Vancouver has yet to become a fully connected city with hotspots covering every block, however, there are still many places you can enjoy free WiFi bliss. In fact, there are actually hundreds of free hotspots around the city. But if you’re stuck and need to remember where to go, these 10 places are some of the best locations for free WiFi in Vancouver.
If you know of any great spots, leave them in the comments below!
YVR Vancouver International Airport
YVR has been rated the best airport in North America for five years straight. Its hospitable environment includes all the luxuries and services of modern technology, including free WiFi. It blankets the entire terminal to ensure you never miss that important email or large PDF report.
Vancouver Public Library
Vancouver Public Library image via Shutterstock
A library environment is unlike any other with supreme quiet and lack of distractions to really get things done. If you’re not there to read a book, you can connect to free WiFi at any one of their 22 branches to get through your reseach, finish online homework or read your e-book. But be sure to check out the iconic Central Library at 350 West Georgia Street in downtown.
Blenz coffee shops
Image: Blenz
The Vancouver-based coffee company opened its first shop in 1992 on the corner of Robson and Bute. Their comfortable flow of customers into their shops is neither distracting nor raucous. If you’re looking for a great spot for meetings, or people-watching, head down to their Yaletown location at 338 Helmcken Street.
JJ Bean coffee shops
Image: Dialog Design
For four generations, the Neate family has been roasting coffee, and in 1996, John Neate Jr. (JJ) created JJ Bean in Vancouver. Each of their locations has free WiFi, but if you’re going to go to one, check out 1188 Alberni Street – it’s got a ton of cozy chairs over two floors, lots of windows and even a patio.
Waves coffee shops
Image: Waves
Waves offers the unique advantage of free WiFi without requiring asking the barista for Wifi codes. Many of their locations are quite spacious and catered towards groups. Their Smithe and Howe location even includes a boardroom for meetings with reliable WiFi.
Breka Bakery & Cafe
Image: Breka
If you’re pulling an all-nighter and looking for a place to keep you connected and caffeinated along with some delicious baked goods, Breka is the perfect spot. Try their location at Robson and Bute in downtown. There’s always people walking through!
UBC
UBC image via Shutterstock
While some universities require a login, “ubcvisitor” allows anyone to connect at their Vancouver Point Grey campus. Students from other universities and colleges are seen frequenting UBC study areas.
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons image via Shutterstock
Many locations are open late or for 24 hours. It’s very Canadian to enjoy Tim Hortons and their kindly provided free WiFi. Check out their huge location at 1150 Alberni – it’s connected to a Wendy’s, in case you want a Frosty.
Tourism Vancouver Visitor Centre
Image: Tickets Tonight
If you’re in downtown, drop in to the friendly staff at Tourism Vancouver’s Visitor Centre at 200 Burrard Street. You can get connected and learn more about our great city, and about many things you may not know.
The top of Grouse Mountain
Image: Grouse Mountain
If you’re a Shaw customer, you’ll have access to over 35,000 hotspots with Shaw Go WiFi, including the top of Grouse Mountain – perfect for sharing those stellar pictures you took of the view from up there. To learn more about Shaw Go WiFi, visit www.shaw.ca/wifi.
Shaw has also recently launched new guest access to their hotspots in some regions around B.C. Visit www.shaw.ca/wifi-guest-access/ for more info.
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