Overseas Guests Tips
For invited guests only - This page is intended for invited wedding guests. Please keep these details within your party.
Recommended arrival date
If you’re travelling from overseas, we recommend arriving no later than March 8, 2026 so you have time to rest, adjust to the time zone, and settle in before the wedding day.
Passport & entry documents (please check before you fly)
Please confirm your passport validity and whether you need a travel authorization to enter Canada (for many visa-exempt travellers flying in, this is an eTA, which is electronically linked to your passport). If you get a new passport, you typically need a new eTA.
Airport → City (YVR)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is connected to the city by the Canada Line (SkyTrain), which reaches downtown in under 30 minutes.
Getting around Vancouver (no car needed)
Vancouver is very visitor-friendly without a car. You can ride SkyTrain/SeaBus/bus using Compass Card/Ticket or Tap-to-Pay (contactless credit card / Interac debit / mobile wallet), and transfers are time-based (90 minutes for most trips).
Where to stay (recommended hotels & areas)
If you are NOT driving (best option: stay near SkyTrain)
We recommend staying within walking distance of a SkyTrain station for the easiest way to get around Vancouver.
Best areas (no-car):
Downtown / Waterfront — most convenient for sightseeing
Broadway / City Hall — great transit access (Canada Line nearby), often better value than downtown
Burnaby / Metrotown — excellent SkyTrain access + shopping, often good value
Richmond (Canada Line / Airport area) — convenient for flights and transit, often good value
Recommended hotels (more budget-friendly; prices vary by date):
Downtown
YWCA Hotel Vancouver
Sandman Signature Vancouver Downtown
Best Western Plus Sands
Century Plaza Hotel
Rosedale on Robson (Suite Hotel)
Broadway / City Hall
Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre (Broadway)
Burnaby / Metrotown
Holiday Inn Express Vancouver–Metrotown (Burnaby)
Accent Inns Burnaby
Element Vancouver Metrotown
Richmond (Airport / Canada Line)
Holiday Inn Express Vancouver Airport – Richmond
Accent Inns Vancouver Airport
Holiday Inn Vancouver Airport – Richmond
Tip: Hotel prices can swing a lot by dates/weekends. If you want the best value, consider Metrotown (Burnaby) or Richmond (Canada Line / airport area).
If you ARE driving (more flexibility + often easier parking)
If you’ll have a car, you may prefer areas with simpler parking (often easier than downtown) while still staying connected to the city.
Best areas (with car):
Burnaby — central, typically easier parking than downtown
Richmond — easy airport access, often simpler parking
North Vancouver / Lower Lonsdale — nice area close to the North Shore
Recommended hotels (driving-friendly; prices vary by date):
Burnaby
Accent Inns Burnaby
Holiday Inn Express Vancouver–Metrotown (Burnaby)
Richmond
Holiday Inn Express Vancouver Airport – Richmond
Accent Inns Vancouver Airport
Holiday Inn Vancouver Airport – Richmond
North Vancouver
Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier
Things to do in Greater Vancouver (if you have extra time)
Popular highlights include:
Stanley Park
Granville Island
Gastown
Capilano Suspension Bridge (North Shore)
FAQ (quick answers)
Q: Do I need to rent a car?
A: Not necessary for most visitors. If you stay near SkyTrain, you can get around easily by transit + rideshare.
Q: What’s the easiest place to stay if I don’t drive?
A: Downtown / Waterfront or anywhere near a Canada Line / Expo Line station is the most convenient.
Q: How do I get from YVR to downtown?
A: Take the Canada Line (SkyTrain) from YVR to downtown in under 30 minutes.
Q: Can I tap my credit card to ride transit?
A: Yes—TransLink supports Tap-to-Pay on SkyTrain/bus/SeaBus, and transfers are time-based.
Q: Do I need an eTA?
A: Many visa-exempt travellers arriving by air need an eTA, linked to your passport. Please check the official Government of Canada page for your nationality.
Q: What should I pack for early March?
A: Layers + a warm jacket are recommended (weather can feel cool and damp). Also bring comfortable shoes for walking.
Q: What’s the recommended arrival date again?
A: No later than March 8, 2026.