The 34-year-old contacted manager Tony Mowbray about coming back to Rockliffe Park to retain fitness as he looks to resume his career in the UK and is expected to begin training on Thursday.
The Scotland international made 90 appearances during two-and-a-half seasons on Teeside before moving to Canada on a three-year contract in June 2012.
But the Whitecaps announced this week that the agreement had been mutually terminated after just one season.
Club president Bob Lenarduzzi said in a statement: "We are thankful for the contributions Barry made during his time with the club.
"Unfortunately, Barry and his family never fully settled in Vancouver and we've mutually decided to move on in different directions."







