Jordi & Elaine
Jordi & Elaine
Travel
Jordi & Elaine’s Wedding in Vancouver, British Columbia
We can’t wait to welcome you all to our celebration in one of Canada’s most beautiful cities! If you’re flying in, your final destination should be Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
Below you’ll find detailed info on flights, accommodation, and getting around Vancouver. If you have any questions, please reach out!
1. Best Time to Book Flights
Domestic Travellers (Ottawa & Toronto)
Booking Window: Aim to book 3–4 months in advance (around April or May 2025) to secure the best fares for Labour Day weekend.
Peak Demand: Labour Day is a busy travel time, and Vancouver is a top destination—prices and availability can change quickly.
International Travellers (Europe, Australia, California)
Booking Window: Try 5–6 months ahead (around February or March 2025) for better prices and more flight options.
Longer Routes: These flights are often more expensive, so the sooner you lock in a ticket, the better.
2. Where to Book for the Best Deals
1. Skyscanner
Excellent for comparing fares across multiple airlines.
Set up price alerts for your ideal travel dates to get notified when prices drop or rise.
Offers a clear, easy-to-use calendar view of prices.
Tracks fare changes over time and suggests alternate airports if it could save you money.
Great for flexible date searches and deal alerts.
Hopper uses price prediction to guide you on the best time to buy.
4. Airline Websites
For the most up-to-date deals and possible loyalty program perks, consider booking directly:
(Direct booking can sometimes give you exclusive promotions or better cancellation/change policies.)
3. Flight Options & Considerations
Air Canada
Pros: Largest Canadian carrier, frequent flights, in-flight amenities, direct routes from many major cities.
Cons: Typically higher base fares than ultra-low-cost carriers.
Approximate Pricing: Domestic flights can start around CAD $250–$450 (round trip) if booked early; international routes will vary widely but keep an eye out for seat sales.
Porter Airlines
Pros: Known for refined service (snacks, lounge access in some airports), often offers competitive prices. Plus, if you sign up for their newsletter, you’ll receive promo codes fairly regularly.
Cons: The cheapest fares book quickly and will usually not be on weekends.
Approximate Pricing: Round trips from Toronto to Vancouver might start around CAD $200–$400 if you snag a sale. From Ottawa, expect prices around CAD $250+.
Flair Airlines (Mentioned Last as a Budget Option)
Pros: Ultra-low-cost fares, sometimes as low as CAD $80–$100 one-way from Toronto or Ottawa if booked very early.
Cons: Strict baggage limits, fewer amenities, and additional fees for seat selection, checked luggage, etc.
Approximate Pricing: You may see rock-bottom prices, but factor in extra costs (baggage, seat choice) before deciding.
4. Tips for Smooth Travel
Early Bird Gets the Deal: Lock in flights and accommodations well before the Labour Day rush.
Flexible Travel Dates: Arriving on Thursday, August 28th or earlier will give you time to settle in; departing Tuesday, September 2nd can help avoid some of the return rush - (the best flight deals are usually available when flying on Thursdays and Tuesdays).
Check Baggage Policies: Each airline handles carry-ons and checked bags differently—avoid surprises by reviewing the fine print.
5. Accommodation in Vancouver
Vancouver is popular over Labour Day, so book as soon as you can for the best choice of location and price.
Where to Stay
Ceremony & Reception: Held near the west side (UBC & Shaughnessy Restaurant).
Neighborhood Highlights:Shaughnessy & Near UBC: This area is full of large homes, many of which have guest suites that pop up on Airbnb. Check carefully to ensure they comply with Vancouver’s short-term rental rules.
Kitsilano & Point Grey: Close to beaches and great restaurants, convenient for UBC.
Downtown & Olympic Village: Well-connected by transit, lots of hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
By the Water: Staying near False Creek, English Bay, or Coal Harbour can be picturesque and easy for strolling along the seawall.
Hotels
Search on Booking.com, Expedia, or directly on hotel websites for the best deals or loyalty rates.
Airbnb & Vrbo
Vancouver’s Rules: Entire-home rentals are only legal if it’s the host’s primary residence. Read listings carefully to confirm whether it’s a legal suite, a private room, or a separate entire unit.
Why It Matters: You don’t want to risk a last-minute cancellation if a listing isn’t following local regulations.
6. Getting Around Vancouver
Vancouver offers a variety of transportation options—choose what works best for your itinerary!
1. Public Transit: TransLink (SkyTrain & Buses)
SkyTrain: Rapid rail service that connects Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Richmond (including the airport), and parts of Surrey.
Bus Network: Extensive bus routes covering most of Metro Vancouver, including direct routes to UBC (like the 99 B-Line).
Fares: Use a Compass Card or tap a credit card. One fare lets you transfer between bus, SkyTrain, and SeaBus within a 90-minute window.
2. Ride-Hailing (Uber, Lyft)
Quick for short trips, particularly at night or in areas less served by transit.
What Is It? A local car-sharing service. Once you join (and upload your driver’s license info - no membership fees!), you can pick up an Evo car anywhere within the “Home Zone” and drop it off in any legal parking spot back inside that zone.
Why It’s Great: Perfect for quick errands or day trips without committing to a full rental car with prices billed by the minute ($0.45), the hour ($16.99), or the day ($100).
4. Bike Share: Mobi by Shaw Go
Vancouver has extensive bike lanes and picturesque routes. Grab a bike from any station, enjoy your ride, and return it to any other station.
5. Rental Cars
Ideal if you’re planning to explore beyond the downtown core—like day trips to the North Shore mountains, Whistler, or the many beautiful provincial parks.
Heads Up: Parking costs can add up, and traffic can be heavy during peak hours. Still, it’s worth it if you want flexibility and scenic road trips.
We Can’t Wait to Celebrate with You!
Whether you’re coming from across the country or across the globe, we appreciate the effort you’re making to join us on this special weekend. Vancouver is a stunning city with so much to see—beaches, mountains, and amazing food. Please let us know if you have any further questions about flights, where to stay, or what to do in town.
Safe travels, and see you soon!