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Vancouver is having a moment — and Singapore travellers are taking notice.
Already named one of National Geographic’s Best of the World destinations for 2026, the Canadian Pacific city is firmly in the global spotlight this summer as one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But beyond the beautiful game, Vancouver has long been one of those rare cities that delivers on every type of trip: a long weekend solo, a wellness reset, a multigenerational family holiday. And with Air Canada’s non-stop Singapore–Vancouver service now two years strong, getting there has never been more straightforward.
If you’re planning a trip, I’ve also written a full 7-day Vancouver itinerary to help you structure your time, and a guide to Vancouver in spring if you’re visiting between March and May.
Here’s why Vancouver deserves a spot on your travel list — regardless of the season.
Getting There: Air Canada’s Non-Stop Singapore–Vancouver Flight
In This Guide
Air Canada launched its direct Singapore (SIN) to Vancouver (YVR) service in April 2024, and at under 15 hours of flight time, it’s one of the more comfortable long-haul routes you’ll do. The airline recently unveiled its new Glowing Hearted cabin design — its most significant cabin investment to date — set to debut on new Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787-10 aircraft.
The upgrades are substantial: all-new ergonomic seats, significantly larger 4K OLED screens with Bluetooth audio, and high-powered outlets at every seat. Travellers in Signature Class (Business) get new amenity kits from Canadian company Hunter Amenities, featuring premium skincare from award-winning brand Sahajan, a reusable contoured eye mask, and soft cabin socks. Every passenger gets complimentary Canadian spirits and local beers including Molson Canadian and Creemore Springs, plus Célébration Mini Maple Leaf Cookies on flights departing Canada.
Before you even board, the experience has already begun: the in-flight menus are curated by celebrated Vancouver chef David Hawksworth — so consider the flight a preview of what awaits. Aeroplan members earn points throughout, and the Air Canada mobile app handles check-in, baggage tracking and account management in one place. Departing Vancouver, Signature Class passengers can unwind at Air Canada’s newly opened Café and Signature Suite before the flight home.
I’ve also written a full review of flying Air Canada Economy from Singapore to Vancouver if you want to know exactly what to expect on board.
A City You Can Actually Walk
One thing that surprises first-time visitors: Vancouver is remarkably compact. The entire city centre — from Stanley Park and English Bay in the west, through Yaletown and Gastown, to Chinatown and the waterfront — spans just 3 kilometres, or a 30–45 minute walk. Granville Island, Grouse Mountain, and North Vancouver are all easy day trips from the centre.
This walkability makes neighbourhood-hopping genuinely enjoyable. Chinatown offers classical Chinese gardens and a sense of history. Yaletown is sleek, park-lined, and restaurant-dense. Commercial Drive is bohemian and local. Gastown, the city’s oldest quarter, sits at the intersection of heritage architecture and Vancouver’s most exciting food scene. You can do all four in a single day without hailing a cab.
Food: 12 Michelin-Starred Restaurants and Counting
If you’re a food-first traveller, Vancouver’s credentials are hard to argue with. The city’s Michelin Guide listing now includes 12 one-star restaurants, 15 Bib Gourmand picks (excellent food at moderate prices), and over 45 recommended addresses — a number that reflects just how deep the dining scene runs.
Gastown is the natural anchor for any food exploration — cobblestone streets, independent restaurants, and craft cocktail bars that reflect Pacific Northwest cooking at its most inventive. Nearby, Granville Island is a working market island packed with food stalls, independent producers, artisan breweries, and guided foodie tours that move through the market and surrounding neighbourhoods. It’s the kind of place you arrive at mid-morning and leave at dusk, wondering where the time went.
For craft beer specifically, the options are excellent. You can join a dedicated Vancouver Brewery Tour, opt for the Craft Beer and Food pairing version, or — best of all — take the Cycle City Craft Brew Tour, which combines two Vancouver loves (cycling and beer) into one afternoon.
For something distinctly Canadian, Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro is Vancouver’s only First Nations restaurant, celebrating Indigenous cuisine with wild salmon, bannock bread, and ingredients drawn from the BC landscape. (There’s also a Salmon n’ Bannock outpost at YVR Airport if you’re cutting it fine before your flight.)
At the top end, chef David Hawksworth’s Hawksworth Restaurant remains one of the country’s most acclaimed fine dining addresses — and the fact that he also curates Air Canada’s in-flight menus on the SIN–YVR route means the culinary experience starts before you land.
Wellness: A Living Laboratory for Holistic Health
Vancouver’s natural setting — hemmed in by ocean, rainforest, and mountain — makes it one of the most compelling wellness destinations in the world. And the city takes the concept seriously, with a culture that treats outdoor living not as a hobby but as a baseline.
Rainforest bathing is one of the more distinctive experiences on offer. Guided by operators like Rockwood Adventures, these slow immersions into Vancouver’s old-growth forests — towering Douglas firs, moss-carpeted ground, absolute quiet — are evidence-backed stress relief and unlike anything you’ll find in Singapore. Rockwood also runs Old Growth Rain Forest Hikes, River Canyons & Salmon Adventures, and BC Indigenous Art & Culture Experiences, making them a strong single point of contact for nature-led itineraries.
Beyond the organised – much of Vancouver’s wellness appeal is simply environmental. The 28km Seawall waterfront path is one of the world’s great urban runs or cycles. Yoga sessions take place on the waterfront with the North Shore Mountains as backdrop. Whale watching trips out of the harbour bring you face-to-face with orca pods in open water. In winter, the same mountains that host hiking trails flip to ski runs at Grouse Mountain, minutes from the city centre.
For those who prefer their wellness indoors – the city’s spa scene — with hot pools tucked into forest settings and rooftop fire pits at boutique hotels — is genuinely excellent.
Family: Every Season, Every Age
Vancouver consistently ranks among the world’s most family-friendly cities, and the evidence is everywhere. It’s safe, walkable, and built for outdoor curiosity at every age.The 2026 FIFA World Cup has added a layer of excitement this summer that’s hard to replicate — and the city has leaned in.
Year-round, the city’s attraction lineup is genuinely impressive.
- Science World at TELUS World of Science, the iconic geodesic dome on the waterfront, has been transformed into “The Beautiful Dome” for the tournament, making it a must-visit even for families with only a passing interest in football.
- The Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park is one of North America’s largest and most thoughtfully curated marine attractions.
- Flyover Canada offers a thrilling simulated aerial tour of the country’s landscapes — a great entry point for children new to the geography.
- The Museum of Anthropology at UBC provides a world-class introduction to BC’s Indigenous cultures through art, totem poles, and interactive exhibits.
- Harbour Air offers seaplane flights over the city and surrounding fjords — one of those experiences that lives rent-free in the memory.When the seasons turn, Vancouver’s festive offerings take over.
- Peak of Christmas at Grouse Mountain transforms the ski area into a winter wonderland with ice skating, light displays, and seasonal entertainment.
- Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park wraps the surrounding trees and suspension bridge in thousands of lights — spectacular by any measure, and a genuine highlight for families visiting in the colder months.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Vancouver from Singapore
How long is the flight from Singapore to Vancouver? Air Canada’s non-stop SIN–YVR service takes under 15 hours. It’s currently the only direct flight between Singapore and Vancouver.
Do Singaporeans need a visa to visit Canada? Singapore passport holders do not need a full visa but are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) before flying. The eTA is applied for online, costs CAD $7, and is typically approved within minutes. If you aren’t sure and you would rather take the guessing work out of the equation, try checking with IVISA.
What is Vancouver best known for food? Vancouver has 12 Michelin-starred restaurants, 15 Bib Gourmand picks, and over 45 recommended addresses in the Michelin Guide. It’s particularly known for Pacific Northwest seafood, world-class Asian dining (reflecting the city’s multicultural makeup), Gastown’s craft cocktail and restaurant scene, Granville Island’s artisan food market, and a dense craft brewery culture.
When is the best time to visit Vancouver? Vancouver is a genuine year-round destination. Summer (June–September) is warm and ideal for outdoor activities, hiking, and whale watching. Winter brings skiing at Grouse Mountain and the city’s famous festive light installations. Spring and autumn offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and excellent dining and cultural experiences.
How far is Vancouver city centre from the airport? Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is about 25 minutes from downtown by the Canada Line SkyTrain, which runs frequently and costs around CAD $4. It’s one of the most straightforward airport-to-city connections in North America.
Where to Stay in Vancouver
Vancouver has accommodation across every budget and neighbourhood. Staying in the West End puts you steps from Stanley Park and English Bay; Gastown and Yaletown are ideal for walkable access to food and nightlife. Browse and compare hotels using the map below:
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