charming waterfront village perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Enjoy a gelato, rent a paddleboard, or take a gentle stroll along the marina to soak in the calm. Small artisan shops and cozy cafés invite you to slow down and unwind, offering a welcome contrast before heading back into the city.
On your final day, visit VanDusen Botanical Garden or Queen Elizabeth Park. Both feature beautifully arranged gardens and viewpoints where you can look across the entire city toward the mountains. These gardens reflect Vancouver’s love of both design and nature, and they make for a perfect calm beginning to the day.
If time permits, take one last trip to Spanish Banks or UBC Farm, where you can watch the sun set slowly over the Pacific. It’s a fitting end to a week that blends natural wonder with cultural ease. For more ideas on peaceful trails, garden escapes, and scenic spots, take a look at Vancouver for Nature Lovers: Best Hiking Trails, Gardens, and Views.
Here’s a helpful list of practical travel tips for visitors from Taiwan planning a trip to Vancouver. From the best times to visit to what to bring and key travel documents, these pointers are designed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on Canada’s west coast.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what Taiwanese visitors should know when renting a car through Final Rentals. Whether you're planning a road trip through British Columbia or heading further into the Rockies, these points cover everything from the booking process to insurance and seasonal considerations.
To make sure you're fully prepared for the road, you can also read Everything International Travellers Need to Know About Driving in Canada.
Vancouver is where natural beauty and urban comfort come together effortlessly. For travellers from Taiwan, the city feels both excitingly new and warmly familiar. From walking forested trails and kayaking in calm bays to enjoying local cuisine and quiet cafés, every moment offers something special.
Choosing to rent a car in Canada with Final Rentals gives you the freedom to go beyond the usual routes, reaching scenic lookouts, peaceful beaches, and off-the-map gems at your own pace. With flexible travel and open roads, your journey becomes entirely your own. Let Vancouver’s landscape and spirit shape an unforgettable adventure—one that’s yours to design every step of the way!
