How Much Spending Money Do You Need for a Week in Vancouver?
Hello there! Vancouver’s charm is undeniable, and if you’re planning a trip here, you’re in for a treat.
But before you pack your bags, let’s talk budget. Here’s a guide to help you figure out how much spending money you’ll need for a week in this beautiful city.
How Much Money Do You Need for a Week in Vancouver?
For a solo traveler, expect to spend between CAD 142 and CAD 194 per day. Couples will need around CAD 200 per day, while a family of four should budget approximately CAD 800 daily.
Keep in mind, these estimates don’t cover airfare, attraction fees, or additional costs like car rentals or souvenirs.
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The Cost of Visiting Vancouver
1. Flights
The best times to fly to Vancouver are March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and hotel rates are lower. November offers the cheapest flights, with tickets 26% less expensive on average. Here’s a breakdown of typical flight costs:
| Class | Solo Traveler | Couple | Family of Four |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | CAD 332 – 679 | CAD 664 – 1,358 | CAD 1,328 – 2,716 |
| First-Class | CAD 691 – 1,575 | CAD 1,382 – 3,150 | CAD 2,764 – 6,300 |
2. Transportation
Vancouver’s public transit system is efficient and well-regarded globally. From Vancouver International Airport, you can take a taxi (CAD 35-40) or the SkyTrain (CAD 9). Within the city, you have several transportation options:
| Mode of Transport | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| SkyTrain | CAD 2.05 – 8.65 |
| TransLink Buses | CAD 8.45 – 10.75 |
| Greyhound | CAD 14 – 242 |
| HandyDART | CAD 2.05 – 102.55 |
| SeaBus | CAD 2 – 5.90 |
| West Coast Express | CAD 4 – 38.25 |
| Aquabus | CAD 40 – 380 |
| Taxi | CAD 3.35 – 30 |
Consider getting a Compass Card for easy fare management on public transit.
3. Accommodation
Hotel costs in Vancouver average CAD 163 per night, with a median of CAD 153. Here’s a snapshot of hotel prices:
| Hotel | Price Range per Night |
|---|---|
| Fairmont Pacific Rim | CAD 400 – 500 |
| Rosewood Hotel Georgia | CAD 400 – 500 |
| Shangri-La Hotel | CAD 350 – 450 |
| JW Marriott Parq Vancouver | CAD 300 – 400 |
| Hotel Le Soleil | CAD 250 – 350 |
| The Douglas, Autograph Collection | CAD 200 – 300 |
| Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront | CAD 150 – 250 |
| Sandman Hotel Vancouver City Centre | CAD 100 – 150 |
4. Food and Drinks
Grocery costs in Vancouver for a single person average CAD 300-400 per month. For dining out:
| Food Item | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Meal at Inexpensive Restaurant | CAD 25.00 |
| Meal for 2 (Mid-range Restaurant) | CAD 100 |
| McMeal at McDonald’s | CAD 12 |
| Domestic Beer | CAD 7.50 |
| Imported Beer | CAD 9 |
| Cappuccino | CAD 5.01 |
Cooking at your accommodation can save money compared to dining out.
5. Entertainment
Enjoying Vancouver’s entertainment options will vary:
| Activity | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Movie Ticket & Snack | CAD 13 – 15 |
| Concert Ticket | CAD 116 |
| Sports Event | CAD 50 – 140 |
Top attractions and their costs include:
| Attraction | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Capilano Suspension Bridge | CAD 24.95 – 62.95 |
| Vancouver Aquarium | CAD 39.95 – 51.95 |
| Grouse Mountain | CAD 36 – 179 |
| Science World | CAD 22.50 – 33.20 |
| Sea to Sky Gondola | CAD 25.95 – 69.95 |
| Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden | CAD 12 – 32 |
Many attractions offer discounts, and some are free, like Stanley Park and Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge.
6. Souvenirs
Souvenirs vary in cost:
| Store | Products | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| The Granville Island Hat Shop | Hats and Clothing | CAD 20 – 100 |
| Canadian Souvenirs | Clothing and Knick-knacks | CAD 5 – 50 |
| Grand Maple Gifts | Souvenirs and Apparel | CAD 5 – 100 |
| First Nations Designs Jewellery | Indigenous Jewelry | CAD 160 – 1,950 |
Budget Tips for Vancouver
- Book Early: Save on flights by booking well in advance.
- Stay Outside the City Center: Look for accommodations outside downtown for better rates. Consider Airbnb or Couchsurfing.
- Cook Instead of Dining Out: Save on food costs by preparing meals at your accommodation.
- Use Groupon: Find deals on activities and dining.
- Enjoy Free Attractions: Explore free spots like parks and trails.
- Travel Off-Season: November to mid-December, January, and February offer lower prices and fewer crowds.
- Visit Vancouver Art Gallery on Tuesdays: Pay what you can afford for entry.
- Seek Happy Hours: Enjoy discounts on food and drinks during happy hour.
- Bring a Water Bottle: Use public water fountains to stay hydrated.
- Maximize Free WiFi: Connect to #VanWiFi, Vancouver’s extensive free public WiFi network.
We hope this guide helps you budget effectively for your Vancouver adventure. For more ideas on things to do, check out our additional articles. Enjoy your trip!
