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11 Essentials for Visiting Our Hometown – A Vancouver Travel Blog

This Vancouver travel blog is your gateway to discovering even more detail on the city we grew up in, including the best neighborhoods to explore and stay in , inside travel tips , unique restaurants , non-touristy things to do , and true must-dos .

Vancouver, Quick and Easy

This Vancouver travel blog gives you a quick and easy understanding of what's where , what's good , and what's special ( and not so special ) about Vancouver.

That way, you'll be prepared to hit the ground running and make the most of your stay.

As born-and-raised Vancouverites, Kim and I have helped hundreds of visitors discover the city while working in and owning hospitality businesses here and hosting guests in our apartment through Airbnb .

And, when it comes down to it, everyone asks us the same 11 questions.

So we've put together this Vancouver travel guide to answer them for you. Quick and easy.

Vancouver Travel Blog Contents

• Why Vancouver?
• Why NOT Vancouver?
• What's where?
• Where to stay?
• How to get around town?
• What are the most popular things to do?
• What should visitors REALLY do?
• Where to eat and drink?
• Where to explore outside of Vancouver?
• What else to know before coming?
• Where else to go for Vancouver travel info?

1. Why Vancouver?

• Everything's close: Vancouver doesn't have freeways and is surrounded by water and mountains, so it's super compact and walkable / bikeable / busable.
• Fresh air: Forests, mountains, beaches, and ocean are everywhere.
• No worries:  No matter where you wander you're totally safe, even in our infamous skid-row, the Downtown Eastside (a.k.a. "Shitshow" in the map below).
• Good for your health: Like in any great beach city (and Vancouver is one ) we Vancouverites feel the pressure to have beach bodies. And we have limitless options for doing so. You won't help but be compelled to be more active and eat more healthy than usual.
• Open-minded: Vancouver's a diverse and accepting place where you'll feel comfortable no matter who you are, what you believe, and how you look.

2. Why NOT Vancouver?

• Van-boring:  Compared to other cities of its size and reputation, there aren't many parties, events, or cultural happenings going on in Vancouver.
• Van-cliquey: Locals are generally friendly to newcomers, but hard to actually befriend.
• Rain-couver:  If you visit between September and May and don't get any rain, that's probably because it snowed (which is super rare. Lucky you!). It rarely rains hard, but it's always dreary and grey.
• Van-stolen: You won't get in any trouble unless you really ask for it, but if you leave things lying around they will be stolen. Petty crime is a big problem in Vancouver.
• It's freaking expensive. Everyone wants a piece of Vancouver, but it's a small place, so prices of everything keep rising and rising.

3. What's Where?

Know the neighborhoods, boring but useful map of vancouver's neighborhoods:.

Entertaining, Un-Politically Correct, But Reasonably Accurate Map of Vancouver's Neighborhoods:

Geography Crash-Course

Super quick info so you don't get lost:

• The mountains are north .
• The airport is south .
• Downtown and Stanley Park are on a peninsula at the north of the city where 98% of tourists are, so be part of the 2% from time-to-time. 
• Outside of downtown, numbered streets go east-west and named streets go north-south .
• East Vancouver (brown areas in the map above) used to be poor. Now it's hipster.
• West Vancouver (green neighborhoods in map above) was hippy (Kits) and humble (the rest). Now it's too expensive.
• The West End (downtown neighborhood) is not the same as the West Side (half the city) or West Van (a suburb across Lions Gate Bridge).

For forty of our our top-recommend spots in Vancouver, see our Treasure Map , below.

4. Where's the Best Area to Stay in Vancouver?

Our Top Pick

As we write in our post where we rank Vancouver's best neighborhoods across various criteria , the best place to stay in Vancouver is in the West End.

It's a relaxed but densely-populated local area within walking distance of everywhere downtown and close to the SkyTrain to the airport.

Look to stay in the area between Davie, Denman, Robson, and Burrard streets we've zoomed into here:

For a More Unconventional Trip

For a cheaper and less conventional alternative, consider staying near Broadway and Commercial in Vancouver's Eastside.

Commercial Drive is probably the most culturally diverse street in the city. There are restaurants with cuisine from every continent, ethnic food stores, cultural community centers, and a wide-ranging mix of incomes and ages.

Try to stay as close to Broadway (which is 9th avenue) as you can. That way, you'll be right by the SkyTrain, which takes you downtown or the other way to very uncharted tourist waters like Burnaby's Crystal Mall, and the 99 B-Line express bus, which can efficiently take you to Kitsilano and UBC.

Vancouver Neighborhood Guide

Our Where to Stay in Vancouver guide explains our top-recommended neighborhoods (and ones we don't recommend so much), then helps you choose for yourself by scoring each across various categories like fine dining, proximity to attractions, and affordability.

5. What's the Best Way to Get Around Vancouver?

Our Dos and Don'ts for Getting Around Vancouver covers this in full, but here's the short version:

How to Get to and from the Airport

If there are there or less of you in your group, take the SkyTrain, Vancouver's subway, from the airport into town.

It'll get you downtown in half an hour, connects with all the city's other transit lines, and costs $9.25 each (the standard $4.25 2-zone fare plus a $5 airport fee).

Hold onto your ticket if you're transferring because you'll need it as proof of purchase.

If there are three or more of you, a taxi can be cheaper than the SkyTrain (though, depending on where you're staying and the time of day you arrive, not always faster).

There are fixed rates (PDF)  depending on the area you're going to. For example, it's currently $31 plus tip from the airport to the center of the city.

How to Get Around Town

Don't rent a car.

Parking's a huge pain and it's easier, cheaper, and even sometimes faster to get around without one.

Rent a bike if it's nice out.

Vancouver's so bike-friendly that car-lovers are always complaining that bike lanes are taking over the city.

You can't beat 'em, so join 'em.

The cheapest way to do so is to use Vancouver's shared bike system, Mobi , which costs about $10 a day.

For bigger bike rides rent a better bike for $30 to $50 a day. We strongly recommend the route we outline in our post on our favorite 7 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Vancouver ,

Also,  take public transit (it's safe, clean, and efficient here), walk (the city's compact), and, only when you really have to, use ridesharing (finally allowed in the city as of Jan 2020).

Check out our Dos and Don'ts For Getting Around Vancouver guide for a handful more tips to help you cover more ground in less time and for less money.

6. What Are the Most Popular Things to Do in Vancouver?

This isn't our person top ten things to do, but no Vancouver travel blog is complete without at least mentioning these.

Here's our honest take on each:

1. Stanley Park

Lots of trees right beside downtown. It's nice to bike around it on the Seawall as long as you avoid the crowds. Head to Lynn Canyon for a more beautiful forest.

2. Granville Island

Fish, arts, crafts, theatre, and markets on an island peninsula under the Granville Street Bridge. Take a little ferry there from downtown.

Vancouver's "old" town is good place to go for dinner and drinks… and kitschy, overpriced souvenirs. Our Vancouver neighborhoods guide provides a lot more info.

4. Canada Place  

For whatever reason, it's Vancouver's tourism epicenter. Flyover Canada may be overpriced and gimmicky, but it's something to do when the weather's crappy.

5. Museum of Anthropology

Go if you're interested in the British Columbia's Aboriginal culture and history. If you're out that way in the summer, start at Wreck Beach , stop at the museum, then bike back along the beaches (see Vancouver's best bike ride ).

6. Capilano Suspension Bridge

Many locals, including Chris, have never been. It's not obligatory for you to spend $50 to go either. Consider Lynn Canyon's suspension bridge as a free alternative.

7. Vancouver Lookout

The needle-topped, space-ship-looking building in Vancouver. Go in March for the Urban Grind . Otherwise go elsewhere—like Grouse , Cypress , or Locarno Beach —for city views.

8. Grouse Mountain

Forest, views, grizzlies, lumberjack shows, hikes. Do hike up in the summer, but instead of the often unpleasantly-busy Grind consider taking the locals' route that we share in our guide to our favorite non-touristy things to do in Vancouver .

9. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

It's a nice garden. Give it a quick walk-through if you're in the area, but don't go out of your way to see it.

10. Science World

It's the golf ball-looking structure at the end of False Creek. It's mostly for kids, though once a month they have the adults-only Science World After Dark and every February there's the Science World of Cocktails

7. What Should Visitors REALLY Do in Vancouver?

Do these Types of Things

Instead of telling you exactly what to do in Vancouver, here are the  types of things you really should do to get a true feel for the city:

1. Experience the Asian side of Vancouver

Vancouver is the most Asian city in the world outside of Asia. Dive into it (and dig into the food).

2. Get into the woods

Go even if it's raining. It's a rain -forest after all.

3. Eat by the sea

There's something about the salt in the air that makes the food taste better. We recommend a couple of places in our Only-in-Vancouver Dining Experiences post.

4. Try some Canadian food

There's no such thing as Canadian cuisine, but there are a few things you should try while in Canada such as poutine, Nanaimo bars, and Caesars.

5. Go to the beach

In the summer this is a no-brainer, but even in the winter, you should go for the views and fresh air. Our guide to Vancouver's beaches  will help you find the best one.

6. Get out of downtown

The views are nicer. The people are too. It's cheaper. And who knows what you'll discover.

7. Exercise

Vancouverites famously don't always work hard, but they do work out hard. Join the fun. Yeah, fun . As we wrote in our tips for staying fit while traveling , not only will you feel better but you'll meet some cool people and have some of your favorite travel experiences doing so. Join an outdoor bootcamp, drop in at a yoga studio, go to one of the city's calisthenic parks , or, if you're a bit crazy, try a beach rock workout .

For complete details on all of the above, read our 7 Things Everyone Must Do in Vancouver .

Try these Non-Touristy Things to Do

Whenever friends visit, these are the things we always recommend they do.

Our Non-Touristy Things to Do in Vancouver post has the full details, but if you're lazy or short on time here's the recap:

• Have a sunset picnic on the beach
• Hike up Grouse Mountain the other way
• Go foraging
• Play the People’s Golf, frisbee golf and pitch 'n' putt
• Laugh with them (or at them) at a comedy club or improv show
• Dabble in Vancouver's marijuana culture
• Do Vancouver’s BEST bike ride from UBC to downtown

8. Where Are the Best Spots to Eat and Drink?

Go to the Dining Districts

When you're hungry, walk along the following streets. You'll be sure to find something to your cravings, whatever they may be.

• Alexandra Road:  An easy SkyTrain ride south to Vancouver's southern suburb of Richmond. You'll be overwhelmed by the 200+ mostly Asian restaurant options.
• Main Street: Hipster mile. Tons of vegetarian and vegan options and casual spots to "nosh," or whatever they say these days.
• Commercial Drive:  As explained in Where to Stay , it's got options from all corners of the globe.
• Gastown:  Definitely the most popular area of the city for a dinner out, with tons of reasons why.
• Yaletown:  Where the yuppies go to pre-game and spend more than they should.
• West Robson:  Japanese and Korean row. Tons of ramen spots with ever-present lines.
• West 4th Ave:  The birthplace of Lululemon, with plenty of spots that cater to Lululemon-types. Go to Maenam for Thai food.

Related: Dos and Don'ts for Foodies Visiting Vancouver for the 1st Time

Try Some Only-in-Vancouver Dining Experiences

There are plenty of hip and/or fancy places that serve "better" food than the following places, but you'll find similar restaurants in any American city.

On the other hand, here some dining experiences you can only enjoy in Vancouver:

• Snack on unpretentious food while enjoying unbelievable views of the mountains and downtown Vancouver at The Galley Patio and Grill
• Drink your favorite chocolate bar or fruit in a wild and crazy bubble tea from  Bubble Queen
• Fill yourself up on samples of crazy flavors before settling on one or two at the pink palace, La Casa Gelato
• Put a cap on another great day with a picturesque picnic at Sunset Beach

For some more detail on these and more recommendations, check out our full Only-in-Vancouver Dining Experiences post .

Drink Craft Coffee and Beer

Just like its fellow Pacific Northwest cities, Portland and Seattle, just about everyone in Vancouver is passionate about starting their day with a brew (of coffee) and ending their day with more brews (of beer).

Cafes are everywhere, so we won't even bother trying to recommend which one to go to…

..But if you insist, we'll give you one:

If you stay in the West End, as we recommend (see: Where to Stay ), check out Greenhorn Cafe for a small-town vibe in the heart of the big city.

With regards to beer, there are a couple of microbrewery districts to do a beer crawl at:

• On and around Main Street between 1st and 7th.
• Along Powell Street between Clark and Victoria.

Savor Vancouver's Best Ice Cream

Rumor has it that Vancouverites consume the most ice cream per capita in the world.

We doubt it's true, but what's undeniable is that everyone here has strong opinions on whose ice cream or gelato is best.

So, as we love to do and recommend you try too , we blind tested the best to put an end to the debate. The winner was…

…hipsters and buy-local-supporters are going to hate this…

Haagen Dazs.

The local favorites, Earnest, Bella, and Rain or Shine, came in 3rd, 4th, and 5th respectively. 

Eat Vancouver's Best Sushi

Vancouverites eat so much sushi that there's a company that designs furniture with all our used chopsticks , and, like with ice cream, everyone has their own opinions about whose sushi is best.

Once again, we did a blind taste test to find out.

Surprisingly, we discovered that the best California roll sushi was not from the restaurant where it was invented (and costs $18 a roll!), Tojo's , but from the all-you-can-eat place across the street, Tomokazu !

Dos and Don'ts

Get about fifteen helpful tips for finding and enjoying great food and drink in our Dos and Don’ts for Foodies and Drinkies Visiting Vancouver .

9. Where to Go Outside of the City?

As we explained in our 16 Best Countries to Visit for 16 Unique Types of Trip , Canada is the best country to visit to connect with nature, so you really should escape the city and do so.

Here's some inspiration:

One thing that makes Vancouver special is that in as little as half an hour you can flee the city and be immersed in full-fledged, watch-out-for-bears-and-cougars, Canadian wilderness.

If you're short on time, consider hiking up Grouse Mountain (and maybe try the local route ). Or, if you're short on fitness too, walk around Lynn Canyon. Both are nice.

But, if you're able to, go for a real hike.

In general, the harder the hike is to get to, the better it is. It'll be less spoiled by hordes of others and more beautiful. To whet your appetite, here are a couple of hikes that we've put together detailed guides to:

Anvil Island

Hike up to the top of Leading Peak on this essentially uninhabited island just outside Vancouver and enjoy 360-degree views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains from the helicopter pad up top. The only thing is you'll need to hire a boat or rent a kayak to get there. Here's our Anvil Island guide .

Brandywine Meadows

If you can find someone with a high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle to get you there, it's one of the fastest ways to get to the B.C. alpine. Come in August or September and you'll be rewarded with wildflowers galore as you explore the waterfalls, creeks, and mountains in this alpine playground. Read more about hiking Brandywine Meadows here .

If you want other suggestions, let us know what you're looking for in the comments and we'd be glad to help.

Nearby Destinations

Squamish and whistler.

If you're more into mountains than beaches, head up the Sea-to-Sky corridor to Whistler.

But, before going straight to Whistler, consider stopping half way in Squamish.

Squamish  is Canada's outdoor adventure capital . It's famous worldwide to rock climbers, mountain bikers, and kite surfers, but unknown otherwise. It's kind of like what Whistler was thirty years ago.

We have no posts about Squamish to share with you (yet), but Chris used to own a hostel there and his brother owns a cafe , an ice cream shop , and a climbing gym in town, so we're definitely qualified to answer any questions. Ask away in the comments below !

Squamish is also way cheaper than Whistler. And since it's only forty-five minutes away it's worth considering staying there to save money. But if you insist on staying in Whistler, at least save some money by checking out our post on  how to find cheap(-er) accommodation  and our guide to Whistler's hostels .

Vancouver Island

Some common misconceptions among visitors to Vancouver (which we cover in our Vancouver Travel Tips post) are that Vancouver Island is A) really close to Vancouver and B) not that big.

The truth is it's as big as Belgium and takes at least four hours to get to from Vancouver. Go if you have more than a few days to explore it.

Savary Island

Only 140 kilometers (less than 100 miles) from the Vancouver is a little, totally overlooked, and borderline tropical island called Savary .

It's unlike any other island in the Pacific Northwest (maybe because it's really just a giant sandbar). And they say it's got the warmest water of anywhere on the Pacific Coast north of Mexico!

The Okanagan

Located about a four-to-six hour drive from Vancouver, the Okanagan is BC's mini Sonoma Valley.

In the summer months, you can bike from winery to winery, lay by the lake in the dry heat, and munch on the fresh berries and local produce the valley produces every summer.

10. What Else Should Visitors Know Before Visiting?

Here are some tips and insights that other visitors we've helped have found most surprising and helpful:

• Vancouver is tiny.  The entire city of Vancouver is only 115 square kilometers (44 square miles), so everything is within easy biking (or even walking) distance.
• Free water. Our tap water is potable, clean, and delicious. It comes from up high in the beautiful mountains that help make Vancouver one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
• Take ID.  If you want to drink something more alcoholic than water or get into any place that serves drinks, you'll need to show ID, even if you're well past the legal drinking age of 19.
• You’re safe on your own. Everywhere. There is no unsafe part of the city, no matter at what point of day or night.
• Your stuff isn't safe on its own.  Never leave any personal items unguarded in Vancouver. There is a large underworld of thieves who prowl the city waiting for the chance to grab your stuff when you're not looking.
• Free Wifi.  Save on roaming fees and enjoy free internet throughout the city by connecting to any of the 550 (and counting) #VanWifi hotspots. Here's the map .

These are just seven of the 50+ helpful things to know before you go to Vancouver that we share in our Vancouver Travel Tips post.

11. What Are Other Good Sources of Vancouver Info?

Other helpful vancouver guides.

• Airbnb's City Guide . A little-known experiment by Airbnb, it's a compilation of all the insider tips from hosts around the city. It's better than Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, Yelp, or whatever else.
• Vancouver Tourism's Story Sheets. These aren't meant to be seen by the public. They're made to help tourism "insiders"—influencers, agencies, and media—come up with fresh things to write about. Why not skip the middleman and go straight to the source?
• The Daily Hive . Most of their content is BuzzFeed-esque mental fast food, but it is the best resource there is (for now) to find out what's going on in Vancouver.

The Rest of Our Vancouver Blog Series

To help you plan most memorable Vancouver trip possible, don't miss the other four posts from our 5-part Vancouver Series:

• Vancouver Travel Tips You Likely Haven't Heard Already

Where to Stay in Vancouver: The Best Neighborhoods, Ranked

• 7 Things Everyone Actually Must Do if They Visit Vancouver
• Our Favorite Non-Touristy Things to Do in Vancouver

12. (Bonus) How to Get an Answer to Any Very Specific Question

Ask us in the comments!

Kim and I would love to hear from you and will do our best to help.

Read This Next:

Vancouver Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Vancouver Must-Dos: 7 Things You Honestly Can't Miss Out On

7 Non-Touristy, Cool Things Do in Vancouver

Disclosure: Whenever possible, we use links that earn us a cut if you pay for stuff we recommend. It costs you nothing, so we'd be crazy not to. Read our affiliate policy .

19 thoughts on “11 Essentials for Visiting Our Hometown – A Vancouver Travel Blog”

Very impressive collection of information. My wife and I are visiting the latter part of October to visit my son and his girl friend and big question is money or more to the point, what is our best option on exchanging US$ for Canadian and where? what credit cards are better to use as well.

Thanks in advance and really love the insider information.

Clarence Palmer

I'm glad you found our Vancouver blog posts helpful, Clarence!

Your best bet is to get an exchange-rate free credit card. That'll save you the 2.5% foreign exchange fee plus whatever extra margin the credit card companies add between their rate and the true rate. I've only studied Canadian credit cards ( this post ), but am sure you can find even better ones for Americans.

Otherwise, if you have a bunch of US cash you want to exchange to CAD, the best rates are at the Vancouver Bullion & Currency Exchange, which has a couple locations in town.

Enjoy your trip!

Thanks for the update and info.

can you recommend itinerary for January trips let's say 3 days 2 nights. I am planning to drive from Seattle to Vancouver. Thanks a bunch

Hey Novi. A whole itinerary would be another post in itself. Weather will be a big determinant. Since you have a car, drive the Sea-to-Sky highway at least to Squamish and back. Eat at my brother's funky and very popular cafe, Zephyr, while you're there. Maybe do a meal in the Alexandra Rd area of Richmond in your way in or out since you'll be driving by. Go to a comedy and/or improv show. Eat some poutine. Walk around Lynn Canyon Park. Eat at Salmon House on the Hill or in Deep Cove, maybe. It's especially tough to give recommendations to a Seattleite since our cities are so similar. I guess you can compare each city's areas too: Pike Place vs Granville Island Market, Pioneer Square vs Gastown, etc.

Hi, Fantastic blog! Love it! Very informative.

I'm travelling to Seattle in January. Planning to go to Vancouver from Seattle for a couple days (about 2 to 3 nights stay). Have heard Whistler is an expensive but very pretty place to check out. What's your recommendation for transport up to Whistler?

Alternatively, would it be advisable to rent a car from Seattle, drive into Vancouver and back to Seattle? (I'll have to get back to Seattle for my flight home)

Thanks in advance 🙂

Hi Yen, Would a rental car company allow you to cross the border without too much additional fees? If so, definitely consider that. The drive from Seattle to Vancouver is meh but from Vancouver to Whistler it's spectacular, and worthy of taking your time on. Here's a post I wrote a while back for the hostel I used to co-own on attractions to check out along the way: https://www.squamishhostel.com/blog/sea-to-sky-highway-attractions . Some are more summer-friendly, but others are worth seeing any time of year. Then, to save money, you could stay in Squamish instead of Whistler. Enjoy your trip! (And hopefully you like Vancouver more than Seattle, haha. The cities are quite similar so there's a bit of competition between the two… an unfair one in favor of Vancouver if you ask me!)

Hi! Great blog post ( https://theunconventionalroute.com/vancouver-travel-blog/ ).

My friend and I are so excited to visit Vancouver. We live in Chicago (me) and right outside NYC (her) , and will be coming to town for our birthdays. We're aiming for early September, but…. when does the rainy season start? And is there a cut-off date you'd say not to come, b/c of the rain? Realize it's hard to predict exactly. We plan to stay 4-5 days, although it's early planning at this point.

Thank you – Suzanne (who's happy to offer Chicago or NYC travel tips, if needed)

Hi Suzanne. September's one of the best times to visit Vancouver. It's way less busy (and cheaper) and the weather's still generally not so bad. The later in September, the less likely you'll have rain, so early September you should be ok. Once you hit October, all bets are off.

Kudos for being super proactive about planning. I couldn't imagine researching 9 months in advance, but it makes sense for more availability and better prices. And thanks for the offer for NYC / Chicago tips. Kim and I aren't shy about taking these types of offers, so if and when we go you can expect to hear from us! Enjoy Vancouver and let us know if you have any questions leading up to your trip.

Leonila A. Dalanta Assistant Media Manager PhamilyPC.tk

Thanks, Leonila,

Interesting move adding an email signature to a blog comment!

Chris Blachut Blogger The Unconventional Route

Hi, great post. I might be in Vancouver for a few months, what would be the best way to pay for public transport? I tried to research the Compass card but found it quite confusing!

Thank you, Gem

Hi Gem. If you're going to be using public transit regularly, definitely get a Compass card. It's actually pretty straightforward. You pay the refundable $6 fee, load some credit (which you can set to reload from your credit card automatically), then ride to your heart's content at a lower rate than if you paid individually every time. Or get a bike if you're living centrally, sporty, and are coming during the nicer months.

great blog! enjoyed reading it. it will be very helpfull for our visit this summer, thank you.

One of the best blogs i've ever read! Thank you very much for all the information. I am going on a hike alone by myself by the end of August. I only have 2/3 hours for it. What would you recommend me: Murry loop hike or Stawamus Chief (only first peak)? Thank you in advance (and greetings from Mendoza, Argentina)

Gracias, Val. The upside of The Chief is it's more exercise, you get higher up, and it's maybe more of an accomplishment to go up and down a little mountain. But it also gets CRAZY busy in the summer. Murrin will be more peaceful—physically and in terms of people. Hope that helps.

Loving all the content on your blog about Vancouver! I'll be going next month and will also be heading up to Squamish for a few days for some hiking and camping. Do you have any recommended spots to camp (front-country)? Or must-do hikes near Squamish? Thank you!!

Hey Cari. Cool. No specific recommendations, sorry. Generally (and logically), the closer to Squamish you get, the busier the campsites and hiking. So the Chief and Sea to Summit are great, but also teeming with people when the weather's nice. Go deeper down Squamish Valley, for instance, and you'll find quieter places to camp. Or cross the Squamish River to try Lake Lovely water, for example. Curious to know what you settle on. Enjoy!

I tried to get your free Treasure Map (twice) but nothing seemed to happen. I thought I might get an email from you, but no. I'm using Chrome on a Mac.

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Home » North America » Canada » Vancouver

EPIC 3-DAY VANCOUVER ITINERARY (2024)

Vancouver, British Columbia is one of the most beautiful places to see in Canada! Every type of traveler will find something to love about this beautiful coastal city. With magnificent wildlife to awe-inspiring natural landscapes, lush mountain ranges, urban culture, vibrant art, theatre, and scene – Vancouver has it all!

There is something here for everyone, and your soul will be fed from the experiences on this 3-day Vancouver itinerary! Vancouver is a city that is thriving with many people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. You can truly enjoy a rich culture on your trip to Vancouver!

Enjoy the adventure of a lifetime and make memories that will stay with you forever! There are so many reasons to travel to Vancouver, and with this itinerary in hand, you are sure to see the best this city has to offer. We will share everything you need to know and give you all the best Vancouver landmarks for you to sightsee whilst you indulge in the joys of the city!

A Little Bit About this Vancouver Itinerary

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Finding your way around big cities can be challenging, especially when they are busy. Luckily, Vancouver has plenty of transportation options available! We will share a handful of the best options so that you know how to navigate your way around the city in the most stress-free way with our 3-day Vancouver itinerary.

The most popular option to use is The Sky Train. The vast majority of its track runs along on an elevated track, so you can sometimes score good views around the city this way as well as getting where you want to go quickly!

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

Buses are everywhere in Vancouver during the day and make for an excellent option for group travelers to get you from A to B on this itinerary! Your driver will know exactly where to take you and can sometimes give you helpful pointers about each neighborhood.

It doesn’t stop there, Vancouver also has SeaBuses! This bus sails the oceans and will connect you from downtown Vancouver to the North Shore.

Walking is also a popular way to get around Vancouver, and with so much to see when you do so, it can be incredibly worthwhile. A lot of Vancouver’s bars and restaurants can be found in single areas, so if you decide to spend some time pub-hopping or enjoying a food tour, the best way to do it is by foot!

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3-Day Vancouver Itinerary Overview

Day 1 in Vancouver: Stanley Park , Vancouver Aquarium , Canada Place , Vancouver Lookout ,  Gastown

Day 2 in Vancouver: Vancouver Art Gallery ,  Pacific Spirit Regional Park , Museum of Anthropology , Granville Island

Day 3 in Vancouver: English Bay ,  Capilano Suspension Bridge , Grouse Mountain , Lions Gate Bridge

More Places to See in Vancouver: Queen Elizabeth Park , VanDusen Botanical Garden, Science World at TELUS World of Science

Part of planning a trip to Vancouver that will blow you away and leave you with memories to last a lifetime is choosing the right neighborhood to stay in! Knowing where to stay in Vancouver will help you have the best time, allowing you to be close to activities within walking distance whilst enjoying our Vancouver itinerary.

Yaletown is a wonderful neighborhood to consider and is the best place to stay in Vancouver during three days or more if you want to be close to the magnificent waterfront. Once this area used to be an exclusively industrial zone, but now it has become one of the hottest areas to stay in Vancouver! Yaletown boasts a bevy of independent boutique shops, modern restaurants, and hip bars.

Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest city, and it is thus incredibly rich with heritage and is made up of charming cobblestone streets. You can see some of the most stunning old-school architecture of Vancouver in Gastown, as well as enjoy the many bars and restaurants. History is brimming in this part of Vancouver, so it is an excellent place to base yourself if you want to immerse yourself in classic charm that has a modern twist. There are a lot of great Vancouver Airbnbs in Gastown too.

Kitsilano is found in the south of downtown Vancouver, and it is a super stylish and lively neighborhood that is especially family-friendly! This neighborhood is famous for coffee culture and poetry readings. The ‘flower children’ call this place their home, and you will meet a lot of free spirits in ‘Kits’ that will inspire you.

Best Hostel in Vancouver – Samesun Vancouver

Found within the city center, Samesun Vancouver is a hostel that provides you everything you need in a cozy and friendly environment!

You will be surrounded by the city’s best pubs, clubs, and restaurants, making it easy for you to walk to places with your travel companions at night.

Samesun Vancouver is one of the most enjoyable hostels in the city and it will add a touch of festivity to your travels!

Best Airbnb in Vancouver – Deluxe Junior One Bedroom with 2 Beds

Located just one block away from the world-famous Robson street there are a lot of various restaurants, stores, groceries are nearby. The condo building has a swimming pool, sauna, exercise gym, and jacuzzi.

Best Budget Hotel in Vancouver – GEC Granville Suites Downtown

This fabulous hotel is great for the price! GEC Granville Suites Downtown provides everything you need to have a fantastic stay.

You will find beautifully decorated rooms, comfortable beds, and an on-site restaurant serving scrumptious meals! The hotel also features a rooftop deck and sauna for those days when you want to relax.

Best Luxury Hotel in Vancouver – Rosewood Hotel Georgia

For 5-star luxury and exceptional facilities, the Rosewood Hotel Georgia is a must! It is found conveniently across the street from Vancouver Art Gallery, this hotel offers an indoor saltwater lap pool for you to keep in shape.

The bathrooms have heated floors, and you will find the rooms to be exquisite!

There is a lot to do in Vancouver . Spend your first day on this Vancouver itinerary admiring the lush beauty of this city’s natural landscapes and diving into the art world. Enjoy the best Vancouver attractions and more during the start of your two days in Vancouver!

10:00 AM – Stanley Park

As the largest and first park ever to exist in Vancouver, Stanley Park is a hub that pumps with life and showcases some of the city’s most incredible history, talent, and beauty.

You can stroll Stanley Park and find an endless amount of new sites and meet some of the friendly locals as you settle in before continuing with the exciting activities lined up on your 3-day Vancouver itinerary.

You will find yourself surrounded in a breathtaking green oasis that is spotted right in the heart of suburbia.

This magnificent urban park is a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Vancouver.Explore the 400 hectares of this special park and be sure to see the West Coast rainforest. Then climb some of the small mountain trails, view stunning lakes shimmering in the morning sun, and bask in the magic. Whatever you do, Stanley Park provides a massive range of unforgettable experiences that are suited for every age group and every type of traveler.

If you haven’t had breakfast yet, The Teahouse, located in Stanley Park, is a fantastic, relaxed, and stylish place to grab breakfast and enjoy scenic views.

• Cost:  Free to enter. Parking is $3.50/hour.
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours walking around.
• Getting there:  Bus #19 stops at several different places in the park.

12:00 PM – Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium is the largest aquarium in British Columbia and attracts people from all over Canada. The aquarium is not only an outstanding place to view and learn about all types of marine life, but it is also a center for ground-breaking marine research, conservation, and of course, rehabilitation.

You will find a vast number of fantastic displays and meet inspired professionals whose passion is to learn from and protect the lives of sea creatures and their habitats.

Enjoy engaging exhibits and insightful shows that provide a rare chance to get up-close and personal with charming creatures like otters, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and many varieties of mesmerizing fish species.

The aquarium houses an impressive amount of facilities, including a 4D cinema where you can educate yourself of the ocean and the animals that call it their home. This is a must-see during your first day in Vancouver.

• Cost:  Adult=$38/$30/$21 for adults/students/children.
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours
• Getting there:  The aquarium is located inside Stanley Park, which you should be in already. Walk, ride, or take public transit there.

2:00 PM – Canada Place

Canada Palace is one of the most beloved and iconic buildings in Vancouver, and it has become a legendary landmark among the sea of skylines and skyscrapers.

The structure itself is made up of white sails, adding a picturesque effect that makes Canada Place stand out from the other buildings along Vancouver’s waterfront.

With an innovative design, you will be automatically attracted to this unique venue. You can view it all the way from the Seawall in Stanley Park or from the North Wall.

You can catch every type of lively event happening at Canada Palace, but it is most famous for hosting the  biggest Canada Day celebrations .

Close to Canada Place, you’ll also find one of the greatest hidden gems in Vancouver:  the Marine Building.  It features some of the most impressive Art Deco art in the world and is considered one of the finest examples of the movement. If you’re a fan of architecture, be sure to make the quick detour here along the way to the waterfront.

For lunch, there are lots of great places to eat around Canada Place and Downtown Vancouver. Drop by Chewies for some local oysters (make sure they’re from around Vancouver Island).

• Cost:  Free.
• How long should I stay here?  1-3 hours depending on how many attractions you visit.
• Getting there:  Walk 30 minutes or 20 minutes by bus (#19).

5:00 PM – Vancouver Lookout

Start winding down your first day in Vancouver by enjoying an unforgettable panoramic view from the Vancouver Lookout!

Watch the sunset over the sweeping vistas, shining over the mountains and glimmering on the ocean waters. Watch as the city starts to come alive. People file out onto the streets after a hard day’s work to meet their friends and family for snacks and drinks.

The Vancouver Lookout tower is a brilliant place to get expansive views over the city and the majestic mountain ranges and the ocean. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee at the Revolving Restaurant.

The most fascinating and high-tech feature of this sightseeing tower is its elegant glass elevator that rides up the side and will take you to the top. Ultimately, this will be a highlight of our 3-day Vancouver itinerary.

• Cost:  $17.50/$12.50/$9.50 for adults/youth/children.
• How long should I stay here?  Around 1 hour or so.
• Getting there:  The Vancouver Lookout is right next to Canada Place and is less than a 10-minute walk.

7:00 PM – Gastown

Gastown is one of the most energetic neighborhoods in Vancouver and it is especially active after dark. This is one of the most popular places to eat and drink in the city and it seems that every other shop is either a restaurant or a bar.

Gastown’s reputation as a late-night area is nothing new either – this is used to be Vancouver’s redlight district way back when the city was no more than a logging town. It’s a bit more clean-cut now but still hangs on to a bit of that old grittiness.

The most infamous attraction here these days is the Gastown Steam Clock.

There is a huge variety of places to eat and drink in Gastown. Feeling like Latin-inspired dishes? Go to Cuchillo. Maybe something a bit more canuk? Check out Belgard Kitchen instead. Need a drink afterward? The Diamond serves up some amazing cocktails.

Nearby, you’ll also find the local Chinatown. Vancouver is very famous for its authentic dim sum and one could easily spend an entire evening (or day) in search of the perfect dumpling.

• Cost:  Food and drink are not cheap here…
• How long should I stay here?  All night!
• Getting there:  Gastown is less than 5 minutes walking from the Lookout.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Get ready to enjoy day two in Vancouver! You will get to take in the most beautiful, intriguing points of interest and all of the facets of this glorious seaport city.

10:00 AM – Vancouver Art Gallery

Vancouver Art Gallery is world-renowned and is arguably the most respected innovative and visual arts museum in North America. The gallery houses revolutionary art and marvelous exhibits that will inspire you and open up your eyes to the fantastic world of Vancouver’s art scene and its truly excellent talent.

The gallery is relatively large (the 5th largest in Canda) and showcases historical art, contemporary art, and international pieces.

There is a special exhibition that places Asian Pacific Region artworks and First Nations artworks firmly into the limelight. You will be blown away by the variety of mediums, textures, use of color, and stories told by these impressive works of both modern and olden day art.

Take this chance to explore everything that art gifts to us: inspiration, emotion, movement, cultural philosophy, design, and architecture.

Once you’ve finished at the museum, be sure to grab a sandwich at Hubbub to-go. You’ll need it for the next activity.

Note : The Museum opens and closes late on Tuesday and Friday (12 pm – 8 pm) but between 5 pm and 8 pm on Tuesday nights,  tickets are free.  Donations are asked for instead.

• Cost:  $24/$20/$18/$6.50 for adults/seniors/students/children.
• How long should I stay here?  At least 2 hours.
• Getting there:  There is a metro stop (City Centre) nearby on Granville Street. Otherwise, several bus lines stop right outside the gallery on Howe Street.

1:00 PM – Pacific Spirit Regional Park

Vancouver has a host of incredible wildlife for all travelers to spot during their Vancouver trip, and one of the best places to bask in the bliss of nature is at the Pacific Spirit Regional Park! One of the most relaxing things you can do is to simply enjoy the magical natural parks, and this is a prime spot to do just that.

Amble through the dense rainforests, find canopies and breathe in the fresh air found in this magical park.

Escaping into the Pacific Regional Park will give you a chance to take a breather from the city and embrace the wonders of Vancouver’s abundant nature.

While walking, you will visit many different ecosystems, from the beach, the forests, wetlands, calm streams, and evergreen meadows. You can spot animals like bald eagles, salamanders, snakes, and squirrels.

There are many hiking trails here, leading you to peak viewpoints, relaxed coves, green oases, lush forests, and thriving natural habitats. We recommend making your slowly northwest towards the University of BS, either via the Salish Trail or the Clevland Trail.

• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours.
• Getting there:  Pacific Spirit is located pretty far away from Downtown Vancouver and we definitely recommend using a rideshare app like Uber or Lyft for this leg.

3:00 PM – Museum of Anthropology

Dive into the world of First Nations artwork and other cultural community pieces following your hike in Pacific Spirit Park. The Museum of Anthropology is an establishment run by people passionate to shed light and awareness of diverse cultures across the globe and celebrating the differences between nations.

They run a lot of programs with indigenous, local, and global communities to keep the fire of history and culture alive in today’s modern world.

The museum has a reputation worldwide for being a hub that protects cultural knowledge from all nations and all eras. You are going to be in for a whirlwind of new information and eye-opening knowledge when you visit this museum.

The museum houses a plethora of artwork and artifacts from old tribes and indigenous people, and it strives to protect the right for people to, “maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expression.”

Enjoy art from all around the world, and treat yourself to a walkabout. You will find yourself captivated by the murals, exhibits, and artworks all housed within the Museum of Anthropology!

Insider Tip:  On Thursday evenings from 5 pm to 9 pm, tickets are only $10!

• Cost:  $18/$16 for adults/seniors & students.
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours.
• Getting there:  The museum is about 5 or so km by foot from the center of Pacific Spirit Park.

6:00 PM – Granville Island

Let’s wrap our second day in Vancouver by visiting one of the coolest parts of the city: Granville Island. Known mostly as a shopper’s paradise, Granville is also a great place to grab a bite to eat or beer.

Shoppers can spend hours milling in and out of the endless variety of trendy shops, finding everything from clothing to gifts and kids’ toys.

Foodies will stumble across incredible cafes to have a cup of coffee or some homemade baked goods. If fine dining is more your scene, you can also find that here.

The art scene in Granville is also  huge . You will run into design studios everywhere and have many chances to take a peek at some truly mesmerizing art done by the gifted artists in Vancouver. See things made from every type of material, from ceramic bowls and vases to stylish furniture and handcrafted jewelry.

This is a place for you to have fun and experience the joys of Vancouver’s atmosphere and all of the wonderful artistic creations made from the people who call ‘The City of Glass’ their home.

• Cost:  A bit cheaper than Gastown but still slightly expensive.
• How long should I stay here?  The rest of the day!
• Getting there:  Bus #084 leaves from atop University Hill on Chancellor Blvd and takes around 40 minutes to reach Granville. Otherwise, take another rideshare.

Today’s our third and last day in Vancouver so we’re making a good one! We’re heading to the mountains but not before we get some beach time first. 🙂

9:00 AM – English Bay Beach

English Bay is one of the most-loved of them all refers to both the bay itself as well as a beach near Stanley Park.  English Bay Beach is also known as ‘First Beach.’

There’s a lot do here in the morning: you can go for a run or bike ride along the popular Seawell, go kayaking in the bay, or rent a chair and umbrella, then catch some early morning rays!

Only in Vancouver can you find a beach like English Bay in the middle of an urban landscape.

If you’re feeling brave, you can also use this opportunity to take a dip in the frigid Pacific waters.

You will find all sorts of fun things to do in English Bay and may even meet a four-legged friend along the way! English Bay has a designated ‘dog-off-leash’ areas where pooches can run freely, meeting people, and playing together. You will also find areas where people are playing volleyball, soccer, or cricket on the shores.

• How long should I stay here?  Around 2 hours.
• Getting there:  Bus #023 stops right in front of the beach.

12:00 PM – Capilano Suspension Bridge

This is probably the most touristy place featured on our 3-day Vancouver itinerary. That being said, it still shouldn’t be missed.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a well-built and simple bridge that crosses over the scenic Capilano River. You can walk along the relatively narrow bridge and take in breathtaking views of the forest landscape surrounding you and the flowing river underneath you.

The bridge is 140 meters long and quite a unique attraction in Vancouver. The entrance fee is somewhat pricey, but all proceeds go towards maintenance and other worthy causes that keep the surroundings pristine.

If you’re looking for something to eat after the bridge, DON’T go to the places near the bridge itself. Instead, head north and have food at Sushi Mori or look around Edgemont Village.

• Cost:  $43 per person.
• Getting there:  Head to West Georgia Street near Marina Square and take bus #246. The ride takes 30 minutes and will drop you off very close to the bridge.

2:00 PM – Grouse Mountain

What better way to wrap up our trip in Vancouver than by seeing it from afar? Grouse Mountain offers one of the most expansive views of the city and features a couple of interesting attractions as well. It is the perfect place to visit on a Vancouver day trip .

There are two ways to arrive at the top of Grouse Mountain:

The first via a somewhat expensive chair lift that operates in both summer and winter.

This is obviously the easiest and most convenient way to get the up mountain.

The other, more hardcore way to get up the mountain is via grueling hike called the “ Grouse Grind .” This hike is not at all easy and finishing it is like a right of passage for visiting Vancouver. You’ve been warned.

Once you arrive at the top of Grouse Mountain, bask in the views. If you’d like a bit more information about the mountains, you can find everything you need to know at the  Blue Grouse Sustainability  program. Grouse Mountain is a magnificent place to enjoy the beauty of the city and treat yourself to a fun adventure at the same time.

• Cost:  Lift tickets are $59/$52/$32 for adults/seniors/children.
• How long should I stay here?  A half-day.
• Getting there:  Bus #232 or #236 goes direct from Capilano to the foot of Grouse Mountain.

7:00 PM – Lions Gate Bridge

On the way back to Vancouver, we’re going to stop by one of its most iconic locations: Lion’s Gate Bridge. Known officially as the First Narrows Bridge, this bridge holds a lot of historical significance , and that is something that makes it a major spot to visit whilst touring Vancouver. Fun fact: a pair of sculpted lions once used to stand proudly at both sides on the entrance of the bridge!

This spot may not be the kind of place you could laze out and enjoy an afternoon, but it is a spectacular place to go see during sunset. You can’t walk along the bridge, but you can relax in the areas nearby and observe it from the safety of the bush or the sandy ocean shore. As the sun goes down, lights on the bridge come to life, and it becomes quite a spectacular sight to behold.

The scenery around the bridge is jaw-dropping and is a great way to end your 3 days in Vancouver.

Once you’ve gotten your fill, head back to the city to grab your last dinner, and pack your bags. Unfortunately, our time is up 🙁

• How long should I stay here?  Around 1 hour.
• Getting there:  It’s easiest to see the bridge from Stanley Park but there is no direct bus from Grouse Mountain. You’ll need to use a rideshare if you want to stop here.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighbourhood in Vancouver:

Gastown is one of the oldest and most charming neighbourhoods in Vancouver. Located at the northeast end of Downtown Vancouver, this area is made up of cobblestone streets and stunning heritage architecture.

• Visit the Steam Clock and stand at the spot where the city began.
• Good drinks and a great atmosphere await you at the Lamplighter Public House, a classic and modern pub at the heart of the city.
• Visit the Alibi Room for a great lineup of cocktails, beer, drinks and food.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Situated on Little Mountain, Queen Elizabeth Park is a major attraction in Vancouver and has a storied past that makes it a significant part of Vancouver’s heritage.

The rocks of this park were the ones that were quarried to make the very first roadways in the city! It has scarred the garden, but it has still got so much magic to offer and remains one of the most stunning parks in Vancouver.

You will find immaculate gardens, with neatly kept shrubs and trees all growing in a way that flows and creates a tranquil ambiance. The waters of the ponds are so still you can see your reflection smiling back at you! There are also plenty of birds dancing in the trees, singing tunes, and adding to the picturesque setting of Queen Elizabeth Park!

The park is one of the best places to go for a calming walk to take in the beauty of nature or sit back with a partner for a picnic. If you’re up for it, you can also join the teams that play sports in the park, such as tennis, basketball, pitch & putt, roller hockey, disc golf, and lawn bowling!

• Cost:  Free to enter.
• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours.
• Getting there:  The Canada Line Metro stops very near to the park on Oakridge and 41st.

VanDusen Botanical Garden

There are botanical gardens, and then there is the VanDusen Botanical Garden. This garden is expertly landscaped, with features like ponds, waterfalls, vibrant flower beds, streams, labyrinths, mazes, and hiking trails. There are all kinds of flower varieties within the garden and every species is flourishing!

The garden is operated by a joint team, the City of Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation and the Vancouver Botanical Gardens Association.

These two organizers have been working hand-in-hand over 40 years to build and preserve the beauty of the VanDusen Botanical Garden.

With so much to see within these magical grounds, you can spend a lot of time becoming entranced by the fauna and flora, the bright colors, and tranquil atmosphere. Be sure to take a leisurely walkabout so that you can take it all in!

Insider Tip:  The most famous labyrinth in the botanical garden is found beneath the Palace of Knossos on the island of Crete, and it is known to be the place where the hero Theseus killed the Minotaur in a well-known myth.

• Cost:  $8-$11 depending on the season.
• Getting there:  Bus #17 stops in front of the gardens.

Science World at TELUS World of Science

TELUS World of Science building is one of the most unique and recognizable structures in the city. Inside, you’ll find an even more interesting assortment of exhibits though. This is a great place for all age groups and will fascinate everyone, even if they don’t already think science is sweet.

At Science World, you will see a huge variety of exhibits that delve into the discoveries made across different topics throughout the years.

There are also permanent interactive displays that will allow you to take your learning to a new level.

This place is overflowing with inspiring things to do and see. You will also find amazing displays of artistic developments that incorporate scientific knowledge, making it another fantastic place to gaze into the mind of Vancouver’s visionaries!

• Cost:  Adult’s tickets are $27.15, children (3-12) get in for free.
• How long should I stay here?  3-4 hours.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

When planning your vacation in Vancouver, it is essential to know the weather patterns of the city and understand what you can expect during the months that you want to visit. We will go over everything you need to know about the seasons and give a month-by-month breakdown in this Vancouver itinerary, so you can relax and leave the planning to us!

British Columbia and all of the PNW for that matter has a reputation for being dark and rainy all year long. Whilst this is certainly true in the winter and part of the spring, Vancouver is not always dreary. In fact, summers in Vancouver are almost always sunny!

As such, the best time of the year to visit is between April to October, when you are guaranteed more sunny days than any other time of the year. Vancouver’s peak seasons typically occur during late spring, between April and May, as well as during the fall between mid-September and October.

Summers in Vancouver are mild, with moderately hot days but no scorchers! As for winter, those can get icy and quite rainy, but it also adds a sense of nostalgia to the landscapes of British Columbia. This makes it a great time to go see the mountains and old-school architecture.

Vancouver’s off-season includes November through mid-December, with January being the quietest, most tourist-free month of the year. February to mid-March is also considered Vancouver’s off-season.

Deciding when to visit Vancouver is about choosing the most convenient time for you, whilst factoring in what to expect from the crowds and the weather.

Here is a table showing you exactly what is in store from month-to-month in Vancouver!

As with most big cities, there is a lot of crime, and it is an unavoidable reality in every part of the world. However, all things considered, Vancouver is a safe place to visit, and you won’t have any hassles if you keep general safety tips in mind during your travels.

Firstly, it’s important to know that Downtown Vancouver is one of the city’s biggest places for crime. This does not mean you should avoid this part of the city entirely, because it is also a magnificent place for sightseeing, but be vigilant when you are in this neck of the woods.

Try not to appear too ‘touristy’ and make sure of that when you travel Downtown. Know exactly where you are going so that you can avoid slipping down the wrong alley or getting stuck in a dodgy part of the city.

When you go out, be sure to have a group of trusted friends and companions with you, and be sure to keep an eye out for each other.

You also don’t want to drive drunk, so for women and men, take a taxi if you feel like having a night out on the town and indulging in the many bars of Vancouver.

Petty crimes can happen if you leave your stuff unattended, so make sure you have your belongings close at hand, or at least in viewing range of wherever it is that you are. When walking in the busy streets, keep your bag close, or have it in the middle of your chest and be sure it is zipped.

If you follow all of these simple precautions, you minimize any chance of a mishap, and you can enjoy your time in Vancouver knowing you’re likely to stay safe!

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Vancouver

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Final Thoughts

Even if you spent an entire one week in Vancouver exploring one neighborhood, you would still be finding new things to do and see! This aspect of the coastal city’s atmosphere will have you coming back for more every time with another one of your new Vancouver vacation ideas.

We know that each of our daily Vancouver itineraries will have you enjoying the best of this city, allowing you to delight in the many sensations it has to offer. If you are trying to have a longer holiday in Vancouver, you can simply pace yourself and take your time at each of these stops. Consider heading to Vancouver Island on a day trip; this one of the most beautiful places in all British Columbia and you may find yourself wanting to stay a couple of extra days here.

Book your favorite hotel or hostel and pack your bags. Don’t forget to bring your best travel camera !

Sheridan Cahoon

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The PERFECT 3 Days in Vancouver Itinerary (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: February 9, 2024

If you’re looking for the perfect ‘how to spend 3 days in Vancouver itinerary’ you’ve come to the right place!

One of the best cities in all of Canada, Vancouver sees millions of visitors every year to admire some of the most stunning scenery in the World.

British Columbia is home to the Rocky Mountains. And those mountains are greeted by the Pacific Ocean in Vancouver, gifting you with the best of both worlds.

With a laid back vibe, incredible entertainment and food scenes, Vancouver boasts some of the most picturesque views in the country.

From the North Shore mountains to the chilled out vibe of Kitsilano, Vancouver has dozens of neighbourhoods to be found no matter what it is you’re looking for.

The city has a fantastic public transit system, which will make your visit so much easier. Travel by bus, SkyTrain and even SeaBus services to get you anywhere you want to go.

Even some of the city’s best hiking trails can be reached without the need for your own vehicle. This is a huge bonus, especially when doing your best to keep your budget in check.

A saying often used by many Vancouverites is “West Coast. Best Coast” and you’d be hard-pressed to disagree with them after checking out this itinerary for 3 days in Vancouver.

Plan your trip to Canada with our comprehensive Canada Travel Guide .

Table of Contents

10 am – Stanley Park

2 pm – granville island, 6 pm – sunset drinks at sunset beach, 7 pm – dinner (and more drinks) on granville street, 9 am – robson street to main street, 10 am – shopping, beach hopping & a game, 11 am – grab a bike and head to the beach, 3 pm – queen elizabeth park, 4 pm – wander main street, 6 pm – dinner and a game, 9 am – head over to north vancouver, 10 am – capilano suspension bridge park, 12 pm – make your way to the mountains, 6pm – drinks and dinner in gastown, when to visit vancouver, getting around vancouver, the best hostel in vancouver – the cambie hostel gastown, best budget accommodation for couples – atrium inn, best boutique hotel in vancouver – the burrard hotel, budget: the warehouse granville, mid-range: twisted fork bistro, high-end: five sails restaurant, enjoy this perfect 3 days in vancouver itinerary.

Vancouver, where the mountains meet the sea and where every scene looks like something straight from a postcard.

With a variety of awesome activities to be done, you could be skiing in the morning, cycling the seawall after lunch and exploring historic and trendy Gastown by night.

From Stanley Park, to Granville Island Public Market, to Grouse Mountain, to the nightlife and more, here is the perfect Vancouver itinerary that covers all the highlights of the city.

To find out what cool things to do for 3 days in Vancouver scroll on!

Vancouver Itinerary Day 1

Start the first of your 3 days in Vancouver itinerary by grabbing a coffee and takeaway breakfast from any nearby cafe. Vancouver knows how to do coffee on a whole other level!

You’ll need the fuel to get you moving straight towards one of the city’s most visited locations.

Visited by over 8 million people every year, Stanley Park is one of the most popular places to check out in downtown Vancouver. And for good reason too.

Located at the northwestern edge of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park is easily accessible from the centre of everything.

Covering over 405 hectares, this is a public park like no other you’ve experienced before.

Stanley Park starts at the corner of Denman Street and West Georgia. From here you’ll hit the path that will take you nearly 6 miles from end to end.

Hit up a bike rental shop and grab some wheels to take you along the paths or take in the views on foot.

Alternatively, sign up for a guided bike tour to get an insider’s view of what makes Stanley Park so special.

The paths are well marked with tons of cool spots to stop along the way including Brockton Point Lighthouse, Stanley Park Tea House, and the Stanley Park Boat Club.

The whole park is well signposted with tons of off-shooting trails to discover.

One of the best views is definitely from Prospect Point out over the beautiful Lions Gate Bridge.

To check out the map of Stanley Park visit the website here .

If you carry on the whole way along the seawall you’ll hit Third and  Second Beach.

While they may not have original names, these beaches make for an awesome swim/rest/picnic spot.

You’ll finish off your adventure in the West End where you can grab a bite at any of the numerous restaurants.

Or you can carry on to Granville Island on the cutest little rainbow coloured ferry.

Granville Island Public Market is home to 50 different vendors and stalls ranging from fresh fish, produce, cheesemongers, baked goods and so much more.

Granville Island Public Market is a perfect place to grab a bite, and maybe even some treats to take home for later.

Granville Island Brewery is a must for any beer lover, with awesome tours of the brewery, a great menu and a range of tasting flights to enjoy too.

This is the kind of place you’ll find buskers and street performers on every corner. Expect this to be true more so on sunny days, making it the perfect kind of place to sit on a patio and watch the world go by.

You can even rent kayaks and paddleboards to take out on the water around Granville Island.

After enjoying Granville Island, grab the ferry back over to the West End or head over to False Creek if you’re in the mood to check out the Science Center .

Or if you’ve taken your bike on the ferry the cycle path around False Creek is another beauty to explore.

As the sun starts to set you’ll want to get a front-row seat to the show at Sunset Beach .

Perfectly named for the incredible sunsets that happen, this beach is a great place to post up with a picnic and watch the sky explode.

If you fancy good drinks to go with your sunset head to Cactus Club Davie Street.

Located right on the beach you’ll get all the views while enjoying a fabulous drink before heading to the entertainment district, aka Granville Street.

It’s time to end the first day of your Vancouver itinerary with a bang.

This street in Vancouver is home to a ton of clubs, pubs, music venues and theatres.

A few must-visit venues include The Orpheum, Commodore Ballroom and the Vogue Theatre.

There are tonnes of places to eat as well, so find any restaurant that takes your fancy and grab a seat.

READ MORE: Be sure to check out all the top things to do in Vancouver on your trip!

Vancouver Itinerary Day 2

You’re ready to start your second day exploring downtown Vancouver. Hope you got some sleep and didn’t party too hard at The Roxy!

The second day of your 3 day Vancouver itinerary is going to be jam-packed so you should definitely stop into Abode for one of Vancouver’s best breakfasts first.

Located right on Robson street this is a great place to start the day off.

As one of the biggest cities in Canada, Vancouver plays host to some pretty impressive shopping opportunities.

Most of which can be found along Robson Street in the heart of the city.

This is where most visitors will find themselves at least once during their 3 days in Vancouver.

From unique souvenir shops to independent boutiques and of course the big shopping centre with several floors of everything you can imagine.

After spending some time browsing or window shopping it’s time to make for VanCity Bikes to grab a bike and head to the beach.

While summer may not last all year round that doesn’t mean that you have to skip the beaches.

Canada’s west coast is famous for its mountains but you may be surprised to hear that it is also home to dozens of beaches too, all of which have spectacular views.

As a super cycle-friendly city, you’ll be able to rent a bike and cruise over the Burrard Street Bridge , stopping to catch the view over Burrard Inlet and carrying on to Kitsilano.

Known as Kit’s by Vancouverites, this laid back neighbourhood is home to one of the best beaches in the city and the longest swimming pool in Canada.

Kitsilano Beach and Kitsilano Swimming Pool are right next to each other so if you don’t fancy swimming in the ocean just head for the pool.

Tons of volleyball nets are set up on the beach, and there is a huge green space parallel to the shore great for picnics and BBQs too.

Cruise along the bike path from Kits east towards Jericho Beach for a quieter vibe and a great place to watch fireworks on Canada Day.

Nearby you’ll also find Locarno Beach, Spanish Banks and Acadia Beach.

Even if the weather is not super warm, these are all great places to check out the views and go for a walk.

These beaches can also be reached by public transit and on foot if cycling isn’t your thing.

Stop into The Namm for a fantastic vegetarian feed to fuel you up before heading to one of the prettiest places in the city.

Situated on the adorably named Little Mountain sits 130 acres of gorgeous greenery known as Queen Elizabeth Park.

Named after Queen Elizabeth herself for an impending visit in 1993, the views here are definitely fit for a queen.

The park is free to enter and has tons of trails to explore, a cool waterfall in the middle, a conservatory and even tennis courts.

The views here are gorgeous year-round, and especially lovely in Autumn when the leaves start to turn golden and red.

If you’ve already been to Queen Elizabeth Park then head next door (and then some) to VanDusen Botanical Gardens instead.

Both are gorgeous options, and not too far off from Main Street.

The dividing street between the west side of downtown Vancouver and East Vancouver, this is one of the city’s hot spots for shopping and dining experiences.

Check out Smoking Lily , an independent boutique or Assembly of Text for all your quirky stationery needs.

For a fun night of drinks, The Cascade Room has a 1950’s theme with a vintage drinks menu to fit.

Dinner at Burgoo is always a good idea for amazing burgers and legendary mac & cheese.

To cap off night 2 of your 3 days in Vancouver make for either BC Place for a Whitecaps soccer game or Rogers Arena for a Canucks hockey game.

Check out this site to find tickets. If your budget doesn’t allow for watching the game live, head to The Sportsbar Live! for drinks and a great atmosphere.

If you’re not into sports, see what events or concerts are on at the Vancouver Convention Center in Canada Place.

READ MORE: Explore the area around with these day trips from Vancouver !

Vancouver Itinerary Day 3 – North Van to Gastown

If you think you’ve exhausted your list of what to do in Vancouver in 3 days, you’re wrong!

There is still 1 full day left on your 3 Days in Vancouver itinerary and you best believe the best is definitely saved for last!

3 Days in Vancouver are definitely not complete without a trip to the mountains.

With incredible mountain ranges surrounding the city, you’ll be able to see them no matter where you are.

But the best way is to get up close and personal with them. Why not hop on the SeaBus to North Vancouver , the quickest way and the most scenic way to get there.

From Waterfront Station near Canada Place to Lonsdale Quay is a gorgeous ride and you’ll be able to kick the day off at the Lonsdale Quay Market .

With over 80 different vendors, from jewellery to fresh produce, massage therapy and so much more it’s a hub for everything you can imagine in North Van.

And just a few blocks away is Waterfront Park , the perfect place to take your finds from the market for a nice picnic and to soak in the views.

READ MORE: Check out this post on the best things to do in Victoria on your next trip.

Or if you want a nice place to take your coffee and go for a stroll, Tilford Gardens ticks all those boxes.

Three acres of themed gardens, sculpture gardens and beautiful views will be sure to make your last morning in Vancouver so much better.

And now into the mountains!

Once you’re in North Van your hiking options are seemingly endless. Suspend your senses at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park .

The Capilano Suspension Bridge itself stands at 140 meters long and 70 meters high. Up here you’ll get some of the best views possible while exploring treetop walks, beautiful forests and so much more.

Buy your ticket to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park ahead of time here .

If you’re trying to stick to a budget though, Lynn Canyon Park is for you!

This park is home to an equally impressive suspension bridge, but not nearly as high or long as Capilano Suspension Bridge and is free to visit.

The park is full of incredible trails, waterfalls and beautiful pools to admire or take a swim in.

For waterfall lovers, Norvan Falls is best visited in the summer so that you can go for a dip in the falls after your hike.

Or maybe Quarry Rock in Deep Cove is what you’re after. There really are an endless amount of trails to enjoy, to see the full list click here .

For winter visitors this side of the city is where you’ll find the best mountains to hit the slopes.

There are some amazing mountains in British Columbia near Vancouver, including Mount Seymour, Dog Mountain, and Grouse Mountain.

Mt. Seymour offers 23 runs throughout the ski/snowboard season and with a rental shop on-site, you can just rock up and hit the slopes.

There are also dozens of snowshoe trails on this mountain which is perfect for anyone looking for a slower pace to the afternoon.

The best view for snowshoers, or hikers in the summer, is up Dog Mountain.

On the clearest of days, you can see all the way out to the Islands and then some, well worth the climb to get there too.

Grouse Mountain is another great option. You can go skiing or snowboarding year-round at Grouse Mountain!

The awe-inspiring views of Vancouver’s skyline and the surrounding coastal mountains from the Grouse Mountain Skyride aerial tram provide a captivating backdrop to any visit.

Other fun things to do at Grouse Mountain include hiking the intense Grouse Grind trail or going zip lining.

After a full day in the mountains hop back on the ferry to Waterfront Station where you’ll be just steps away from historic Gastown .

The oldest and possibly most charming neighbourhood, Gastown has cobbled streets, gorgeous architecture and seems to be dripping in twinkling lights.

The neighbourhood is famous for the beautiful steam clock in the middle of town which chimes and lets off steam every 15 minutes. Hearing this gives you a feeling of being in a different decade.

The streets are lined with tons of galleries, boutiques, souvenir shops and restaurants making it the perfect place to spend the last night of your itinerary for 3 days in Vancouver.

Tacofino, The Flying Pig and SteamWorks Brewery are perfect spots for that last dinner. And for a nightcap be sure to visit Six Acres or The Portside Pub .

If you’re super hungry, and want a super cool experience to finish your Vancouver travels on, sign up for this walking food tour of Gastown .

Vancouver Travel Guide

Now that you know the best things to do in a Vancouver Itinerary, here are some more travel tips. We’ll help you figure out the best time to visit, how to get around, where to stay and what to eat when visiting Vancouver.

Planning your 3 Days in Vancouver itinerary you’ll definitely want to make sure you fact in the time of year depending on what you want to do.

Home to the mildest winter weather in all of Canada, Vancouver is a great city to visit year-round.

That being said, some seasons are better than others.

Winters are mild, but also the wettest season in this city. While a little rain never killed anyone it does sometimes make it difficult to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking.

When rain falls in the city, there is a good chance snow is falling on the mountains so it’s great for any skiers/snowboarders planning a visit.

May – September boasts the driest weather, June and July being the hottest and busier months of the year.

Spring and Autumn are also known to be quite mild and while some days are rainy, it won’t be nearly enough to keep you from enjoying your 3 days in Vancouver itinerary.

If you’re wondering how to get around when visiting Vancouver in 3 days there are a few options.

Most of the city is connected on the bus and the Skytrain lines connecting downtown Vancouver to the Vancouver International Airport, the North Shore mountains, and even out to Surrey.

Translink services tons of destinations including the SeaBus which will get you over to North Vancouver in the most scenic way.

The transit map is broken up into zones and the fares relate to which zone you’re travelling.

A day pass can be purchased for $10.50 which allows you to ride the SkyTrain or the bus for an unlimited amount which will make it so easy for you to get around and explore.

For more information on transit visit the Translink website here .

Getting around the downtown core is best done on foot as traffic can be quite hectic, plus the views are better while walking than from any bus window.

When the weather is good the best way to get around to all the beaches and the Stanley Park Seawall is definitely by bike, if you don’t have your own there are dozens of rental shops around to choose from. 

If you like doing those red hop-on hop-off bus tours, you can purchase your ticket here .

If you’re heading into the mountains such as Grouse Mountain, it’s easier to explore with a rental car!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

Where to Stay in Vancouver , Canada

When it comes to exploring Vancouver in 3 days, you’ll want to know you have a great place to rest after a day of sightseeing.

Tons of factors come into play when making the decision, mountain view or ocean view? A quiet neighbourhood or right in the heart of the city? Rooftop spa or free breakfast?

A cozy romantic hotel suite, a dorm room to save some cash or maybe a room with a view of Coal Harbour and your own fireplace.

You’ll never be far from something incredible no matter what neighbourhood you choose to stay in either.

Whatever you’re looking for and whatever your budget might be Vancouver definitely has something for everyone.

The Cambie Hostel is located in the vibrant entertainment and cultural district of Gastown.

Enjoy discounts at the local pub, meet new friends, and share your favourite Vancouver moments with free wifi.

If you’re looking for the best place to stay for you and your other half for your 3 days in Vancouver itinerary head to the Atrium Inn .

Beautiful decor and spacious rooms will leave you hard-pressed to leave the hotel, but you’ll feel extra lucky with how close to the action this hotel is. The perfect place to sleep in and have breakfast in bed too!

Super funky and located right on Burrard Street, the Burrard Hotel is one of the trendiest spots to stay in the entire city.

One of the first hotels in downtown Vancouver, it has since been fully renovated to be hip, modern and high-end, but keeping to its roots and keeping the design from the 1950s.

Check out our full review of the Burrard Hotel here .

Best Restaurants In Vancouver, Canada

An itinerary for 3 days in Vancouver would not be complete without a few good meals to fuel your adventures.

You’ll find every cuisine to please any palette in this city and everyone’s wallet too.

If your 3 Days in Vancouver itinerary needs to be done on a strict budget look no further than The Warehouse Granville.

With the entire food menus under $6.00, this is the perfect place for anyone with a strict budget looking for a good feed, and in the heart of the entertainment district too.

In the heart of Gastown is the Twisted Fork Bistro. The cozy atmosphere is rivaled only by the menu of Canadian bistro fare with a French twist.

With brunch served daily and a perfectly matched drinks menu it would be a crime to miss out on a meal here.

With gorgeous views of the water and mountains, this fine dining restaurant is one of the best in downtown Vancouver.

They have lots of high-quality meat and seafood dishes as well as a high tea available. This restaurant is located inside the Pan Pacific Hotel in Canada Place.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Laura Oxley

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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The Best of: 3 Days in Vancouver

The first time I visited Vancouver, I spent a little over a week using the city as a base to explore and catch up with some of my friends who had moved out to BC. I had a blast in the west coast city and cam back to explore more a couple years later. Having been twice now, I understand why it’s such a popular destination for Canadians and international travellers alike. Vancouver may not be a huge city, but between the city itself and the surrounding area, there is plenty to keep you entertained and busy. Plus, with the mountains and the ocean-it’s pretty darn beautiful too. 

However, while I’ve been lucky enough to visit twice and spend a total of nearly 2 weeks in Vancouver, I understand that most people don’t have that much time. So, I’ve picked the best bits (based on my experiences) to create a more reasonable guide. For anyone heading to western Canada, here is the best of Vancouver in 3 Days.

How to get to Vancouver

You can arrive in Vancouver by almost any means. Cruise ship, car, bus, train, plane. Maybe even by foot if you are particularly adventurous. Whatever method you choose, arriving in Vancouver is pretty easy.

By Plane: Vancouver has a large international airport located about 30 minutes outside of the city centre. The easiest way to get downtown from the airport is to take the Skytrain’s Canada Line, which has several stops along the way and ends at Vancouver Waterfront. It runs frequently and will get you to the Waterfront in 25 minutes. 

From the airport, follow the signs for the train. You can purchase your ticket from one of the machines at the platform; cost depends on which ‘zone’ you are going to. Don’t worry, there’s a big map with everything listed to make it easy. The machines will take cash or a credit card.

By Train or Bus: Vancover’s main train station is the Pacific Central Station. It acts as the terminal for Via Rail and Amtrack along with the busses.  Pacific Central Station isn’t quite downtown, but it’s not too far. There is a nearby Skytrain station where you can take the westbound line to get to the waterfront.

By Cruise ship: Cruise ship might be the easiest way to get in; you land at Canada Place which is on the Vancouver waterfront. The Skytrain’s waterfront station is right there! If your hotel is more towards the centre of town, hop on the appropriate train line, bus, or grab a taxi.

Getting Around Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver is incredibly walkable, and pretty small. Popular areas like Gastown, the Waterfront, and even Stanley Park can easily be done by foot. However, if you are interested in exploring other neighbourhoods such as North Vancouver or Kitsilano, then you will definitely need to use public transportation.

The Skytrain is a great way to get around, but Vancouver also has a pretty handy local bus service as well. It’s really friendly too, everyone yells ‘thanks’ to the driver when they get off.

If you think you will be using the public transportation a fair amount, do yourself a favour and pick up a compass card. It works on both the Skytrain and the city busses and can be purchased from a variety of vendors in the city, including at the Skytrain stations and at many London Drugs drugstores.

It may also be worth considering a hop-on-hop off bus pass. You won’t need it for the whole stay (based on my itinerary) but there is a 24 and 48 hour option. Book the Vancouver hop-on-hop-off bus pass here. 

If you plan on doing some day trips from Vancouver then it might be worth renting a car. You can check out car rental prices here. Note that car rentals book up really quickly in the summer months, so if you are set on driving- book asap!

Where to Stay in Vancouver

If you are visiting to sight-see, your best bet is to stay downtown. Especially if you only have 3 days in Vancouver. Not only will you save yourself a bit of money by not having to travel in and out of downtown every day, but you will also save yourself a lot of time. Traffic in Vancouver, especially during rush hour, can get a bit crazy.

Even though accommodation downtown might be more expensive than it the outlying areas, there are still options for every budget. Here are some recommendations for Vancouver accomodation:

If you are on a tight budget, try: The SameSun Vancouver  or the Barclay Hotel

For a midrange budget, consider the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel  or the Moda Hotel , or even the Wedgewood Hotel and Spa

If you want the best, splurge on a stay at the Fairmont Pacific Rim  or the Loden Hotel. 

How to Spend 3 Days in Vancouver

Day 1: stanley park.

If you are a secret tree hugger who loves walking trails, beaches, nature, and of course, giant trees, Stanley Park will seem like a little slice of heaven. It’s an absolute must-see in Vancouver and, considering that the park is over 1000 acres, it’s easy to spend one of your 3 days in Vancouver just exploring this area.

Start your day early at the Vancouver Aquarium; you’ll beat the crowds if you go for opening time (10am). The Aquarium has lots of rescue and rehabilitation programs and many of the star residents, including two dolphins, were injured and rescued themselves.

After the Aquarium it’s time to hit the trails; there are dozens to choose from. Consider downloading a map on your phone ahead of time to keep track of where you are going. Some of the paths are quiet with few people, while others are a bit busier. Wander where you will but at some time in the day you should make sure to find the Totem Poles, Beaver Lake, the Lost Lagoon, Prospect Point (for great views), and the Rose Garden. The Hollow Tree is another popular spot to visit, however Stanley park has dozens of cool trees that make for great photos, so just keep an eye out for one.

While I definitely recommend wandering though the centre of the park, don’t forget to spend at least a bit of time on the Seawall for some of the best views. It’s a busier path, with plenty of walkers, runners, and cyclists, but you can’t beat those views. Especially if you luck in and get a clear day. Then, as the day draws to an end, take in the sunset from Second Beach.

Tip: There are a couple of places to eat in Stanley Park the famous Teahouse Restaurant, however it tends to be a bit expensive and the Teahouse usually requires reservations. If you are on a budget, consider packing a lunch and bringing it with you. Or, you can also check out the relatively new Stanley Park Brewing Co which has some great local beers (I loved their sour) as well as typical pub/brewery type food.

Love stories? Consider taking this 3 hour Dark Secrets of Stanley Park tour. 

Day 2: Vancouver Neighbourhoods

Day 2 of your 3 days in Vancouver should be dedicated to exploring the downtown core of the city. It may be small, but there is a lot to see.

If your feet are a bit sore from your day at Stanley Park, or you are interested in learning a bit more about the city, consider doing a hop on hop off tour .The tour takes a couple of hours to do the complete circuit. Be sure to visit the following:

Waterfront/ Canada Place : Chances are you will have been here already, but if not it’s a great spot to take photos. On a clear day you can see across the water to Vancouver’s many mountains.

Gastown: Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood with boutique shops, great restaurants, bars, and beautiful Victorian architecture. Make sure to stop by the famous steam clock, the only one of its kind in the world. If you plan on doing some shopping and picking up souvenirs, this is a great spot to do it, especially if you are interested in any traditional First Nations artwork or designs. Also in the neighbourhood is the Vancouver Lookout which offers a panoramic view of the city and surrounding area. Definitely worth doing if you have a clear day!

PS: If you are a foodie and enjoy craft beer, consider taking this Gastown tour or this walking food tour.

Granville Island: A must for everyone, but definitely for foodies. Granville Island is home to an incredible (and massive) Public Market where you can get just about everything to eat there, or go. Fresh produce, pasta, meats, and seafood if you are cooking on your own. If you are eating while you are there, Italian dishes, sandwiches, coffee and iced teas, ice cream, pastries, French macarons, sausages, polish pierogis… the list goes on and on. It’s the perfect place to stop for lunch and, if you head outside, you’ll probably be able to find some entertainment while you eat. 

Granville island is also home to the Granville Island Brewing Co. as well as several galleries and boutique shops. It’s a great place to explore and one of the coolest areas in Vancouver.

ChinaTown: Vancouver is home to Canada’s largest Chinatown which was established back in 1890. If you are in the mood for authentic Asian cuisine, this is the place to come. It’s also a fun place to shop for souvenirs and home to the peaceful Dr. Sun-Yat Sen Classical Chinese gardens.

Davie Village: Rainbow flags and décor cover the buildings and streets in Davie village which is known for its gay and lesbian community. It’s a fun, chilled out place to wander during the day and has a vibrant nightlife.

Yaletown: Yaletown is one of the chicest areas of Vancouver. Urban coffee shops, boutique shopping, outdoor patios, and plenty of dining options can all be found here.

Kitsilano: While not included on the hop on hop off tours, Kitsilano is a trendy neighbourhood about a 15-minute bus ride from the downtown core. Kits Beach is a great place to spend some time on a warm, sunny day; there are SUPs to rent, volleyball nets, and tons of big logs perfect for sitting and watching the sunset. Like so many other Vancouver neighbourhoods, there are plenty of cool shops, great restaurants, and some cool street art here as well.

Day 3: Explore the Nearby Outdoors

Sure, Vancouver is a fun city with lots to do. But part of the draw and charm of this coastal city is its proximity to mountains, trails, the ocean, and so much more. How you spend your final of 3 days in Vancouver will depend on your interests and whether or not you have access to a vehicle or need to rely on public transportation, but here are a three awesome ideas:

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain

Both these places are two of Vancouver’s biggest attractions. They are relatively close to town, and great for anyone travelling with children. They are also quite close to each other, making it easy to combine to two in a single day trip.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park hangs 70m above the Capilano River and stretches 140m long. While it remains the biggest attraction, there are several other paths and trails though the area including the treetops adventure and cliffwalk. You can get your advance tickets here. 

Grouse Mountain offers stunning views via a cable car ride up the mountain. At the top, visitors can take in the Lumberjack Show, birds in motion demonstration, and get to see the mountain’s resident Grizzley bears, Grinder and Coola who were both orphaned cubs. There are various shows throughout the day to make sure to check the schedule ahead of time. Also on the mountain for an extra fee; helicopter rides, ziplining, tandem paragliding and more!

*If you are feeling up for a challenge, get up early and try the Grouse Grind, aka ‘Mother Nature’s stairmaster’.

There are free shuttles to both the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain. The shuttles leave from outside of Canada Place and operate on a first come first serve basis. Both areas are also accessible by public transit.

Whale Watching or Snorkeling/Kayaking with Seals

Being on the ocean, Vancouver has plenty of amazing sea life right at its doorstep. Perhaps the most popular activity is whale watching, where you can join a boat tour and head out into Howe Sound and the surrounding area looking for orcas. It’s not a guaranteed sighting, but your chances are pretty good.

Another awesome activity is to go snorkeling and kayaking with seals. Seadragon Charters offers this incredible experience to visitors to Vancouver, and I can tell you from personal experience that it is amazing. There are a couple of places where the seals congregate and we explored three of them. Two spots were for snorkeling (don’t worry, wetsuits are provided, and the third spot you can kayak or snorkel). The seals are curious creatures and, if you are quiet enough, will allow you to get quite close. During my visit in August, I was lucky enough to see a couple seal pups as well. An incredible experience and probably the highlight of my 3 days in Vancouver. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the ocean and water sports.

Tip: Both the whale watching and seal tours can book up quickly, so if it’s something you want to do make sure to book well in advance.

Road Trip to Vancouver via the Sea to Sky Highway

You really shouldn’t visit Vancouver without checking out Whistler as well. Less than two hours away by car, it’s a stunning and scenic drive with some great stops along the way. The sea to sky highway follows along the water and the mountains offering stunning views for the length of the trip.

Take a break in Squamish and take the Sea to Sky Gondola . The top of the mountain offers panoramic views, hiking trails, and a suspension bridge. It’s easy to spend a couple hours here.

Whistler is a cute ski village with plenty of shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities. The peak to peak gondola is probably the highlight here, though check the hours ahead of time because it shut down at 5pm when I visited in August.

If you have the time along the way, stop to check out Shannon Galls (just before Squamish) Brandywine Falls (closer to Whistler), and Lighthouse Park (Vancouver).

Where to Eat and Drink in Vancouver

Vancouver is an awesome city for foodies; you can get just about anything and everything you want. Fresh seafood is an obvious choice, whether you are more interested in grilled with or fresh sushi, you won’t be disappointed. There are a million and one food suggestions for this city, but these were my favourite finds.

Granville Island’s Public Market: I know I already mentioned it above, but the public market is an absolute must! Everything looked amazing but I can personally vouch for the pierogis. So good.

The Boathouse: Great seafood options ranging from fish and chips to salmon burgers to maple glazed salmon. There are two locations, one at Kitsilano Beach and another at English Bay. The Kits Beach location is a great sunset spot. Bonus: go during happy hour and try the Bellinis- they are delicious.

Trees Organic Coffee: This coffee shop piqued my interest when they advertised the best cheesecake in Vancouver. Needless to say, I needed to try, and it did not disappoint. It’s a pricey treat, but well worth it. Try the white chocolate raspberry.

Miku Sushi:  I didn’t get the sushi craze until I had truly fresh sushi from Vancouver. Now, I want it all the time. Vancouver has lots of great Sushi spots but I LOVE Miku. They have a restaurant right by Canada Place on the waterfront and they also offer takeout. Takeout usually takes 30 minutes to prepare but if you want to dine it it’s recommended to make reservations in advance. 

*Note: When eating seafood try to stick to restaurants with the Ocean Wise labels. This means that the seafood served here is ethically caught from healthy fish populations.

There are also lots of foodie tours. I linked to a couple under the Gastown section (Day 2) and beer lovers may be interested in beer tour

Nightlife in Vancouver

Whether you are looking for a cool place to grab a drink with your friends, dance the night away, or go out for a laugh, Vancouver has a ton of options.

I’ll admit I’m not big into clubbing anymore, but if you want to check out the clubs, Yaletown, Davie Street, and Gastown will be the best areas to check out.

For a fun night out with friends, head to Craft Beer Market which has Canada’s largest selection of draft beer on tap; over 100.

If you’re out for a laugh, head to Granville Island’s TheatreSports League with nightly improve shows.

Vancouver is an amazing city with so much to see and do both within the city itself and in the surrounding area. While 3 days in Vancouver won’t allow you to see everything, it will give you a great taste of what this awesome Canadian city has to offer.

Huge thank you to Tourism Vancouver who provided me with a media pass during my stay. 

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Don’t forget travel insurance!

Please do not travel without travel insurance! I’ve had to use it multiple times throughout my travels and it has saved me thousands of dollars. You can learn more about travel insurance  here . If you are looking for a provider I love and recommend  SafetyWing . For Canadian readers, take a look at  SoNomad.

Book your accommodation

I love and recommend  booking.com  for accommodation. They have a range of hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts. Plus, the platform has a great loyalty program that means the more you book, the more you can save. 

Book your tours

My go-to tour provider that I love to recommend is  GetYourGuide . They have options all over the world and partner with local companies for everything from day trips to food experiences and even airport transfers. 

Get connected

If you want to have data while travelling for online maps or any other needs, an esim is one of the easiest solutions. I’m a big fan of Airalo and have used their sim cards around the world from Brazil to Uzbekistan, Greece to the USA. It’s really easy- you download the app, pick what country you want an esim for, and after you purchase it follow the installation instructions. You can use promo code HANNAH3326 to save $3USD on your next esim purchase. 

Not sure what to pack?

I have destination-specific guides for some countries but you can also check my  travel essentials  and  camera gear  if you are looking for some ideas. 

Looking for a travel buddy?

Check out my group trips!

15 Comments

Canada was never really on my bucketlist. but after seeing vlogs from the vagabrothers from Quebec and reading this article on Vancouver and I am convinced I have to go to Canada! LOL The cities look great and it is also good that there is nature closeby! x

I’m probably biased but Canada is pretty awesome! It’s so different everywhere you go. I’m hoping to get out to the east coast next year now that I have been west.

You should check out the Rockies in Alberta. Banff and Jasper is fantastic.

[…] wasn’t ideal, but I still got to dive. However, after a particularly embarrassing experience in Vancouver last year, I decided it was time to speak up. Livestrong published my personal story of how I was […]

[…] Vancouver was an amazing and unique experience, I highly recommend it to any snorkel enthusiasts traveling to Vancouver! – Hannah, Eat Sleep Breathe […]

[…] Vancouver, Canada is best known for its mountains and hiking. But, there are some pretty incredible activities for ocean lovers as well. My favourite? Snorkelling and kayaking with seals in the Howe Sound. This tour is offered through Sea Dragon charters and it was the highlight of my trip to Vancouver. […]

This breaks out day to day things to do so well! Thanks for the tips.

you’re welcome!

[…] the country. Where Ottawa and the surrounding areas see temperatures of -40 and huge blizzards, Vancouver rarely gets snow and instead is wet and rainy during the winter. You’re not going to need heavy […]

Thank you so much for this wonderful and thorough 3 day itinerary for Vancouver! I’m planning a trip and I can’t wait to go to Stanley Park, Granville Island, Sea to Sky Gondola, and go whale watching.

Have you gone to Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge? I heard its less crowded than the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

I personally didn’t go to Lynn Canyon, but I have heard good things!

yep, and it is free ! Capilano is expensive

[…] love to get something for free, I decided to compile a list of these free things for Canadians from Vancouver to Prince Edward Island, and all points in between! You will note that I have highlighted some […]

[…] two Canadian provinces I had not yet set foot in. My best friend and her partner were living in Vancouver for school so when I found a cheap flight I jumped at the opportunity to explore western Canada […]

[…] people go to Whistler from Vancouver which does have a major airport for anyone flying into Canada or British Columbia. From there, […]

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Things to do in Vancouver, Canada: 15 Things Not to Miss

last Updated: May 3, 2024 canada vancouver

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Planning a trip to western Canada and looking for the best things to do in Vancouver? You’ve come to the right place!

I’m excited to be taking a trip to Vancouver this summer – I tacked the city onto a longer trip throughout British Columbia!  Since I haven’t been before and am currently planning my trip there, I’ve asked my friend Elise from Travel Work and Play to round up her favorite things to do in Vancouver.

Vancouver is perfectly positioned between the ocean and the mountains.  With that being said, this lends itself to many wonderful outdoor things to do in Vancouver – any nature lovers delight!  

Continue reading this Vancouver travel blog for some of the top things to do in Vancouver on your next visit!

Pre-Travel Guide to Vancouver

When to go to vancouver:.

If you’re skiing – head to Vancouver before Christmas to enjoy ice skating, festive light displays and Christmas tree competitions. Otherwise, the best time to visit is between May-September for the long, sunny summers.

Its presence inside the most northerly rainforest brings lush tree-lined parks and unfortunately…. a lot of rain. While the summers are long and hot, a trip here between October and February can be grey, chilly or totally washed out.

This is perfect for the ski crowds though, and the Vancouver area boasts many of the top ski locations in North America.

How to get around Vancouver:

On foot, with rented bicycles, or using the bus & skytrain system. Day tickets or a reloadable compass card can be bought from the stations. Many journeys can also be taken by boat!

What to pack:

An umbrella (just in case!) and comfortable shoes so you can hit the many hiking trails. West coast chic is very relaxed, so bring anything you are comfortable in.  And don’t forget your hiking gear!

Where to Stay in Vancouver:

Hotels in Vancouver are notoriously expensive. For a treat, try the Rosewood Hotel Georgia (or stop by for rooftop drinks!) or the Fairmont. If on more of a budget, Airbnb has some of the best options on price, although should be booked well in advance if you’re visiting in the summer months.

Many good options can be found slightly out of the city with good transport links to get downtown. If backpacking, there are some budget hostels around Granville Street but quality can vary greatly!

Things to do in Vancouver:

There is plenty to do within the city, but actually, some of the best things to do in Vancouver actually require getting a little out of town!  

Luckily, everything is either a short bus, train or boat ride away.  All of the suggestions outlined below are within 1-1.5 hours from downtown Vancouver and are perfect as half-day to day trips.

1) Shopping in the Downtown Core

From high end to high street there is excellent shopping to be done in Vancouver. Try ‘Roots’ – a homegrown brand that kitted out all the Olympic athletes back in 2010. 

Start at Waterfront Station to enjoy the views along Canada Place and then walk southwest to Granville, Burrard & Robson street – Vancouver’s 5th Avenue. There are many walking loops and the city is easily traversed on foot.

2) Stanley Park

Stanley Park, one of the world’s largest urban parks, is located in between Coal Harbor and Sunset Beach. Walking the adjoining route along the seawall is regularly voted as one of the top things to in Vancouver.

If you walk around the outer edge, it’s around 9km from one end to the other, walking past beaches and spotting sea life. Seals are regular visitors here and orcas and grey whales have been known to pay surprise visits!

There are also many inland walking routes through the park, appearing out onto rose gardens, lakes and monuments. For a rainy day, head over to the Vancouver aquarium located in the park.

This area of the city feels entirely different to the glossy offices of downtown!  The cobbled streets, beautiful buildings, and dramatic ocean views would be worth the visit even without the myriad of fantastic bars, coffee, artisanal shops, and independent restaurants. 

You can spend an afternoon walking along Water Street and then looping round to walk back up Cordova Street, stopping off at Blood Alley for some tacos or to L’Abbatoir for a fancy feed.

4) Granville Island

Granville Island is one of my absolute favorite things to do in Vancouver. It’s not technically an island, but a little patch of land poking out into the inlet.

It’s an old industrial district that has been transformed into a little oasis of unique shops (think brooms and artisanal chocolate) and restaurants.

There’s also a brewery, a distillery, a sake house, and a fabulous indoor market filled with treats for lunch or to take home with you.

Granville Island also houses the Emily Carr Art campus, several theatres and scores of art galleries and studios which lures an arty, hipster crowd. Try lunch at Edible Canada or on one of the biggest patios in the city – Bridges.

Arrive via the bus from downtown or take a seabus from one of the docks along false creek. There is a jetty just by science world if you’d like to take the scenic route.

5) Commercial Drive

Commercial Drive in East Van is one of the coolest areas of the city. It is traditionally the most multi-cultural area of Vancouver where European, African and Asian culture became a melting pot of delicious food and unique culture.

Now, some of the best coffee and pizza and can be found on ‘The Drive’ and you can easily while away an afternoon here. The neighbourhood is filled with heritage homes, beautiful street murals and bags of character.

If the sun is out, there are also some fantastic patios, try Havana for Cuban tapas or Saloniki Greek Taverna. There is also an eclectic mix of different shops, delis and cafes to explore. Come hungry!

Vancouver is famed for its beer. There are literally hundreds of breweries in the Vancouver area, many producing excellent, unique brews and have tasting rooms that you can visit.

The East Van brewery trail even has a passport to collect stamps with a free beer on completion! Try Storm Brewing for really wild flavours or Brassneck for a chic tasting room with hand delivered Cartem’s donuts. Around Main Street are several terrific options, and plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you entertained if beer isn’t your thing.  

To really get a true feel for Vancouver’s love of beer, hop on a beer and wine tasting tour !

One thing that many people don’t realise about Vancouver is that it has many fabulous beaches! Sunset beach, Kitsilano, Jericho and Spanish Banks in particular all have a different atmosphere.

Sunset is a buzzing downtown place to sunbathe and hangout, Kitsilano has mellow student vibes, Jericho is perfect to enjoy fish and chips at sunset and Spanish Banks’ shallow tides and wind is great for watersports….and this is only a few of them!

8) The UBC area of Vancouver

This area is worth spending an afternoon at – it has the Musuem of Anthropology, beaches (including a nudist beach!) and the stunning Pacific Spirit Ridge park. Reachable by buses that run along Broadway or from Granville Street if downtown.

9) Queen Elizabeth Park and Van Dusen Gardens

These absolutely beautiful gardens, in South Vancouver, are reachable by skytrain or bus from downtown. Queen Elizabeth park is the highest point in the city and on a clear day offers spectacular views of the city.

Van Dusen gardens are pretty all year round but have particularly lovely seasons around the cherry blossoms in April and December for the Festival of Lights.

10) West Vancouver and Lighthouse Park

Just over the Lion’s Gate Bridge in Stanley Park is West Vancouver and Lighthouse Park. Here lives some of the best views in the tri-city area.

You can enjoy magnificent scenes looking back at the city of Vancouver over the water, coastal islands, boats, birds and maybe even some whales!

The trails here are through the forest but relatively easy. Pack a picnic and find a secluded spot! Easily reached if you rent a car or take the #250 bus from Downtown Vancouver.

11) North Vancouver

Across the water in North Vancouver (just east of West Vancouver –confusing right!) is a treasure trove of activities, fabulous hiking spots and glorious views.

Top things to do here include hiking around Lynn Canyon (the suspension bridge here is free!) or Capilano Canyon. You can also kayak and scramble up Quarry Rock at the beautiful Deep Cove. Take a gondola up Grouse or Seymour mountains for views of the whole city.

The seabus leaves from Waterfront station and arrives at Lonsdale Quay where you can shop and eat, or make yourself a picnic for your trip at the brilliant market and food court. Onwards there are several local buses from here to take you to your chosen spot.

12) Steveston

Next on the list is Steveston, a seaside town built around the docks and only 30 minutes from Downtown Vancouver. There are quant little shops and cafes and some fantastic seafood restaurants right by the water.

Both Supernatural and Once Upon a Time were filmed here for any fans of the show! Reachable by skytrain & bus from Vancouver.

The landscape around Vancouver is punctuated by beautiful lakes, perfect for hiking, camping and BBQs. Top local choices are Buntzen, Aloette and Coquitlam but there are many more to explore if you want to go a bit further afield. Best explored with a rented vehicle although some have public transport links.

14) Bowen Island

Bowen Island is just a short ferry away and is a lovely day trip from Vancouver. Ferries run regularly throughout the day and take just 20 minutes. This charming island can be explored on foot, bicycle or by renting a scooter.

Just 20 sq miles total – it has a laid-back community and is filled with artisan made arts, crafts and food as well as water activities and arguably the best ice cream in BC!

15) Whistler

While not actually IN Vancouver – no trip here could be complete without a trip to Whistler. It’s beautiful all year round and worth it even if you aren’t skiing. Try the exhilarating mountain ziplining and the cable car to Blackcomb for unbeatable views.

In summer there are countless hikes and even dirt bike riding on the ski slopes. Check out Porteau Cove, hike The Chief or go white water rafting at Squamish on your way up. It takes around 1.5 hours to drive from Vancouver, or you can  book a seat on a shuttle bus .

Other Things Not to Miss If You’ve Got More Time:

I (Jessica) just got home from a weekend in Vancouver a few days ago, and am itching to go back already!  While I was able to cover so much of the city, there are few things in Vancouver I wish I had more time for!

• If you don’t feel like making the trek to Victoria, you can book a whale watching tour directly from downtown Vancouver . In addition, if you’ve got even more time to spare, definitely consider spending a weekend in Victoria – it’s such a stunning little city!
• The Granville Island Public Market shouldn’t be missed as well, and you’ll find a tour through Granville Market to be one of the most authentic ways to experience Vancouver.  Plus, who doesn’t love fresh, local, seasonal produce?  I visited the market but was completely overwhelmed and really wish I had hopped on a quick tour through the area.
• If you’re in the mood for some food, hop on a Gastown food walking tour for some of the best delights in the area!  While walking through the town, there were numerous eateries I was itching to try, and a food tour sounds like the best bet!

What are your favorite things to do in Vancouver? Let us know in the comments!

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Best 5 Days in Vancouver Itinerary with Map! | Travel Guide & Tips

Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links – which means, at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through a link.

Welcome to Vancouver, British Columbia!

As one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Vancouver is a great getaway destination in the Pacific Northwest, when you just want to run away from the sweltering heat that hits the rest of North America in the summer.

Vancouver is well-known as a city surrounded by beautiful mountain backdrops and numerous water activities in the summer.

There’s something for everyone in this amazing city of British Columbia, whether you want to explore nature, eat your way through the city, or just relax on the beach. There is much to see and do.

I had the opportunity to visit Vancouver, Canada for 5 days in September; stopping by some of the most popular spots, like Stanley Park, Chinatown, and Granville Island.

This 5 day Vancouver itinerary will bring you to explore many well-known neighborhoods in Vancouver such as Gastown, Downtown Vancouver, West End, Kitsilano, and Richmond.

Let’s get started!

Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links – which means, at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through a link. 

Table of Contents

Getting Around Vancouver

Downtown Vancouver is located just 30 minutes from the Vancouver International Airport. Vancouver’s city center is very walkable to roam around.  

You also have easy access to most of the attractions in Vancouver by public transportation.

I recommend getting a Compass card to save 10% off public transportation! Otherwise, you can also use a contactless credit card for Tap to Pay.

If you have the budget, the fastest way to get around outside Vancouver downtown is by rental car . Driving or taking an Uber will take you to most of the attractions outside Vancouver in less than 30 minutes!

Where to Stay in Vancouver

I recommend staying in the city center, as that is the prime central spot to start exploring the city. You will have plenty of attractions and things to do in all four directions.

Hostels & Budget Hotels:

Samesun Vancouver – Stay in a hostel in the middle of all the action

YWCA Hotel – Budget private rooms in downtown Vancouver

Barclay Hotel – Budget hotel option on Robson St

Mid-Luxury Hotel Stays:

The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver – Luxurious 5-star hotel with in-house spa

Blue Horizon Hotel – Indoor pool with hot hub, steam room

The Listel Hotel Vancouver – Loved my stay here! Popular Ramen Danbo across the street.

Vancouver Itinerary Overview | Map

Day 1 | granville island.

Arrive in Vancouver, BC.

After setting up base, head to Granville Island . It’s a nice small island that you can stroll around for hours.

Browse the many creative shops on Granville Island. Admire indigenous art pieces in the Eagle Spirit Gallery. If you like stationeries, Paper-Ya is for you.

Enjoy a seafood meal or cheap delicious eats at the Granville Island Public Market . The pot pies at A La Mode are m-mmm (though I do prefer it being a little warmer). If you’re not sure what to eat, leave the decisions to the expert on this food walking tour around Granville Island Public Market.

Wanna bike on the water? That’s right! You heard me correctly. Walk to the BC Water Bikes for some fun water activity in the False Creek while taking in the sunset. Water bike rental season is only during the summer months, from June to September. Make sure to book in advance.

Have dinner at the nearby Kitsilano neighborhood. If you like Indian food, check out Indian Oven .

Day 2 | Stanley Park and Gastown

Wear your most comfortable shoes because there’s going to be a lot of walking!

Grab breakfast at Pappa Roti and try their fresh soft buns. Their bestseller is the Pistachio bun! For the adventurous, you can also order their mystery stuff buns.

If you want a snack, get some Korean hotdogs on the way to the Stanley Park at Chung Chin Rice Hot Dog . Go crazy topping up their Korean hotdogs with the sauces to make it extra special!

Stanley Park & Vancouver Seawall

One of the main activities in Stanley park is going around the Vancouver Seawall . You can either walk around the Vancouver Seawall or ride a bike. If you can bike, I will definitely recommend doing so. There are plenty of bike rental shops right before entering Stanley park. Enjoy a guided ride with a Stanley Park bike tour .

Not counting the time it will take for photos, just walking the whole Seawall path will take at least 2 hours!

Some not to miss spots along the Vancouver Seawall are the totem poles, Brockton Point Lighthouse , and Nine O’clock gun.

The Nine O’clock gun might seem pretty boring at first (it’s also locked inside a cage). However, if you’re lucky, you might come across a staff loading gunpowder into the cannon for the daily 9pm show. The cannon is set to go off automatically at 9pm, so don’t be surprised to hear a loud bang!

For a beautiful backdrop for a photoshoot, head to the Stanley Park Pavilion .

If you love aquariums, don’t forget to put down the Vancouver Aquarium in your Stanley Park walk. It is open all days from 10am-5pm. Last entry at 3:15pm.

For those of you craving a swim, there are plenty of beaches in Stanley Park; Second Beach & Third Beach. Nearby in the West End, you also have the English Bay Beach . If you’re here in late July, don’t miss the fireworks at English Bay for the annual Celebration of Lights event.

Canada Place & Gastown

Stop by Canada Place in downtown Vancouver for some lovely views of North Vancouver across the water.

Have some fun at the FlyOver Canada in Canada Place , an immersive 4D simulation flight that flies you over Canada.   Purchase your tickets in advance!

Want a real bird’s eye view of Canada? Check out the 360° views of the city at Vancouver Lookout observation deck.

Make your way to Gastown , the original settlement that became what is Vancouver BC today.

Walk around and you’ll soon stumble across a group of tourists snapping pictures of a steam clock on their phone. Some people say the famous Gastown Steam Clock is overrated, but I find the visible mechanics inside the steam clock fascinating.

Two blocks from the Gastown Steam Clock, you have the Gassy Jack statue , an homage to the founder of Gastown, “Gassy” Jack Deighton.

Go on a walking tour and discover Prohibition Vancouver or feast on a Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour .

For the fearless and the curious, check out the Vancouver Lost Souls of Gastown Walking Tour .

If the weather is warmer, you can enjoy the public performances of singing musicians.

Experience the unique flavor of dry noodles at Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba by indulging in their specialty dish, the mazesoba.

Caution. Avoid walking on E Hastings St (especially the area between Gastown and Chinatown). The area is flooded with homeless people.

Day 3 | Photo Spots around Vancouver BC

Dress your best since day 3 is all about photo ops!

Start off the day with a hearty brunch from Cafe Medina. This place is crowded, so make your reservations ahead of time.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Walk toward Chinatown and visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden . It’s a Ming dynasty style garden home, one of the first of its kind to be built outside China. This place is perfect for a photoshoot.

If you’re more interested in food than photo taking, then join this walking tour led by a chef around Chinatown !

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Next, let’s go to the VanDusen Botanical Garden , which is easily accessible by bus. My favorite photo shoot spots are the giant red chair and the bridge by the water.

Have fun getting lost in the maze!

Next to the visitor center, there’s also a gallery full of purchasable art pieces by very talented artists. Do check it out even if you’re not thinking of buying, because the art there is amazing!

Queen Elizabeth Park

Last (for the day!), a short walk away from the VanDusen Botanical Garden is the Queen Elizabeth Park . It is on a hill, so there’s your workout for the day.

Being a public park, the Queen Elizabeth Park definitely exceeded my expectations.

If you’re here before 3pm, check out the Bloedel Conservatory ( grab tickets here ) for exotic birds and plants. Otherwise, take some golden hour pictures and enjoy the sunset.

There are tons of restaurants near Queen Elizabeth Park on Main St.

Day 4 | UBC Area & Richmond

Start the day at UBC (University of British Columbia).

Museum of Anthropology

Visit the Museum of Anthropology . I love walking through the multiversity galleries, where it showcases thousands of artifacts from around the world. Don’t forget to pull open the drawers to see more!

When you’re done exploring indoors, walk outside and find their outdoor exhibits and totem poles.

For a small fee, you can enter the Nitobe Memorial Garden , a traditional Japanese stroll garden and teahouse.

Looking for some adrenaline rush? Check out the UBC Botanical Garden and their Greenheart Treewalk where you walk across suspended walkways between treetops.

If you want to see a skeleton of Canada’s largest blue whale, head to the Beaty Biodiversity Museum .

For dinner, there are plenty of Asian restaurants in Richmond.

If you like Vietnamese food, I highly recommend Banh Mi Tres Bon. Try their mini savory crepes!

The Richmond Night Market is one of the best things to do in Vancouver during the summer!

Have fun taking photos in the infinity rooms at Moon & Back Gallery .

Day 5 | Shopping & Museums

Sadly, today’s the last day in Vancouver.

Check out of your hotel. If you’re exploring or shopping nearby, you can leave your luggage in your hotel’s storage room.

Do some souvenir shopping on Robson Street while exploring downtown Vancouver before leaving for the airport.

• On Robson Street, there are two souvenir stores: Grand Maple Gifts and Canadian Crafts.
• OOMOMO Japan Living is all you need to buy affordable Japanese houseware and goodies.
• Aritzia is one of my favorites if you’re looking for great quality and fashionable women’s apparels (it does come with a hefty price tag).

If you prefer outlets, there’s one right by the Vancouver International Airport. Happy shopping!

Check out the museums close to downtown Vancouver if your flight home is in the evening (or you simply want to save your wallet from a shopping spree).

Vancouver Art Gallery

The largest public art museum in western Canada with local and touring art exhibits.

• Open 10am-5pm (except Tuesday & Friday 12pm-8pm)
• If you come on Tuesday nights 5-8pm, you can enter with a donation (minimum $5).

Roedde House Museum

A restored late-Victorian house turned museum for Victorian enthusiasts, depicting life in the Victoria era.

• Open Wed-Fri & Sun 1-4pm

Science World

Interactive science museum with an IMAX theater. Great for kids.

• Open 10am-5pm daily

You can’t travel to Canada and not try poutine right? Take a last detour to Fritz European Fry House and order their poutine (top it up with pulled pork or any other topping of your choice)!

Grab your luggages (and shopping bags) and head to the airport. 

Allocate extra time before your flight if you’re heading to the US. Because not only do you have to go through security checks, you also have to clear the US customs and immigration.

Safe flight!

Extra Days? More Activities in Vancouver

Got some extra days in Vancouver? Well, lucky you!

You can do a road trip crossing the Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver. 

Test out your courage by walking across treetops on the Capilano suspension bridge . If you do not have a car, you can still visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park by taking the free shuttle bus from Vancouver. 

Take in the scenic views from the top of Grouse Mountain . With activities for all four seasons, no matter when you’re visiting Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is something you can put down on your itinerary.

You can also pay a visit to Vancouver’s North Shore. There are many markets and shops in the area. Places to visit include The Shipyards, Waterfront Park, and Lonsdale Quay Market. Walk around for a beautiful view of the city skyline.

While the itinerary includes food recommendations, for my full list of where to eat in Vancouver (plus what to order) check out my Vancouver food guide !

Feel free to switch around the days as you see fit. Day 4 and 5 are mainly indoor activities so it’s great for rainy days.

Day 4 and 5 are mainly indoor activities so it’s great for rainy days. Some attraction sites are not open on certain days, so keep in mind the opening hours when planning.

Ready to visit?

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Perfect 2 Days In Vancouver Itinerary

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Apr 18, 2023 | Canada , North America , Travel Tips

The coastal city of Vancouver is a must-visit spot for anyone traveling to Canada.

This British Columbian city has so much to enjoy and has consistently ranked as one of the most liveable cities in Canada and the world.

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In Vancouver, you have the snow-capped mountains close by, you are right on the water and you have some impressive skyscrapers. You really have everything you could possibly want and need from a weekend break.

Because of this, you may wonder, ‘Why visit Vancouver as a tourist?’, or ‘Is Vancouver worth visiting?’

Vancouver also has an abundance of markets to explore, especially around Christmas time, and you’ll find plenty of fabulous parks, beaches and restaurants along the water.

Most travelers find 2 days in Vancouver to be enough time to enjoy all the main sights. So, if you’re wondering how many days in Vancouver you’ll need – 2 days should be enough!

Your first day in Vancouver will consist of lots of fresh air, sightseeing, and food! It’s the perfect introduction to the city.

For your first morning in Vancouver, let’s head to the impressive Stanley Park. This is a 400-hectare national park and green oasis in the middle of the bustling city of Vancouver.

A great way to get out and see the park and get your bearings is to join this Cycling Tour . It’s best to start this tour around 9 am, especially during the Summer, so you are getting out and about before it gets too hot. 

This is a 3-hour tour that includes a look through Stanley park and also some time in the city You will have a local tour guide with you on your tour sharing information about Stanley park and its biodiversity.

The cycling tour starts in downtown Vancouver and brings you through some local neighborhoods before reaching Stanley Park. Here you can enjoy the ocean views of English bay while you cycle along the smooth bicycle paths.

This tour is suitable for families with kids as you will be on dedicated and safe cycle paths the entire time. There will be plenty of photo opportunities of views of the North Shore, The Lion’s Gate Bridge, as well as English Bay, and the West End.

Following a morning cycling around and enjoying Stanley Park, it’s time to enjoy even more nature. This time, we are headed to the Capilano suspension bridge . This is a must-do while you are in Vancouver and a really unique afternoon out.

The Capilano suspension bridge is a 137-meter treetop bridge overlooking the Capilano river and surrounded by lush green forest.

This is a really popular attraction with tourists as you can walk across the bridge and enjoy the breathtaking views in every direction while perched above the river.

During the Winter, the late afternoon is the best time to go as there is the Canyon Lights display for tourists to enjoy. All the bridges and surrounding areas are illuminated with a changing multi-color display during this event.

Make sure you book your tickets ahead of time for this as the Capilano Suspension bridge can get very busy.

It’s been a busy day of activities, so your first evening in Vancouver will focus on enjoying some incredible dinner and drinks. Let’s head to Granville Island as this is a great place to visit all year round in Vancouver.

You can reach Granville island by ferry from downtown Vancouver. You can either get the Aquabus or the False Creek ferry that have services running all day. Alternatively, the number 50 False Creek bus stops at Granville island from Gastown in the downtown area.

This is a small island in Vancouver that is bursting with art, history, and food. Granville Island has an eclectic mix of things to do here with markets, theaters, restaurants, breweries, and kids’ shops.

Here you can see all of the original buildings from the industrial age of Vancouver. You will find lots of unique shopping here and a distillery and a brewery if you are looking for some drinks.

We recommend the Sandbar Seafood restaurant to grab some dinner and then head to the Liberty distillery to enjoy its cocktail menu.

After some dinner, it’s time to wander around the Granville Island public market. This is a really popular market with groceries on one side and then a food court with all local vendors. This is a great place to grab some dessert while walking around.

Get ready for your second day of exploring Vancouver. This will be a day of enjoying nature, learning about the history of Vancouver, and enjoying a thrilling ride in the mountains!

Let’s start day 2 off with a relaxed stroll through the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens. This is a 55-acre oasis in the heart of Vancouver and is not to be missed during your time here.

These stunning gardens have plant species from all over the world and you can spend a few hours walking around and soaking up the beauty.

You will see plenty of wildlife while in the park and you can enjoy the Elizabethan hedge maze too. This is the perfect place for some photography all year round.

After some walking, you can enjoy a coffee or some lunch on the patios of Truffles Cafe or Shaughnessy Restaurant.

Next up, we have the spectacular Grouse Mountain Skyride. Grouse mountain is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Vancouver if you rent a car , or alternatively, you can use one of the public transport options available.

Once you arrive, you can hop on the amazing Grouse Mountain Skyride which operates all year round, departing every 15 minutes.

Here you will tower high above the forest on the mountain and have some breathtaking views of Vancouver city. You will also get some views of the Pacific Ocean and the gulf islands while traveling in the largest aerial tramway in North America.

Once you disembark the Skyride at the top, you can enjoy some winter activities such as snowshoeing and outdoor skating.

There are different activities available on Grouse Mountain, depending on the time of year.

Your final evening in Vancouver will bring you to the historic Gastown area. Gastown is the oldest neighborhood in the city and has some phenomenal Victorian architecture.

This area is the oldest commercial district in Vancouver and boasts some quant cobblestone streets as well as the famous Steam Clock which is the perfect spot to get a photograph.

One of the best ways to enjoy all that Gastown has to offer is by joining a Gastown Walking Food Tour . On this food tour, you will have 8 different stops for food and drinks and some history of the area.

To start this tour off, your guide will lead you along the cobbled streets to sample some local craft beer, Canadian poutine, Vancouver’s award-winning cheesecake, and lots of other mouth-watering treats!

This is a great way to explore this area and sample the foods that Vancouver is best known for.

Is Vancouver Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Vancouver is worth visiting. There is truly something for everyone here, from incredible nature & sightseeing, skiing and adventurous activities close by, and lots of yummy food and drinks.

Best Time To Visit Vancouver?

Luckily Vancouver is great all year round. There are great beaches and outdoor activities by the coast to enjoy during the Summer.

In the Winter, snowy mountains and ski resorts are only a short drive away. So it depends on your preference for a sunny or snowy weekend.

How Many Days In Vancouver Is Enough?

You can cover a lot in Vancouver in 2 days, however, we think the longer, the better. This way you can really make the most of Vancouver and the surrounding areas.

If you want to plan your Vancouver getaway, you can learn more by reading our guide to figuring out how many days in Vancouver is enough .

Where To Stay In Vancouver For 2 Days?

Vancouver is a big city with a huge variety of accommodations to choose from. We are sure you will find the perfect fit for your budget for your stay here.

Below we are some options for different price ranges for you to take a look at. 

Best Budget Accommodation

A great budget option in Vancouver is the Victorian Hotel which is situated a 5-minute walk from Gastown.

This location is one of the best in the city when it comes to sightseeing and being immersed in the history of Vancouver. It is just a 5-minute walk from the Granville Skytrain.

Check Availability

Best Mid-range Accommodation

To suit a mid-range budget, we suggest choosing the Paradox Hotel Vancouver for your stay. This hotel is located in the financial district of Bangkok and is close to lots of restaurants and shopping options.

A bonus of staying in this hotel is the indoor pool and a spa & wellness center on site.

Best Luxury Accommodation

If you’re not on a budget, why not treat yourself to staying at the Rosewood Hotel ? This is an incredible 5-star hotel located right across the street from the Vancouver Art Gallery and surrounded by lots of great dining and shopping.

This hotel is just a 5-minute drive from Stanley Park, making it a great base to explore the city.

Final Thoughts On Vancouver Itinerary

Whether you’re traveling through Canada on a summer backpacking trip or planning your next trip to North America, Vancouver is well worth a visit.

With so much culture to explore and cuisine to taste, spending one or two days in Vancouver is bound to be a fantastic experience because there are enough things to do in Vancouver to keep you entertained.

However, be sure to follow an itinerary like ours to make the most of your short trip.

If you’re traveling to other destinations in Canada, consider renting a car for your Canadian adventures.

Traveling to Canada soon? Read one of the following guides:

• Montreal itinerary
• What to do in Vancouver in winter
• Easy hikes in Vancouver
• Is Vancouver safe

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The 15 Best Things to Do in Vancouver

By Jennifer Van Evra

There are a few refrains Vancouverites always hear from travelers: “It’s so beautiful,” “Everybody's so nice here” and “There’s so much to do.” And they’re right on all three counts: surrounded by mountains to one side and the ocean to the other, the stunning city is a paradise for people who love the outdoors. You can ride out to see a pod of killer whales, hike over a jaw-dropping suspension bridge, take a kayak tour, climb a mountain—all 2,830 steps—or simply stroll the seawall in an urban park that’s ranked among the best in the world. But it’s not all about the elements: Vancouver has culture too, and boasts stellar museums, a public market that makes foodie hearts sing, and one of the most acoustically perfect concert halls in North America.

Read our complete Vancouver travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Capilano Suspension Bridge & Park Arrow

For people whose knees shake at the mere thought of walking a wooden suspension bridge 230 feet above terra firma, this is definitely not a top spot, but travelers who love the thrill of heights and gorgeous rainforest views are handsomely rewarded at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. First built as a tourist attraction in 1889, the North Vancouver park continues to draw droves of visitors who stroll the bridge and other high-level offerings.

Prince of Whales Whale Watching Arrow

The Prince of Whales tour is a sure-fire way to get an up-close look at some of British Columbia’s incredible marine life—orca whales, humpbacks, Pacific white-sided dolphins, elephant seals, sea lions, bald eagles, and more. The tours are conservation-focused—no cetacean-chasing cowboys here—and along the way, travelers also pick up fascinating facts about whale biology and behavior, marine conservation, and Vancouver’s history as a port city. Options include three- to five-hour tours from Vancouver or Victoria on a luxury catamaran, or if you’re departing from Victoria or Telegraph Cove, you can get down to water level on a Zodiac tour.

Snowshoe Tour on Cypress Mountain Arrow

If you’re not a downhill diehard or a Nordic racer but still want to find some "Frozen"-level winter magic, the snowshoe tours at Cypress Mountain are well worth the trek from downtown. After a fresh snowfall, there's nothing like walking through a forest of cedars and firs laden with snow, the ground sparkling all around, especially when you have certified guides leading the pack. The tours, which are currently on pause due to the pandemic , typically run daytime and evening, and range from a kid-friendly Hollyburn Meadows tour to the magical evening cheese and chocolate fondue tours. 

Stanley Park Arrow

Regularly heralded as one of the best parks in the world, Vancouver’s 988-acre Stanley Park is larger than the city’s entire downtown core, and is best known for its ocean and mountain views, its beaches and seaside swimming pool, its playgrounds and miniature train, and its walking trails through soaring fir and cedar forests. But it's especially beloved for its six-mile seawall, which draws millions of walkers, joggers, and cyclists every year.

Jessica Puckett

Olivia Morelli

Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

Devra Ferst

Chan Centre for the Performing Arts Arrow

When visionary Canadian architect Bing Thom designed this University of British Columbia landmark, he hired some of the world’s finest acousticians to create an optimal-sounding space. So it’s no wonder “The Chan,” this performing-arts venue is known, is famous for its impeccable acoustics, which draw top international musicians, many who typically play far larger venues. With curved maple walls, the distinctly modern concert hall is shaped like the inside of a cello, and features a striking 25-ton acoustic canopy over the stage. The lobby is equally breathtaking: floor-to-ceiling glass walls tilt at a perfect angle.

Granville Island Arrow

In the 1970s, a polluted waterfront industrial site got a massive makeover and became one of Vancouver’s most beloved attractions: a tiny island packed with everything from a huge indoor public market and cozy artisan studios, to sunny cafes and a two-level kids’ market that makes little eyes go wide. With butchers, bakers, cheesemongers, florists, tea companies, fishmongers, craftspeople, confectioners, and produce vendors—not to mention a food court filled with delectable local eats—the bustling public market alone can keep your senses rapt for half a day.

Vancouver Aquarium Arrow

Vancouver is surrounded by water, but the best way to get an up-close look at the area’s marine life—as well as aquatic animals from around the globe—is at the Vancouver Aquarium, located in picturesque Stanley Park. For more than 60 years, locals and visitors have flocked to the seaside facility, which houses more than 65,000 animals—sea otters, penguins, sea lions, fish, jellyfish, eels, sea turtles, birds and reptiles—among them Joey the sea otter, Señor Cinco the penguin, and the recently rescued Donnelly the harbor seal. But don’t expect Marineland-style dolphin shows; the Vancouver Aquarium is more focused on education, research, and conservation.

Grouse Mountain Arrow

Towering high behind downtown Vancouver’s gleaming towers, Grouse Mountain—known as “the Peak of Vancouver”—has been a top destination for locals and tourists for more than a century. What you do there depends on the season: in summer you can hike, mountain bike, zipline over the treetops, catch an uber-Canadian lumberjack show, tour a high-tech wind turbine, and meet giant orphaned grizzly bears. In winter it’s skiing, snowshoeing, sliding, ice skating, and other sports that lure snow lovers. And whether summer or winter, the Skyride gondola offers jaw-dropping views of the city, the ocean, the Gulf Islands, and beyond.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden Arrow

Step out of the downtown fray and into Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and it feels like you’ve entered an island of calm. Perched at the edge of Chinatown, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen is modeled after the Ming Dynasty–era scholar’s gardens in Suzhou, China. It’s also regularly named among the best city gardens on the planet. The serene spot is far from a touristy knockoff, too. A collaboration between governments in Canada and China, the garden and structures were designed and built by 53 Suzhou specialists using rare trees and prized rocks shipped in from Asia.

Museum of Anthropology at UBC Arrow

With its soaring totem poles, cedar canoes, bentwood boxes, Indigenous masks, sculptures, ceramics, weavings, and more, Vancouver’s Museum of Anthropology, or MOA, is the city’s most beloved museum, making it a must-see for visitors and locals alike. Designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, the iconic 1976 building is considered a modernist masterpiece, and regularly draws architecture buffs. Located on the University of British Columbia campus, MOA is also an academic institution that houses close to 50,000 ethnographic objects, as well as 535,000 archaeological objects in its building alone.

VanDusen Botanical Garden Arrow

An Elizabethan hedge maze made of 3,000 pyramidal cedars, an Instagram-ready walkway under glowing yellow laburnum blooms, more than 7,500 plant species from every continent, and a picturesque lake are just a few of the features that have kept travelers and nature-loving locals flocking to the 55-acre VanDusen Botanical Garden for more than half a century. Just don’t expect highly arranged and coiffed gardens of annuals; this place is purely perennials, and although they are beautifully arranged, they still have a wild side.

Pacific Spirit Regional Park Arrow

Pacific Spirit Regional Park is the real deal: more than 2,000 acres of wild, Douglas fir–forested lands vivisected by almost 50 miles of trails (including 22 miles suitable for bikes and horses), much of it set along the waters of the Georgia Straight. It’s a bit out of the way—the University of British Columbia is at Vancouver’s westernmost reaches—but it’s one of the city’s best gems. Don't miss Wreck Beach, Vancouver’s legendary clothing-optional beach.

The Commodore Ballroom Arrow

First, you don’t just walk in off the street and have a pint at The Commodore—it’s a performance venue, so you’ll have to buy a ticket to gain entry. A true piece of local history, the downtown Granville Street club dates back to the 1920s, although the 1,000-seat bar really came of age in the 1970s, when visiting bands ranging from the Police and The Ramones to KISS, David Bowie, and Tina Turner played here. Vancouver’s answer to the Sunset Strip’s Whiskey-a-Go-Go is truly one of the finest live venues in North America.

Queen Elizabeth Park Arrow

Built in on a former quarry 500 feet above sea level, the 130-acre Queen Elizabeth Park is the highest vantage point in Vancouver, with extraordinary views that extend to the North Shore Mountains and beyond. But there’s more to Queen E, as locals call it, than just the vistas. With manicured lawns and impeccably groomed flowering plant beds, the gardens are the main draw. There's also the Bloedel Conservatory, an exotic plant and bird arboretum contained within a geodesic dome, and Seasons in the Park Restaurant, a destination dining spot.

Chinatown Arrow

The neighborhood draws every type, from locals who have been shopping there for generations to upscale foodies checking out the latest culinary hotspots, and from history buffs to authentic culture seekers. It absolutely lives up to the hype, and makes you want to learn more—especially if you soak in the serenity of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, discover the neighborhood’s history at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre, check out thought-provoking art at the Rennie Museum, and treat yourself to a world of food and drink. If you’re ever in town during Chinese New Year, it’s also well worth catching the parade.

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The World on my Necklace

A Travel Blog by Katie Chavez

The Best Vancouver Itinerary: 4 Days in Summer

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Are you planning on visiting beautiful Vancouver this summer or fall? Then check out my Vancouver Itinerary: 4 days of the best the city has to offer! Believe me – you will fall in love with Vancouver after following my 4 day Vancouver Itinerary. Read on…

Vancouver on Canada’s west coast is a dynamic city that is culturally diverse, stunningly beautiful and home to incredible food and beer scenes. So it’s basically my dream city.

I have previously spoken in detail on this blog about my love for Vancouver, here and here and here , so I really don’t need to bore you all by confessing my undying love for this city again. 

What I will say is that after living in Vancouver for five months in 2009/2010 and visiting several more times since then, it is still firmly my favorite place in the world.

And summer is the best time to visit Vancouver – that’s why I wrote this 4 day Vancouver Itinerary, focusing on summer in the city, although it could certainly be used for other seasons in Vancouver too.

One of the reasons I love Vancouver is because of the massive amount of things to do there, and of course the massive amount of incredible things to eat – after all, Vancouver has some of the best food in Canada .

You know that quote ‘If you are tired of London then you are tired of life’? Well, I think it is very apt for Vancouver too.

Although you could spend weeks in Vancouver and never get bored, I know a lot of visitors don’t have that long, so I wrote this Vancouver 4 day itinerary which will give you a great overview of the best of Vancouver.

Maybe it will give you some ideas for when you visit. Because believe me, you must visit this city!

The Best 4 Day Vancouver Itinerary for Summer

Check out my interactive map with the best things to do, see, eat, drink, and where to stay in Vancouver.

Day 1: Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Kitsilano, and Beaches

Start your 4 days in Vancouver with a hike in Pacific Spirit Regional Park or visiting one of Vancouver’s excellent museums, followed by lunch and a stroll around Kitsilano, then relax on one of Kitsilano’s beautiful beaches in the afternoon. Grab dinner at a Kits icon to complete your day.

Escaping the City in Pacific Spirit Regional Park

After grabbing breakfast in Kits at Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe, 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters and Lucky’s Doughnuts, or Beaucoup Bakery, it’s time for a hike at Pacific Spirit Regional Park.

Located at the far western edge of Vancouver near the University of British Columbia, Pacific Spirit Regional Park encompasses 763 acres of forest and foreshore.

There are a number of hiking trails on offer, and you can join a few together to do a loop through the old-growth forest of the park. It’s also worth visiting the Fraser River Exploration Monument, which has a great view over the mouth of the Fraser River.

The park is a peaceful spot for a wander, and to be surrounded by old-growth temperate rainforest so close to a busy city is one of the reasons why I love Vancouver so much.

Learn More About Vancouver at a Museum

If you are more into museums than hiking (or if you have more than 4 days in Vancouver), then don’t miss visiting one of Vancouver’s excellent museums.

The absolute best is the Museum of Anthropology on the UBC Campus not far from Kits, which is home to a large collection of arts and cultural pieces with a special emphasis on the First Nations peoples.

If maritime history is more your style, the Vancouver Maritime Museum is located not far from Kits Beach and is an interesting place to spend a couple of hours.

Exploring Beautiful Kitsilano

Kitsilano, or Kits, is Vancouver’s beachy suburb and one of my favorite places in the city.

Kits was a hippie enclave back in the 1960s and 70s – it’s where Greenpeace was founded – and you can still find traces of that in the stores and eateries along West 4th Avenue and Broadway today.

Cozy bookshops, health food stores, eclectic eateries, cute boutiques – browsing the shops in Kits is always fun.

There are also miles of coastline to walk along, white sand beaches, leafy streets lined with colorful wooden homes, and lots of parks, some with views over the harbor to the mountains north of the city.

I love the nature and the relaxed vibe in Kits and if (when) I live in Vancouver again, this is where I want to be. It’s the perfect spot for a summer in Vancouver.

Relaxing at One of Kitsilano’s Beaches

Beaches may not be the first thing you think of when you think of Vancouver but there are actually a lot scattered around the city, with Kits being home to some of the most beautiful. 

The large logs placed along the beaches are very iconic Vancouver and are great to lean against to read a book before going for a dip. The water is warmer than you would think.

In my opinion, Jericho Beach in Kits is the best as it is a beautiful sandy crescent with some of the cleanest water, and it has great mountain views. I have seen bald eagles and seals here numerous times.

Locarno Beach and Spanish Banks Beach next door are also beautiful, and if you are looking for action, then head to busy Kitsilano Beach where there is also an outdoor pool.

Wreck Beach is right by UBC and is the place to go if you are into getting nude and/or attending drum circles.

Don’t miss experiencing the sunset at Locarno Beach, Spanish Banks Beach, or Wreck Beach. The sunsets from these beaches are incredible and likely some of the best you will ever see.

Eat at a Kitsilano Icon for Dinner

Finish your day by eating at a Kits icon. It’s hard to beat The Naam for wholesome and delicious vegetarian dishes in a restaurant that has been operating since 1968!

Other Kits favorites that you should consider for dinner or lunch are East is East for Afghan cuisine, Chewies for killer Cajun cuisine and seafood, Nuba for delicious Lebanese food, or for something more casual – grab a slice or two from Uncle Fatih’s, La Ruota, or Nat’s New York Pizzeria.

For dessert, grab some pie from The Pie Hole or Aphrodite’s.

Day 2: Stanley Park, Gastown, Chinatown, East Van

Today will mostly be spent around Vancouver’s city center, spending the morning walking or biking the gorgeous seawall in Stanley Park, then exploring historic Gastown, interesting Chinatown, and finishing in hip East Van for shopping, dinner, and drinks. 

Walking or Biking the Seawall in Stanley Park

Stanley Park with its seawall is probably the most well-known tourist attraction in Vancouver and with good reason.

Walking or biking the nearly ten kilometers of sea wall with the ocean on one side and pristine BC Coastal rainforest on the other is pretty special, even when you have to share the path with hundreds of others.

The last time I walked it I had a playful seal following me most of the way and I have also seen river otters, raccoons, and bald eagles while doing this walk.

The views are spectacular the whole way around with beaches, rainforest, ocean, rocky foreshore, and mountains always in sight.

The totem poles are worth checking out and lots of wild blackberries grow along the path which is perfect for a snack. If it’s a hot day, stop at gorgeous Third Beach for a dip with mountain views.

You can do this walk any time of year, even in wet and cold winter – it is spectacular whatever the season. But to really see it at its best? Walk or bike it during summer in Vancouver.

And, if you are wondering what to see in Vancouver in one day if that is all you have, walking or biking the seawall is it.

Cobbled Streets and Great Restaurants in Gastown

After finishing your walk or bike around the seawall, walk along the waterfront to Gastown, passing by Canada Place on the way.

Gastown may be touristy but I have a bit of a soft spot for it. You can’t deny it’s pretty with its colorful flower pots, cobbled streets, and old-fashioned gas lamps. It even has a smaller version of New York’s Flatiron Building – Hotel Europe.

There are also some great restaurants in this area and for lunch, I recommend Tacofino for iconic fish tacos or Finch’s – a tea house with old-world charm and really good teas and baguette sandwiches.

Check out the iconic Steam Clock and do some shopping before heading to your next stop – if you want tasteful souvenirs then Gastown is the place to shop for them.

Eclectic Chinatown

Pass under the Vancouver Chinatown Millennium Gate into Chinatown. If you haven’t eaten already – or if you can eat more – don’t miss getting some dim sum at Jade Dynasty, or grab a sweet treat from one of the many Chinese bakeries.

If you are a garden aficionado, then make sure to visit the tranquil Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – the first Chinese garden built outside of China.

Exploring Edgy East Van

East Van is basically east of Main Street in downtown Vancouver and is an edgier, funkier part of the city that is definitely worth spending at least a couple of hours. 

Start your East Van exploration by checking out the shops along East Hastings Street in Hastings-Sunrise, before turning down Commercial Drive which is one long road of amazing restaurants, bars, and retail.

Make sure to have dinner at Sula for outstanding Indian food or Havana for Cuban cuisine and Cuban cocktails.

If you are a beer lover, head to Off the Rails Brewing, Storm Brewing, or Strange Fellow’s Brewery for a few craft beers to finish off your night.

Day 3: Lynn Canyon, Granville Island, and Mount Pleasant

Start Day 3 of your Vancouver Itinerary by visiting lovely Lynn Canyon Park to check out the suspension bridge and do some hiking, followed by a visit to Granville Island Market and finish in exciting Mount Pleasant for some brewery hopping and dinner.

Hiking Through Temperate Rainforest in Lynn Canyon

Located on the North Shore of Vancouver, Lynn Canyon Park is the free alternative to the pricey Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. It still sees a lot of tourists around the suspension bridge, but within five minutes of leaving that behind and taking one of the trails, the crowds quickly die away.

Numerous trails that are punctuated with wooden boardwalks are shaded by stands of giant hemlocks and cedars, with ferns and moss growing prolifically over the dead trees and detritus on the forest floor.

On a hot day during summer in Vancouver, the crystal clear water of the numerous water holes along the river are perfect for a refreshing dip.

Food and Art on Granville Island

One of my absolute favorite spots in the city, Granville Island is home to a fantastic covered Public Market with loads of fresh BC produce and food stalls where you can grab lunch.

If it’s a beautiful day during summer in Vancouver then I sit at one of the seats on the wharf outside to eat lunch and watch the street performers, or if it’s a drizzly day then upstairs in the food court is a cozy spot to admire the beauty of the rain-drenched harbor.

There are also numerous art galleries and interesting shops to browse once you are done with eating, and if you want to get your hands on some original BC and First Nations Art then Granville Island is the perfect place to do so.

Granville Island is surrounded by parks and if you like float homes, there is a colorful float home village right beside where the public market is.

Don’t miss the blueberry and white chocolate bread from Terra Breads, grab a flight and maybe do a tour at Granville Island Brewing, and get fish and chips for lunch from Go Fish – the best fish and chips in Vancouver. It’s just a short walk along the coast from the market.

Vibrant and eclectic, the suburb of Mount Pleasant is one of my favorite places to do a little brewery hopping, and it’s a great spot for dinner too.

I am a massive craft beer fan and I especially love the inventiveness of the brews in Vancouver. With a lot of the breweries located in East Van/Mount Pleasant, you can put together a bit of a brewery hop, sampling the wares at some of the best.

My favorites around this area are Brassneck, 33 Acres, Red Truck Beer Company, R&B Brewing Co., Main Street Brewing Company, and Electric Bicycle Brewing.

Mount Pleasant is also one of the best places to eat out in Vancouver, with so many options it will make your head spin.

Grab Mexican at El Camino’s, inventive donuts at Cartems, awesome diner fare at Lucy’s Eastside Diner, Vietnamese from Anh and Chi, fish and chips from The Fish Counter, or Thai food at Bob Likes Thai Food.

There is always a buzz in Mount Pleasant and it is infectious.

Day 4: Day Hike Near Vancouver

Day 4 of your 4 day Vancouver Itinerary will not actually be spent in Vancouver – today you should take a day trip to do a hike nearby and enjoy the incredible mountain scenery that surrounds the city. 

There are numerous trails close to the city that are easy to do on a day trip. Garibaldi Lakes , the Lions Binkert trail, Saint Mark’s Summit, Joffre Lakes, and the Stawamus Chief are a few of my faves.

To get to the best trails you will need to rent a car. It’s easy to do a car rental from Vancouver Airport which tends to be the cheapest option, or from locations downtown.

If you aren’t too keen to do a big hike on your last day, there are so many fabulous day trips you can do in and around Vancouver.

Consider a day kayaking at Deep Cove, visit Bowen Island by ferry, do a seaside stroll and some brewery hopping in Port Moody, visit Horseshoe Bay and Cypress Falls in West Vancouver, take the ferry and brewery hop in North Vancouver, walk the West Vancouver Seawall, visit Lighthouse Park, hike the Grouse Grind – there are so many options!

Whatever you decide to do during a beautiful summer in Vancouver, you really can’t go wrong. Believe me, this is just the tip of the iceberg!

Have you been to Vancouver yet? What other places would you add to your Vancouver 4 day itinerary?

Planning Your 4 Days in Vancouver

How to get around in vancouver.

Vancouver is a really walkable and bikeable city, so my favorite way to get around is by hitting the streets on foot, or renting a bike for longer distances.

There is also excellent public transport in Vancouver with the Skytrain, ferries, and an extensive network of buses.

I recommend getting a Compass Card which covers trains, ferries, and buses – you can load money on it and just tap it when you board. Make sure to also tap off for ferries and the Skytrain.

You can purchase a Compass Card at Skytrain stations, SeaBus terminals, and various retailers.

Where to Stay in Vancouver

If you want to splurge on a beautiful and historic hotel in a great location in Vancouver, you can’t go past one of the Fairmont hotels – the  Fairmont Waterfront  and the  Fairmont Pacific Rim  look incredible!

For a solid mid-range option in Vancouver, I would recommend The Burrard Hotel  with its retro vibe and pops of color.

If you want your own space then a vacation rental is a great option. Here are my picks for the most affordable, highly rated, and centrally located vacation rentals in Vancouver:

• Quiet Garden Suite Near Commercial Drive
• Luxury Suite Near Granville Island and Kitsilano
• Affordable One Bedroom Apartment by Granville Island
• Amazing Views in this Modern High-rise Studio

If you are on more of a backpacker budget, Cambie Hostel – Seymour is a popular choice. It’s located right in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

If you want to stay in beautiful Kitsilano, the HI Vancouver Jericho Beach is located right by the beach and is within walking distance to all the shops and restaurants on Broadway and West 4th Avenue. 

The Best Insurance for Your 4 Days in Vancouver

If you are not Canadian, make sure you get travel and health insurance before your trip. Safety Wing is my go-to and they are cheap and easy to claim with.

Safety Wing also allows you to sign up when you are already traveling, unlike a lot of other travel insurance providers.

If you liked this post, check out some of my other Canada content:

• How I Traveled Through Canada on $30 Per Day
• What To Expect on the Garibaldi Lake Hike Near Vancouver
• Discover Denman Island: An Offbeat Canadian Paradise
• Best Things To Do on Quadra Island: Paradise on Canada’s West Coast
• Crypt Lake Hike: One of the Best Hikes in Canada
• Life in Field, BC: The Best Mountain Town in the Canadian Rockies
• What To Do in Revelstoke If You Only Have Two Days
• The Sunshine Coast, BC: Canada’s Most Underrated Destination?
• Revisiting Victoria: Canada’s English Themed City
• What to Do in Summer on Denman Island, Canada
• Why You Should Visit Vancouver in the Fall

14 Comments on The Best Vancouver Itinerary: 4 Days in Summer

Do you recommend getting a car if you follow your itinerary?

Hi Chandi, you really don’t need a car except for maybe the hiking day although there are a lot of hikes you can reach by public transport too. The public transport in Vancouver is really good.

Will be traveling from either Seattle or Portland via train to Vancouver BC. Total trip will be 8 days. Appreciate any recommendations and how to break the trip up between Portland, Vancouver, WA and Vancouver, BC. Trip will be ithe end of July.

Hi Thom, I’m traveling for the next 2.5 weeks with limited wifi but send me an email at theworldonmynecklace @outlook.com and let me know your interests and I can give you some suggestions.

Wow it is so beautiful! I traveled to Vancouver with my family as a kid and we loved biking in Stanley Park! Thanks for sharing this lovely itinerary.

Thanks Alanna! Vancouver is a stunning city and I always love visiting

Thanks for the reminders. Lived in Vancouver most of my life but am now in Saint Hubert, Quebec. I like the culture and bilingual aspect here, but nothing beats Vancouver for scenery. And Chinese food!

It is definitely hard to beat Vancouver for scenery! I love the Chinese food in Vancouver too

I was lucky enough to have a stopover in Van during Gay Pride 2016, but unlucky that it was only one day. Just aching to go back, your post has whetted my appetite. Would like to take in free music festivals wherever I am. For example The French Quarter Festival in early April in New Orleans. Please can you mention free things to do like this?

Hi Joanne, I hope you make it back to Vancouver – it is an incredible city! Check out the calendar for Tourism Vancouver when you do decide to go – they have a list of all the events and festivals happening in the city for each month https://www.tourismvancouver.com/events/calendar-of-events/

I love that nature is so close by the city. It seems like a fun place to explore!

It is such an amazing city – if you are into nature then I definitely recommend going there 🙂

Vancouver is easily near the top of my list when it comes to international cities I want to visit. Saving this post for future travels — love the suggestions!

Thanks Katie, I’m sure you will love Vancouver – it is hard to beat!

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A First Timer’s Vancouver Itinerary for 7 Days

If you need the perfect little Vancouver itinerary for one week or 7 days, then this guide is for you! I think I did a pretty good amount of travel around one of Canada’s most famous cities, so hopefully this post gives you a bunch of ideas for your own trip.

My trip to Vancouver was SO much fun. It was also the first time in a while that I’d basically done all travel with very little downtime for work. I went to visit two of my friends, Maggie and Nathalie, and because I’ve never been to Canada before, Vancouver seemed like a great city to start with. Never mind I’ve grown up on the East Coast, so you’d think I’d have made it to Niagara Falls or Toronto beforehand!

Anyway, here’s my full Vancouver itinerary for 7 days!

How to Spend 7 Days in Vancouver

Day 1: Arrival + Dinner

I flew from Providence to Toronto to Vancouver and arrived around 6 pm. So, this is a bit of a cheat day because my itinerary starts quite late!

Check In: HI Vancouver Central

I checked into HI Vancouver Central , a popular hostel chain. I chose it because I knew I’d do a lot of sightseeing and walking around in downtown Vancouver for my first two days, and I wanted to be as central as possible. This city is pretty expensive, so the hostel was still about $150 CAD for two nights!

The HI hostels were the nicest I found for the best price, and I still shared a 4-female room and had a shared bathroom. For a hostel, it’s good but still quite small. I’m also getting to that age where sharing a dorm with strangers and sleeping on the top bunk is not my idea of restful.  Check here for prices & availability

If you have a better budget than I did, try these hotels in Vancouver :

• L’Hermitage Hotel
• the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection

Dinner: Wingz

I met Maggie and her boyfriend, Dustin, at the subway station and we walked over to Wingz for dinner. We basically got to catch up, see a bit of Granville Street at night, and I got to try my first poutine in Canada!

Since my biological clock was 3 hours ahead, I went back and passed out by 9 pm.

Day 2: Granville Island, Gastown, & Yaletown

Breakfast: Elbow Cafe

My hostel’s breakfast was pretty simple — cereal, toast, coffee, tea, etc. I don’t mind this, especially when it’s “free,” but the line at 8:30 am was long and the area was crowded! Instead I just looked up nearby breakfast places.

The Elbow Cafe popped up and looked fun and quirky, so I went there, and it turned out to be such a fun place! The “rules” made me laugh, and everyone was super nice and friendly. My waiter taught me some Mandarin curse words as he gave me some tea haha.

Coffee: Blenz

I also wanted some coffee to go, so I #basicbitched and got a pumpkin spice latte from a nearby coffee shop that I found out later was a chain called Blenz Coffee. It was kind of chilly/rainy out, and I wore sandals, so I needed something warm!

Granville Island

The first thing on my list for the day was Granville Island — mainly because I didn’t want to get caught in the rain! You have to take the False Creek ferry over to Granville, and it’s $5.50 CAD round trip and takes maybe 10 minutes with ferries running super frequently (the sign says every 5 minutes).

Once upon a time, Granville Island was a dumping grown for industrial waste, but over the last fifty years, it’s transformed into a cool public area for the city. The big thing to do is walk around the Public Market and see all the vendors. Try a market tour like this one to learn more. 

But the island is pretty fun to roam around. I just walked and checked out the different industrial-esque buildings and popped into a few shots. There’s a really nice park called Parc Ron Basford that was lovely to just sit and admire Alder Bay. 

I ended my Granville trip with a salted caramel ice cream sandwich and house-made ginger ale from The Bread Affair. Loved the ice cream sandwich, wasn’t crazy about the Ginger Ale.

This was one of the days I spent a few hours doing work as I had some emails to send and client work to catch up on. Plus it had started to rain on my way back from Granville, so I wanted to sit and warm up before going back out again.

I’d read that Gastown was a bit like New York City, so I thought it might be nice to visit with it being so rainy and cloudy! The big landmark is this fun, whistling Steam Clock and Gastown’s version of a flatiron building.

It was actually Vancouver’s original settlement and is considered it’s first downtown. The name comes from “Gassy” Jack Deighton who was a steamboat captain and barkeeper. Today it’s full of the kind of trendy shops and restaurants you’d expect from  neighborhood known for its similarities to New York City. 

If you want to know more about Gastown, try this walking food tour.

Dinner: Misslam Tacorea

After a quick walk around Gastown, I went to meet Maggie and Nathalie for some dinner at Misslam Tacorea in Yaletown. It’s a super yummy Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant that was also kind of the perfect reunion spot since I met both of them in Korea!

I got there when it was dark and rainy, so I didn’t spend much time actually seeing Yaletown. However, if you do have the time, it’s know for being a hip place to get drinks! 

Bonus: There’s a place called Uncle Tetsu’s that’s famous for this fluffy cheesecake from Japan. Apparently, you always have to wait in an obnoxiously long line for it. Whelp, this place has that same cake, and it’s just as good if not better depending on which local you ask!  Plus , there’s no line.

Day 3: Gastown, Stanley Park, & Chinatown

Breakfast: Revolver

I woke up a little late since I was still getting over a bit of jet lag, and I decided to venture down to Revolver for breakfast. I had bookmarked it my research and Maggie had recommended it, so I figured why not! It also meant another little trip to Gastown, this time in sunnier weather.

Revolver was lovely, especially if you’re into that minimalistic decor.  I had an iced latte and chocolate almond cake, which were both delicious. There’s not a lot of seating, though, so it got kind of crowded pretty quickly at 10 am on a Friday. If the cafe is too crowded when you try to go, two other nearby recommendations are Nemesis Cafe and Pure Bread Bakery.

Stanley Park

Before meeting Maggie for lunch, I decided to check out one of Vancouver’s most famous spots – Stanley Park! It’s pretty easy to grab a bus from Gastown to the entrance of the park. From there, I could walk along the seawall.

The park borders downtown Vancouver, Burrad Inlet, and English Bay and is pretty massive at over 1,000 acres. Originally settled by Indigenous peoples, it was colonized during the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush in 1858. Then it became a park of the city in 1886. Its name comes from Lord Stanley, who was Governor General.

Maggie said she and her parents would sometimes come to the park to bike along the seawall, so if you have the time to do that, I’d look into renting a one or doing this guided bike tour.

Lunch: Phom Penh

Of course, I didn’t do anything super extensive in Stanley Park as I had to be in Chinatown to meet Maggie for lunch. We met at Phom Penh, which is apparently a huge local favorite and often packed. Like even during the week after the big lunch rush, we still had a 10-minute wait. 

But I highly recommend. Like, I’m writing this post a year later, and I’m still thinking about how good those chicken wings were. 

Afterwards while we were walking around, I got these cute little macarons from Crackle Creme:

Almost too cute to want to eat!

Okay, so this part of my itinerary you probably don’t really want to copy because it’s nothing special in terms of sightseeing! Maggie had an errand to run downtown, and then we decided to get our nails done. Mine were ragged, and she had a wedding that weekend, so we figured why not! 

We then got my luggage from my hostel and went to Maggie’s house in the outer Vancouver area. Dinner-wise, I think we had pizza with her family, so you’ll want to check my Vancouver food guide for actual restaurant recommendations! 

Alternative Things to Do on This Day:

Obviously, you’ll probably want to spend your afternoon doing different things! Take advantage of the hop-on, hop-off bus , go back and see more of Stanley Park, or do the Vancouver Lookout . Something tells me you’re not going to want to get your nails done or drive to Maggie’s house haha.

You could also do  this nice evening tour of Vancouver , which lasts about 90 minutes and goes through Stanley Park, Prospect Point, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Gastown. Or for something even more relaxed, there’s  this sunset cruise that goes through English Bay and Howe Sound.

Day 4: Hiking to Lindeman Lake

Morning: hiking.

We had a more relaxing afternoon on Day 3 mostly because we knew we’d have a more adventurous Day 4. From Maggie’s place, Lindeman Lake in Chilliwack was around a 2+ hour drive. Nathalie came with Dustin to pick us up around 10, and we decided to still go despite there being rain off and on.

I first saw Lindeman Lake on either Nathalie or Maggie’s instagram. It’s this beautiful blue lake that you have to hike over 3km to get to, and I figured it’d make a great little excursion with the fall foliage! 

Whelp, this easier hike was a bit more difficult as it turned out to be a miserable day weather wise! What started out as gray skies turned into cold rain during our hike. Shout out to those three for still going through with the hiking because we got pretty soaked and disgusting by the time we got back to Nathalie’s car! 

Lunch: Boiling Pot

We were all pretty beat after all the driving and hiking in the rain, so we got lunch at a place called Boiling Pot to warm ourselves back up. Mmm nothing like a nice warm stew to get you feeling normal again! Afterwards, I moved my stuff to Nathalie’s. 

She actually indulged me, and we went to see Crazy Rich Asians at her local theater so I could FINALLY SEE IT! Guys, it’s so cute and fun. If you haven’t seen it, and you like romantic movies, watch! I obviously made all my friends watch it and even went to Singapore for a quick weekend a few months later!

Alternative Things to Do: 

Anyway, I’m sure you won’t want to go to the movies on your trip! If you’re still staying in downtown Vancouver, you can head back and check out another restaurant or some other fun things to do in the city like the Vancouver Art Gallery or Museum of Vancouver. Just know both close by 5pm!

You could also stick around the area of Chilliwack and see what there is to do up there! If you have better weather than us, you could even bring camping gear to stay overnight by Lindeman Lake and do a bit of digital detox.

Day 5: Day Trip to Mayne Island

Did you know Vancouver has its own islands?! I did not, which is kind of a geographical failure on my fault, but I blame it on my public school education. They’re known as the Gulf Islands. The Southern Gulf Islands include Galiano, Mayne, North and South Pender, Salt Spring, Saturna, Penelakut, Thetis, Valdes, Gabriola, Anvil, Gambier, Keats, Nelson, Pasley, and Thromanby. The Northern Gulf Islands include Denman, Hornby, Lasqueti, and Texada. 

They even have a thing called “island life,” which is as cute and charming as it sounds for someone who loved Anne of Green Gables too much as a preteen.

We spent the full day on Mayne Island, and it was so lovely, I want to visit all of them. Nathalie drove, and we went to the different bays while I just took in the views all day. Don’t miss the lighthouse at Georgia’s Point, Bennet’s Bay, or the Japanese Garden! As for where to eat, we got a late breakfast/early lunch at Sunny Mayne Bakery and dinner at Bennett Bay Bistro. 

Don’t forget that you need to  reserve ferry tickets ahead of time.

If the islands aren’t your thing, you may like one of these day trip options instead:

• Victoria and Butchart Gardens
• 7-Hour Sea to Sky Tour
• Whale Watching Safari

Day 6: North Vancouver + Lynn Canyon

Morning: attempting to find the cafe from  to all the boys i’ve loved before.

Nathalie and I decided to spend the day around North Vancouver to see some different things I had written down. The first stop was to visit the cafe from the movie  To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,  which should explain to you the level of extra I’m capable of.

It turned out to be a total bust because the cafe was closed down! I already knew the exterior wouldn’t be as cute as the movie because I looked up photos before, but we couldn’t even enjoy the inside! They were completely shut down with a sign that said: “Under New Management.” The windows were boarded up and you could hear some construction going on inside. 

Anyway, since we could get lunch at the cafe, we stopped got lunch elsewhere on our way to Lynn Canyon. 

Obviously, there’s a lot more to North Vancouver, which is actually its own city separate from Vancouver! Deep Cover and Quarry Rock Hike should be nice for warm weather while Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge are a quite a popular attraction for the area ( get tickets here ).

Lynn Canyon Park

We skipped Capilano mostly because $50 CAD to enter a park seems ridiculous. Maybe I’ll go back and pay it another time! Instead we went to nearby Lynn Canyon Park which has its own cool suspension bridge for free. 

We also did some hiking! There are a number of trails which are part of the huge Barden-Powell Trail, which is 48km that goes from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cover. The Twin Falls Loop Trail will take you over two waterfalls while the Thirty Foot Pool Trail goes to, well, a natural pool where you can go swimming. 

Seymour Mountain Lookout

Afterward, we decided to go over to Seymour Mountain. We were originally going to hike a little on the trail, but we didn’t have a ton of time before meeting Maggie and Dustin for dinner, so we drove towards a lookout point on the road towards Seymour Resort!

Dinner: Tsuki Sushi in Gastown 

Then we drove down to the city and met Maggie and Dustin in Gastown for some good sushi and ice cream. Get the oshi sushi, it was so good!

Later, we got some ice cream at Soft Peaks Ice Cream, where they use all organic milk, and I said goodbye! 

Nathalie then dropped me off at my last accommodation switch, Marpole Guesthouse , which is fairly close to the airport. I checked in, showered, and organized my life before my final day! The guest house was really lovely, more like renting a room in someone’s home.  Check prices & availability here

Day 7: Day Trip to Whistle & Shannon Falls

For my very last day, I decided to do a full on day trip. I was trying to figure out what I wanted to spend my last day doing, and I saw on Get Your Guide, there was a nice trip up to Whistler, so I thought why not!

I  thought I’d get to go up in the cable cars but unfortunately they were closed for construction. However, our guide made it up to us by taking us to all these different waterfalls on the way! 

You can book the tour I did here

Day 8: Fly out

I then checked out of Marpole quite early and flew to New Orleans for the next leg of my 2-months of travel! 

For more travel in and near Vancouver, read these next

• Quick Vancouver Guide
• Where to Eat in the Iconic Pike Place Market
• Mount Fremont Lookout Trail: The Perfect Hike to See Mt. Rainier
• The Bagby Hot Springs Hike: Relaxation You Have to Work for
• Portland in a Weekend: What to Do, See, + More

Have you been to Vancouver? What would you add to your itinerary, let me know!

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Hi there! Enjoyed reading your lengthy but very informative trip to Vancouver. I can’t wait to taste those food places you recommended. Got some questions as I am planning my family vacation in Vancouver this December, 2023. 1) Do you think your itinerary is still applicable in 2023? What would you add and remove from the list. 2) Which month did you visit? Would you alter anything for a December, winter trip? 3) How would you rate your pace…fast, moderate or easy pace? I’m going with my family with 2 kids 13 yrs and 11 yrs old. Which part of your trips are crazy walking days? 4) how did you go around….bus or skytrain? 5) Would you recommend I hop from one hotel to another or just have 1 home base? If 1 home base, which area would you recommned? 6) Do you think worth staying a few nights in whistler? I heard it would take around 2.5 hrs from Vancouver. Regards, Richard

1) I would say yes. The only things I’d always double check are restaurants. Google Maps is usually pretty good at having things up to date. 2) I visited in late September! I probably wouldn’t plan any hiking in December unless you’re used to winter hiking. Whistler should be even prettier though as a day trip. 3) Probably a fairly moderate-easy pace. Besides hiking, no days felt like crazy walking days. 4) Skytrain into the city and then I pretty much walked everywhere with maybe an Uber or two. My friends also had cars, so I was with them for things like North Vancouver or hiking 5) I always prefer 1 home base personally. I’d stay downtown so you have easy access to everything. 6) I only did a day trip so I’m not sure, but I imagine it’d be really bustling and pretty in the winter. If you plan on skiing, I say stay a few nights!

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Where to Stay in Vancouver: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Vancouver is my favorite city in Canada . (It’s also one of my favorite cities in the world . I love it.)

Spend a few days here, and you’ll see why it’s consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world.

Vancouver is the third largest in Canada. As a traveler, there aren’t a ton of areas you are going to stay in as you’ll want to be fairly centrally located but Vancouver is still big enough that you can spend a lot of time commuting if you aren’t careful.

To help you figure out where to stay in Vancouver, I’ve created this detailed list. It includes a brief description of each area, why I like it, and my favorite accommodations in that neighborhood so you know exactly what to expect.

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Table of Contents

Where to Stay in Vancouver for First-Time Visitors: Yaletown

Where to stay in vancouver for foodies: gastown & chinatown, where to stay in vancouver for luxury: coal harbour, where to stay in vancouver for families: west end, where to stay in vancouver for sightseeing: granville island.

Best places to stay in Yaletown:

• MIDRANGE : Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel – This three-star hotel features rooms with kitchenettes that have microwaves, stovetops, and a fridge. There’s also a continental breakfast with fresh waffles. The rooms, while dated, are large, have good light, and have comfortable beds. There’s a TV and desk in each room too and the hotel has an indoor pool. I think it’s the best value hotel in the area.
• LUXURY : OPUS Vancouver – This upscale, five-star hotel has large, contemporary rooms painted in bright, vivid colors that feature Nespresso machines, super comfy beds, desks, and flat-screen TVs. The bathrooms are large, with heated floors, decent shower pressure, and plush bathrobes. There’s a stylish cocktail bar downstairs as well as a fitness center too.

Since Gastown isn’t huge, it often gets lumped together with Chinatown, which is just to the south. This buzzing district is the biggest Chinatown in the country, owing to the fact that immigrants from Asia historically arrived in Vancouver. Don’t miss the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden while you’re here. It’s gorgeous!

Best places to stay in Gastown & Chinatown :

• BUDGET : Cambie Hostel – Gastown – Housed in a building dating back to the late 1800s, this party hostel has a super lively bar that draws in crowds of locals. It can get incredibly loud (bring earplugs!), but that makes it super easy to meet people. The dorm beds are comfy, though they don’t have curtains or outlets, and there are lockers for storage. The breakfast, while not included, is excellent (you can get eggs, bacon, and hash browns and veg options).
• MIDRANGE : Skwachàys Lodge – This three-star boutique hotel features gorgeous Indigenous art throughout the property (there’s even a gallery in the lobby too). The rooms are spacious and colorful, with unique art and decorations. Each room has a kitchenette (in case you want to cook) as well as a desk and a very comfortable bed. The included breakfast is delicious and has lots of variety.

• MIDRANGE : Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel – Located just two blocks from the waterfront, this four-star hotel offers an incredible value for the location. Rooms include large flat-screen TVs, a desk, and soft, comfortable beds. The rooms feel a bit dated but are large and airy, with a minimalist design. The bathrooms are bright and have bidets as well as showers with decent pressure. Breakfast, while not included, has a lot of tasty options. There’s a rooftop pool and a fully equipped gym if you want to work out too.
• LUXURY : Fairmont Pacific Rim – This gorgeous five-star hotel has a beautiful rooftop pool and hot tub offering stunning views overlooking the city and waterfront. The rooms are stylish and large, with big windows, a desk in case you need to work, and cushy beds. The marble bathrooms are spacious and bright, and the showers have good pressure. There’s a full spa on-site, a café where you can get breakfast, and a bar that hosts nightly live music. This is the place to stay if you’re looking for luxury in an excellent location.

Best places to stay in the West End :

• BUDGET : HI Vancouver Downtown – Tucked into a quieter part of the West End, this hostel recently reopened after being renovated. The dorm beds don’t have curtains, but the mattresses are thick and incredibly comfy. There’s also a relaxing rooftop terrace with views over the city, a game room with pool, a library, a co-working space, a fully equipped kitchen, and a TV room. It’s not a super lively hostel, but it’s still pretty easy to meet people.
• MIDRANGE : Blue Horizon Hotel – This contemporary four-star hotel offers a lot of value. There’s an indoor pool, gym, sauna, and steam room, and an on-site restaurant where you can get breakfast. The rooms are large, with desks, coffee/tea makers, and flat-screen TVs, and the beds are super comfortable. The bathrooms aren’t huge, but the showers have good pressure (a big plus for me).
• LUXURY : Shangri-La Vancouver – This luxe five-star hotel features large, bright rooms with huge beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, a Nespresso machine, a desk, and spacious bathrooms with great showers and plush bathrobes. The lobby is massive and elegant; there’s also an outdoor pool, a spa, and a gym where you can take private yoga and Pilates lessons. This is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. If you want opulent, stay here!

Best places to stay in Granville :

• MIDRANGE : Granville Island Hotel – This is the only hotel on Granville Island. A three-star property, it has everything you need for a relaxing and affordable stay. There’s a spa, sauna, and gym, and bikes are available for rent if you want to explore the area. The stylish rooms have large beds, desks, coffee/tea makers, and plenty of light. The bathrooms aren’t huge, but everything is modern and clean, and the showers have good pressure. The breakfast is delicious and has lots of options.

Vancouver has it all: amazing food, lots of museums and galleries, and plentiful green space. With the both ocean and mountains right at your doorstep, it’s a fun city to visit year-round. Just make sure to stick to the neighborhoods above. Do that, and you’ll get to see the best Vancouver has to offer, no matter your travel style or budget.

Book Your Trip to Vancouver: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner or Momondo to find a cheap flight. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Start with Skyscanner first though because they have the biggest reach!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Vancouver? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on Vancouver for even more planning tips!

Hi, I’m Nomadic Matt, the New York Times best-selling author of How to Travel the World on $50 a Day and Ten Years a Nomad, as well as the founder of this website! And I’m here to help you save money on your next trip.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Vancouver travel blog — The fullest Vancouver travel guide for first-timers

Well-known as the most livable city in North America and is one of the most livable cities in the world, Vancouver is always a favorite destination for many tourists. Vancouver, Canada’s third largest city is located in the Southwest of British Columbia state. This largest port city of Canada is blessed with a rich topography with a sea front, white sandy beaches. Behind the back is the majestic mountain range of Grouse with long fields. Not only possessing beautiful natural tourist destinations, Vancouver also attracts tourists by many of interesting buildings, museums and entertainment areas such as Gastown Old Quarter, Stanley Park, Capilano suspension bridge…

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So, is Vancouver worth visiting, how to visit Vancouver, what to do in Vancouver and how to plan a budget trip to Vancouver for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Vancouver travel blog (Vancouver blog) with the fullest Vancouver travel guide (guide to Vancouver, Vancouver tourist guide, Vancouver city guide, Vancouver guide) from how to get to Vancouver, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Vancouver to help you maximize your trip as follows!

Vancouver travel blog: When is the best time to visit Vancouver?

The climate in Canada is also divided into four distinct seasons. Each season has its own unique beauty. Therefore, visitors can visit Vancouver city at any time of the year.

However, according to our Vancouver travel experience, the best time to come here is still spring and autumn. Spring and autumn has cool weather is suitable for traveling, sightseeing and this is also the time take place many exciting festivals. In the summer, the temperature in the city is quite high during the day, the temperature can reach 35 degrees Celsius, the most suitable is to go to the beach while visiting the sights will make visitors slightly tired. Vancouver’s winter is very cold, temperatures range from 5 to 10 degrees Celsius and sometimes down to -25 degrees Celsius. Therefore, when traveling to Vancouver in winter, visitors should especially prepare full supplies and warm clothes.

Vancouver island travel blog: How to get to Vancouver from Vietnam?

Currently in Vietnam, there are 3 airports that operate flights to Vancouver: Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi), Da Nang Airport and Tan Son Nhat Airport (Ho Chi Minh City). There are many airlines that operate airlines to Vancouver, but no airline has direct flights to Vancouver but visitors will have to transit at least once before arriving in Vancouver.

Airlines flying from Vietnam to Vancouver:

• Sichuan Airlines (3U)
• EVA Air (BR)
• Air China (CA)
• China Airlines (CI)
• Cathay Pacific (CX)
• China Southern Airlines (CZ)
• Hong Kong Airlines (HX)
• Japan Airlines (JL)
• Korean Air (KE)
• Philippine Airlines (PR)

Vancouver blog: Getting around Vancouver

The public transport system in Vancouver is very modern and developed, so moving to tourist attractions is not difficult.

SkyTrain of Canada is one of the longest history and fastest travel systems in the world. Unlike the normal subway, SkyTrain’s rail system is located high above. When sitting in the SkyTrain, visitors will be able to see the whole beautiful scenery outside and below, extremely interesting.

Vancouver is one of three cities that owns the main SkyTrain system. This elevated subway system has a very diverse railroad and much faster travel times than other vehicles. Especially in the situation of bad weather moving by SkyTrain is very convenient.

In addition, if you want to get around the city, the bus is also a great choice, which can take you to places that sometimes SkyTrain cannot reach. A good suggestion is to buy a DayPass ticket for $9. This ticket allows you to use unlimited for the whole day, if long-term travel, you should buy FareSavers will be much more economical. Besides, buying 10 tickets at the same time will help you save about 16% compared to the normal fare.

Alternatively, you can choose a taxi, bicycle or private vehicle to getting around the city.

Vancouver travel blog: Where to stay in Vancouver?

Most popular attractions in Vancouver are concentrated in the city center. However, it is not so that you have to book a room in the central area to be able to visit. You can choose to book a room at some low-cost hotels in the suburbs like Budget Inn Patricia Vancouver Hotel. Room rates are only $40 per night. Or other budget hotels, such as: Holiday Inn, Ramada Hotel – with room rates are only $30 per night.

Transportation in Vancouver is very developed and quite cheap if you don’t go by Taxi, so choosing a hotel on the outskirts of the city is worth considering.

The Westin Grand Vancouver

The Westin Grand Vancouver, located in Vancouver Downtown, is a popular choice for travelers. From here, guests can easily access the lively beauty of the city in every corner. With the city’s main attractions such as Helen Pitt Art Gallery, Library Square, Harrison Galleries within close reach, visitors to the hotel will love its location. The hotel has 207 rooms with beautiful and modern design, many rooms have flat-screen TV, air conditioning, wake-up service, desk, mini bar. Throughout the day you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the hot tub, fitness center, sauna room, outdoor pool, massage.

Address: 433 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6L9, Canada Phone: +1 604-602-1999

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Center, located in Downtown Vancouver, is a popular choice for travelers. Guests can choose from 733 rooms with completely peaceful and relaxing space. The hotel offers an excellent variety of recreational facilities, including hot tub, fitness center, sauna, indoor pool, garden. Let’s discover an engaging blend of professional service and a wide array of features at Sheraton Vancouver Wall Center.

Address: 1088 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2R9, Canada Phone: +1 604-331-1000

Best Western Plus Chateau Granville Hotel & Suites

Conveniently located in the heart of Vancouver, Best Western Plus Chateau Granville Hotel & Suites is the ideal place to explore Vancouver (BC). This 3-star hotel has an excellent location and easy access to the main tourist attractions of this city. For a selection of attractions and tourist attractions in the city, there’s no need to look far because the hotel is very close to Pacific Cinema, Contemporary Art Gallery, Art Beatus.

Address: 1100 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2B6, Canada Phone: +1 604-669-7070

Hyatt Regency Vancouver

When visiting Vancouver (BC), you’ll feel like at home at Hyatt Regency Vancouver, which offers quality accommodation and great service. From here, guests can easily access the lively beauty of the city in every corner. Some attractions for you to explore that close the hotel such as: Christ Church Cathedral, Pendulum Gallery, Ywca Health & Medical Center. Moreover, each room has a comfortably different characteristic. Many rooms even provide air conditioning, heating, telephone, satellite / cable TV, in room to please the most discerning guests. Throughout the day you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the hot tub, fitness center, outdoor pool.

Address: 655 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2R7, Canada Phone: +1 604-683-1234

Best Western Plus Uptown Hotel

Designed for both business trip and leisure travel, Best Western Plus Uptown Hotel is ideally situated in Mt Pleasant; one of the most famous areas of the city. A haven of rest and relaxation, the hotel close to Kim’s Mart, Sakuraya Japanese Supermarket, Grunt Gallery, makes this hotel a special charm. The hotel has 69 beautiful rooms, equipped with television LCD / plasma screen, wireless internet, non-smoking rooms, air conditioning, heating. Besides, the hotel also suggests for you the entertainment activities to ensure you are always interested during the holidays.

Address: 205 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5T 3J5, Canada Phone: +1 604-267-2000

Vancouver island travel blog: Best places to visit and top things to do in Vancouver

Gastown old quarter.

Gastown is a historic town with a rich history located in British Columbia, Vancouver. This neighborhood is the starting point of Vancouver city because it dates back to the early days of its founding in 1867. Passed over the years, the neighborhood still retains its original features. When coming here, visitors can stroll to see the street scene and enjoy the street food on both sides of the street. In particular, Gastown neighborhood also has a very unique steam clock built in 1875. This is the only watch in the world run by steam. Every hour, the steam from the watch will pop up and the clock bell will tap at the time of the hour shift.

Royal London Wax Museum

Located in the heart of the city, opposite the Legislature building of British Columbia is the famous Royal London Wax museum. This is a wax museum and it is also called the home of terror. Inside the museum, there are over 300 wax statues of the same size as the real people of famous figures in the world. Not only sketching real human characters, but also in the museum, there are mythical, spooky images and creepy scenes. Royal London Wax Museum is really an interesting destination that you should not be missed.

Address: 470 Belleville Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8V 1W9 Phone: +1 250-388-4461 Url: http://www.waxmuseum.bc.ca/

Granville Island

With an impressive location and diverse landscapes as well as a rich cultural interchange, Granville becomes a miniature tourist center in the heart of Vancouver. Located at the foot of Granville Bridge, Granville shows up with a vibrant and dynamic image with buildings can be seen from above. Here, festivals, community activities and art events take place all year-round to attract tourists. Coming to Granville Island, there are many things for visitors to explore depending on time they spend on this beautiful peninsula.

Grouse Mountain

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Vancouver, Canada   Travel Guide

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20 Best Things to Do in Vancouver, Canada

Enveloped by snow-dusted peaks and home to sandy beaches and an abundance of forested trails, Vancouver is meant to be experienced outdoors. Explore the nearly 1,000-acre Stanley Park and stroll along its seawall for picture-perfect views of the

• All Things To Do
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Stanley Park Stanley Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're walking along the north side of the Stanley Park Seawall, keep your eyes peeled for the Girl in a Wetsuit sculpture that sits on a rock in the water. It's a Vancouver landmark. –  Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

This nearly 1,000-acre park on the tip of Vancouver's "thumb" (just north of the West End) is home to some of the city's favorite, most-visited attractions. In fact, you could easily spend more than a day here and still not see everything this urban oasis has to offer. If you want to experience the park the way the locals do, walk, cycle or jog around the nearly 20-mile seawall that hugs Vancouver's waterfront. The path starts at the Vancouver Convention Centre and ends at Spanish Banks Beach Park . If you're not up for the walk, you'll find several bike rental companies near the park. With your bike, you'll be able to explore the more than 17 miles of forest trails that are much less crowded than the rest of the park. Travelers recommend biking the South Creek Trail, which leads to the lily pad-covered Beaver Lake. If you're not up for all that exercise, you can ride in a horse-drawn carriage or hop on the train for a 15-minute ride through the forest. Recent visitors said the park offers a great escape from the city and has one of the prettiest seawall walks around.

Granville Island Granville Island free

U.S. News Insider Tip: The food market is the main draw here, but you'll also want to peruse the unique shops in the Net Loft building. – Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

This former industrial site is now one of Vancouver's most beloved neighborhoods. Practically its own mini-city, Granville Island's former factories now house trendy restaurants, galleries and theaters. But the main draw here is the Granville Island Public Market, often described as one of the best markets in North America. Among the seemingly endless aisles of fresh produce and local crafts, you'll find a variety of food stalls selling everything from baked goods to authentic Mexican cuisine. If the weather is nice, try and grab a seat outside by the water. You can watch ferry boats putter back and forth in English Bay while enjoying the performances of the buskers who regularly play for market crowds. After filling up on market eats, head to the perpetually busy Kids Market. This playtopia sells toys and crafts and features an indoor play area. If you don't have kids in tow, visit Canada's first microbrewery –  Granville Island Brewing . You can enjoy a selection of ales and India pale ales.

Queen Elizabeth Park Queen Elizabeth Park free

Queen Elizabeth Park is one of Vancouver's most popular outdoor spaces (second only to  Stanley Park ). Spread out across nearly 130 acres, the park features a rose garden, a meticulously manicured quarry garden, and an arboretum with about 1,500 native and exotic trees. When you're not admiring the park's flora, head inside the Bloedel Conservatory to visit the fauna. The conservatory features more than 100 free-flying exotic birds, not to mention 500 tropical plants and three different climate zones. Step outside the conservatory and you'll spot the Dancing Waters fountain display, along with several sculptures scattered throughout the plaza. Since the park sits at the highest point in Vancouver, it offers spectacular views of the city skyline, mountains and shoreline from the fountain plaza.

If you don't have time to devote an entire day to touring Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, located about 2 miles due south of downtown Vancouver, is a great alternative. Many visitors say it has the best views of the city you can find and the grounds are well maintained.

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Museum of Anthropology at UBC Museum of Anthropology at UBC

The MOA is currently closed for seismic upgrades until June 2024. You can learn more about this closure as well as upcoming events on the museum's website .

While the city itself hasn't celebrated a large amount of birthdays, the area on which Vancouver was founded possesses a rich, cultural past. The Museum of Anthropology (part of the University of British Columbia) houses one of the world's most impressive collections of art and artifacts from the Northwest Coast First Nations. In the Great Hall alone, you'll spot ornately decorated canoes, ritual masks, totem poles and other Native American relics. Other areas of the museum display 15th-century European pottery, priceless jewelry and local art. You can embark on your own self-guided walk-through of the museum, but recent travelers highly suggest following one of the docents. Tours are offered an average of three times per day; consult the MOA website for exact times.

Mount Pleasant Mount Pleasant free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Join in-the-know locals for an intimate night out inside a dimly lit speakeasy. Find classic and elevated cocktails at Key Party , hidden behind an old-school accountant's office on Main Street. – Vivian Chung

Bordered to the north by False Creek, the south by East 16th, the west by Cambie and the east by Clark Drive, Mount Pleasant is a hipster enclave found in East Vancouver. Though a largely residential area boasting modern apartment towers and heritage homes that are more than a hundred years old, the neighborhood's main thoroughfare of Main Street is jampacked with local roasters, vintage boutiques and a bevy of Michelin-starred and Michelin-recommended restaurants that range from SUYO 's modern Peruvian to Anh and Chi 's authentic Vietnamese fare. Plus, the area hosts a collection of well-loved craft breweries and leafy neighborhood parks hidden between the side streets.

Kitsilano Beach Kitsilano Beach free

When the weather's nice, follow Vancouverites down to the shores of English Bay to Kitsilano "Kits" Beach. Often compared to L.A. 's  Venice Beach , this shoreline along the northern edge of Kitsilano is the city's most popular swim spot, especially for the city's 20-something crowd. Kits is an accessible beach with a beach mat on-site and free water wheelchairs are available to borrow (on a first-come, first-served basis and you must make reservations in advance). When you're not relaxing on the sand or admiring the skyline views, you'll find areas for in-line skating and volleyball, along with tennis courts and a playground. Visitors do warn that the beach can get quite busy in summer, but it is clean and always has "good vibes." If you're in the mood for swim but the bay water is just a little too chilly for your liking, try the area's heated, saltwater Kitsilano Pool (open May to mid-September). Fido will be happy here, too, as there's dog parks and off-leash areas. You can also visit the nearby Vancouver Maritime Museum, which offers an educational respite from the summer sun. When you need to grab a refreshment, you'll find several concession stands as well as a more formal dining room at The Boathouse Restaurant.

You don't have to pay to access the beach, but you will have to pay for parking. Parking from April 1 to Sept. 30 will cost you CA$4 (about $3) hourly and CA$17 (about $13) daily. From Oct. 1 to March 31 hourly parking rates decrease to CA$3 (about $2.25); daily rates decrease to CA$9 (about $7). If you're traveling via public transportation, the No. 2 bus offers service between downtown and Kits Beach. Entrance to the pool will also cost you. Single-day admission for adults costs about CA$7 (about $5.25); youths ages 13 to 18 years old get in for around CA$5 (about $3.75) and children ages 5 to 12 enter for about CA$3 (about $2.25). Check out the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation  website  for more information on Kits Beach.

Gastown Gastown free

U.S. News Insider Tip : Book a stay at the Skwachàys Lodge on West Pender, Canada's first Indigenous arts hotel. Aside from its 18 guestrooms and art gallery, the hotel also provides on-site housing and studio space for a vibrant community of 24 Indigenous artists. – Vivian Chung

Paved with cobblestone and studded with antique lampposts, the streets of Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood and original downtown core oozes historic charm. A humble tavern founded by English riverboat captain and saloon keeper John "Gassy Jack" Deighton in 1867 laid the foundation for Gastown, from which the community expanded. Now boasting a thriving fashion scene and trendy wine bars alongside kitschy souvenir shops, Gastown is an eclectic neighbourhood to explore on foot. Stroll along Water Street to the part steam-powered and part electric motor-powered steam clock, which whistles every 15 minutes and its five whistles chime in unison every hour. Along the way, pass by well-preserved Victorian-era buildings and peruse galleries dedicated to Indigenous art.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

U.S. News Insider Tip: Around the corner from the garden in the historic Wing Sang building on East Pender Street is the Chinese Canadian Museum . Complete your afternoon in Chinatown by learning about the efforts of the Chinese-Canadian community that shaped this Vancouver neighborhood. – Vivian Chung

A tranquil oasis nestled at the edge of Chinatown, the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden is the first Ming Dynasty-style garden built outside of China. Guided by the Taoist principles of yin and yang and feng shui, the garden was brought to life over the course of 13 months by 53 master craftsmen from Suzhou, including architects, masons, tilers and painters. Plus, the materials, including stone pebbles, hand-made tiles, Ginkgo wood and limestone rocks, were also sourced from China. A guided tour of the garden reveals not only the legacy of the Chinese philosopher and politician, Dr. Sun Yat Sen, to whom this garden pays homage, but also the fascinating symbolism woven into the design of the garden. The zigzag pattern of the walkways, the deliberate placement of rocks and flora and the green waters of the pond all beckon visitors to dive into Chinese culture and philosophy.

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VanDusen Botanical Garden VanDusen Botanical Garden

Often described by travelers as a hidden gem, the VanDusen Botanical Garden is spread across 55 acres in the center of Vancouver. Recent visitors called the garden very peaceful. The garden features several sections, including a stone garden and a hedge maze – a favorite among past visitors. One popular feature is the Laburnum Walk. The path is made memorable by the yellow, chain-like blooms that hang from the Laburnum branches. Peak bloom for these plants occurs in mid-May, but if you're not in Vancouver during their prime blooming period, check out what will be in season during your visit with this bloom calendar  here .

You can explore all of the garden's meandering paths with a self-guided tour – themed tours are developed by volunteers and can be accessed online . Docent-led tours are subject to volunteer availability from April through early October. Contact the garden ahead of your visit to see if a tour will be available. If all that walking makes you hungry, refuel at the two eateries located on-site, the Shaughnessy Restaurant and the Truffles Cafe.

Yaletown Yaletown free

Vancouver's definitive late night hot spot, Yaletown has steadily increased in popularity since it transformed from a warehouse district to the trendy area it is today. Often compared to  New York City 's SoHo neighborhood, Yaletown features chic boutiques, restaurants and hotels (including one of the city's top properties , OPUS Vancouver). Even if you don't plan to hang your hat at OPUS, you should still plan to check out the hotel's cocktail lounge, The Spritz. Other top nightlife spots include  Yaletown Brewing Co. , Pierre's Lounge and  Bar None .

Recent visitors said there is something for everyone in Yaletown, with a wide range of dining and drinking options in a variety of prices. For a little help navigating the neighborhood, consider signing up for one of the best Vancouver tours .

English Bay English Bay free

Also known as First Beach, English Bay Beach draws visitors and locals alike in droves. It's an accessible beach thanks to Mobi-Mat paths and water wheelchairs (available from May through September). Water fun includes kayaking and slides, while land-based activities include volleyball courts and walking, biking or jogging along the Stanley Park Seawall, which runs alongside the sands. You'll also find the A-maze-ing Laughter sculpture on the beach's northeast side. And when hunger strikes, the Cactus Club Cafe dishes out a variety of meals like poke bowls, sandwiches and burgers with a heaping side of ocean views.

If the beach itself doesn't draw you, perhaps its events will. Vancouver's annual Polar Bear Swim takes place on English Bay each New Year's Day. The event features music and food trucks, as well as the star event: a plunge into the chilly waters of English Bay. If that's too cold, stop by in late July for the Honda Celebration of Light, an annual fireworks festival.

Grouse Mountain Grouse Mountain

Towering over North Vancouver, Grouse Mountain has been a popular outdoor getaway for years, especially since the views from the summit span the entire city on a clear day. Originally used only for skiing, Grouse now offers year-round activities, including the Grouse Grind, a nearly 2-mile trail often referred to by residents as "Mother Nature's Stairmaster" (there are a total of 2,830 stairs along the trail).

During a winter visit to the mountain – a favorite time for locals – you'll have a bevy of activities to occupy your time. Grouse Mountain's slopes boast 33 ski and snowboard runs, four chairlifts and six terrain parks, not to mention four snowshoeing trails. There's also a zip line, a skating pond, sledding, a high-definition cinema, a wildlife refuge and several eateries, including a Starbucks and Fondue Experience at The Observatory, a formal dining room with 360-degree mountaintop views. Many past visitors raved about the excellent (albeit pricey) food at the top.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Capilano Suspension Bridge

U.S. News Insider Tip: Set aside at least two to three hours to experience all of the park's attractions. –  Ann Henson, Assistant Managing Editor

Overcome your vertigo and experience Vancouver the way the birds do. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is the oldest tourist attraction in the city (it dates back to 1889), and the 450-foot-long, 230-foot-high bridge offers spectacular views of the Capilano River below. Visitors call it thrilling, exciting and an overall great experience. The fun doesn't end once you reach the other side of the canyon; more suspension bridges and daredevil activities await at the Treetops Adventure. With this canopy walk – set among the park's 250-year-old Douglas fir trees – you'll have the chance to walk 110 feet above the forest floor, from viewing platform to viewing platform. Continue to tempt fate along the Cliffwalk, a set of cantilevered and suspended walkways that meander along the canyon's edge.

Whistler and Sea to Sky Gondola Tour

(723 reviews)

from $ 164.64

Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Vancouver Lookout

(574 reviews)

from $ 131.95

Vancouver City Hop-on Hop-off Tour

(1818 reviews)

from $ 44.68

Spanish Banks Beach Spanish Banks Beach free

Spanish Banks boasts a few features that set it apart from the city's other beloved shorelines. Thanks to its location about 5 miles southwest of downtown Vancouver, Spanish Banks is the least crowded and most quiet. It's also the best place to try your hand at skimboarding – a cross between surfing and skateboarding – due to the low tidal conditions (at low tide the water is more than half a mile off shore). If the ocean water is too chilly, there are plenty of volleyball courts available for pick-up games.

Recent visitors called the beach beautiful and say exploring at low tide can be lots of fun, especially for kids.

Museum of Vancouver Museum of Vancouver

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Museum of Vancouver (MOV) shares the same entrance as the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, making it easy to check off two popular Vancouver attractions in one visit. – Vivian Chung

As Vancouver's oldest museum and Canada's largest civic museum, there's no better place to dive into the history of the city than at the Museum of Vancouver. Founded in 1894, the institution's more than 70,000 black and white photographs, interactive and audiovisual displays and historic fashion and household items document Vancouver's transformation from a relatively small city into a multicultural and dynamic metropolis with modern infrastructure. The stories and objects of the History Galleries also highlight the population growth, economic transformation and cultural and social changes in Vancouver between 1900 and 1970. Recount the economic hardship faced by Vancouverites during the Great Depression in the 1930s and immerse yourself in the iconic hippie movement of the 1960s, where Kitsilano stood as the epicenter of Canada's flower-power revolution. 

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

Bill Reid was a Haida artist who blended modern aesthetics with Indigenous arts through goldsmithing, jewelry making, writing and more. Throughout his career, he researched Indigenous art (especially Haida art) and it became a large influence in his work. Following Reid's death in 1998, the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art opened in 2008 to honor Reid and the incomparable art created by Northwest Coast peoples.

Today, museumgoers can tour several galleries and a series of rotating exhibits. Themes have included song, beadwork, Indigenous queer identity, watercolor painting and more. Additionally, there are a variety of events, such as artist talks and art workshops, throughout the year.

Steveston Village Steveston Village

U.S. News Insider Tip: Its location at the mouth of the Fraser River makes Steveston the ideal jumping-off point for an up-close look at the region's marine life. Join Vancouver Whale Watch on a tour for the opportunity to spot orcas, humpback whales, dolphins and seals. – Vivian Chung

Seen in popular TV shows like "Supernatural" and "Once Upon a Time" as the fictional town of Storybrooke, Steveston Village in Richmond is a historic neighborhood with a rich fishing heritage. Join the locals at 75-acre waterfront Garry Point Park and soak up uninterrupted views of the South Arm of the Fraser River and the Gulf Islands, stroll along the wooden boardwalks while gorging on frozen yogurt and dive into the area's maritime past with a visit to the more than 4,000-square-foot restored Gulf of Georgia Cannery, which was BC's largest until 1902. As an active fishing port, visitors can shop freshly caught seafood at Fisherman's Wharf, depending on the season, or savor fresh catches at local restaurants, where they're skillfully featured across a range of dishes, like sushi, pizza, pasta and more.

Lynn Canyon Park Lynn Canyon Park free

Sitting less than 10 miles northeast of downtown Vancouver, Lynn Canyon Park offers all the benefits of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park , but without the hordes of tourists, according to recent visitors. The park spans nearly 620 acres and is full of winding trails, a swimming hole, waterfalls and its own suspension bridge.

The suspension bridge, which the park calls its main attraction, sits 164 feet in the air and spans Lynn Canyon. Views from the bridge are breathtaking, but walking the bridge isn't for the faint of heart: it sways as you move and is narrow, which makes it tricky for two-way foot traffic. Afterward, take a hike to Twin Falls or trek the Baden Powell Trail, which challenges hikers of all abilities. Also on-site is the 30-Foot Pool. Weather permitting, you can take a dip to cool off during your time outdoors. But be warned: the water is cold at all times of year. Before your adventure, stop by the Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre to view its nature museum and get information about Lynn Canyon Park. (Suggested donation to visit the center is CA$2 per person, or about $1.50).

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Ticket

(1291 reviews)

from $ 60.57

Whale-Watching Tour from Vancouver

(1337 reviews)

from $ 143.52

Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane Day Trip with Butchart Gardens

(148 reviews)

from $ 544.70

Robson Street Robson Street free

Since the 1940s, Robson Street has been a hub for shops and markets. Though you may not find the classic markets and quintessential candy stores of the mid-20th century, Robson Street is the place to be for shopaholics. Stores range from well-known brands like Steve Madden and Nike to shops selling everything from high-end beauty products to eyewear to fine jewelry. You'll also find the street lined with eateries. Casual bakeries sit next to Korean restaurants. Japanese restaurants are next door to health food establishments, while a few doors down sits a gelato parlor. Needless to say, there's a wide variety to fit all tastes on Robson Street.

Travelers generally enjoy a stroll down the thoroughfare, encouraging others to save time for a meal at one of the restaurants lining the street. Some suggest that if shopping and dining aren't for you, then you may want to skip this street.

Vancouver Aquarium Vancouver Aquarium

Those in the know say the Vancouver Aquarium is definitely worth exploring, whether you're traveling with kids or just looking for a little extra marine knowledge. As the home of more than 50,000 different animals across more than 30 exhibits, this is a great place to become acquainted with local animals as well as exotic creatures. But don't come here expecting SeaWorld: Past visitors say the aquarium's focus is more on interactive exhibits and education and less on choreographed animal performances. Different exhibits mimic various habitats, from the icy tanks of the Canada's Arctic exhibit to the colorful clownfish and intimidating black-tip reef sharks sheltered in the Tropics. Don't miss the Graham Amazon Gallery, a giant atrium where three-toed sloths and caimans take shelter from the hourly simulated rainstorms.

While some recent visitors comment on the steep cost of admission, they also say that if you schedule enough time, it's worth the price. 

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©Aolin Chen/Getty Images

Explorable neighborhoods, drink-and-dine delights and memorable cultural and outdoor activities framed by striking natural vistas – there's a superfluity of reasons to fall for this ocean-fringed metropolis.

Best Things to Do

Best neighborhoods, attractions, must-see attractions.

Stanley Park

One of North America’s largest urban green spaces, Stanley Park is revered for its dramatic forest-and-mountain oceanfront views. But there’s more to this…

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

North Shore

As you inch gingerly across one of the world's longest (140m) and highest (70m) pedestrian suspension bridges, swaying gently over roiling Capilano Canyon…

Science World

Under Vancouver's favorite geodesic dome (OK, it's only one), this ever-popular science showcase has tonnes of hands-on galleries and a cool outdoor park…

Roedde House Museum

For a glimpse of what the West End looked like before the apartment blocks, visit this handsome 1893 Queen Anne–style mansion, now a lovingly preserved…

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Fairview & South Granville

This highly popular green-thumbed oasis is a 22-hectare, 255,000-plant idyll that offers a strollable web of pathways weaving through specialized garden…

Vancouver Police Museum & Archives

Gastown & Chinatown

Illuminating Vancouver's crime-and-vice-addled history, this quirky museum has had a recent makeover, uncovering the former coroner's courtroom (spot the…

Arbutus Greenway

A former disused urban rail line that's being transformed by the city into a cool linear park, this 8.5km-long flora-fringed walking and cycling route is…

Bloedel Conservatory

Cresting the hill in Queen Elizabeth Park, this domed conservatory is a delightful rainy-day warm-up. At Vancouver's best-value paid attraction, you'll…

Top picks from our travel experts

8 essential vancouver experiences to add to your itinerary.

Kitsilano Beach

Facing English Bay, Kits Beach is one of Vancouver's favorite summertime hangouts. The wide, sandy expanse attracts buff Frisbee tossers and giggling…

Granville Island Public Market

Granville Island's highlight is the covered Public Market, a multisensory smorgasbord of fish, cheese, fruit, teas and bakery treats (near-legendary Lee's…

Stanley Park Seawall

Built between 1917 and 1980, the 8.8km seawall trail is Vancouver's favorite outdoor hangout. Encircling the whole of Stanley Park, it offers spectacular…

West Coast seafood dominates at this slick, high-ceilinged restaurant-with-a-view near Granville Bridge. The fresh oysters are popular and they're best…

Jericho Beach

An activity-lover's idyll, Jericho is great if you just want to putter along the beach, clamber over driftwood and catch stunning views of downtown. It's…

Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art

Showcasing detailed carvings, paintings, jewelry and more from Canada's most revered Haida artists and others around the region, this open-plan gallery…

Second Beach & Third Beach

Second Beach is a family-friendly area on Stanley Park's western side, with a grassy playground, an ice-cream-serving concession and the Stanley Park…

The 25 best free experiences in Vancouver

Stanley Park Water Park

A popular summertime hangout for families, this shoreline free-entry water park in Stanley Park has lots of fountain-shooting action to keep your kids…

Totem Poles

This handsome collection of totem poles clustered at Brockton Point is one of Stanley Park's busiest visitor lures. Arrive early or late on summer days to…

Equinox Gallery

One of Vancouver's oldest established private galleries, Equinox pioneered this area's arty new credentials by being one of the first big names to move…

Kids Market

A kaleidoscopic mini shopping mall for under-10s (there's even a special child-size entrance door), the Kids Market is crammed with 25 family-friendly…

Contemporary Art Gallery

A flexible three-room space, often with a different show in each, this smart, white-walled gallery exhibits striking, sometimes complex works in a wide…

Stanley Park Nature House

Illuminating the breathtaking array of flora and fauna just steps from the busy streets of the West End, this charming nature center is a great…

Pendulum Gallery

A creative use for a cavernous bank building atrium, this gallery offers a varied roster of temporary exhibitions. It's mostly contemporary art and can…

The Vancouver Art Gallery's outdoor installation space next to the Shangri-La Hotel, the sometimes esoteric but always thought-provoking exhibits here are…

Marine Building

Vancouver's most romantic old-school tower block, and also its best art-deco building, the elegant 22-story Marine Building is a tribute to the city's…

Granville Island Water Park

Vancouver's biggest and best water park is conveniently located near Granville Island's Kids Market, which means you'll have the perfect lure for enticing…

Engine 374 Pavilion

May 23, 1887, was an auspicious date for Vancouver. That's when Engine 374 pulled the very first transcontinental passenger train into the fledgling city,…

Vancouver Public Library

This dramatic Colosseum-like building must be a temple to the great god of libraries. If not, it's certainly one of the world's most magnificent book…

RBC Royal Bank

This main Vancouver branch of one of Canada's biggest bank chains has a huge hidden artwork on its 2nd floor. Head up the escalator just inside the…

Kitsilano Showboat

An 80-year-old tradition that generations of locals know and love, this alfresco waterfront stage near Kits Pool offers free shows and concerts in summer…

Morris & Helen Belkin Art Gallery

This ever-intriguing gallery specializes in contemporary and often quite challenging pieces, with chin-stroking new exhibitions opening in its high…

Fresh Air Cinema

Screening outdoor, admission-free movies at venues around Metro Vancouver every summer, the company's Stanley Park events often draw thousands of blanket…

Chung Collection

Leave your photo ID at the front desk of the lower level of UBC's main library building, and then wander around a roomful of exhibits chronicling the…

Christ Church Cathedral

Completed in 1895 and designated as a cathedral in 1929, the city's most attractive Gothic-style church is nestled incongruously alongside looming glass…

University of British Columbia

The giant University of British Columbia is more than just your average college campus; it's also home to some of the city's best visitor attractions…

A-maze-ing Laughter

Created by Yue Minjun, one of Vancouver's most-photographed public artworks is just a few steps from English Bay Beach. Expect to see groups of smiling…

English Bay Beach

Wandering south on Denman St, you'll spot a clutch of palm trees ahead announcing one of Canada's best urban beaches. Then you'll see one of Vancouver's…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Ski in Whistler, gaze out on forested mountains in Squamish, eat at the famous Richmond Night Market and more: here are the top day trips from Vancouver.

Transportation

With looming mountains and an expansive coastline, Vancouver is a wonder to explore - whether it's by bus, boat, bike or car.

Free Things to Do

Vancouver is often named one of Canada’s most expensive cities. But for budget-conscious travelers, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city for free.

Traveling with Kids

The sea-to-sky city of Vancouver makes it easy to keep the kids entertained. These top tips can help you make the most of your family visit.

Plan with a local

Experience the real Canada

Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

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Vancouver Travel Guide

There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to Vancouver, Canada. It's too cold, it rains all the time, it gets so dark, etc. Not only are these preconceived notions misguided, Vancouver actually has some of the most temperate weather in the entire country, making it an ideal destination to play, explore, and have adventures inside and out.

Once you realize you're not going to be swept away by freezing rain year-round, you can begin digging into the wide variety of things to see, do, eat, and explore. Canada's third largest city is a multicultural hub with stunning architecture that sits on the Strait of Georgia and is surrounded by epic mountains and lush green forests.

Because of its natural beauty, the city is set up for outdoor adventurers, whether cruising the streets of one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, riding bikes along the city's seawall, or hiking in nearby woodlands for some of the freshest air on earth.

Vancouver is a city that is proud of its diversity, its indigenous history, and its tolerance. Davie Village is a neighborhood in the city's West End where a thriving LGBTQ+ community comes out to play, while the city also boasts the third-largest urban Indigenous population in all of Canada.

So, throw your mistaken beliefs out the window and think about booking a ticket to Canada's western hub, you will not regret it.

Pacific Standard Time

Best Time to Go

There aren't any bad times to go to Vancouver, but because it's a northern city, there are reasons for every season. The summer months draw in the most tourists and boast the longest daylight hours, but the winter (which is surprisingly mild) is the least crowded time of year and has sprouting trees and flowers as early as February. Keep in mind that the rainiest months are from November to March, which leaves the month of September as the most idyllic time with changing leaves, cooling temps, and dry skies to get outside.

If you're into whale watching, April through November is prime time. For events and festivals, think about Chinese New Year, which lands between January and February, the Vancouver Marathon in May, Vancouver International Jazz Festival in June, or the Vancouver Pride Parade in July or August.

Things to Know

One of the best things about Vancouver is how easy it is to get around. Not only is the city incredibly walkable and bike-able, but there is also a plethora of public transit options. Don't bother renting a car here as hotel parking is pricey and taxis, buses, ferries, trains, and ride-share apps make moving around a cinch. Check out this handy transit guide by the Vancouver Tourism Board.

Another great item to note about Vancouver is that the city boasts 550 separate locations with free WiFi service. Look for the #VanWifi public network to connect in case you need touring advice at your fingertips. Also, if you're visiting Vancouver from the United States, you do not need an adapter for your electronics as all of Canada runs on standard 120 V.

As far as the geography of the city, Vancouver is broken up into neighborhoods. Popular hoods include the Downtown Centre, which is in the middle of the city; Gastown, which is known as the historic quarter filled with cobblestoned streets and trendy restaurants; Kitsilano for the beach and water enthusiasts; Yaletown for high-end shopping and eating; Chinatown for great eats and sites; and the West End, which leads outdoor lovers to the expansive Stanley Park.

Lastly, Vancouver is considered one of the safest cities in the world. But like all major metropolises, mind your belongings — especially in the highest touristy areas of the city.

Currency: Canadian Dollar – nicknamed the "loonie." (Check the current exchange rate )

Language: English

Calling Code: +1 604

Capital City: Victoria (capital of British Columbia)

How to Get Around

Trains: Vancouver SkyTrain is one of the most-efficient means of getting around the city. There are three lines: the Expo Line with four downtown stations, including Chinatown and the Waterfront; the Canada Line, which can take you to and from the airport, in addition to Vancouver City Centre and Yaletown; and the Millennium Line that links with the Westcoast Express commuter train. Depending on where you're going, fares run from $1.95 to $5.75.

Buses: Vancouver has an extensive bus system that typically runs from 5am to 1am with stops in every major neighborhood and beyond. Vancouver's TransLink website has a simple plug and play that can help you get to wherever you need to go and includes fare prices.

Taxis: If you plan on taking a taxi from the airport, the fares will change depending on the zone of your destination. Airport rates range from $20-$40. All taxis are regulated in the city and run on meters.

Ferries: Connecting downtown Vancouver with the North Shore is the SeaBus, a passenger-only ferry that departs every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night. SeaBus fares are similar to SkyTrain fares.

Car service: When you arrive at the Vancouver International Airport, you have a bevy of transportation options. One of the most comfortable rides is hailing a luxury vehicle to whisk you into the city in style. There are officially-licensed limousine services from the airport that do not require any advanced bookings.

Best Hotels

Fairmont hotel vancouver.

Address: 900 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2W6, Canada Phone: +1 604-684-3131 Website

Arguably the nicest hotel in the entire city, the Fairmont resides in the central part of the city with epic waterfront views. The classic Châteauesque-styled hotel was built in the 1930s, has more than 500 rooms, and features an indoor pool. Other highlights of the property include its lavish afternoon tea and a pet-friendly policy.

Shangri-La Hotel

Address: 1128 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6E 0A8, Canada Phone: +1 604-689-1120 Website

Part of the luxurious Shangri-La chain of hotels, the Vancouver iteration is home to 119 rooms and 15 floors within the tallest building in the city. This central downtown spot is known for its Zen-inducing spa, award-winning service, and excellent dining at Miantiao — a Chinese/Italian fusion spot that's filled with surprises.

Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Address: 801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7, Canada Phone: +1 604-682-5566 Website

This vintage downtown hotel was originally opened in 1927 and has played host to A-list celebrities and British royalty alike. In 2011, the hotel unveiled a massive renovation, bringing the property into the 21st century with today's finest amenities. Guests here are treated to an incredible spa, 52-foot indoor saltwater lap pool, and personalized experiences that range from rainforest hikes to helicopter journeys.

Skwachàys Lodge

Address: 31 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1R3, Canada Phone: +1 604-687-3589 Website

Indigenous-owned and operated, the Skwachàys Lodge is a hotel in the Gastown areas of the city. This arts-forward property hosts an urban Indigenous artist residence and a gallery featuring Indigenous art. If you're looking for the soul of the Indigenous experience, the hotel offers a private sweat lodge purification ceremony on the rooftop garden, in addition to a smudging ceremony meant to purify the body.

Address: 1177 Melville St, Vancouver, BC V6E 0A3, Canada Phone: +1 604-669-5060 Website

This boutique hotel is close to Stanley Park and is constantly recognized as one of the best hotels in Vancouver. Known for its health and wellness program, each room comes with its own yoga mat and a 24-hour yoga channel on the in-room TVs. Other unique amenities include an infrared sauna and free use of electric cruiser bikes that can zip you around the city with ease.

Hotel Belmont

Address: 654 Nelson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6K4, Canada Phone: +1 604-605-4333 Website

For tourists wanting to be in the fray of Vancouver's bustling nightlife, Hotel Belmont is in the perfect spot. This funky hotel is right off Granville Street, which is home to some of the city's best bars, pubs, and nightclubs. Inside, the hotel leans into kitsch with multicolored layouts and retro design. And if you want to keep the entertainment going at the property, The Basement has a neon-lit arcade with a bowling alley and late night DJ-led dance parties.

Address: 322 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5Z6, Canada Phone: +1 604-642-6787 Website

A Yaletown mainstay, Opus Hotel is a hip boutique that features in-house Muses who are there to design your entire stay in Vancouver – virtually anyway. The pre-ordained characters give you a helpful guide to the city based on your mood or personality. In addition to making your stay more personalized, the hotel also features a delectable Italian restaurant called Capo with tasty pizzas and slick cocktails.

Best Restaurants

Address: 200 Granville St #70, Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4, Canada Phone: +1 604-568-3900 Website

Not only does Miku have some of the best sushi in Vancouver, but it also prides itself on its sustainability. The restaurant is part of the Ocean Wise Program, which is overseen by the Vancouver Aquarium and recognizes restaurants for their commitment to sustainable fishing practices. As a result, you can feel good when you devour the specially curated Kaiseki meals or a la carte albacore, yellowtail, and king salmon nigiri.

L'Abattoir

Address: 217 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2J2, Canada Phone: +1 604-568-1701 Website

There isn't a Michelin Guide in Vancouver, but if the French publication ever decided to review the city, L'Abattoir would be star worthy. Located in Gastown, the restaurant leans into West Coast cuisine with heavy French influences. Menu highlights include chilled marinated octopus, fillet of wild Pacific halibut "à la nage," and pigeon paillard.

Address: 207 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1K6, Canada Phone: +1 604-688-1655 Website

If you're looking for some of the best vegetarian and vegan options wrapped in Middle-Eastern flare, Nuba is the restaurant for you. This Lebanese spot is famous for their falafel, red lentil soup, Merguez meatballs, and creamy hummus. There are four separate locations, so you can generally fill up on Mediterranean delights anywhere in the city.

Cioppino's

Address: 1133 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5P6, Canada Phone: +1 604-688-7466 Website

Easily the best Italian restaurant in the city, Cioppino's is helmed by chef Giuseppe Posteraro, who is as much an artist as he is a cook. The restaurant is the recipient of the coveted three-fork rating from Italian food and wine magazine, Gambero Rosso—basically the Italian version of the Michelin guide. You'll quickly understand why when Pino whips up original, artistic meals on a nightly basis themed on whatever is in-season and whatever has inspired him on that day.

Burdock & Co.

Address: 2702 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3E8, Canada Phone: +1 604-879-0077 Website

Burdock & Co. was one of the first restaurants to adopt the concept of the 100-mile meal. The idea is to source all ingredients from the area and make out-of-this-world farm-to-table dishes that literally can't be seen anywhere else. As a result, the menu is chock-full of locally-forested mushrooms, freshly-caught mussels, charcoal-grilled steaks from local farms, and more. If you care about true sustainability, this is the restaurant for you.

Address: 801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7, Canada Phone: +1 604-673-7000 Website

Typically one of the top-rated restaurants in the city, Hawksworth is a proponent of modern West Coast Canadian dining that sources only the finest-quality ingredients and delivers them in the most innovative of ways. A walk through chef Hawksworth's menu is a foodie's dreamscape that seems to travel around the globe with specialties like Korean-fried cauliflower, wagyu beef carpaccio, spring ricotta agnolotti, and his take on baby-back ribs.

Salmon n' Bannock

Address: 1128 W Broadway #7, Vancouver, BC V6H 1G5, Canada Phone: +1 604-568-8971 Website

The focus of Salmon n' Bannock is to highlight First Nations' traditions within the culinary space. The staff is a cacophony of First Nations' peoples, and the food represents a variety of First Nations' cultures. Classics include a bison pot roast, a "Fiss n' Rice" that's a wild sockeye atop Ojibway wild rice, and loads of Bannock breads with creative toppings.

Things to Do

Vancouver mural festival.

Address: 2410 Columbia St, Vancouver, BC V5Y 3E6, Canada Phone: +1 604-675-1793 Website

The Vancouver Mural Festival is a non-profit that was formed in 2016 with the aim of enhancing the artistic side of the city. Murals are created throughout the city every year and culminates in a yearly, multi-week event that spans 11 neighborhoods, and includes art walks, live shows, and more.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Address: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada Phone: +1 604-985-7474 Website

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a 450-foot-long, 230-foot-high bridge that crosses the Capilano River and has been freaking out acrophobes since 1889. The bridge is also part of an expansive park that traipses tourists through bridges and walkways among the coastal rainforest.

Talaysay Tours

Address: 334 Skawshen Rd, West Vancouver, BC V7P 3T1, Canada Phone : (800) 605-4643 Website

The guiding ethos of the Talaysay Tours is to simply 'love the land.' If you want to discover authentic cultural experiences, Talaysay Tours can give you an inside look at indigenous culture throughout Vancouver's history and ventures through Stanley Park and other historic sites.

Museum of Anthropology

Address: 6393 NW Marine Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada Phone: +1 604-822-5087 Website

Since 1947, the Museum of Anthropology (MOA) has been displaying and celebrating the arts and cultures of First Nations' peoples and other communities in and around British Columbia. MOA is a teaching museum that houses upwards of 50,000 works from across the globe and is famous for its vast collection from the Northwest Coast.

Vancouver Art Gallery

Address: 750 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H7, Canada Phone: +1 604-662-4700 Website

One of the largest museums in all of Canada, the Vancouver Art Gallery was first established in 1931 and features art from around the world with an emphasis on First Nations and Canadian art. Past exhibits include everything from Picasso and Monet to Murakami and anime.

City Cycle Tours

Address: 648 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6C 2G2, Canada Phone: +1 604-618-8626 Website

Vancouver is an incredibly bike-friendly city and riding is one of the best ways to see all the sites. A guided bike tour by City Cycle Tours can take you through Stanley Park, into Chinatown and Gastown, around the Public Market at Granville Island, and so much more. One of the true highlights is biking the seawall that has views of Vancouver's stunning seascapes and architecture.

Stanley Park

Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada Phone: +1 604-681-6728 Website

Vancouver's largest play area, Stanley Park is a massive green space on the northwest side of the city that is home to Vancouver's famous Seawall, the Vancouver Aquarium, multiple beaches, and dozens of walking and biking trails. The 400-hectare park is a local's favorite and includes multiple dining outlets, swimming pools, ice rinks, golf courses, and more.

Grouse Mountain

Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9, Canada Phone: +1 604-980-9311 Website

If you want to take in the overwhelming beauty of Vancouver and British Columbia, think about jaunting up Grouse Mountain aboard the Super Skyride. Grouse Mountain is only 15 minutes from the city center and the gondola rises 4,100 feet to the summit for mesmerizing views. The mountain is also home to disc golf, paragliding, zip lines, and more.

Best Shopping

Granville island public market.

Address: Public Market, 1689 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada Phone: +1 604-666-6655 Website

Just across the Granville Bridge, Granville Island Public Market is home to dozens of food stalls that can provide a full sampling of Vancouver's entire culinary scene. Outside the market are theaters, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Access to the island is via the Granville Bridge or one of Vancouver's SeaBuses.

Alberni/Robson Street

Address: 800 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1A7, Canada Website

For all kinds of shopping finds, the parallel streets of Robson and Alberni are a spender's paradise. Stores run the gamut from Zara and Lululemon to Tiffany & Co. and Jimmy Choo. If you can't find what you're looking for, you're not trying hard enough.

West 4th Avenue

Address: West 4th From Fir Street to Balsam Street, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M4, Canada Phone: +1 604-617-9070 Website

West 4th Street has been a shopping hub in Vancouver since the 1920s and shows no signs of slowing. There are more than 250 unique businesses along the street that include clothing, sporting goods, homeware, health and wellness, and a wide variety of specialty shops.

Address: 1100 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1B2, Canada Phone: +1 604-684-3251 Website

This Vancouver-born brand is known for high-end ladies' fashion. Since 1984, the brand has grown to more than 100 locations in North America and eight in Vancouver alone.

Herschel Supply Co.

Address: 347 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B8, Canada Phone: +1 604-620-1155 Website

Another Vancouver-born brand, Herschel Supply Co. is known for its wide range of bags, backpacks, duffels, totes, and so much more. The company now has more than 40 locations around the globe as their fine craftsmanship sees higher demand every year.

Saje Natural Wellness

Address: 2252 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N8, Canada Phone : +1 604-738-7253 Website

Saje Natural Wellness is a Canadian-owned-and-operated wellness business that prides itself on all-natural products. The company is known for their soothing oils, lotions, diffusers, soaps, and shampoos. There are multiple Saje locations around Vancouver.

Neighborhoods to Know

Coal Harbour : Sitting on the north side of central Vancouver, Coal Harbour is a sleepy narrow neighborhood that is bordered by Canada Place to the east and Stanley Park to the west. Canada Place is home to the Vancouver Convention Centre that attracts international expositions. One of the main attractions of the neighborhood is the waterfront views where pedestrians can stroll and peer out into Vancouver Harbour while browsing small shops and eating at quaint cafés.

Chinatown : Vancouver's Chinatown dates back to the late 1800s and is considered a National Historic Site in Canada. One of the largest Chinatowns in the world, the central Vancouver neighborhood is filled with incredible Chinese restaurants and bakeries, apothecary shops, Asian markets, and more. A must-stop is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which is a Ming Dynasty style garden, and plays host to festivals, concerts, and educational activities.

Davie Village : Vancouver has an incredibly diverse and thriving LGBTQ+ community, and Davie Village is a stretch of streets where you'll find rainbow-colored flags flying with pride. You'll know you're in the right place when you step over the vibrant rainbow crosswalk that leads to a bevy of great restaurants and cafés during the day and buzzing bars and clubs at night.

Gastown : For lovers of historic areas, the cobblestoned streets of Gastown are the place to be. The neighborhood dates back to 1867 and features buildings with classic Victorian architecture and restaurants that are a foodie's dream. Instagrammers might want to take a picture in front of Gastown's most famous landmark, an antique clock that's partially powered by steam.

Granville Island : Technically not an island (it is bordered by water on three sides), Granville Island is a short ferry ride or bridge drive across False Creek on the southwest side of town. Once there, a must-stop attraction is the Granville Island Public Market where vendors hawk every type of local food imaginable. Around the market are theaters, galleries, and waterfront restaurants and breweries.

Kitsilano : Across the water to the west, Kitsilano is one of Vancouver's bigger neighborhoods. Within its confines includes West 4th Avenue, which is one of the best shopping streets in the city, the Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver's Greektown, and lots of green space for joggers, bikers, and lazy weekend hangouts. Kitsilano was once considered the Haight-Ashbury of Vancouver and its hippy roots can still be seen with loads of healthy vegan restaurants and wellness shops. It's also the birthplace of famed clothing brand Lululemon.

West End : The West End is the largest neighborhood on the peninsula, encompassing Davie Village, and is bordered by Stanley Park on the northwest, and Nelson Park and Robson Square to the southeast. Within the area is the Vancouver Art Gallery, the shopping Meccas of Robson and Alberni Streets, and multiple beaches. One of the more popular attractions is biking the Stanley Park Seawall that hugs the west side of the neighborhood.

Yaletown : This tony neighborhood is home to some of the nicest restaurants in the city alongside chic boutiques and luscious green space. To the southeast is BC Place, Vancouver's largest sports complex for soccer and football matches, as well as mega concert performances. The parks along the waterfront draw in locals and tourists alike.

Summer is peak tourism season with the least amount of rain and long sunny days that are rarely unbearably hot. Winters are milder than you'd expect for a Canadian city, but you'll encounter more rain from November to March. Shoulder seasons of spring and fall feature stunning blooms and changing leaves.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month. January: 37°F to 44°F February: 38°F to 47°F March: 40°F to 51°F April: 44°F to 56°F May: 49°F to 63°F June: 54°F to 67°F July: 58°F to 72°F August: 58°F to 72°F September: 53°F to 66°F October: 47°F to 57°F November: 41°F to 49°F December: 37°F to 44°F

Apps to Download

Mobi-Bikes : Vancouver is such a great biking city with dozens of trails that weave in and around the streets, parks, and boardwalks. Mobi is cheap and easy way to find bikes anywhere in the city. iOs | Android

Uber : For quick ride services, download the popular Uber app to zip you around the city with ease. iOs | Android

Street Food Vancouver : Vancouver has an excellent street-food scene and if you want to know where, when, and how to find it all, download this app and you'll be street-feasting in no time. iOs | Android

Vancouver Transit : This app will help you catch a train, bus, or ferry to anywhere you want or need to go in Vancouver. iOs | Android

OpenTable : For all your restaurant reservation needs, download OpenTable. iOs | Android

Related Articles

• Places to Visit

The Best Travel blogs in Vancouver

Our top 10 travel blogs in vancouver.

Today’s many travelers look for experiences and ideas through travel blogs, which have become the main source of inspiration when planning for a trip. But with so many blogs out there, finding the best ones might be challenging. That’s why our team extensively searched to discover the best travel blogs in Vancouver .

Most of the blogs mentioned are from Vancouver as we gave great importance to local content creators and bloggers. It’s important to note that the nominated blogs weren’t listed in any particular order, as we believe that all of them deserved to be awarded for their insightful and interesting content. All of them are extremely relevant to the world of travel so go check them out!

We have carefully chosen the nominated blogs with these specific criteria in mind:

• Blogs gave great advice or outlook on traveling in big cities;
• Originality;
• Content of the blog is relevant to travel and lifestyle;
• Quality content; and
• Blog is aesthetically pleasing.

All the nominated bloggers are more than welcome to use the Bagsort’s award badge to display their nomination to their audience by inserting the following code on their website!

<div style="width: 300px; margin: auto;"> <a href="https://bagsort.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> <img src="https://storage.bagsort.com/2020/1/vancouver-badge.png" alt="Badge Top blog Vancouver" /> </a> </div>

The Unconventional route

You will love Chris and Kim’s blog! They talk about all things unconventional for example: they rewrote the usual travel tips and tricks in tips and tricks 2.0. On this Vancouver couple travel blog, you will find unusual articles about travel, fitness, and life in general!

Wanderlust Style

The Wanderlustyle blog is amazing! This Hawaiian couple shares their travel stories with plenty of anecdotes. You will especially love their 4-day travel guide and itinerary to Vancouver! They give great advice about flights, cash exchange, accommodations, food, activities and more!

Round the world girl

Traveling Canucks

To vogue or bust

Go, Live, Explore

Happiest Outdoors

Two scots abroad

Candice Camera Online

Explore Vancouver Island's wild side

From ancient forests to secluded beaches, the remote sanctuary off Canada's Pacific Coast has it all

• Newsletter sign up Newsletter

The only way to reach Vancouver Island is by boat or plane. Either way, arriving at this remote sanctuary off Canada's Pacific Coast is a memorable experience: cedar trees carpet the rocky shores, hazy mountains stretch as far as the eye can see. 

If you're lucky, you might be greeted with the bark of a seal or the whistle of a bald eagle returning to its nest. The island is teeming with wildlife; this is a place where black bears roam the forests and humpback whales can be spotted along the coast. Here are a few ways to experience the untamed beauty of Vancouver Island. 

Catch waves at Tofino

Chesterman Beach is an excellent spot for storm-watching 

In the manicured streets of Victoria on the southern tip of the island "you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Cheltenham", said Stanley Stewart in Conde Nast Traveler . "But things get rugged remarkably quickly." Around a three hour drive up the coast lies Tofino - a little beach town known as the surfing capital of Canada. Cox Bay Beach hosts most of the surf competitions, while Mackenzie Beach is ideal for families thanks to its sheltered location and calm waters. The winter months can be spent storm-watching: expect dramatic skies, gigantic waves and fearsome winds (take it all in from Pointe Restaurant overlooking Chesterman Beach).

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Hike the West Coast Trail 

Adventurous hikers will need five to seven days to complete the perilous trail

Built in 1907 to help rescuers reach shipwreck survivors along the treacherous 'Graveyard of the Pacific', the West Coast Trail is one of Canada's most popular hiking spots. The 47-mile stretch of "ladders, bridges, creek crossings, rock-hopping and beachcombing hugs the Pacific shoreline for most of its course", said Brendan Sainsbury in Lonely Planet . Adventurous hikers will need a permit, camping gear and between five and seven days to complete it, but despite volatile weather and slippery conditions "the rewards are immense". Be sure to plan your route carefully in advance - and bring a sturdy pair of hiking boots.

Take in the forest from the Malahat Skywalk

The spiral walkway curls above the forest canopy revealing sweeping views 

For panoramic views of the forest, fjords and mountains beyond, it's worth taking a scenic stroll along the Malahat Skywalk. Located a 35-minute drive from Victoria, the spiral tree-walk opened in 2021. The 32-metre glass and wooden structure looks like a "giant cane basket poking above the forest canopy" and is accessed by a "gently graded walkway that curls up through 10 storeys to a circular lookout", said Sainsbury in The Independent . There's also an 'adventure net' for daring guests to bounce across at the top, and a 20-metre spiral slide for kids.

Go wine tasting in Cowichan Valley 

The mild climate is ideal for grape growing 

Those looking for something a bit more relaxing could consider taking a scenic drive from Victoria around an hour north along the Trans-Canada highway to Cowichan Valley. Known for its warm, dry summers and mild winters, the region is home to a burgeoning collection of wineries and vineyards. In Cobble Hill, craft cider maker Merridale offers tours and tastings, and has plush yurts on site for overnight stays. "The best place to eat is hidden in the woods near Lake Cowichan, where passionate locavore and chef Brock Windsor runs the Stone Soup Inn," shared Carolyn B. Heller in Forbes . The menu is brimming with foraged ingredients and changes with the seasons.

Where to stay

The Wickaninnish Inn overlooks Chesterman Beach on the island's rugged west coast

Perched on the far edge of Vancouver Island in Tofino, the Wickaninnish Inn looks out over Chesterman Beach. The stunning landscape is "reflected indoors at every turn", said Nikki Bayley in The Telegraph , from the floor-to-ceiling windows to the custom furnishings crafted from driftwood. All of the rooms have balconies with ocean views, cosy fireplaces and bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. 

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge comprises 25 luxurious tented accommodations on the banks of Clayoquot Sound. It might be hard to reach but the journey is "well worth the effort", said Sarah Marshall in The Times . Set in a former mining outpost, each of the lodge's eco-friendly tents feature spacious outdoor decks and ensuite bathrooms.

How to get there

BC Ferries operates vessels between the mainland and Vancouver Island. Leave Vancouver from Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen to arrive in Victoria or Nanaimo (you can also take a one-day scenic cruise through the Inside Passage between Prince Rupert and Port Hardy). The other option is to fly: daily flights from Calgary and Edmonton take visitors to Victoria, Comox and Nanaimo. 

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