Top Ten Free Apps and Websites in Vancouver

You are coming to a new city, and everything is new. Which restaurants are good? How do you get around the city? Which places should you visit? This is a guide to the top ten free apps and websites that will help you answer these questions while living in Vancouver.

1. UBC Mobile App

Link: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/ubc-official-mobile-app/id585269113?mt=8 (iPhone), https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ca.ubc.androidubc (Android), https://m.ubc.ca/ (mobile website)

UBC’s new mobile app will help turn new students into seasoned campus professionals. The app comes loaded with essentials: tours, courses, student tools, map, events, safety, dining, transit, news, directory, athletics, alumni, video, bookstore, and admissions content for undergrad and graduate students. You can even log in with your student ID on the app to make it more personalized.

2. Citymapper

Link: https://citymapper.com/vancouver

Citymapper is the only transportation app you will need to navigate around Vancouver. This single app provides real-time routing of all transportation options that updates every minute. If you ever need to get somewhere, this app will get you there. It is available as a website, and both an iPhone and Android app.

3. Daily Hive (aka Vancity Buzz)

Link: http://dailyhive.com/vancouver/

This is a website that celebrates everything that’s amazing about Vancouver. If you ever need a source for Vancouver-related news, this is your place to go. The Daily Hive is your inside source for Vancouver happenings, social events, sporting activities and great things to do around our beautiful city. They are also very active on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and many more.

4. Tourism Vancouver

Link: http://www.tourismvancouver.com/

This website brings together all the information you would need for visiting Vancouver. Their website includes travel tips, details about Vancouver’s neighbourhoods and geography, popular restaurants, activities to do, and festivals and events around the city. They also have an iPad app and social media accounts you can follow.

5. Urban Rec

Link: https://vancouver.urbanrec.ca/

If you like playing sports with friends, this site is for you! Urban Rec Leagues are all about being active, being social, and having fun. The leagues are focused more on fun and the social aspect of playing sports with your friends. It really is all about getting out, meeting people, and generally having a good time. And if you want to join, but don’t have friends who are interested, don’t worry! You can join any of the leagues and make friends there! You will find that people in Vancouver are very friendly. If you are looking for more fitness and non-group related activities, check out the Vancouver Parks and Recreation Fitness and Sport activities site: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/fitness-and-sport-activities.aspx.

6. Yelp

Link: https://www.yelp.ca/vancouver

If you are looking to go to a restaurant, shopping, or going out to an event with friends, you can always check on Yelp first to see what to expect. Yelp is a website (and mobile app) which publishes crowd-sourced reviews about local businesses. It is one of the best ways to find great local businesses according to the people that visit them.

7. Street Food App

Link: http://streetfoodapp.com/vancouver

Eat on the go with this app, which will give you a list and interactive map of every Vancouver food truck in your area. You can refine your search based on name, proximity to your location and popularity. You’ll also be able to see menus, operating hours and locations. It is available for both iPhone and Android.

8. Vancouver Tap Map

Link: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/tap-map/id391108983?mt=8 (iPhone), https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.metrovancouver.tapmap&hl=en (Android)

Across Vancouver everyone is encouraged, wherever possible, to drink water from the tap. Get with the trend, and carry your own water bottle. Use this app to find one of the more than 550 public taps of fresh drinking water in Metro Vancouver. We have some of the purest, freshest water in the world, so refill your water bottle anytime while you’re on the go. It’s the greener alternative to buying a single-use bottle of water, and it’ll definitely taste better.

9. Nightbound App

Link: http://www.nightbound.com/

Developed by Vancouverites, this app helps you navigate Vancouver’s nightlife by supplying real-time info on what’s happening inside a club before you wait in line or pay the cover charge. This app will give you the lowdown on Vancouver’s entire club and bar scene, providing you with specifics such as wait time, crowd size and gender ratio. It even lets you know about special offers.

10. Zoro Taxi App

Link: http://zoroapp.com/

If you are lost in the city, or just want to get somewhere quickly, then Zoro is to the rescue! Zoro is the first app in Vancouver to let customers book a taxi cab directly from their mobile devices. Zoro puts customers in contact with thousands of cabs across over 10 companies. Users will be able to arrange a ride immediately or pre-book a future trip based on their pick-up location. The app will estimate the fare needed, map your taxi’s location while you wait, communicate with your driver and maintain a record of your recent trips. And because Zoro works with regulated taxis, you never have to worry about higher rates during busy periods.

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