Best Spots With Wi-Fi in Vancouver

July 13, 2016

5 min read

Sign with the word WiFi in blue letters on a white background with green foliage in the background.

photo: @bruno_soli

Populist is Vancouver’s cinematic city guide, showcasing everything that’s happening in the city through video – Your hub for where to go, what to do and who to see. Populist is run by Film and TV Producer, Rebecca Traub and Broadcast Journalist, Blanca Blandon (aka YinYang). Follow the fun at thisispopulist.com.

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You’re in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You snap that amazing photo of English Bay, but your data plan ran out and now you can’t show your friends how amazing Vancouver is. Don’t worry – we got you. When you’re out and about and need to connect, here’s where you’ll find solid Wi-Fi signals – free and accessible to all.

Cable car labeled Grouse Mountain with people inside, suspended over forested mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

11. Grouse Mountain

Wi-Fi on the mountain? Yup. Only downside? It’s just available for Shaw customers, so make sure you sign up before you head up.

People swimming and relaxing around an outdoor pool with a city skyline and mountains in the background on a sunny day.

10. Kitsilano Outdoor Pool

Last year the city announced that they would be bringing free public Wi-Fi to Vancouver through Telus, and Kitsilano Outdoor Pool was one of the target locations. Just be careful and avoid dropping your phone in the pool.

Blurred orange car speeding on a city street at night with smoke and illuminated traffic lights.

9. Taxi Cabs

Not only will most Taxi Cab companies take you from point A to point B, they’ll also help you save some data with their in-cab Wi-Fi. Yellow Cab and Blacktop are especially good for it. Great for when you’re taking a longer trip.

Glass of latte with foam art on a white saucer with a spoon on a wooden table in a cafe.

8. Cafés

This one’s a no-brainer. You’re guaranteed to come across a coffee shop or café on pretty much every street corner and the majority have free Wi-Fi. Some you’ll just need to ask for the password.

Urban street scene with Cordova St sign, traffic lights, and modern glass and older brick buildings.

7. Hotel Lobbies

Nowadays, practically every hotel lobby offers public Wi-Fi. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel – they don’t know that.

Glass building with a curved roof labeled as public market, located on a city street with leafless trees and parked cars.

6. Robson Public Market

A frequented stop by both tourists and locals, Robson Public Market also offers complimentary Wi-Fi access. Shop and surf the web at the time.

Green sign reading Vancouver Aquatic Centre with trees and a building in the background.

5. Vancouver Aquatics Centre

One of many Community Centres offering Vancouverites free Wi-Fi is the Vancouver Aquatics Centre. It’s conveniently located by Sunset Beach and the Water Taxi stop for when you run out. Connect to #VanWifi

People walking and sitting in a spacious shopping mall with a glass dome ceiling and H&M advertisements hanging above.

4. Shopping Malls

If you’re downtown, you won’t be far from the Pacific Centre Mall. They recently just got free Wi-Fi for all. Shop until you drop!

Two people sitting at a wooden table in a cafe, one typing on a laptop, the other smiling and watching.

3. Most Restaurants

The majority of restaurants in Vancouver now offer Wi-Fi for their guests. Why we don’t condone spending the entire lunch or dinner service with your head down looking at your phone (where are your manners?), sometimes you don’t have a choice. Also, Snapchat is a data beast so if you can save yourself from going over your plan and still share your experience with all of your friends – why wouldn’t you?

Tall totem pole with carved faces and designs inside a modern glass building with metal framework.

2. YVR Airport

One of the first major Canadian airports to offer free Wi-Fi, YVR Airport helps travellers stay connected while waiting for a flight. Wi-Fi hotspots include the main terminal, public areas, cafes, and restaurants.

People sitting at desks in a multi-level study area with large windows and concrete walls.

1. Vancouver Public Library

Go Wireless at the Vancouver Public Library on West Georgia Street, between Hamilton and Homer St. However, you do need a library card to access their wireless service. If you don’t have one – fret not. You can apply for an Internet Access Card. All you need is one personal piece of ID. For more info, click here.

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