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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!

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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.

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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.

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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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Vancouver in One Day – The Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary

Home | Travel | North America | Canada | Vancouver | Vancouver in One Day – The Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary

When traveling abroad, get a policy from one of the  best travel insurance companies . Y ou can get a  5% discount   on Heymondo , the only insurance that pays medical bills upfront for you, HERE!

Visiting Vancouver in one day  was the best start we could have to what has been the best trip of our life so far. Vancouver is one of the top cities in western Canada, and with its eclectic blend of urbanity and natural beauty, it’s not hard to see why.

We took a  15-day Canadian Rockies road trip , but first, we spent  one perfect day in Vancouver, British Columbia . There are so many things to do here, so deciding how to spend 24 hours in this city is no easy feat.

In this guide, I’ll share some ideas for  what to do for 1 day in Vancouver . Whether you choose to stay downtown or want to check out the natural surroundings, there is something for you.

And if you have more time, don’t miss out our post with the 25 best things to do in Vancouver.

Vancouver in one day – morning itinerary

Have breakfast at The Templeton, the best way to start your day in Vancouver

We started our  perfect day in Vancouver  with a hearty breakfast at  The Templeton , and I highly recommend it. This popular diner is close to several main attractions in the city center, so it’s the best place to fuel up for a big day.

The restaurant has an extensive breakfast and lunch menu with vegetarian options. Some of the highlights include the  Farmers Breakfast  and the  Big Ass Breakfast , but everything is delicious, and the portions are enough for two or more people! It’s a popular hangout spot thanks to its classic 1950s style, complete with jukeboxes and huge milkshakes.

The Templeton is known for friendly service, good food, and a pleasant atmosphere, which we can attest to. Plus, it’s open daily, so you’ll be able to visit no matter when you plan your  Vancouver 1-day itinerary .

Walk through Stanley Park

After a delicious brunch, enjoy a stroll around  Stanley Park . Walking through this huge urban park will take a couple of hours, but you could also rent a bicycle to get around.

Follow the Seawall Path, which does a 5.5-mile loop around the park. You’ll pass by some interesting sites, including the  Girl in a Wetsuit  statue and Prospect Point, which provides awesome views of the lighthouse and harbor.

Continue to Siwash Rock, then check out Second Beach. This dog-friendly beach has beach volleyball, a heated pool, and if you’re lucky, a chance to see some wild orcas. English Bay (First Beach) is a 15-minute walk south and offers a family-friendly atmosphere and kayak rentals.

Finally, the First Nations totem poles are a must-see in Vancouver in one day . These colorful monuments reflect the history and culture of the indigenous Salish people, who have lived on the land for hundreds of years.

Take a panorama tour by seaplane

After walking through Stanley Park, get a totally different perspective of the city. This  seaplane tour  departs from a marina next to the park and does a 20-minute loop over Vancouver.

Marvel at the giant splash of the plane as you take off from the harbor. You’ll get a breathtaking view of the city, including the unmistakable Canada Place, as well as the North Shore Mountains. If you’re wondering  how to spend a day in Vancouver , this is it!

Have lunch at Granville Island Brewing

Next, head to  Granville Island , which has a more laid-back vibe. It’s the perfect place to visit if you’re  in Vancouver for one day without a car  since you can take the footbridge or a ferry.

Granville Island is full of bars, restaurants, and specialty shops. I recommend stopping by the Granville Island Public Market, a shopping haven full of craft stalls, fresh produce, and any souvenir imaginable.

When you get hungry, grab a table at  Granville Island Brewing Co.  for some munchies and a beer or two. They also serve beer flights so you can sample 3, 6 or 10 different brews.

24 hours in Vancouver, Canada – afternoon itinerary

Take a waterfront sightseeing cruise

While you’re already in Granville, hop on a zodiac boat for a sightseeing tour. This 1.5-hour  waterfront cruise   is one of the best  one-day tours in Vancouver, BC,  and sails along the English Bay and North Shore.

Take in the beautiful views of the Vancouver cityscape and see Coal Harbour, False Creek, and other iconic sights. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and dolphins near the coast!

Visit Chinatown, a must-see in Vancouver in one day

Back on the mainland, a visit to  Chinatown  is something you must add to your  Vancouver one-day itinerary . The city has a large Asian population, so its Chinatown is a bustling place of different cultures and cuisines.

One of the first things you’ll see is the Millennium Gate. Flanked by a stone lion on either side, the gate is three stories high and has a colorful terra cotta roof.

As you walk through the neighborhood, you’ll pass by various restaurants and shops, several with vintage neon signs. Stop in for a snack or trinket, then check out the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. There is an entrance fee but it’s worth it because the grounds are filled with peaceful koi ponds, plants and shrubs, and a pagoda.

See the sunset from Vancouver Lookout

Not far from Chinatown is the  Vancouver Lookout , a 553-foot-tall observatory. Take a 40-second ride to the top in a glass elevator, then look out over the city and enjoy 360º views.

From up there, you’ll be able to see Metro Vancouver, the beautiful North Shore Mountains, and on clear days even Vancouver Island just off the Pacific Coast. Plan your  1-day Vancouver itinerary  so you get to the lookout just in time to see the sunset, then, climb back down and enjoy some evening fun in Gastown.

And don’t forget to visit the Gastown’s iconic Steam Clock. It’s just a 2-minute walk from the Lookout.

End your day in Vancouver, BC – evening itinerary

Have dinner at guilt & co., what to do in vancouver in 1 day.

You’ve had a  perfect day in Vancouver , but it’s not over yet! After visiting the lookout, head to  Guilt & Co.  for dinner, cocktails, and live music. It’s in the Gastown neighborhood, so you’ll be in the ideal spot to wrap up your night.

Enjoy the nightlife in Gastown

Gastown  is a lively area of alternative shops, cafes, and clubs, so it’s a ton of fun at night. Go bar-hopping and stop by the Royal Dinette  to get a drink from the award-winning best bartender in the world, Kaitlyn Stewart.

The town’s cobblestone streets and jazz influence add to its appeal, and the neighborhood overlaps with Chinatown, so it’s always an active place. You can browse the shops, mingle with the locals, or listen to a live band. Whatever you do, if you’re only  in Vancouver for a day , Gastown is a must-see.

End your perfect day in Vancouver at Fairmont Hotel

By the end of the night, you need somewhere to lay your head. If you’re looking for the best luxury hotels in town, I recommend the  Fairmont Hotel Vancouver , which is conveniently located in the city center. Plus, it’s just five minutes from the SkyTrain, so you can easily get out of Vancouver without a car.

If you’re traveling on a budget, the Blue Horizon Hotel is also a great alternative and is not far from there.

Alternative things to do in Vancouver for a day

If you can only spend one day in Vancouver but prefer to enjoy the beauty of the natural surroundings, we have a few ideas.

Above, you have seen what to do in Vancouver in a day to see the most important landmarks in the metro area. However, as you’ll learn in our guide on the  best things to do in Vancouver ,  there are other tours and activities that can help our more outdoorsy readers create the perfect one day Vancouver itinerary.

Whale watching, a perfect morning alternative in Vancouver

Without a doubt, the highlight of our trip was  whale-watching in Vancouver , so I must recommend it.

The tour we took lasted 5 hours and started in Granville Island at 8:30 am, making it the perfect alternative for the morning itinerary. If you’re looking for a different thing to do in one day in Vancouver, BC, or have some extra time before catching your flight, I can’t recommend this enough.

The surrounding waters of Vancouver are full of orcas and humpback whales, and you’ll probably see sea lions and bald eagles, too. The best thing is that if you’re not lucky and don’t see any whales, you can take another tour for free. However, you will need more than one day in Vancouver (or another upcoming trip) to take another tour.

Capilano Bridge, an alternative afternoon in Vancouver

For an adrenaline-filled afternoon, check out the  Capilano suspension bridge . You can book this  self-guided tour  and spend a couple of hours taking in the gorgeous view.

The 450-foot-long hanging bridge is one of the city’s most exciting attractions, so it makes for a  perfect day in Vancouver  if you love extreme adventures. Suspended 230 feet above the ground, the bridge is the only way to get an above-canopy perspective of the forest.

You may also want to check out the Story Centre, an educational exhibition where you can learn about the First Nations people at Kai’palano and their traditional totem poles.

Grouse Mountain, the perfect winter day in Vancouver

If you love snow sports and have  one winter day in Vancouver , consider a visit to  Grouse Mountain .

Located in the North Shore Mountains of the Pacific Range, Grouse Mountain is just a 20-minute drive from downtown Vancouver and is the best winter destination for ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding.

During the warmer months it’s also quite popular with mountain bikers and hikers. There is also a popular hiking trail, the  Grouse Grind , known as “Mother Nature’s Staircase.” The two-mile trek rises 2,800 feet in elevation, so it’s quite the hike.

Of course, you could also take the Super Skyride cable car to the top of the mountain. A two-way ticket is included with  general admission  to Grouse Mountain (it also includes a shuttle from/to downtown Vancouver from mid-May to September). However, if you visit in summer, I would opt for this combo tour that also takes you to the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

For outdoor enthusiasts and snow sports lovers, Grouse Mountain is the ideal way to spend a day in Vancouver.

Sea to Sky Gondola, an alternative day in Vancouver

The  Sea to Sky Gondola  is perfect if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of downtown (it’s a one-hour drive from the city center).

Open year-round, the gondola ascends over Howe Sound and the coastal forests of British Columbia. Not only are the views amazing, but there are several outdoor activities at the summit, so you can enjoy a  perfect day in Vancouver’s  natural beauty.

You’ll catch the gondola from Shannon Falls Provincial Park, named for British Columbia’s third-tallest waterfall, at nearly 2,000 feet. The gondola takes you up to the Summit Lodge 9,000 feet above sea level, where you can find the 330-foot-long Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge that grants you panoramic views over the forest.

To make the most out of your day in Vancouver, you can take this tour, which not only includes the shuttle there, but also a guided tour around the most popular downtown attractions, such as Gastown, Chinatown, Stanley Park, and Granville Island.

Now you should have plenty of ideas for your next  24 hours in Vancouver ! This city has so much to offer, so if you can spend more time here, be sure to take advantage of your visit.

If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll be happy to help. Safe travels!

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2 replies on “ Vancouver in One Day – The Perfect 24-Hour Itinerary ”

Don’t bother with ChinaTown, the area is gross and pretty unsafe in 2023. It was dirty, smelly, hardly any open shops and there were so many drug addicts and people acting quite volatile with very little police presence. Definitely do not go after dark, it was bad enough mid afternoon. We are from Hamilton/Toronto and even we found it shocking. Toronto Chinatown is much bigger, better and safer. Don’t waste your time in Vancouver. In fact, any further up or over than the gastown steam clock in that direction from the waterfront is pretty dodgy.

Hi Jackie, Yes, someone recently told us about the bad situation in Chinatown. However, that wasn’t the situation when we visited a couple of years ago. I hope it can recover and become what it once was!

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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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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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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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5 days in Vancouver - Unmissable itinerary ideas for your holiday

Thinking of visiting Vancouver? You’re in good company. British Columbia’s famous coastal city is a popular place to visit - and with good reason. The city boasts mountains on one side and ocean on the other. It means that there are tons of activities to keep you entertained on a city break out of the ordinary.

We’ve put together a suggested itinerary for five days in Vancouver . It’s enough time to do the city justice or to combine a stay in Vancouver with a second destination like Whistler or Vancouver Island.

Read on to discover how you can make the most of Vancouver’s North Shore Mountains, Salish Sea, and of course, the plentiful shopping, dining and cultural activities in the city.

Planning to spend just a few days in Vancouver? Our handy destination guides might suit you:

48 hours in Vancouver

City, Sea & Mountains: 3 days in Vancouver

Day 1 – A leisurely day to get your bearings

Vancouver lookout – 1-2 hours.

A fantastic way to get your bearings in Vancouver is to head up the Vancouver Lookout observation tower. At 553 feet, you’ll enjoy 360° views of the city, ocean and mountains. It’s our favourite way to begin a holiday. You’ll get to see the city streets neatly laid out below you (thank you North American grid system) which is better than any map for figuring out what’s where. You’ll soon work out how to get down to the waterfront or see the direction of Stanley Park from your hotel.

Opening hours : 8.30am to 10.30pm in summer, 9am to 9pm in winter

Admission : $18.25 for adults with discounts for seniors, students, youths and children (under 5s go free)

Granville Market - 3-4 hours

After you’ve come back down from the dizzying heights of the Vancouver Lookout, head across town to the Granville Island Market . From the Lookout, you can stroll for half an hour all the way down Burrard Street to get an idea of the shops, restaurants and galleries in the heart of town. (If you’re still recovering from jet lag, hop on a bus instead). You’ll end up at the Aquatic Centre Ferry Dock, where you can enjoy the novelty of taking a colourful Aquabus Or False Creek Ferry to Granville Island.

The scenic Granville Island Market is the perfect place to potter about, looking at local crafts and food stalls and watching the buskers. Pick up lunch from one of the hundreds of delicious stalls at the market.

Opening hours : 9am to 7pm in summer, 10am to 6pm in winter

Admission : Free

Gastown for the evening – 3 hours

After you’ve stocked up at Granville Market, take a bus or a stroll back into town to explore Gastown . This historic area is full of bars and restaurants. Take a look at the iconic steam clock before enjoying an evening microbrew or cocktail in the sun and heading for dinner.

We recommend L’Abattoir for drinks and food – think excellent cocktails and fine dining with local seafood and beef.

Day 2 – Active adventures on the North Shore

Capilano suspension bridge park - 3 hours.

After a relaxed first day to get your bearings and adjust to local time, you’ll be raring for adventure on day two. We know that from downtown Vancouver, those North Shore mountains look good enough to reach out and touch, so you’ll be dying to visit them. Hop on the free shuttle bus from downtown for a quick and convenient ride to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park .

The park is nestled in the North Shore’s temperate rainforest, where you can see giant cedars and groves of hemlock. With your entry ticket, you’ll enjoy treetop boardwalks through the forest and cultural displays explaining the history of the Indigenous people in the area. You’ll also be able to walk across the park’s iconic suspension bridge, stretching across a canyon 70m above the rushing Capilano River.

Opening hours : 8am to 8pm summer, variable hours in winter

Admission : $46.95 for adults with discounts for seniors, students, youths and children (under 6s go free)

Grouse Mountain - 4 hours

From the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, it’s just a 15-minute bus ride to the Grouse Mountain Skyride. The gondola offers stunning views as it takes you up the mountain to the summit. We’d recommend having lunch here as there are some fantastic restaurants with views. Our favourite is Altitudes Bistro on the upper floor of the Peak Chalet.

After you’ve refuelled, spend the afternoon exploring the many hiking and biking trails on the mountain. You can even say hello to the resident rescue bears in the Grouse Mountain Wildlife Refuge .

Opening hours : 8.15am to 10pm daily

Admission : $56 for adults with discounts for seniors, students, youths, children and family tickets

Evening meal on Grouse Mountain or Coal Harbour – 2 hours

If you opted for lunch in the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, you could take advantage of the highly recommended Observatory restaurant on Grouse Mountain for an evening meal (open 5pm to 10pm). The Observatory offers fine dining with some of the most incredible views anywhere. It’s popular, so make sure you book in advance.

You could also check out the fantastic restaurants in Coal Harbour on your way back to your downtown hotel. This lively area is home to favourites like the Cactus Club Coal Harbour, Cardero’s, LIFT Bar Grill View and MIKU to name a few, all with great waterfront views and fantastic patios.

Day 3 – Nature and wildlife in the city

Cycle around stanley park – 1-2 hours.

No visit to Vancouver is complete without cycling the famous Stanley Park Seawall. The wall is 10km (6 miles) long and circles the entire park, which is a crown jewel of the city. The park is bigger than New York’s Central Park and is a haven for winding pathways, shady trees and sea views.

Spokes Bicycle Rentals offers bike hire just outside the park for as little as $8.57 for the first hour for an adult bike. We recommended hiring for a couple of hours and stopping off for a picnic lunch at one of the beaches in the park.

You can also join a guided bike tour with Cycle City Tours . They’ll take you to the best spots in the city with bike hire included.

Vancouver Whale watching tour – 3-5 hours

With its enviable perch on the Pacific Ocean, it makes sense to get out on the water during your visit to Vancouver. The city is blessed by being close to a resident orca whale population in the Juan de Fuca Strait. Humpbacks, minke whales and sealions also call the Salish Sea near Vancouver “home”.

Prince of Whales operates whale watching tours from Granville Island. It’s an incredibly convenient departure location. Plus, the expert guides will offer interesting talks about the local wildlife and give you the best chance of tracking and spotting whales.

Opening hours : April to November. Departs 8.30am and 2.30pm June – September, 12pm Spring and Autumn.

Admission : $170 for a half-day whale watching tour from Granville Island

Day 4 – Culture and relaxation

Vancouver art gallery – 2-3 hours.

Start your day on a cultural note with a visit to the acclaimed Vancouver Art Gallery . The gallery has a varied collection from modern art to indigenous art and Old Masters.

Opening hours : 10am – 5pm daily (late nights on Tuesdays and the first Friday of the month)

Admission : $24 for adults with discounts for seniors, students, youths and children (under 5s go free)

Swim in Kitsilano pool – 2 hours

When the day has warmed up, head over to cool Kistilano for some relaxation pool-side. ‘Kits’ is a trendy beach neighbourhood to the west of downtown. It is home to Vancouver’s only saltwater swimming pool . It’s a simply stunning setting to cool off in summer. Even if you don’t go for a swim, you can enjoy a stroll on the beach and relaxing in one of the neighbourhood cafes for lunch.

Opening hours : 7am – 8.30pm weekdays in summer. Shorter hours on weekends and other seasons.

Admission : $6.10 for adults with discounts for seniors, students, youths and children (under 4s go free)

Dr Sun Yat Sen Gardens – 1-2 hours

After you’ve enjoyed Kitsilano Beach, hop on the False Creek Ferry from the Vancouver Maritime Museum and get off at the Plaza of Nations Ferry Dock. From there, it’s just a short walk past the impressive BC Place Stadium to the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden .

Opening hours : 9.30am – 7pm in summer, shorter hours other seasons

Admission : $12 for adults with discounts for seniors, students and families

Dinner in Chinatown – 2 hours

After you’ve explored the Chinese Classical Gardens and mooched around the colourful shops of Chinatown, it’s time for dinner. Vancouver’s vibrant, historic Chinatown is one of the largest in the world and buzzes with authentic places to eat. You can find everything from buns to noodles here.

Bao Bei is a favourite restaurant for dumplings, great vegetarian options and local ingredients fused with authentic Chinese ingredients.

Day 5 – Shopping and sightseeing

Exploring west end – lunch and robson street – 3 hours.

Spend your last day exploring the city. Now’s the time to check out Robson Street for its incredible shopping, with everything from high-end designers to high-street fashion. Bordering Robson Street is the West End , which acts as a gateway to both Stanley Park and English Bay. Denman Street is a particular highlight for great value dining.

Vancouver aquarium - 2 hours

As you meander from the West End towards Stanley Park, make time to visit the Vancouver Aquarium in the heart of the park. This enormous aquarium is filled with stunning habitats for all kinds of incredible marine life. Learn about the animals that live in the Salish Sea off Vancouver as well as species from further afield.

Opening hours : 9.30am – 6pm daily

Admission : $38 for adults with discounts for seniors, students and children (under 3s go free)

Sunset and supper in English Bay - 2 hours

Stroll through Stanley Park to English Bay with its beautiful sandy beach. Spend the evening here, where you can watch the sunset over the Pacific and dine on delicious fresh seafood with a view of the ocean.

We recommend the Cactus Club English Bay or Hook Seabar for great views.

Ready to visit?

Take a look at our Vancouver holidays .

You could also consider adding a car hire in Vancouver to your holiday package.

Thumbnail Image Credit: Patrick Kuschfeld / Harbour Air Seaplanes

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Home > Canada > Vancouver > Vancouver Travel Tips

Vancouver Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Now, It's Your Turn

Learn these Vancouver travel tips then put them to use by doing some of the things we recommend in our Vancouver travel blog , including the best neighborhoods to explore and stay in , unique restaurants , non-touristy things to do , and true must-dos .

Kim and I grew up here, worked in tourism (Kim in restaurants, me as a hostel owner), and hosted hundreds of Airbnb guests in our second bedroom (…before we were forced to leave ) , so we've helped a lot of people with a lot of questions about Vancouver.

And now it's your turn!

Here are the top Vancouver travel tips.

Vancouver Travel Tips Outline

• Things to Do
• Getting Around

Food and Drink

Cultural tips, our favorites, top 9 vancouver travel tips.

1. Don't worry about the rain

Contrary to its "Raincouver" reputation, from June through September, Vancouver's one of the driest cities in the country.

It does rains frequently during all other months, but almost never so hard that you can't enjoy the outdoors. A good drizzle can even add to the rainforest ambiance.

2. Don't rent a car

Vancouver is tiny, difficult and expensive to park in, and easy to get around by foot, bike, or public transit, so you don't need a car.

3. Look to stay around Burrard and Robson  

The area around Burrard and Robson streets the most convenient location for most visitors.

If you have a bigger budget, just look for the best deal in the area and if you're on a tight budget, look to stay in the West End, near Davie St. somewhere between Burrard and Denman.

Check out our Where to Stay in Vancouver Guide , where we share and score the best neighborhoods in the city, for more info.

4. Know that you're safe everywhere but your stuff isn't

There is no unsafe part of the city, no matter at what point of day or night.

Never leave any personal items unguarded or unlocked in Vancouver, though, because they aren't safe anywhere. There is a large underworld of thieves who prowl the city waiting for the chance to grab anything that's not properly protected.

5. Don't just say "Thank you"

In Vancouver, and across Canada, you're expected to tip for hotel services ($1-2 per bag to the bell boy, $2-5 per night for the maid, $10-20 to a helpful concierge), at restaurants (15-20%), at bars ($0.50-2 per drink), spas and beauticians/barbers (10%), and taxi drivers (10%).

For more guidance on this silly but unavoidable tradition of tipping, check out this TripSavvy post .

6. Go to a dining district

Instead of trying to decide on a restaurant online, head to one of Vancouver's dining districts like Gastown, Main Street, or Alexandra Road and follow your nose (or taste buds) once you get there.

For a list and map of our favorite dining districts, see our Vancouver travel guide , where Kim and I answer the 11 questions everyone needs to know the answer to before visiting.

7. Just wear something

Vancouver is possibly the world's least-stylish city. People often wear whatever they feel like in public. You can fit in by doing the same.

Or go to Wreck Beach, one of Chris' favorite beaches in Vancouver , and wear nothing at all!

8. Plan to explore Can-Asia

Many guests we've hosted thought they'd landed in the wrong continent when they got to the airport because Vancouver is the world's most Asian city outside of Asia . Forty-seven percent of its population is of Asian descent.

This Asian-ness is a huge part of our culture, so plan to explore it (especially the food) as part of your trip.

9. Know that Vancouver is tiny

People who visit Vancouver are always surprised by how compact the city is.

To walk from one extreme corner of downtown to the other only takes forty minutes. And it's mostly flat. So if you're in the middle of downtown (like we recommended in tip #3), nothing is more than an easy twenty-minute walk away.

You definitely shouldn't spend all your time downtown, though, but even then every neighborhood's within biking distance, some are walkable, and they're never more than 40 minutes by bus.

More of our best travel tips (for wherever you go)

You're sure to find at least one idea that will change the way you travel in our list of our best travel tips and tricks . It has everything from advanced, experimental travel tips and tricks to practical but oft-overlooked ones to dumb advice we hear others give too often (and what to do instead).

Tips on Things to Do

✅ take advantage of the 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 :

❌  Don't miss the grizzlies

 If you're visiting Vancouver in the summer, we highly recommend you go up Grouse Mountain .

And when you do, don't make the same mistake as too many of our guests did and miss the grizzly bears. It is really cool to see them up close (…through the protection of a fence.)

To get to the grizzly enclosure from behind the main building up top, all you have to do is follow the paw prints on the sidewalk.

( Bonus tip: Definitely hike up Grouse if you can, but strongly consider taking a less-busy route like the BCMC instead. Our Vancouver must-dos post has more info on this.)

✅ Avoid the Seawall on peak periods

The Seawall gets insanely busy with people who haven't ridden a bike since they learned how and can be unnecessarily frustrating and slow, so avoid going on weekends (unless you go early) and in the middle of any day when it's nice out.

✅ Check out the other suspension bridge

Capilano Suspension Bridge is cool and all, but it's super expensive ($50!) and insanely busy.

We recommend  Lynn Canyon instead. It's not quite as busy, not as built up, and it's free .

❌  Don't be fooled by  Gastown marketing

Gastown isn't as old as they want you to believe.

The buildings date back to the late 1800s and early 1900 but the famous steam clock only dates back to 1977. It was put there to attract tourists to Gastown after they revitalized the area.

The same goes for the cobbled streets and the old-looking-but-actually-new lamps. And claims that "Blood Alley" is named after butcher shops aren't true ; it was given its name and legend purely to attract more tourists.

✅ Try stand up paddle boarding

You get two birds with one stone by stand-up paddle boarding: exercise and an unforgettable view of the city.

In the summer, go to Kits Beach on Monday for half-priced rentals ($10/hour, the $5 every hour after), two-for-one Tuesdays, or 30% off Wednesdays.

✅ Take the plunge

The ocean water is clean and not even that cold, especially when the tide is out in the summer. Jump in.

If you're in Vancouver over New Years, join 2,500+ others in the annual Polar Bear Swim .

✅ Join in on some free exercise

You'll be impressed by how active Vancouverites are. It will likely motivate you to join and fit in .

For doing so, there are tons of options, many of which are free. Most yoga, spinning, or whatever style of fitness is in style these days studios offer free or steeply discounted first classes.

We like to go to  Vancouver's outdoor calisthenics parks  and do  rock workouts on Sunset Beach.

❌  Don't sleep on Squamish

Squamish is halfway between Vancouver and Whistler (an hour away) and is where all the young outdoorsy people in Vancouver are migrating to.  

If you're an adventure traveler looking to get into the outdoors and meet a bunch of like-minded adventurers, consider spending some time there .

✅ Shop for souvenirs at these places

Roots , Lululemon, and Aritzia are Canadian brands whose clothes make for practical souvenirs.

Kitschy souvenirs are most easily found in Gastown.

Get maple syrup or packaged smoked salmon from a supermarket instead of a souvenir shop to save money.

Geography Tips

✅ Use the north star mountains to guide you

 If you get spun around and forget which way's which, use the mountains to find your bearings. That way's north.

✅ Beware of the Downtown Eastside

The area between Gastown and "Chinatown" , centered on the intersection of Hastings and Main, is called the Downtown Eastside.

It's where all the city's, and really much of Canada's, drug addicts and untreated mentally ill people are concentrated.

If you go, you will see people injecting themselves with drugs in broad daylight and high out of their minds, screaming at everyone and anyone.

❌ Don't be scared of the Downtown Eastside, though

The Downtown Eastside is heavily policed and totally safe.

In fact, we recommend walking through it once to experience the gritty underbelly of beautiful Vancouver.

Bonus fun fact: The term skid row, which now refers to an impoverished urban area, originates from Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. In Vancouver's early days, that's where they once skidded (or dragged) logs.

✅ For the real Chinatown, go to Richmond

Chinatown is not Chinatown. Not anymore. The epicenter of the Chinese community has moved south to Richmond (by the airport).

What was once Chinatown now has more hipster cafes and shops than Chinese stores.

❌  Don't do a day trip to Vancouver Island

We're amazed by how many visitors think Vancouver Island and everything on it is super close to Vancouver.

It takes a good five hours to get to Victoria from Vancouver, for example.

One or two visitors we met pulled off a day trip nonetheless, but that's crazy. If you want to go to Victoria or Vancouver Island, go for a few days. Or fly.

P.S: Don't miss our free Vancouver Treasure Map below.

Getting Around Vancouver

✅ Take the SkyTrain into town from the airport

It's sometimes faster than taxis and cheaper (unless you're a group of three or more, in which case a taxi costs about the same).

✅ Use public transit

  Many tourists we've met during our time as Airbnb hosts, Americans especially, tend to disregard public transit as an option because back home it's dirty, unreliable, and inconvenient.

It's the opposite here in Vancouver.

Everyone rides public transit in Vancouver and you should too.

✅ Ask the bus drivers, even if you're not taking the bus

Unlike in many other cities, Vancouver's bus drivers are generally friendly and helpful, so don't be scared to ask them for directions or to let you know when it's your stop.

✅ Move swiftly around Vancouver

For tips on how to zip around the city faster, for less money, and with less stress, head over to our Dos and Don'ts for Getting Around Vancouver .

❌  Don't get your hopes up about "Canadian " food

There isn't such a thing as "Canadian cuisine," especially in Vancouver. Reflecting Vancouver?s immigrant population, the city?s food is just a hodgepodge of cuisines from around the world.

Nevertheless, there are some foods here in Vancouver that you'll have a tough time finding outside of Canada. Among them are  Nanaimo bars ,  Caesars ,  poutine , and Aboriginal cuisine, which our  must-do in Vancouver  post explains in more detail.

✅ Bring ID

No matter how old you are, if you want to drink alcohol or smoke, ensure you carry one piece of picture ID and another with your name on it (like a credit card). Everyone checks. Without ID, you're outta luck.

✅ Experience some one-of-a-kind Vancouver dining

For our recommendations on unique and unforgettable food experiences like subs from the Sandwich Nazi and crazy bubble tea, don't miss our post on only-in-Vancouver dining experiences .

✅ Learn these Vancouver foodie dos and don'ts

Learn what, where, and how to best indulge in all of Vancouver's tastiest treats in our Dos and Don'ts for Foodies Visiting Vancouver .

✅ Be Green

Being so close to nature and the home of David Suzuki  and Greenpeace has made us Vancouverites very environmentally sensitive. You should be too, at the very least while you're here.

If you have empty bottles or glasses, look for a recycling bin to put them in. And only get bags from stores if you really need them.

✅ Please don't use an umbrella

Most Vancouverites wear rain jackets instead of carry umbrellas. Or they don't use any rain protection because, as we said before, it rarely rains that hard.

( Note:  Not all Vancouverites agree with this tip, but some, especially taller ones like Chris, will hate you for threatening their eyeballs with umbrellas.)

✅ Don't worry about standing out as a tourist

Vancouver is such a multicultural city that regardless of your accent, skin color, fashion, or whatever, as long as you don't have a big camera around your neck and an "I ♥ VanCity" hat on, nobody will think you're a tourist.

❌  Don't call them "Indians"

…unless they're actually from India.

Refer to the area's original inhabitants as Aboriginal people or First Nations people instead. Spencer helpfully elaborates in the comments, "Not all of Indigenous people in Vancouver or Canada for that matter identify as First Nations. Inuit people from the north and Metis (mixed Indigenous and French or Scottish ancestry) people also live in Vancouver. More specifically, individual Indigenous nations make up the land that is now called Vancouver. The Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples."

If you're interested in indigenous history and culture, go to The Museum of Anthropology , eat at Salmon n' Bannock , and take a tour with Talaysay .

✅ Beware that things cost more than they appear

Listed prices never include tax, which is normally an extra 14%. On top of that is the tip you're expected to pay at restaurants and bars and for other services. (See tip on tipping.)

✅ Favorite sites for more Vancouver travel tips, info, and events

Aside from reading our other posts on The Unconventional Route and asking us questions in the comments , here are some other handy resources for planning your trip:

• Tourism Vancouver's info sheets they share with media are better than anything the media then shares with the public.
• The Daily Hive is a good resource for seeing what events are going on in the city today.

✅ Essential guide

• Everything a first-time visitor should know before coming to Vancouver

✅ Favorite things to do

• Our favorite non-touristy things to do in Vancouver
• 7 things everyone must do in Vancouver in the summer
• A local beach bum's guide to all the beaches in Vancouver , the (sometimes) best beach city in the world

✅ A couple of our favorite hikes

• Going up Grouse Mountain, though not the Grind
• Anvil Island's Leading Peak
• Brandywine Meadows and Mountain

✅ Favorite foods

• 8 only-in-Vancouver dining experience
• General dos and don'ts for doodies visiting Vancouver

Read This Next:

Where to Stay in Vancouver: The Best Neighborhoods, Ranked

11 Essentials for Visiting Our Hometown – A Vancouver Travel Blog

Travel Tips and Tricks: At Least One Will Enhance Your Trip

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

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 .

17 thoughts on “Vancouver Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go”

Thanks for the guide. I a planning to visit Vancouver next year with my wife.

You're more than welcome. Thanks for the comment. Don't hesitate to reach out to us if you guys have any questions we haven't thought of addressing. And, if not, bon voyage!

You had me at everything is biking distance. I was calculating costs, and renting a vehicle is always so expensive.

Absolutely. Not only is biking cheaper, but it's often faster cuz you don't have to worry about parking and you get a better feel for the city when you're peddling along. And if the weather gets crappy you can easily throw your bike onto a bus.

Thanks for the info! It's a great help for first time visitors like us! We're hoping to head to Vancouver to visit friends their in June, then head out to the mountains and end in Calgary to fly home. Do you have any road trip tips for first time international drivers?!

Apologies, I definitely meant 'there' not 'their'!!

Hey Rosie. Hmm… Well you should know that in Canada it's legal to turn right on a red light, or left of its onto a one way street going that direction. In cities the speed limit is 50km/h unless otherwise indicated. Flashing green lights mean they're pedestrian operated (it will only change if a pedestrian pushes a button). And when lanes merge, like on bridges (especially Lion's Gate) cars from two merging lanes take turns. That's all I can think of of the top of my head. Canadians are pretty good and courteous drivers in general. Enjoy your trip!

Keep writing about Vancouver please, I really enjoy the posts!

Thanks Ann. We feel like unloaded most of our favorite things into these posts already. Please give us some ideas or questions and we'll see what we can do.

We are gong to visita Vancouver in february, do you recommend something different?

Hi Karla, In Feb you won't be able to hike, but still get outside. For example, go for a walk in Lynn Canyon or some other rain forest. They're just as beautiful, and much less busy, in the rain. Just bring a rain jacket and shoes you don't mind getting dirty. Then spend a bit more time eating and drinking (see our Vancouver eating and drinking tips ) and doing cultural city stuff like exploring Vancouver neighborhoods (Commercial, Main St., Kits, see our Vancouver neighborhood guide ) and going to comedy/improv or theatre. Maybe even a hockey game if the dates work and that fits your budget. Also, look for events going on in the city while you're there. Hope that helps. Enjoy our hometown!

Hi! I’ve been reading some of your other posts, and as someone who grew up in Vancouver, I noticed your posts on my home city and wanted to offer some considerations. I think that words matter. Especially to people unfamiliar with a place, in this case, Vancouver.

1. It may not be wise to call The Downtown Eastside (DTES) skid row. Skid row is, as you say, a term used to denote the log skidding area from history. However, people use the term to describe poorer neighbourhoods to further alienate them. The DTES is a vibrant area with real humans, many of which are struggling with mental health, TRAUMA, and substance use issues. It is also not a place to ogle people.

2. Not all of Indigenous people in Vancouver or Canada for that matter identify as First Nations. Inuit people from the north and Métis (mixed Indigenous and French or Scottish ancestry) people also live in Vancouver. More specifically, individual Indigenous nations make up the land that is now called Vancouver. The Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples.

3. You may want to consider editing your section about the Chinese community in Vancouver. Especially considering the rise in anti-Asian hate it’s important to consider how we describe Chinese communities.

I’m open to dialogue if you want to contact me in case I have misinterpreted your thoughts.

Thanks Spencer! I've updated this post on your first two points. On #1, I got changed "Skid Row" to DTES and removed a stupid sentence on buying cheap stuff. I don't think I meant to give the idea to "ogle" people in the DTES any more than to the extent I'd ogle walking down Robson or along Kits Beach. On #2, I added exactly what you wrote to cover up my ignorance. As for #3, if you have suggestions on what to edit and how, I'm open to it. I tried to look at it from a "how could this be perceived as offensive or anti-Asian" and came up dry.

Thanks for sharing these valuable Vancouver travel tips! It's always helpful to have insider knowledge when visiting a new city. One question that comes to mind is about the cultural tips you mentioned. You mentioned not using umbrellas because it rarely rains too hard.

Yep. It mostly drizzles. As I write this, though, it's pouring. I guess mostly it's personal. Umbrellas annoy me.

Hi Guys my wife and I are coming over in June/July this ('24) renting a car and heading east towards Calgary to visit a family member and hopefully some more of Vancouver Island, especially up the north end.

Was last over in 2019 when I rode through the city on my motorcycle (had purchased one, had to sell during Covid) from Kamloops after having undertaken a 2 month explore of Alaska and western/Northern Canada, to the airport to pick up (at the time my partner) wife for another 3 weeks easy riding in the Rockies, best trip I have ever had with my 60nyrs on the this awesome rock.

A simple question if I may, we are not riding on this trip and plan on staying in Vancouver for 4 days after we arrive and a couple before we head back home to New Zealand. We are not party animals any more but would like to find a cost effective location to base ourselves from, is West End still your recommendation as it seems you started this blog a few years ago.

We are trying to stretch the budget a bit due to local costs and exchange rate hit but still want to enjoy the city as we didn't look around last trip.

thanks for any advice, and love your blog, its very good and a fine resource.

Hi Mike. Your motorcycle trip sounds like it was epic. For your Vancouver trip, depends on what your definition of "cost effective" is. My top tip for finding value would be to look for places along the SkyTrain line. They run every 3 minutes or so, so even if you're out of town, you can get in efficiently. Explore around your neighbourhood outside the city center and you may find some gems, too.

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Located in the north of Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is a tourist destination that any visitor traveling to Vancouver must visit. This is a very interesting place to play in the summer and winter, which is loved by both local residents and tourists. In the summer, Grouse Mountain is the ideal outdoor picnic spot with warm weather, beautiful scenery. In winter, Grouse Mountain becomes an exciting entertainment area with activities such as skiing, ice skating and snowboarding. In Grouse Mountain, there are many entertainment areas, extremely convenient accommodation and services for visitors.

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Grouse Mountain

Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9, Canada Phone: 604.980.9311 Hours: 9AM–10PM Url: https://www.grousemountain.com/

VanDusen Botanical Garden

For nature lovers, VanDusen Botanical Garden is the ideal tourist destination in Vancouver. This 22-hectare garden is likened to a fairyland with gentle hills, winding paths and wooden bridges across a poetic pond. Not only that, VanDusen Botanical Garden also owns a huge collection of trees with more than 255,000 trees representing more than 7,300 varieties of plants from all over the world. The garden is arranged beautifully, science so when visiting the VanDusen Botanical Garden visitors feel like they are lost in the world of fairy nature.

Address: 5251 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6M 4H1, Canada Hours: 10AM–4PM Phone: +1 604-257-8335 Url: http://vandusengarden.org/

Capilano Suspension Bridge

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Address: 3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1, Canada Total length: 140 m Height: 70 m Clearance below: 70 m Location: North Vancouver Phone: 604.985.7474 Url: https://www.capbridge.com/

Victoria City

If you haven’t been to Victoria yet, you haven’t come to Vancouver yet. Victoria is the capital of British Columbia state, located on Vancouver Island, about 100km from the mainland, known as the “city of flower gardens”.

The climate here is mild year-round, the summers are cool and pleasant, the winters are not too harsh, so it is suitable for the elderly to come on vacation and couples to honeymoon. There are still many unique architectures from the late 19th century and early 20th century such as the National Assembly, Empress hotel and China market.

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Vancouver blog: What to eat in Vancouver?

Let’s find out about delicious specialties in Vancouver City below.

Poutine is a unique dish that is extremely popular in Canada. This is considered a typical dish of this country, whenever you mention Canadian cuisine, people will think of Poutine. This unique Poutine dish is made from French fries chips combined with curd cheese and above is poured by brown meat gravy sauce. Looking outside the dish looks extremely attractive. Poutine is a dish that often appears during Canadian dinners. Even to honor this dish, Canada also hosts an annual Poutine festival in cities.

Cheese Tart

Cheese Tart is one of Canada’s long-standing traditional cakes. The Cheese Tart has a pretty, small shape, like a small of cupcake. The cake has a crispy crust, sweet inside with the kernel made from syrup. Those who love sweets when traveling to Vancouver or anywhere in Canada must definitely try this cake. Today, in order to serve the demands of diners, Canadian chefs have to transformed a series of Cheese Tart with different kernels like chocolate, raisins, pecans …

Dried bean soup

Canadians seem to like French dishes. Featured among them are the French-style dried bean soup that is loved by many Canadians. The dried bean soup is made by French explorers when exploring new lands. They use salted meats and dried peas and self-grown vegetables to make this extremely flavorful soup.

Canadian Bacon

Different from traditional bacon, Canadian bacon is made from the filet of pork. Before smoked and used, the meat is soaked in salt water and rolled over cornstarch. Canadians are very fond of this bacon because it tastes delicious and combines it with many other dishes that are pleasant to taste.

Tourtière was created in 1600 and is one of the typical cakes that mixes of French-Canadian culture. The cake is the perfect combination of crispy, crunchy pie crust and the inside is a mixture of beef, pork, veal and some spices and herbs. Cake is served with tomato sauce. Tourtière is sold year-round at stores throughout Canada but most people still use it on Christmas and New Year.

Maple syrup

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Vancouver travel guide blog: Where to shopping in Vancouver?

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CF Pacific Centre

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Address: 701 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V7Y 1G5, Canada Hours: 11AM–7PM Phone: (604) 688-7235 Url: https://www.cfshops.com/pacific-centre.html

Davie Village

Davie Village, an unique shopping district in Vancouver that travelers must visit. This is a famous shopping area with gay and male communities. Coming to Davie Village, visitors not only enjoy shopping, but also learn more about the third world community. The shops here are mostly from gay people.

Location: The Davie Village is located on Davie Street, between Burrard and Jervis. Phone: 1 (604) 446 7366 Url: http://davievillage.ca

Robson Street

Famous designer shops and trendy shops chose this high-class avenue as their headquarters. Robson Street stretches across three neighborhoods between Burrard Street and Jervis Street. Here, you’ll find the latest luxury collections of Armani and Louis Vuitton as well as many other brand stores.

One of the most attractive shopping spots in Vancouver is Chinatown. This is the place where Chinese people concentrate in Canada to develop strong culture and recreational activities. All items that tourists need are present at this shopping area from cosmetics, shoes, fashion to jewelry, crafts, souvenir …

Location: 106 Keefer St, Vancouver, British Columbia V6A 1X4, Canada

Punjabi Market

Bustling no less Chinatown is the Punjabi market of the Indian community living in Vancouver. Coming to this Punjabi market, besides shopping, you can also enjoy delicious Indian dishes. Enjoying Indian cuisine in Vancouver city is also an exciting experience.

Location: Main Street | Between 48th and 51st streets, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Vancouver you can refer to

• Vancouver Lookout and City Tour
• Vancouver City Highlights Tour with Vancouver Lookout
• Best of Vancouver City and North Vancouver Small Group Tour
• Private Vancouver City Explorer Tour
• Best of Vancouver City Small Group Tour
• Whistler and Shannon Falls Tour from Vancouver
• Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Vancouver City Tour
• Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour from Vancouver
• Sea to Sky 2-Day Adventure Tour from Vancouver
• Vancouver Ultimate Day Tour to Victoria
• Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge Tour in Vancouver

Are you looking for more top things to do in Vancouver: Tours, activities, attractions and other things?  Let’s check it out at here .

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4-Day Vancouver Itinerary with Kids

Posted on Last updated: January 8, 2024

Home » Pacific Northwest » 4-Day Vancouver Itinerary with Kids

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Are you planning a trip to Vancouver, British Columbia Canada ? Keep scrolling for my 4-day Vancouver itinerary with kids and families!

This 4 day vancouver itinerary with kids was written by pnw family travel expert marcie cheung and may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase the item, i will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. all opinions remain my own..

If you are looking for an easy trip from Seattle, look no further than Vancouver, British Columbia . Located just a few hours from Seattle, Vancouver has lots of kid-friendly attractions, restaurants, and hotels.

My family spent 4 days in Vancouver, BC in the summer with our toddler.

Check out how you can explore Vancouver with kids with my Vancouver 4-day itinerary.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of Vancouver blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Vancouver with kids.

Popular Vancouver Tours/Activities

• Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (amazing bridges and tree walks)
• FlyOver Canada (a cool ride that makes you feel like you’re soaring over Canada)
• Grouse Mountain (lots of activities in winter and summer)
• Harbor Tour (it’s a fun way to see Vancouver from the water)
• Flytographer photo shoot (they are easy to book are really affordable)

Kid-Friendly Vancouver Hotels

• Sutton Place Hotel (easy walk to the waterfront and Robson Street and has an indoor pool)
• Delta Hotels (easy walk to the waterfront and has free WiFi)
• Fairmont Pacific Rim (easy walk to the waterfront and has an outdoor pool)
• Hyatt Regency Vancouver (easy walk to the waterfront and Robson Street and has an outdoor pool)

Vancouver with Kids: Day 1

If you are driving from the Seattle area, I recommend driving early in the morning. We left Seattle a bit later than I planned and we felt a bit rushed. If you have more time, I highly recommend this scenic drive from Seattle to Vancouver .

Thankfully, the Canadian border wait at the Peace Arch crossing was just a few minutes and we headed straight to the  Historic CPR 374 Locomotive  that is on display in Yaletown at the corner of Davie St and Pacific Blvd. It closes at 4 pm.

We got there at 3:50 pm and literally ran to get in to see it because my son LOVES trains!

HISTORIC CPR 374 LOCOMOTIVE

George, one of the docents there, was so nice to explain the importance of the train to Vancouver’s history.

In the late 1800s, this train hauled spices and silk from Vancouver to Toronto in just 7 days. And 7 days after that it was in London. Talk about fast shipping for those days!

My toddler climbed aboard the locomotive and rang the bell. This is a really fun thing to do in Vancouver with kids! Plus, it’s in Yaletown so there’s plenty of shopping and restaurants nearby.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can take the Skytrain to Yaletown, which is ALWAYS a hit!

Book a Family Photo Shoot

Whenever we travel, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND guarantee that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.

CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE PARK

After we dropped our bags at our hotel, we headed straight to the  Capilano Suspension Bridge Park . This is one of the top attractions in Vancouver and it’s easy to see why.

Yes, there’s the swinging bridge. But, once you cross it, THAT’S where the real adventure begins!

If you’re visiting Vancouver with kids, I recommend going earlier in the day so you can give your family a few hours to explore the Cliffwalk, Treetop Adventures, and participate in the Kids’ Rainforest Explorers Program.

Vancouver with Kids: Day 2

We spent our second day in Vancouver, BC at the world-famous Stanley Park. With a toddler, you could easily spend a couple of days at Stanley Park exploring and doing all the activities.

STANLEY PARK HORSE DRAWN TOUR

We chose to do the  Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tour  first so that we could get a layout of the park. This tour lasts about one hour and new tours depart every 20-30 minutes.

Once you climb aboard, your guide will start the narrated tour. You’ll see Deadman’s Island, Vancouver’s Harbour, Lions Gate Bridge, a Coastal Red Cedar Forest, Totem Poles, the Girl in a Wet Suit statue, the Rose Garden, and more.

STANLEY PARK TRAIN

Once we passed the sign for the Stanley Park Train ride during our tour, my toddler decided that we needed to do that next. So, we drove over to that side of Stanley Park.

The train ride was adorable. You purchase tickets at the little train station and then climb aboard a miniature train.

The train ride takes you through a small area of the park that is decorated with beloved characters like Charlie Brown, Foghorn Leghorn, Kermit the Frog, and more!

They also do themed train rides around Easter, Halloween, and  Christmas  and I’d definitely want to do one of those to see how they change it up.

After the train ride, we grabbed burgers, hot dogs, and pretzels at the nearby concession stand and headed back to the hotel to rest.

HOP ON HOP OFF TOUR OF VANCOUVER, BC

My toddler loves to ride in any type of vehicle, but buses are always a hit! We climbed aboard the open-air double-decker bus for a  Hop On Hop Off tour of Vancouver .

The tour was perfect in July because we could enjoy fresh air while marveling at the city.

We spent about 90 minutes on this Hop On Hop Off bus tour because our destination was the Vancouver Aquarium. My son had been so excited to ride that he skipped his nap. So, he ended up falling asleep halfway into the tour.

That worked out because he was refreshed enough to continue our day at Stanley Park.

VANCOUVER AQUARIUM

We made it to the Vancouver Aquarium about 2 hours before it closed. That was enough time for our family. But, since it’s home to thousands of incredible ocean species, you may want to spend an entire afternoon here.

The Vancouver Aquarium provides several family programs where kids ages 8 and under can participate in crafts, singing, puppet shows, games, and make-believe journeys involving sea life.

They also have Clownfish Cove, located next to the Exploration Gallery.

This is a place for kids to pretend to be junior animal technicians, build octopus dens, and learn more about animal preservation.

One of the coolest parts of the Vancouver Aquarium is its outdoor mammal shows. These shows feature dolphins, sharks, sea lions, penguins, and more. We also enjoyed seeing the jellyfish and large mammals.

We grabbed a quick dinner at the Vancouver Aquarium specifically so my son could enjoy a chocolate ice cream cone. Yes, they have ice cream in a prominent location and your children won’t be able to think about anything else.

Vancouver with Kids: Day 3

I love to do day trips when we travel. We decided to spend our 3rd day in Squamish, BC. Located just an hour from Vancouver, Squamish is right on the Sea to Sky highway.

If you’ve ever driven to Whistler from Vancouver, you would have passed Squamish.

Railway Museum of British Columbia

We headed straight to the  Railway Museum of British Columbia  because my toddler really wanted to see the trains. It was even cooler than I imagined! Lots of stuff for kids and adults and the staff were really friendly.

The Railway Museum of British Columbia (formerly the West Coast Railway Heritage Park) features a typical mid-20th-century railway station and old-style town center. They have more than 90 pieces of railway cars and artifacts. It’s also massive at 12 acres of park.

And they have historic exhibits including the Brightbill House, blacksmith forge, wash house, and vintage printing press.

Additionally, they have a Roundhouse that’s home to 5 vintage trains, including the world-famous Royal Hudson steam train. If your kids love Thomas the Train as much as mine, seeing a “steamy” in a roundhouse is a HUGE deal!

My son’s favorite parts of the Railway Museum of British Columbia were the outdoor Thomas the Train Tables and riding the Mini Rail. Oh, and buying a Polar Express train puzzle.

We were there for 2 hours and could have easily spent another hour there.

SEA TO SKY GONDOLA

I’m not afraid of heights, but I’m a nervous flyer. When we pulled into the parking lot, I saw all the gondolas racing up and down the mountain and I instantly panicked.

Thankfully, those fears easily subsided.

I was thrilled that the  Sea to Sky Gondola  in Squamish was so family-friendly!

The gondola ride is about 10 minutes long and it takes you 885 meters above sea level. Each gondola can seat 8 people. They are stroller accessible, although I’d recommend wearing your baby in a baby carrier  like this one .

There are floor-to-ceiling glass windows so you can enjoy breathtaking views of Shannon Falls and the famous Squamish Chief climbing area.

At the summit, you’ll find two different interpretive loop walking trails with stunning viewing platforms. There’s also the spectacular Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, numerous hiking trails, and rock climbing.

We rode the gondola up and walked across the suspension bridge. The views were incredible! Since it was afternoon and my toddler was tired, we spent about 20 minutes soaking in the gorgeous viewpoints.

If you were to arrive earlier in the day, you could easily spend a few hours walking around. They even have a restaurant at the summit with the best view!

At the base, we headed to the grab-and-go cafe and ordered pre-made sandwiches. This hit the spot for us!

My toddler got the rest of his energy out at the playground there and then we hopped in the car so he could nap on the drive back to Vancouver.

ROBSON STREET

If there’s one famous street in Vancouver, it’s Robson Street. Known for its incredible shopping, Robson Street is worth a leisurely stroll. They have international luxury brands, souvenir shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and a mall.

We always stop at both Roots locations and stock up on sweatpants for the whole family. I also like to pick up a crepe to eat while walking around.

Oh, and we like to hit up London Drugs to pick up massive Lindt chocolate bars and specialty potato chips not found in the U.S.

You’ll also see Robson Square, which features the Vancouver Art Gallery. Every time we go, we always run into a street festival or event. We like to walk all the way to Gastown.

Another day trip option is to head out to the  Panama Ridge hike  in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Families with young kids can plan to stop at Garibaldi Lake, which is the crown jewel of the park.

Vancouver with Kids: Day 4

For our last day in Vancouver, we opted to walk around downtown to people-watch and see what we could see. We ended up walking to the Vancouver Lookout near the waterfront.

It was a nice walk from our hotel and my toddler was excited about the elevator ride.

VANCOUVER LOOKOUT

I thought we’d be able to see more of the city from the elevator since there were glass panels, but we really couldn’t see much during the short ride.

But, once we got up to the observation level of  Vancouver Lookout , we had incredible panoramic views of the entire city!

If you are going with kids, take advantage of their Sky Scouts program. Sky Scouts is designed for children ages 6-12 to learn about Vancouver through exciting and interactive activities.

They have both guided and self-guided tours. And each child receives a fun activity book filled with puzzles, coloring pages, and games.

VANCOUVER HARBOUR CRUISES

Since Vancouver is a waterfront city, it would be a shame to not experience it FROM the water. We boarded a  one-hour harbour cruise  and it was lovely.

We learned a bit about Vancouver’s history through the humorous narrated tour, however, we spent most of the time gawking at the amazing views and soaking up the sunshine.

Not only was the weather beautiful, but we got to watch seaplanes take off. There was a lot for my toddler to see and one hour was the perfect time to be on the boat. They have 2 restrooms on board and sell snacks and drinks.

Summertime is also a great time to do  whale watching in Vancouver .

Then, we hopped in our car and headed to the U.S. border. It ended up taking us 2 hours to get from Vancouver to the Peace Arch crossing because of afternoon traffic.

Additional Vancouver Kids Activities

Vancouver hiking trails.

Another fun thing to do in Vancouver with kids is take advantage of all the cool hiking trails.

One of the  easiest Vancouver hikes  is the Quarry Rock Trail. It’s the perfect half-day adventure, especially early in the morning.

GRANVILLE ISLAND

This is a popular Vancouver family attraction. We’ve done it a few times. We like to take the mini ferry to get there!

They are almost like toy boats that come around every 2-3 minutes and ferry families between Granville Island and other mini docks around False Creek. It’s a blast for kids!

Once you get to Granville Island, wander through the Public Market and sample the tasty treats. Last time we were there, we enjoyed Dole Whip (usually only found in Hawaii or at  Disneyland !)

There’s also live music, restaurants, and artwork. But, your kids will probably be most interested in the Kids Market. Here, you’ll find independent toy stores, children’s clothing, and a play area.

And there’s also the largest free water park in North America!

GROUSE MOUNTAIN

If you enjoyed the Sea to Sky Gondola or don’t have time for a day trip to Squamish,  visiting Grouse Mountain  is a good alternative. Enter the Skyride and head 3,700 feet above the city for a spectacular panoramic view of Vancouver.

During the summer, you’ll experience a grizzly bear refuge, a lumberjack show, and outdoor activities.

During the winter, you can enjoy a sleigh ride, skiing, snowboarding and even visit with Santa.

SCIENCE WORLD

Telus World of Science   is one of our favorite kid activities in Vancouver. My husband enjoys it just as much as our toddler! Here you’ll find the latest feature exhibits, hands-on interactive displays, and special events.

You can also watch OMNIMAX films on one of the world’s largest dome screens. There’s also a restaurant and a fabulous gift shop.

Kid-Friendly Hotels in Vancouver

Are you wondering where to stay in Vancouver with kids ? We’ve stayed at the Auberge Vancouver Hotel and love that there’s a door to separate the bedroom from the living room.

During the holidays, we love staying in the condo side of Sutton Place because it’s all decked out for the holidays!

I’ve reviewed the  Executive Hotel Vintage Park   and the  Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel  on my blog.

We’ve also heard great things about the  L’Hermitage Hotel , Fairmont Vancouver Waterfront , and  Hilton Vancouver  for families traveling to Vancouver.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Vancouver

Rocky mountain flatbread co..

This restaurant offers a fun atmosphere and a kids’ menu with healthy and delicious options, including flatbreads and pastas. There is also a play area for kids.

Burgoo is a cozy spot that specializes in comfort food, such as mac and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches. They offer a kids’ menu and crayons for coloring.

Circus Play Cafe

This is a great spot to let the kids play while enjoying breakfast or lunch. They have locally sourced and organic food options for kids and adults.

And kids can get a “tapas box” with things like fruit, crackers, and wraps. Plus, they have a play space perfect for imaginative play.

This is a European pancake house that also has gluten-free options. We visited their West 2nd location. They have a play kitchen and tons of toys to keep kids occupied while you wait for breakfast.

Getting Around Vancouver

Walking : Vancouver is a very pedestrian-friendly city. If you are staying downtown, you’ll be able to walk most places.

Taxis : Taxis (including accessible wheelchair taxis) are plentiful and can be hailed on the street, as well as found at designated stands, and called for pick-up.

Driving : Whether you drove to Vancouver or have a rental car, this is the easiest way to explore outside of Vancouver.

Skytrain : This is one of our favorite ways to explore Vancouver, especially when we stay in Richmond. It’s a fast subway-type train that zips in and out of Vancouver.

Marcie in Mommyland received an Experience Pass from Tourism Vancouver for review purposes.

Vancouver with Kids FAQs

Vancouver offers many family-friendly attractions, such as Stanley Park, Granville Island, the Vancouver Aquarium, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The best attractions will depend on your family’s interests and preferences.

Vancouver has many kid-friendly restaurants, including Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co., Burgoo, White Spot, The Flying Pig, and Breka Bakery & Cafe.

Vancouver has many outdoor activities for families, such as biking, hiking, and visiting beaches and parks. Stanley Park and the seawall are popular destinations for families.

The best time of year to visit Vancouver with kids depends on the season and your family’s preferences. Summer offers warm temperatures and many outdoor activities, while winter offers skiing and snow activities.

Vancouver is generally a safe city for families to visit, but it’s important to be aware of potential hazards, such as traffic and natural disasters. It’s also important to follow safety guidelines for outdoor activities.

4-Day Vancouver Itinerary with Kids Wrap Up

Vancouver is a fantastic family vacation destination that offers a range of activities and attractions for kids of all ages.

With this 4-day itinerary, families can explore Downtown Vancouver, visit Grouse Mountain and North Vancouver, and enjoy many fun family activities within walking distance.

From taking in the stunning Vancouver skyline to enjoying outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, there is no shortage of things to see and do.

By following this itinerary, families can make the most of their time in Vancouver and create unforgettable memories together.

Plan your family trip to Vancouver today and get ready for an adventure-filled vacation that the whole family will love!

Looking for more fun things to do with kids in Vancouver, BC? Check out Things to do in Stanley Park , Vancouver Lookout + Harbour Cruise Reviews , Vancouver’s Science World with Babies + Toddlers , Holiday Festivities in Vancouver, BC , Bright Nights at Stanley Park in Vancouver, BC , where to stay in Victoria BC , best Vancouver hotels for families , and Day Trip to Squamish, BC !

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Wednesday 18th of April 2018

Would 100% follow this itinerary even without kids! I’ve already got the suspension bridge very firmly on my list of things to do if I ever go to Vancouver since reading your post specifically about it. The World of Science looks so cool! We have something similar here in Cardiff called Techniquest, although significantly more outdated than Vancouver’s.

marciecheung

You would LOVE Vancouver! I've been loving your blog posts about your adventures! You should definitely make it over to the Pacific Northwest :)

Abhinav Singh

Tuesday 17th of April 2018

You have shown us a different side to Vancouver. I didn’t know Vancouver can be so much fun for the kids. Though I do not support the use of horses or dolphins for carriages and entertainment respectively, I am definitely excited about the train ride. What got me most excited was Sea to Sky Gondola. It must be thrilling!

This sure looks like an amazing trip! The Suspension Bridge Park and Gondola looks especially neat. Thank you for sharing your great trip.

Yes, those are my favorite highlights from this trip!

Yes, Vancouver is a fun family destination!

I had never thought about Vancouver as a destination...especially with children. Now, it is going to the top of my list of places we need to go as a family!

It's a gorgeous city and there's tons of yummy food!

It's amazing - the Vancouver you saw is so different from the one I saw, the only common point being Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

Isn't it interesting how differently people travel?

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

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Vancouver Island Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

Located just off the coast of British Columbia, Vancouver Island is a gorgeous getaway location that’s become immensely popular in recent years.

Home to just under 1 million people and spanning a whopping 456 kilometers (283 miles), this former retirement hotspot is one of the biggest islands in Canada . In recent years, it’s developed a much younger edge thanks to a university, burgeoning arts scene, and the younger crowd of people fleeing Vancouver’s astronomical housing prices. It also has the mildest climate in all of Canada, which certainly adds to its appeal.

You’ll find a flourishing natural food and beer scene here in addition to the island’s beautiful beaches, hiking trails, lakes, rivers, mountains, and scenic farmland. It’s a picturesque island, especially in the fall and spring when the temperature is perfect and there are fewer crowds. If you’re an outdoorsy kind of person, Vancouver Island is not to be missed!

This Vancouver Island travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Vancouver Island

Top 5 Things to See and Do on Vancouver Island

1. Visit Cathedral Grove

This forest on the southwest part of the island, officially known as MacMillan Provincial Park, has some of the oldest cedar trees in the world (many are over 1,000 years old). The canopy is 80 meters high (262 feet) in some places, making it a great place to hike, go birdwatching, and just get away from it all. While this gorgeous area is hardly ‘undiscovered,’ this pristine protected natural park offers a glimpse of Canada’s unique temperate rainforests with lush ferns, moss, and towering ancient trees. Admission is free. Just be mindful to stay on designated paths and ‘leave no trace’ as you enjoy the area.

2. Go whale watching

Vancouver Island is one of the most active areas for whales in the world, including orcas and humpbacks. There are three pods of about 80 killer whales that live around the island’s southern tip, so you have a high chance of seeing a whale on your trip but the best time to see them is from May to October. Check the weather before you go and make sure to wear comfortable layers and bring sunscreen. Tickets cost around 90-150 CAD for a 3-hour tour.

3. Visit Butchart Gardens

This nearly 120-year-old garden is host to a spectacular flower exhibit with 900 plant varieties and colorful flowers. The Butchart Gardens were started in 1904 when Jennie Butchart set out to create a lush garden on the empty space left by a cleared limestone quarry. Today, the Gardens are still family owned and a National Historic Site of Canada. There are many peaceful walking paths and areas to just sit and enjoy nature, and the Japanese maples turn brilliant shades of reds and oranges in the fall. Admission ranges from 21-38 CAD. Note that prices are higher around December when there is a special Christmas exhibition with twinkling light shows and carols.

4. Hike the rainforest

If you don’t do some hiking while you’re here, you’re missing out on the best of the island. East Sooke Regional Park boasts 50 kilometers (31 miles) of rainforest hiking trails with sheltered coves and a rocky 10-kilometer (6-mile) coastal hike that’s challenging but promises spectacular views. If you want something more leisurely, check out Aylard Farm if picnicking is your main priority. You can get to the park by bus but just note the bus only runs during the week so check schedules before going. Admission is free.

5. Hang out in Victoria

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and being here is like stepping into a British city where double-decker buses navigate the streets, the houses look like Victorian mansions, and cricket is all the rage. Victoria has a much more laid back vibe than Vancouver too. There are activities for any taste, from bike tours, nature and parks, street art, and craft beer. A free walking tour is a great place to start. Toonie Tours run a 2.5-hour free Victoria Walking Tour on weekends at 10am. Just be sure to tip your guide!

Other Things to See and Do on Vancouver Island

1. see the “goats on the roof”.

For a fun experience, visit the Old Country Market in Coombs which has actual goats living on the roof. Don’t feel too bad for them as the roof has plenty of grass and room for them to roam around! While you’re there, grab a handmade donut or some tacos from the market. There are also several gift shops, produce stalls, a deli, and restaurants located in and around the market. Bring an appetite!

2. Relax in Beacon Hill Park

This scenic park in Victoria covers over 200 acres and is a tranquil place to relax and take a stroll. There are tennis courts, a golf green, lawn bowling, flower beds, a petting zoo, and a hawthorn tree planted by Winston Churchill in 1929. Bring a book and lounge the day away.

3. Visit a winery

Vancouver Island has over 20 different wineries, most of which are located in the Cowichan Valley. I highly recommend going on a wine tour. Not only is the wine delicious, but the scenic valley surrounded by rolling green mountains provides a stunning backdrop to your visit. A full-day tour including lunch starts around 125 CAD, or you can rent a car and drive around yourself (but don’t drink and drive — find a sober friend to tag along with).

4. Visit the U’Mista Cultural Center

This center protects the heritage of First Nations peoples and offers visitors a look at indigenous life on the island. You’ll learn about the potlatch ceremonies (a huge shared feast where gifts are exchanged and wealth is redistributed) of the Kwakwaka’wakw people in Alert Bay who have been living on this island for thousands of years, and discover the unique history and challenges of the region’s indigenous peoples. Tickets are 15 CAD.

5. Take a ghost tour

Europeans arrived in the region in the late 1700s so it should come as no surprise that Victoria has a long (and spooky) past. Discover the Past offers one of the best tours for combining interesting city history with tales of gruesome crimes and ghostly encounters. The guides are knowledgeable and always have entertaining stories to share. Tickets start at 21 CAD for a one-hour tour. At Christmas, they have a special Ghosts of Christmas Past tour with haunted stories. Schedules are seasonal so check their website to book tickets online.

6. Admire Abkhazi Garden

Spanning just over an acre, this garden in Victoria was created by a former Russian prince and his wife in 1946. Today, the garden features Japanese Maples, native Garry oaks, and hundreds of rhododendrons. There is also a tranquil tea house offering a traditional tea service from 11am-5pm. The suggested donation is 10 CAD.

7. Day-trip to the smaller islands

Vancouver Island is the only island that brings in tons of tourists here, but the Gulf Islands archipelago consists of hundreds of smaller islands and inlets in the Georgia Strait, many of which make for a pleasant day trip. Consider renting a boat or arranging a tour to Gabriola, Saltspring, or Thetis, three of the most popular islands (or take the ferry and save money). You can hike, explore the bays and beaches, or visit local artisans and eateries there. Ferry rates start at 10 CAD.

8. See the Victoria Butterfly Gardens

This indoor tropical rainforest in Victoria is filled with thousands of butterflies (there are over 70 species here). The gardens also have koi, turtles, poison dart frogs, parrots, flamingos, and tropical flowers. It’s a fun place to visit if you’re traveling with kids. Admission is 18 CAD.

9. Chill out in Tofino

Tofino is a fishing village on the Esowista Peninsula that has become a major surfing hub. Hang out at Wickaninnish Beach, take a surfing lesson in Cox Bay, soak in the hot springs at Hot Springs Cove, or enjoy Tofino’s cafe and restaurant scene. It’s the “hip” part of the island. Surfboard rentals start at 35 CAD for a day while 2.5-hour group lessons cost around 90 CAD.

10. Explore Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

This national park is full of beaches, misty forests, and dramatic coastlines. Some of the island’s most popular beaches are here, including Long Beach, Combers Beach, and Wickaninnish Beach. The park is also home to the West Coast Trail Unit, a network of hiking trails covering 193 square kilometers (75 square miles), including the 75-kilometer (47-mile) trek between Bamfield and Port Renfrew (reservations required). Hit the Nuu-chah-nulth Trail, rent a kayak to paddle around Broken Group Islands, or storm watch at Kwisitis Visitor Centre (it’s a pastime here!).

  For more information on other destinations in Canada, check out these guides:

• Calgary Travel Guide
• Montreal Travel Guide
• Nova Scotia Travel Guide
• Ottawa Travel Guide
• Quebec City Travel Guide
• Toronto Travel Guide
• Vancouver Travel Guide

Vancouver Island Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a 4-8-bed dorm costs around 35-45 CAD per night. Private rooms cost 65-85 CAD per night. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available starting at 18 CAD per night. This gets you a basic tent plot without electricity for two people.

Budget hotel prices – A room in a budget hotel starts at about 110 CAD. This includes basic amenities like AC, TV, a coffee/tea maker, and free Wi-Fi.

Airbnb is available everywhere on Vancouver Island. Private rooms start at 75 CAD per night but average double that. An entire home/apartment starts around 100 CAD per night, though most are 150-250 CAD.

Food – On Vancouver Island, which is fast becoming a foodie hub, seafood is king. Oysters, crabs, and fresh fish are all common staples. Sushi is super popular, owing to the region’s Asian influence, as are fish and chips. Also, be sure to sample more general Canadian staples like poutine (fries with gravy and cheese curds), beaver tails (fried dough with maple syrup), Canadian bacon, and the oddly tasty ketchup chips.

There are lots of places to grab food on the go on Vancouver Island. You can find sandwiches for about 10 CAD, or you can get soup and salad for lunch for less than 20 CAD.

A fast-food combo (think McDonald’s) costs about 12 CAD. Fish and chips or a burger with fries is around 20 CAD with a drink. A beer costs about 6 CAD. A meal at a higher-end restaurant (like lobster or fresh game) costs about 40 CAD for an entree and a drink.

Pizza costs around 15 CAD for a large while Chinese food is 11-15 CAD for a main dish. For cheap eats, check out Warehouse Group restaurants that have items like tacos, burgers, salads, and sandwiches for 10 CAD or less in a bar-like atmosphere.

If you cook your own food, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 65 CAD. This gets you basic staples like rice, pasta, vegetables, and some meat or seafood.

Backpacking Vancouver Island Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Vancouver Island, expect to spend about 70 CAD per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, cooking all your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like swimming and hiking. If you plan on drinking, add another 10-15 CAD to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 195 CAD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, cook most of your meals, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do some paid tours and activities like wine tours or whale watching.

On a “luxury” budget of 310 CAD per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink more, rent a car, and do whatever paid tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in CAD.

Vancouver Island Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

With a little effort, you can turn Vancouver Island into an affordable travel destination. Most of the outdoor activities are free so if you stick to those and cook your own food you can keep your costs low. Here are some ways to save money when you visit Vancouver Island:

• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find a Couchsurfing host on Vancouver Island. This way, you not only have a free place to stay but you’ll get to connect with a local who can share their insider tips and advice.
• Camp – If you want to camp, use the DiscoverCamping.ca website to find available campsites on Vancouver Island. A two-person site starts about 20-25 CAD.
• Check for deals – HelloBC.com (the official tourism website) often lists seasonal travel deals and discounts in its “Plan Your Trip” section. Check it out for money-saving tips and deals.
• Gas up on the mainland – If you’re coming from Vancouver by car, make sure you gas up before boarding the ferry. Gas prices are always higher on the island, as are most grocery prices. Stock up on everything before you arrive!
• Look for the happy hours – The Ultimate Happy Hours website lists all the happy hour drink and food specials around Victoria. They update with new info frequently.
• Take the ferry as a walk-on passenger – Ferry prices for vehicles aren’t cheap. If you’re just making a short trip and staying in one destination on the island (like Victoria or Nanaimo), consider ditching the vehicle and traveling as a walk-on passenger.
• Explore the island by bike – British Columbia was made for mountain biking, and Vancouver Island is no exception. There are tons of bike paths, both inside the cities and in the provincial parks. Pack a picnic lunch, bring lots of water, and make a day of it.
• Hitchhike – Since the island sees a huge boost in population during the summer, you can try your hand at hitchhiking between cities if you’re on a budget. It isn’t super common, but it can save you the cost of renting a car or taking the bus. Just don’t get off the beaten trail as you may end up waiting some time for a ride!
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money. LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to ensure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island has a few hostels that make budget-friendly travel here possible. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• HI Nanaimo Painted Turtle Guesthouse (Nanaimo)
• Riding Fool Hostel (Cumberland)
• Earth Club Factory (Denman Island)

How to Get Around Vancouver Island

Public transportation – Victoria is the only major urban center on the island. Downtown is very walkable and the bus can get you everywhere else on the island you need to go. Fares cost 2.50 CAD, or you can get a 10-ride pass for 22.50 CAD. A one-day pass is 5 CAD and is only available on the bus.

Bike rental – You can rent a bicycle in Victoria for about 40 CAD per day from Cycle BC. An e-bike costs 75 CAD per day.

Ferry – You can use BC Ferries to get to several places around the island. The route between Swartz Bay (Victoria) and Fulford Harbour is 11.60 CAD for a return ticket, while Swartz Bay to the Gulf Islands is 11.90 CAD. Nanaimo to Gabriola Island is 10.15 CAD for a return ticket.

Bus – The bus goes just about everywhere on Vancouver Island, although it isn’t cheap. A seven-hour journey from Victoria to Tofino is 105 CAD, while a one-hour trip from Victoria to Cowichan Bay is 20 CAD. A 3.5-hour trip from Nanaimo to Ucluelet is 50 CAD.

Taxi – Taxis are not cheap here. Their base rate is 3.67 CAD, and it’s an additional 2 CAD per kilometer afterward. Skip the taxis if you can as they add up fast and will destroy your budget!

Car Rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 35 CAD per day. If you’d like to take advantage of all the outdoor attractions that Vancouver Island has to offer, it’s a great option, especially considering how expensive buses are. For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is busiest during the summer since its biggest draw is the great outdoors. Temperatures are usually in the mid-20s°C (high 60s°F) with little rainfall, making this time of year the best for hiking, cycling, whale watching, and other outdoor activities. Prepare for more expensive accommodations and bigger tourist crowds during this time (whale-watching season starts in August and ends in December).

Fall and spring are both excellent times to visit for sunny weather, as temperatures hover around 10-16°C (50-60°F). That means it’s still warm enough to hike and enjoy the outdoors. In the spring, the cherry blossoms start blooming, and the island comes alive. There are fewer tourists during the spring and fall as well.

Winter (December-March) is surprisingly mild here, with average daily highs just under 10°C (low 40s°F). It can be rainy during these months, so bring waterproof clothing. Room rates are cheaper in the winter as well. While this isn’t the best time to visit, if you have to spend winter in Canada, this is as warm as it gets!

How to Stay Safe on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is very safe. You’re unlikely to experience any crime here. Even petty crime like pickpocketing and theft is rare. That said, always keep your valuables secure and out of reach just to be safe.

Always check the weather before you go out hiking or swimming and make sure you avoid getting up close and personal with any wildlife (there are over 7,000 bears on the island, for example).

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions you take anywhere apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For more information, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs in the city.

Scams here are virtually non-existent here, but if you want to play it extra safe, you can read about common travel scams to avoid right with this article.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

When in doubt, always trust your instincts. If a taxi driver seems shady, get out. If your hotel or accommodation is seedier than you thought, go somewhere else. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID, in case of an emergency.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good 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.

Vancouver Island Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Vancouver Island Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Canada and continue planning your trip:

Where to Stay in Quebec City: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Vancouver: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Toronto: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Canada Road Trip: A One Month Suggested Itinerary

How to Road Trip the Yukon on a Budget

How to See Alberta: A 10-Day Suggested Driving Itinerary

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The Complete Vancouver Island Road Trip Itinerary (The Best Stops in 1 Week!)

Post Summary: The Ultimate 1-Week Vancouver Island Road Trip Itinerary 

Looking for your next big road trip in the Pacific Northwest?

Maybe you’ve driven the entire Pacific Coast Highway , seen all the sights along an Oregon Coast road trip , or even discovered all the hidden gems along an Olympic Peninsula trip itinerary .

If you’re looking for even more  things to do in the Pacific Northwest , you’ve got to plan a Vancouver Island road trip! Full of lush green forests, secret beaches, and lots of adventure, we’re here to share everything we know about this amazing location.

In this post, we’re putting together an epic 1-week Vancouver Island itinerary for you , including ways to extend your trip for even more adventure!

Are you ready?

Because this island is going to blow your mind!

No Time To Read?

That’s okay! Pin this to reference later!

Vancouver Island Road Trip: PRE-TRIP PLANNING

This post may contain affiliate links, vetted and chosen by yours truly!

Wait, Where is Vancouver Island?

Vancouver Island is located in British Columbia, Canada . British Columbia sits on the west coast of Canada, and Vancouver Island is the largest island in that province. With 12,079 square miles to explore, it would take you 7 hours in the car to drive from end to end.

Planning our Vancouver Island road trip, we naively thought we could see the entire thing in a mere two weeks. Oh, how wrong we were!

To give Vancouver Island the time and exploration it deserves, one would need to spend at least a month on BC or come back for repeat trips to see different parts of the island.

Now, we totally get that most people don’t have that kind of free time. Therefore, this post is going to be the ideal itinerary to see the highlights of visiting Vancouver Island in ONE WEEK , and hopefully, it will light that spark to make a return trip ASAP!

The Best Way To Travel Around Vancouver Island

The best way to travel around Vancouver Island is by car . However, in order to bring a car to the island, you’ll need to travel by ferry (more on that below).

Since this post is a road trip itinerary, we recommend bringing (or renting!) a vehicle that has everything you need. Here are a few of our favorite options for getting around Vancouver Island:

Renting a Camper Van

If you are traveling to Vancouver Island in the summer, we can’t emphasize how much we recommend camping! There are so many amazing campsites on Vancouver Island, some even right next to the ocean! Our favorite way to rent recreational vehicles is from Outdoorsy .

Renting a converted van would mean you have the freeing mobility to be cooking breakfast under a forested canopy in the morning, and watching the sunset through your open doors after a long surf session by evening!

Bringing a Regular Car

Another really great option for traveling around Vancouver Island would be with a regular-sized car . One large enough to carry your gear, of course, but this gives you options to easily fit in hotel parking lots, down small roads, and still have the option of car camping, too!

Read More: 20 Genius Car Camping Hacks To Try On Your Next Road Trip

How To Get To Vancouver Island

Since this IS an island, you’ll need to take a ferry to reach Vancouver Island.

If you haven’t been on a ferry before, it’s basically a really large boat that you can drive your car onto, like a water taxi that takes you across the water. Depending on the route you choose, you will sail through the Howe Sound, the Salish Sea, or the Strait of Juan de Fuca and pass spots like Bowen Island and Newcastle Island Park. There are multiple routes to take – here’s a breakdown below:

• Horseshoe Bay (North Vancouver) to Nanaimo : This is the best route to take if you are hoping to explore places like Campbell River or Tofino.
• Port Angeles, WA to Victoria: This is convenient for people who live in Washington and Oregon, and it drops you off right in the middle of Victoria!
• Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay:  This is the most direct ferry route for people who live in Vancouver and want to reach the metro areas of Vancouver Island.

Expect the ferry costs to be around $90 total for two people. Bringing a car onto the ferry costs around $50 for normal cars (less than 20 feet in length and 7 feet high) and a little bit more in price for RVs and larger vehicles, and each person will be around $15-$20.

If you are traveling to Vancouver Island during the busy season (May – September) we recommend reserving your ferry spots at the  BC ferries website . If you are traveling to Vancouver Island in the off-season, there is likely to be a spot on the ferry, and you can pay for your ticket upon arrival.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Vancouver Island?

Honestly, there isn’t a bad time to visit Vancouver Island . The changing seasons bring a variety of awesome activities, and it all depends on what you want to include in your one-week Vancouver Island itinerary.

Here’s a breakdown of the seasons and their highlights to help you make your decision:

• Winter in Vancouver Island: Fewest crowds, storm watching in Tofino, and opportunities to do snow sports in Strathcona Provincial Park.
• Spring in Vancouver Island: Gorgeous blooming cherry blossoms in Victoria, waterfalls at their fullest, many hiking opportunities.
• Summer in Vancouver Island: Sunny days, Butchart Gardens (Victoria) in full bloom, lots of camping opportunities.
• Autumn in Vancouver Island: Witness the salmon run, visit island wineries, enjoy the many harvest festivals on the island.

Vancouver Island Road Trip: DAY BY DAY BREAKDOWN

So how should you break down the days on your 1-week Vancouver road trip itinerary? Below, we’re giving you our recommendations, as well as extra places to consider exploring if you have a bit of extra time!

Day 1: Explore Victoria, BC

Your Vancouver Island Road Trip route is going to begin on a ferry. As explained above, there are several ways to get here, but Berty and I chose to take the Black Ball Ferry Line from Port Angeles, Washington, which docks you right in the heart of downtown Victoria.

The ferry ride was an adventure all its own! We got some major Wes Anderson vibes with the boat’s accidentally retro color palette and frozen-in-time furniture.

Royal British Columbia Museum

The Royal British Columbia Museum in Victoria is a perfect place to learn about BC’s natural and human history. Berty and I wanted to make this one of the first stops on our Vancouver Island road trip because we wanted to gain a deeper appreciation for the land before we discovered any further.

The museum is separated into three parts – The Natural History, Becoming BC, and the First People’s Gallery. Each one shares a unique story about British Columbia and what makes this area special. We especially loved learning about the First Nations’ languages, the temperate rainforest, and different natural conservative efforts going on in BC today!

We only had 24 hours in Victoria, so we weren’t able to explore it as much as we would have liked. Keep returning to this post, because when we make a return trip to Vancouver Island (and we want to very soon!) we’ll update this post with more things to do in Victoria, BC!

Day 2: Victoria To Port Renfrew

Driving Distance: 2-hours, 110 kilometers

To continue your Vancouver Island road trip, grab some coffee at a local roaster in Victoria and hit the road driving to the west coast of the island. Today will include places like Sooke (with amazing cliffside views and trails), Jordan River (lush rainforest hikes), and delicious small town treats!

Sooke is an adventurous town, just 30 minutes west of Victoria, BC. Many come here to enjoy the surrounding nature, which includes the popular Whiffin Spit Park (popular for bird watching) and the Sooke Potholes .

Looking to try a multi-day backpacking trip on the Juan de Fuca Trail or the West Coast Trail? Sooke is the perfect base to get prepped before your big backpacking trip . You can find tons of resources, as well as many delicious restaurants to prep you for the big trail ahead.

One of our favorite stops in Sooke was East Sooke Regional Park . Here, you can take their many coastal trails to discover secret coves (perfect for a picnic!) and incredible views of the Salish Sea. Our favorite trail was to Creyke Point (pictured above!) for its scenic cliffs and great sunset spots.

Jordan River

Known for its epic surfing locations, Jordan River is smack in the middle of Port Renfrew and Sooke, making it a great stop during your Vancouver Island Road Trip.

Here, you have quick access to famous beaches like China Beach and Mystic Beach , and the town also serves as the beginning of the Juan de Fuca Trail . This is also where we stayed at this gorgeous rainforest cabin , and listened to the rain as we drifted to sleep.

For even more surfing opportunities, rainforest trails, and even a secret waterfall, consider hiking to Sombrio Beach . This trail will bring you to a slot canyon covered in bright green moss, perfect for those Indiana Jones discovery moments on Vancouver Island!

Read More: 10 Epic Adventures To Take In Port Renfrew, British Columbia

Shirley, Vancouver Island

Shirley is a small community  nestled between Sooke and Jordan River, along Highway 14 (The Pacific Marine Circle Route).

Here you can stop in to grab a bite to eat at the exceptional Shirley Delicious restaurant and maybe even time your visit for the annual craft fairs around Christmas and springtime. Outdoor attractions nearby Shirley include the Sheringham Point Lighthouse Park , and French Beach , where we saw plenty of winter surfers catching waves!

A little bit more about Sheringham Point Lighthouse – established in 1912, it saved numerous lives on the dangerous waves offshore (this area is known a the Graveyard of the Pacific) and was designated a historic site for visitors to enjoy year-round!

Read More: Incredible Pacific Northwest Cabins To Rent

Day 3: Exploring Port Renfrew

Driving Distance: Around Port Renfrew (<50 miles)

Port Renfrew is the farthest west location on the Pacific Marine Circle Route, and also at the end of Highway 14.

This town is wildly popular for hiking , whether it be along the sea’s edge, or deep in the rainforests of Vancouver Island. From the glassy tide pools of Botanical Beach to the gnarly giants of the Avatar Grove , Port Renfrew is the perfect location to stay if you’re seeking outdoor adventure.

Here are some attractions to consider along this part of your Vancouver Island Road Trip:

Big Lonely Doug

Standing in the middle of a clear cut forest towers Big Lonely Doug, a 70 meter tall Douglas fir tree . No one knows why this tree was spared and the others not, but it is a beautiful sight to come and see with your own eyes. We were surprised at how truly huge this tree was, we definitely felt like tiny ants at its base!

Driving Note: To reach Big Lonely Doug, you’ll need to take a gravel/dirt logging road for about a 45-minute drive. We recommend having a 4-wheel drive vehicle and/or a skilled driver to navigate those giant potholes and steep stretches!

Avatar Grove

Looking to explore deep in the rainforest on Vancouver Island? Avatar Grove is located just a short drive north of Port Renfrew, and it boasts some of the largest trees in the county ! Carefully cared for by the Ancient Forest Alliance , there are two sections to Avatar Grove – the Upper Grove and Lower Grove.

Each has a series of boardwalks to weave you through the forest to explore the numerous attractions along the way. One of the highlights of the trail is seeing Canada’s Gnarliest Tree (located at the end of the Upper Grove), which is a giant tree with huge burl growths attached to it.

Avatar Grove is easy to reach from Port Renfrew, and along the same route as Big Lonely Doug . Plan to see them together to save time!

Mystic Beach

Mystic Beach is one of the most popular beaches to visit in this part of Vancouver Island. Serving as one terminus of the Juan de Fuca Trail, you will see backpackers enter here for their long 47-kilometer journey as well as day hikers coming to watch the sunset.

The journey is just as fun as the destination! Along the way, you will find yourself walking across a suspension bridge , crossing streams, and climbing over tree roots to reach the beach. Once you arrive, turn to your left to discover the waterfall cascading over the sandstone cliffs into the ocean!

Botanical Beach

If you love the sea, Botanical Beach is an essential stop on your Vancouver Island Road Trip! This beach in British Columbia has some of the richest and most diverse tide pools in the area. Most of them are so clear and so deep that it looks like you are peeking into a mini aquarium at your feet!

We highly recommend visiting during low tide so you can experience the tide pools in their entirety.

Tide pool etiquette rules are required to keep this place alive and thriving, so do your part by stepping only on bare rocks and putting things back where you found them. Finally, never turn your back to the ocean (even at low tide!) and stay safe out there!

Day 4: Driving From Port Renfrew To Tofino

Driving Distance: 5 hours, 340 kilometers

To continue your Vancouver Island Road Trip, you’ll have to begin the journey from Port Renfrew to Tofino . There are many stops along the way  so we’ll briefly touch on those below, but we also wanted to mention some of our favorite road trip posts to keep you busy on the drive!

Our Favorite Road Trip Podcasts + Audiobooks

We’ve compiled a list of our all-time favorite podcasts for a road trip , including some Bachelor gossip pods, some about viral internet memes, and so much more. Click to read the full list here!

15+ Incredible Road Trip Planner Apps

These road trip planner apps help us find everything from the fastest routes to the cheapest gas stations. We use these road trip apps all the time to make our lives a little bit easier during long road trips, and we hope you find your new favorites, too!

101 Road Trip Questions

Want to get to know your group better? We’ve compiled the perfect mix of serious and funny road trip questions , perfect for long drives and great conversations . You can even download the list for offline use here!

Vancouver Island Road Trip Stops From Port Renfrew to Tofino

• Bonsai Fir Tree – A little fir tree is determined to grow in the middle of Fairy Lake atop a log sticking out of the water. It’s a cool sight!
• Lizard Lake – Take a late breakfast or lunch break on Lizard Lake’s huge dock.
• Cathedral Grove – Similar to Avatar Grove, this protected area of Macmillan Provincial Park has short boardwalk trails on either side of Highway 4 to walk among the giants and stretch your legs.

Day 5-6: Explore Around Tofino

Driving Distance: Around Tofino

Tofino is a west coast town on Vancouver Island, known for its surf culture and relaxing ocean vibe . Many people come here for long weekend getaways, so you’ll find plenty of gorgeous Tofino resorts and cabins dotting the ocean’s shore.

There are a lot of seriously amazing things to do in Tofino , but we’re sharing the highlights of our Vancouver Island Road Trip below, perfect for 2-3 days in Tofino . We think that if you spend a few days here, you can achieve everything on this list below!

Don’t forget to check out our Tofino packing list! It has a lot of specific items you should consider, especially if you’re new to the Pacific Northwest climate!

Read More: The Best Resorts In The Pacific Northwest

Walk The Beaches In Tofino

Some of our favorite times of the day were spent wandering the shores of beautiful beaches in Tofino . Depending on the time of year you take your road trip on Vancouver Island, the beaches can look very different, each season with its own unique vibe!

Come to Cox Bay to watch experienced surfers catch the waves. If it’s raining, hideaway in Long Beach Resort ‘s window-filled lounge and watch them from the sofa!

Chesterman Beach is perfect for beginning surfers and Mackenzie Beach is great for people who want to try Stand Up Paddle Boarding. Don’t forget to check out Tonquin Beach for some quick and easy beach trails in town, too!

There are so many beaches in Tofino to explore – we recommend stopping by the Tofino Visitor Centre to ask for suggestions. They can let you know which beach is best for you and your desired activities.

Visit Hot Springs Cove

Hot Springs Cove is a once in a lifetime adventure to a geothermal pool tucked away on the rocky shores of Vancouver Island! To reach these PNW hot springs , you’ll need to book a boat tour or floatplane departing from Tofino.

Plan for a full-day trip to these hot springs in BC. Regular tours leave around 9:00 am and return around 4:00 pm. For more information (and tricks to potentially get it all to yourself!) click here for all our best tips on visiting Hot Springs Cove .

Read More: Book This Epic Trip to Hot Springs Cove, Tofino

Hike To Cox Bay Lookout

Cox Bay Lookout is arguably home to some of the best views in Tofino !

This short but steep hike is located at the southernmost point of Cox Bay . Find the inconspicuous trailhead along a creek’s end, and climb up the root-entangled trail for about 20 minutes.

It’s a steep climb, so leave your pups at home and prepare to get your hands dirty! There are hot pink trail markers wrapped around tree trunks to help guide your way if you get lost.

Once at the top, enjoy expansive views of the Clayoquot Sound and the town of Tofino in the distance. On a clear day, this is an incredible spot to watch the sunset!

Read More: 13 Epic Hikes in Tofino Plucked Right From The Rainforest

Eat At Delicious Restaurants in Tofino

Tofino is one of the best places to visit on Vancouver Island and to top it all off, they have some of the best restaurants,  too!

Some of our personal favorites included Tacofino (an iconic taco food truck with outdoor seating) and Rhino Coffee and Donuts. However, there are so many more restaurants in Tofino that we loved, here are just some of them below…

• Tacofino – Outdoor seating with huge burritos and local ingredients.
• Tofitian – Convenient coffeehouse next to several beaches.
• Rhino Coffee and Donuts – Great coffee, but even better donuts and breakfast sandwiches.
• Kuma – Amazing Japanese comfort food like hearty ramen with vegan options as well.
• Shelter Restaurant – Excellent date night option with amazing moody ambiance and fresh local eats.

Want to Stay Longer In The Tofino Area? Discover the best places to stay in Tofino, BC! (camping, budget + luxury!)

Day 6: Tofino To Campbell River

Driving Distance: 3.5 hours, 270 kilometers

Campbell River is located on the north-eastern side of Vancouver Island ,  along the edge of the Discovery Passage waterway. Known for its iconic Tyee fishing spots and  abundant outdoor activities this is a great spot for nature lovers of all ages.

Stay awhile in Campbell River for their unique local eateries like Beach Fire Brewing (with crazy Tuesday experimental brews!) and carefully sourced Pacific Northwest ingredients at the famous Anglers Restaurant .

They are also known for being close to nature, which means you can grab brunch in town and be out on the trails just a half-hour later!

No matter how many days you choose to stay, Campbell River is a must-stop destination on your Vancouver Island trip! Here’s what we suggest doing while you’re here…

Elk Falls Provincial Park

Visiting Elk Falls is one of the most popular activities in Campbell River, BC. Located just a quick drive from town (we’re talking only 10 minutes!) Elk Falls provides a fun opportunity for the whole family to get outside.

With just a 2-kilometer trail you can experience epic views of Elk Falls from the platforms, as well as walk across the suspension bridge to view the powerful 25-meter drop .

Come for the short trail to the falls, or stick around longer to take an extended hike (6 kilometers) farther down the river for more magical river views.

Read More: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary in Campbell River, British Columbia

Take The Trail To Myra Falls (+ Other Waterfalls Near Campbell River)

Another amazing activity to do along your Vancouver Island Road Trip is to discover the many nearby waterfalls in Strathcona Provincial Park . One of the easiest waterfalls to reach is Myra Falls, a 1-kilometer out-and-back trail with a killer view of this multi-tiered falls.

Come to the two viewpoints (upper and lower) and explore around the rocks to discover even more places to view the falls from up close! Don’t forget to pack a picnic to share along the shores of Buttle Lake , the endpoint of Myra Falls .

Love chasing waterfalls? Here are some other waterfalls on Vancouver Island to explore!

• Lupin Falls: A tall 30-meter drop viewable from a short forest trail.
• Lady Falls:  Old-growth trail leads to a viewing platform to feel the mist from this powerful Vancouver Island waterfall.
• Niagara Falls: Near Victoria, BC, this waterfall requires just a quick walk from the parking lot. Continue farther up the trail to visit Niagara Trestle, too (scroll down for more info on that!).

Relax At Dolphins Resort

After a long day of driving and exploring along your Vancouver Island Road Trip, it’s time for the ultimate evening of relaxation at Dolphins Resort ! This unique resort in Campbell River offers the luxury of oceanside views combined with the feeling of being tucked away in the woods.

Berty and I stayed at their room called the Beach House , which is a converted studio with unobstructed views of the water, specifically over Discovery Passage. It was an incredible place to watch the sunrise , as well as feel rejuvenated and restored for a new day of adventure ahead!

Day 7: End Your Vancouver Island Road Trip From Campbell River To Victoria

Driving Distance: 3 hours, 265 kilometers

Your Vancouver Island Road Trip has come to an end, but that doesn’t mean the adventure stops on your way back! Driving from Campbell River back to Victoria, BC, here are some stops you should check out on your drive…

Sunrise at the Discovery Pier

Before leaving Campbell River, make sure to watch the sunrise from Discovery Pier. This historic pier is 180-meters long, with plenty of unobstructed views of Discovery Passage and Quadra Island across the water.

Grab some coffee at the Java Shack beforehand, and take a walking tour of the pier before you start your trip south to Victoria.

Niagara Trestle

The Niagara Trestle (also referred to as the Goldstream Trestle) is located in Goldstream Provincial Park , just 30 minutes north of Victoria. The hike to the trestle is short but extremely steep , so be prepared to take plenty of breaks on the way up.

The actual trestle itself is on private property , so respect the area and please do not walk along/across the top that’s suspended above the river. Feel free to take photos from the sides, though! On the way back to the car, make sure to stop by Niagara Falls – it’s the most powerful in the springtime!

Here are some other similar attractions to check out along the way:

The Kinsol Trestle: The Kinsol Trestle, located in Cowichan Valley, has been converted into a walking bridge towering 44 meters above the Koksilah River below. Come to stretch your legs during your Vancouver Island Road Trip!

Todd Creek Trestle: Located in the Sooke Potholes Provincial Park, this wooden trestle in Vancouver Island is a fun stop along your route.

Want To Extend Your Vancouver Island Road Trip?

Not ready to leave Vancouver Island? There are so many places to explore on the island that you won’t be able to see everything in just one trip (which is fine because we’re already itching to come back!)!

If you want to even further customize your trip or take some side trips along the way, here are more suggestions for making your Vancouver Island Road Trip unique to you!

Port Hardy and San Josef

Ready to explore the northern Vancouver Island ? Cape Scott Provincial Park  and Port Hardy are some of the most remote communities and parks you can visit on the Island, which brings a lot more opportunity to see wildlife and more space to yourself.

Don’t forget to check out Telegraph Cove near Port McNeill , a picturesque village on the edge of the water.

West Coast Trail

The backpacking trip of all backpacking trips is hands down on The West Coast Trail .  This 5-7 day backpacking trip is 75-kilometers along the coast in the Pacific Rim National Park . Permits are required, children are not allowed, and you are strongly encouraged to be an experienced backpacker.

From hand-carts across raging rivers, root-crossed trails, several ladders, and more, this is one of the most exciting and daunting backpacking trips out there.

Thirty minutes south of Tofino is the opposite side of the peninsula – a small town called Ucluelet . It’s worth an extended visit all its own! You’ll get the same climate and vibe as in Tofino, however, it’s home to the Wild Pacific Trail , awesome camping opportunities, and dramatic swells along the rocky ocean shores.

Ucluelet is more affordable than Tofino, but you’ll have that extra 30-minute drive into town . Expect amazing views of craggy shores and views of the Broken Group Islands to the south, and one of the longest beaches in the area, aptly named Long Beach for lots of different activity choices.

Sooke is a town on the southern coast of Vancouver Island, just 40 minutes from Victoria, BC. Here, you can experience unspoiled beaches , several hiking trails , East Sooke Provincial Park, The Sooke Potholes , and Roche Cove Park (to name a few favorites!).

This is a great stop along the Pacific Marine Circle Route if you’re looking to make Victoria a home base with smaller day trips around the area.

Pacific Marine Circle Route (Condensed Vancouver Island Road Trip)

Don’t have an entire week for your Vancouver Island road trip? Or maybe you don’t want to spend long hours in the car? Try taking the Pacific Marine Circle Route, which connects Victoria, Sooke, Port Renfrew, Lake Cowichan, Duncan and then back to Victoria.

This condensed version of a Vancouver Island Road Trip can be accomplished in 2-3 days, or you can spend an entire week just on this route, spending a lot of time in each area!

Vancouver Island Road Trip Itinerary Examples (5 Days, 1 Week, 2 Weeks)

Wondering if you can see all these iconic landmarks in just a one week Vancouver Island Road Trip?

To accommodate different trip lengths, we’re  sharing some more example itineraries  for a shorter 5 days in Vancouver Island and longer 2 weeks in Vancouver. Read below to find your perfect itinerary!

Note:  For the sake of convenience, we’re starting these Vancouver Island itineraries in Victoria, BC. If you’d like to start in Nanaimo or another place, just accommodate for your starting location!

Five Day Vancouver Island Itinerary (Pacific Marine Circle Route)

Highlights:  Quick access beaches, short hikes, easy-to-reach locations just off the highway.

Five days in Vancouver Island is a  perfect way to see all the highlights  on a quick Vancouver Island road trip. With a five day Vancouver Island itinerary, you will have lots of time to explore the island’s most easily accessible beaches and attractions.

Prepare either for  lots of time spent in the car , OR prioritizing a few places and saving some Vancouver Island destinations for another trip. Five days is a perfect amount of time to explore a smaller section of the island like the Pacific Marine Circle Route. This means saving the rest of the island for another trip, which isn’t a bad idea!

No matter what you choose, there are tons of beautiful places to visit on Vancouver Island and you won’t be disappointed!

• Day 1:  Victoria, BC to Port Renfrew, BC
• Day 2:  Port Renfrew to Lake Cowichan, BC
• Day 3:  Lake Cowichan to Duncan, BC
• Day 4:  Duncan, BC to Victoria, BC
• Day 5:  Overnight in Victoria and spend the day exploring downtown!

Two-Week Vancouver Island Itinerary

Highlights:  More time in each destination, longer hikes, less-visited destinations.

We think two weeks is the ideal amount of time to spend on a Vancouver Island Road Trip.  During this time, you can do everything a 5-day trip would experience and MORE. You will have more time to take longer hikes and reach farther places, exploring more parts of the island!

This will give you a  deeper look into the hidden gems of Vancouver Island,  and allow you to see places not many others get to experience!

Here’s how we suggest you break down your days on a two-week Vancouver Island Road Trip:

• Day 1:  Victoria, BC to Port Renfrew (see Sooke along the way)
• Day 2:  Explore Port Renfrew (Big Lonely Doug, Avatar Grove, Botanical Beach, etc)
• Day 3:  Drive from Port Renfrew to Tofino
• Day 4:  Explore Tofino Beaches
• Day 5:  Visit Hot Springs Cove, Tofino
• Day 6:  Explore Tofino and Ucluelet (Pacific Rim National Park)
• Day 7:  Drive from Tofino to Campbell River
• Day 8: Explore Campbell River Area
• Day 9: Explore Campbell River
• Day 10: Drive to Port Hardy
• Day 11: Camp in Cape Scott Provincial Park Day 12: Drive back down to Campbell River (stop at Telegraph Cove)
• Day 13: Campbell River to Victoria, BC
• Day 14: Explore Downtown Victoria, BC and return home!

Want a printable Vancouver Island itinerary? Sign up below and get your free downloadable copy!

Vancouver Island Road Trip Map (Downloadable!)

Below, you can find a map of Vancouver Island, the best spots to visit, and our favorite stops on a road trip itinerary! Save this map by clicking the top left corner to refer back to it later!

What stop are you most looking forward to on a Vancouver Island Road Trip? Any stops you would add to our Vancouver Island itinerary? Let us know in the comments below!

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BRITISH COLUMBIA’S MOST POPULOUS CITY OFFERS A PLETHORA OF SIGHTSEEING AND ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS

May 16, 2024 | 6 min read.

Pacific Northwest scenery, quaint seaside neighborhoods, cosmopolitan culture and a European vibe set the tone in Vancouver, British Columbia. The city’s nature-centric attractions, diverse restaurants and artsy communities can easily keep you exploring for several days, making it an ideal pre- or post-excursion for an Alaska cruise or a rail journey on the Rocky Mountaineer.

These top attractions are just some of the reasons why Vancouver is consistently ranked among the world’s most beautiful and livable cities.

1. STANLEY PARK Central Park is to New York City what Stanley Park is to Vancouver, only the latter is larger and covered with Talking Totems and cedar and Douglas fir trees. Located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples of the Squamish, Musqueam and Tsleil-Waututh nations, the 1,000-acre attraction is an oasis in the heart of downtown Vancouver where locals and visitors hike, run, bike or simply hang out on its 6.6-mile seawall trail. You can also take a horse-drawn carriage tour of the rainforest, beaches and gardens scattered around the waterfront park.

To learn about the historical significance of the region, take a guided walking tour with an indigenous guide who identifies sacred flora found at the park and tells fascinating stories of their link to food, medicine, art and technology in native culture. You’ll gain strength by resting against the sacred red cedar tree, aka the tree of life, according to indigenous beliefs.

2. GRANVILLE ISLAND PUBLIC MARKET From downtown, hop on a passenger ferry across False Creek to Granville Island, a cultural gathering spot bustling from dawn to dusk. The public market attracts top chefs, restaurateurs and home cooks, who shop directly from gourmet food producers and purveyors from around British Columbia. Browse through 300 stores selling fresh produce, specialty jams, chocolates, cheeses, wine and coffee, as well as art, jewelry, home accessories and more.

For lunch, choose from among some 40 restaurants and pubs in and around the market. Indulge in a basket of fish-and-chips from Celine’s, a pint of beer from Granville Island Brewing Company and a famous honey-glazed chocolate cake donut from Lee’s Donuts. Outside the market, take a seat at a bench overlooking the water, where you can people-watch and listen to the buskers.

3. CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE PARK Open since 1883, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park with its series of bridges, viewing platforms and suspended walkways is a fun way to see the area’s rainforest and canyons. The full experience will get your heart pumping as you walk 450 feet across and 230 feet above fern- and fir-filled canyons and the Capilano River. You’ll feel like a bird floating above the forest canopy. In addition to the bridge, the park features First Nations cultural displays, birds of prey demonstrations, and informative guides who talk about preservation and conservation.

4. VANDUSEN BOTANICAL GARDEN Learn about native British Columbia flora at this 55-acre public garden filled with 3,000 cedars and more than 7,500 plant species. Start at the stunning visitor center, where the earth-toned wooden roof mimics an orchid from the air. Then, step outside to see stone sculptures, an Elizabethan hedge maze, a serene Japanese garden, a picturesque lake and carved story poles. The outdoor oasis is open year-round, and you’ll find vibrant blooms in every season, from pink and white cherry blossoms in spring to aromatic roses in summer to fiery-gold Ginkgo trees in fall. Have a picnic with freshly made sandwiches or locally inspired entrées from The Garden Café in the visitor center, or linger on for an elegant dinner at Shaughnessy Restaurant at the Garden Pavilion.

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5. CHINATOWN Vancouver’s most iconic neighborhood, Chinatown—a National Historic Site of Canada—is a must-visit for its variety of architectural styles, dialects and eateries. Highlights include the first Chinese garden built outside Asia and the new Chinese Canadian Museum.

The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is named in honor of Sun Yat-sen, considered the father of modern China. Many of the plants were imported from Suzhou, China, and the garden design is based on feng shui and Taoist philosophies of harmony and balance. Walk down winding paths across an intricate bridge to a pagoda, watch the koi swimming in the lily-filled pond, and find perspective in the 150-year-old miniature trees. You can even book a traditional Chinese tea ceremony and join one of the special events, such as a Tai Chi class or a dumpling-making workshop.

The Chinese Canadian Museum, opened this past July, is located in the Wing Sang Building, Chinatown’s oldest structure, originally built in 1889. Here, you can learn about Canada’s Chinese immigrants, beginning with the migrant workers of the 19th century who built the Canadian Pacific Railway. Take a guided tour or browse through thousands of preserved documents, photographs and art on your own.

6. MUSEUM OF NORTH VANCOUVER At the Museum of North Vancouver (MONOVA) at the Lonsdale Shipyards, you’ll discover the history of this suburb nestled across the Burrard Inlet from downtown, on traditional Coast Salish territory. Included in the exhibits are more than 9,000 artifacts from the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations that tell stories of the communities that make this city so diverse. Check out the powerful cedar carving Two Sisters by Squamish carver Wade Baker, based on the legend of how the twin peaks overlooking Vancouver came to be.

7. SCIENCE WORLD It’s hard to miss the massive geodesic dome glimmering on the Vancouver skyline. If curiosity draws you into Science World, you may be able to watch a sustainability-themed science show, meet a scientist, or ignite your wonder for science and nature. Travelers with a sense of discovery will love the interactive exhibits with baffling illusions, puzzle tables, and problem-solving and tinkering spaces at this nonprofit science, technology, engineering, art and math attraction. The adjacent Creekside Park amps up the fun with a zip line, a giant tube slide, a climbing tower and picnic areas. Many of the park’s features are accessible to children with mobility challenges.

Vancouver’s public transportation system makes it easy to reach most attractions by bus. With its temperate weather, clean air and festive atmosphere, this big city with a green heart delivers a great mix of cultural education, outdoor pursuits and culinary delights to explore at your own pace.

VANCOUVER ON A PLATE Vancouver’s diversity lends itself to globally inspired cuisines at various price points offered at venues ranging from food trucks and markets to trendy bistros and Michelin-reviewed restaurants. Take your palate on a culinary journey at Salmon n’ Bannock Bistro, the city’s only indigenous restaurant, which uses ingredients sourced from native producers. Savor locally foraged ingredients and Scandinavian-inspired cooking in a plant-filled solarium at Published on Main, or indulge in an elegant Chinese tasting menu at the Michelin-starred Quanjude.

With three locations across Canada, Okeya Kyujiro offers a memorable Japanese omakase experience. If you are looking for an exclusive plant-based restaurant, Do Chay highlights a modern take on classic street foods from Vietnam paired with creative cocktails. Exceptional cocktails and small plates have earned accolades for Suyo Modern Peruvian. Bar Susu has a great collection of sustainable wines and innovative seasonal fare. For late-night eats during the summer months, check out Richmond Night Market, the largest night market in North America.

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Here's what's open and closed on Victoria Day in Vancouver

T he Victoria Day long weekend is upon us and if you're in Vancouver then you might be wondering what's open and closed on the holiday this year.

Whether you need to get groceries, get some banking done or you're hoping to do something fun, you might want to check what's closed before heading out the door.

Victoria Day falls on Monday, May 20 this year and it's a stat holiday in B.C.

While there will be many free events happening in Vancouver over the long weekend, many stores will operate on a holiday schedule on May 20, and certain offices will be closed for the day.

Here's what grocery stores, malls and Vancouver attractions are open and closed for Victoria Day this year.

What's open in Vancouver on Victoria Day?

On Victoria Day, these stores and attractions are open in Vancouver with hours varying by location.

Grocery Stores:

• Save-On-Foods
• London Drugs
• Whole Foods
• Shoppers Drug Mart

Other Stores:

• BC Liquor stores
• Canadian Tire

Shopping Malls

• Pacific Centre
• Richmond Centre
• Tsawwassen Mills
• Coquitlam Centre

Activities:

• Cineplex theatres
• Vancouver Aquarium
• Science World
• Vancouver Art Gallery
• Burnaby Village Museum
• Grouse Mountain
• VanDusen Botanical Garden
• Granville Island Public Market
• Capilano Suspension Bridge

Public Transit:

• BC Transit will be operating on a holiday schedule so keep in mind that service might be a bit slower on May 20

What's closed in Vancouver on Victoria Day?

On Victoria Day, these stores and offices are closed in Vancouver.

• Post offices
• Public libraries
• Government buildings

Enjoy the long weekend, everyone!

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

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9 Best Places to Live in the Western U.S., According to Real Estate Experts

In these stunning locations throughout the Western U.S., residents can enjoy endless outdoor recreation, urban amenities, and a high standard of living.

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14 states and territories comprise the West Census Region — and life in all of them comes with some serious perks. Proximity to many of the country’s most beautiful natural sites is pretty much a given, as the region is home to an overwhelming majority of the U.S. national parks (40 out of 63). The variety of landscapes, geological wonders, and natural sites is awe-inspiring, with snow-capped peaks, deserts, rainforests, and thousands of miles of beaches.

At the same time, the region also offers plenty of economic opportunities that draw professionals from all industries and educational backgrounds. Utah, for example, was just named the best state to start a business with the largest employment growth in the country.

These are the best places to live in the Western U.S., according to real estate experts.

Sacramento, California

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"Sacramento isn't just a place to live, it's a place where people feel they belong," Pat Shea, a longtime Sacramento resident and president and CEO of Lyon Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International , said, adding that California's capital offers the perfect blend of city energy and small-town charm. With excellent schools, many parks and green spaces, and a dining scene that's getting national recognition , Sacramento is a family-friendly, culturally rich city that attracts residents with its affordability. According to Zillow, the median home value here is $483,455, compared to $783,666 for California as a whole.

Shea explained that seven counties comprise the greater Sacramento region, and each offers something unique. "East Sacramento's 'Fabulous Forties' beckons with its picturesque tree-lined streets and historic homes. Land Park, with its lush green spaces and close proximity to the Sacramento Zoo, provides a serene retreat within the heart of the city. Midtown Sacramento pulsates with energy, boasting trendy restaurants, vibrant nightlife, and a thriving arts scene," he added.

Portland, Oregon

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Access to abundant outdoor recreation, a thriving beer scene , and a stunning natural setting have made Portland one of the best places to live in Oregon . Real estate prices have cooled off since the pandemic, and the current median home value is $539,524, about $150,000 less than it was in June 2022. And Aimee Virnig, an agent at Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International , said this is great news for people looking to relocate here, as the market is less competitive than it was two years ago.

"My advice to prospective homebuyers is to come to Portland and visit. Make sure you are prepared for those four seasons. If you are used to sunshine, our winters might be surprising," Virnig added. "The more you educate yourself, the more likely you will be able to make a competitive offer when the perfect property becomes available."

Salt Lake City, Utah

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Utah is known as one of the most family-friendly states in the nation, and Salt Lake City is an excellent example of that, with endless outdoor recreational activities, low crime rates, and a school system that ranks among the best in the country .

The city is also known for its bustling tech and healthcare industries fueling the area's economic growth, which in turn attracts highly educated professionals.

"Salt Lake City, in general, is a culmination of new and old townships. It's peppered with hidden gems of pocket neighborhoods that have stood for over a century, such as The Avenues, Harvard and Yale, and Sugarhouse," Tim Jones, a broker with Windermere Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International , explained. "By contrast, heading southwest of downtown Salt Lake City, the areas of Riverton, South Jordan, and Daybreak have all seen an eruption of new construction."

Jones also added that now is a good time to invest here since many potential buyers are waiting for interest rates to drop and competition is low.

Boise, Idaho

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Boise's population grew during the pandemic — it was the fifth fastest-growing city in the U.S. in 2022 — driven by lower cost of living and access to the outdoors. The city, which is the largest in Idaho, offers many urban conveniences but has a much slower pace than other metropolitan areas. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts with over 90 parks and hundreds of trekking miles, and it's home to a vibrant cultural scene with many annual festivals, museums, and public art.

Nicolette Kimmel, a broker with Windermere Real Estate, explained that Boise's North End neighborhood is an all-time favorite among buyers for its craftsman bungalows, Tudor-style buildings, and Victorian-inspired homes. Currently, the median home value in the city stands at $484,000.

Vancouver, Washington

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Across the Columbia River from Portland lies the city of Vancouver, home to 195,000 residents who live a classic Northwestern lifestyle — think access to stunning natural scenery, many opportunities for outdoor recreation and water sports, lots of restaurants and coffee shops, and a thriving art and culture scene. As a no-income-tax state, Washington offers a financial incentive for young families and professionals to make it their permanent home.

"Vancouver has a strong, growing economy with a mix of industries, such as technology, healthcare, and education. The cost of living is four percent lower than the rest of Washington State, and [that] combined with low unemployment is appealing to most buyers," Judy Matz, a broker with John L. Scott Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International , explained. She added that this has led to an explosion of new developments in the area as the county rapidly expands and median home prices hover around the $500,000 mark.

Reno, Nevada

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What makes Reno one of the fastest-growing places in the nation ? According to agent Nicolle Gust, at Chase International Real Estate , it's affordable and offers a lower cost of living compared to other urban areas on the West Coast.

"This makes it an ideal destination for families, young professionals, and retirees looking to enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank," Gust said. But that's not nearly all. As Nevada's fourth-largest city, Reno has a thriving arts scene and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes with easy access to Lake Tahoe, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and several national parks.

And new buyers have plenty of neighborhoods to choose from. Old Southwest, with its idyllic tree-lined streets and charming homes, has plenty of character, while Somersett, on the western edge of Reno, is a master-planned community with modern, resort-like amenities.

San Jose, California

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"San Jose is a phenomenal location, situated in the heart of the Silicon Valley. You have access to so many amenities, including hiking trails, [and you can take] a short drive to the coast, head up the peninsula to San Francisco, or make your way to Lake Tahoe in a few hours," Jordan Mott, an agent at Intero Real Estate Services/Luxury Portfolio International , said.

The "capital of Silicon Valley" recently ranked fourth nationwide for quality of life and was in the top 15 cities to live in America according to U.S. News, thanks to its strong employment market and high standard of living.

However, newcomers should be ready to pay a hefty price for all of that. Housing prices are well over the one million mark (currently around $1,461,923), and the cost of living is 25 percent higher than the state's average — and a whopping 75 percent higher than the rest of the country.

Boulder, Colorado

"I personally moved here as an age-group triathlete, drawn to Boulder's fantastic outdoor training opportunities, and quickly got hooked! That was almost 30 years ago," Phil Booth, a broker with Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate/Luxury Portfolio International , shared with Travel + Leisure.

Set against the Rocky Mountains, the city is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. But it's also home to a top-notch university, a thriving artist community, and a hub for tech industries. Booth explained that the city's real estate market has evolved over the last decade into one of the hottest in the nation.

"Taste-wise, there is something for everyone. Whether it be accessible mountain living, classic historical neighborhoods, contemporary architectural beauties, or small-acreage equestrian properties, you get to choose the type of 'Boulderite' you want to be," he added.

Phoenix, Arizona

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Phoenix's population has increased by four percent on average since 2020, adding nearly 200,000 new residents. The city's lower cost of living, warm and sunny year-round weather, robust job market, and proximity to national parks and outdoor recreation are all factors for this impressive growth.

Shane Edic, an agent at Long Realty Elevate/Luxury Portfolio International , said that the West Valley, a region within the Phoenix metro area, is experiencing a significant upsurge "fueled by the burgeoning industrial developments along the 303 corridor." 

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