Whether you’re living in Vancouver or just visiting, this list of must-download Vancouver apps is here to make your life infinitely easier.
Need groceries delivered in 15 minutes? A dinner reservation for Sunday? A place to document your favourite Vancouver craft beers? A guide on what specific species of tree you have in your cul de sac? Yes, there’s an app for all those first world problems… and more.
Short of the worst Vancouver nuisances like finding a furnished rental that doesn’t cost a kidney, or figuring out where to go for happy hour downtown, there’s a handy app for pretty much everything around here.
So, read on for a list of the top apps you need to download in Vancouver… and let us know in the comments if there are any good Vancouver apps we missed!
Too Good to Go
Download: Apple App Store| Google Play App Store
If you hate food waste as much as we do, then Too Good to Go is a Vancouver app you don’t want to miss.
Long story short, this app allows you to purchase surplus food from restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets for a steep discount.
Every day you can go on the app and see which places are offering a “Surprise Bag”, and buy one for a cheap price ranging from 5.99 – 7.99. In each bag, you’ll usually get surplus food that amounts to double or triple the value you paid.
This is a great option if you’re not picky about what you get.
We’ve used Too Good to Go in several countries while traveling, and while the offerings in Vancouver aren’t amazing just yet (it’s mainly pizza and supermarkets!), we’re optimistic that the options will become more enticing once the app grows in popularity and more restaurants sign up.
Street Food Vancouver App
Download: Apple App Store | Google Play App Store
If you want to try all of Vancouver’s best food trucks but aren’t sure where they will be or when, then be sure to download the Vancouver Street Food app.
This super helpful app shows you on a map where your favourite food trucks are in the city, along with their opening hours.
OpenTable
Download: Apple App Store| Google Play App Store
If you’ve ever attempted to get a last-minute table for a popular restaurant, you’ll probably know the pain (and hanger) of Vancouver’s long wait times.
While it’s definitely , Vancouver is a city that loves reservations, which is why OpenTable is such a great app to download when you live in Vancouver.
This app allows you to quickly and easily reserve tables at thousands of restaurants across the city, meaning you won’t be stuck starving in a Cactus Club line-up at 7pm ever again.
Tiggy
Download: Apple App Store | Google Play App Store
Living downtown, the speedy grocery delivery app Tiggy has become somewhat of a lifesaver.
Their value proposition is simple: 15 minute grocery deliveries, with no minimum order, no delivery fee, and a handy selection of essentials at fair prices.
Sure, you won’t be able to do your full grocery shop on this app, but for instances when you’re missing an ingredient mid-dinner prep, or craving a specific snack for movie night, this app truly is the best.
At the moment, their delivery zone is limited to Downtown, Kits, and bits of East/Central Vancouver, but if you live within their delivery zone, definitely give this app a download!
Get 30% off your first three Tiggy orders! Use the promo code REFY1NH3.
Untappd
Download: Apple App Store| Google Play App Store
There are a lot of craft breweries in Vancouver, and keeping track of which beers you liked vs. which beers you’d never drink again is a daunting task.
Luckily, there’s an app for that!
Untappd is a great app that allows you to track and rate the beers you drink, while also showing you the reviews of others. For those who have defied the odds in Vancouver and actually made (gasp) friends, then there’s also a social element to the app where you can see what your friends have had and rated.
If you’re a lover of craft beer, then this app is a must-have so you can keep track of all those new beers you’re trying!
Transit
Download: Apple App Store| Google Play App Store
If you frequently use public transportation in Vancouver, then downloading the Transit app is an absolute must.
In collaboration with Translink, the Transit app gives you a lot of information that standard Google Maps omits… like special service alerts, bus capacity predictions, and real time vehicle locations.
Given that Translink can be a bit unpredictable at times, having this app is really handy for staying in the loop.
Uber
Download: Apple App Store| Google Play App Store
It took us a while, but after years of a rideshare drought, Vancouver finally has Uber.
Finally!
Especially if you live in a spot that’s not super well serviced by public transport, having Uber on your phone is a must. Within minutes, you can have a secure ride at your finger tips, with transparent rates and an easy contactless payment experience.
If you’ve ever tried to get a cab in Vancouver, you’ll likely know how difficult it can be, so definitely save yourself some headaches by having Uber on your phone.
Vancouver Taxi: Yellow Cab
Download: Apple App Store| Google Play App Store
If for one reason or another, you’d prefer not to Uber, then Vancouver does actually have its own taxi app, which more or less does the same thing as Uber, but uses specifically Yellow Cab taxis.
Be warned: the reviews have quite a few complaints about long waits, incorrect fares and (comically enough) even tales of drivers picking up the wrong people, but hey, it’s always good to have another option in the back pocket.
Evo
Download: Apple App Store| Google Play App Store
Be in Vancouver long enough, and you’ll inevitably spot a black Evo car, with its signature bright blue logo.
This car-sharing app is a great Vancouver app to download for those who don’t have a car of their own, but might need one from time to time.
Here’s how it works: you sign up for an account, then (once approved), you can find any Evo car, unlock it, inspect it, then use it as you need before dropping ti off in any approved parking area.
It’s a super useful app to have for quick grocery runs, day trips, and emergencies… so be sure to give it a download.
VanCollect
Download: Apple App Store| Google Play App Store
If you live in the City of Vancouver and live in perpetual confusion re: when trash and recycling are being picked up, then having the VanCollect app downloaded can be really handy.
This app allows you to view upcoming collection schedules, and also sends reminders in regards to weekly collection. Practically speaking, this is one of the best apps to have in Vancouver if you’re forgetful like us.
Vancouver Street Trees
Download: Apple App Store
If you’ve ever been walking down the street and wondered “huh, I wonder what kind of tree that is”, let us share with you with the delightful knowledge that there is indeed an app for that.
App-tly named “Vancouver Street Trees”, it shows you on a map the various species of trees that you’ll find around the city. Definitely a great Vancouver app to download if you want to impress a date, or maybe annoy all your friends with fun tree-related factoids.
Did we miss any of your favourite Vancouver apps?
Let us know in the comments so we can add more recommendations to our list!