Our Vancouver itinerary highlights the must-sees in this captivating British Columbia coastal city. Spend a weekend or try to uncover the essence of Vancouver in a day. Either way, enjoy a blend of expansive views, temperate rainforests, and a modern cosmopolitan city.
Vancouver awakens my senses and captivates my imagination. In reality, each visit leaves me wanting more. It’s a modern metropolis with a backdrop of vivid blue water, dense forest, and often snow-capped mountains in the distance.
Our Vancouver itinerary combines excitement, energy, and the invigorating appeal of the great outdoors. Visitors hike, cycle, sail, shop, relax at a cafe, or sip a sunset cocktail on a mountain-top patio.
Often called a “city of nature,” Vancouver has a laid-back atmosphere offering epic views and majestic peaks reflected on glass skyscrapers. In Vancouver, we didn’t have to choose between the city and nature, they surprisingly blend effortlessly.
After multiple visits, Vancouver remains one of our favourite cities worldwide.
With each visit, we found that whichever Vancouver itinerary we chose, our passion for the city grows.
Must-sees on any Vancouver itinerary
Arriving or departing via cruise ship, we encourage you to spend a few days. But, if it’s a port stop, you will need to make choices if you attempt to see Vancouver in a day. Here are our top three picks, with the other must-sees for longer stays:
- Stanley Park
- Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Gastown
Stanley Park
Stanley Park tops our list. Covering 400 hectares of evergreen forest, manicured areas, a stone seawall for erosion protection, rose gardens, totem poles, beaches, and impressive views. It attracts almost 8 million visitors each year.
The city’s emerald heart is home to raccoons, beavers, and squirrels which can be spotted on one of the dozens of marked trails or the peaceful waterfront walkway. Animal enthusiasts can enjoy more than 50,000 animals at the Vancouver Aquarium.
We have both strolled and cycled Stanley Park’s seawall (8.8 kilometres / 5.5 miles), each offering its own advantages. Either way, it is the perfect route to enjoy some of the city’s best sea-to-sky mountain views.
There are plenty of rental shops all along Denman Street just outside the park. However, bumping it up a notch, we plan to take this highly-rated, relaxed-paced guided bicycle tour of Stanley Park. Over three hours, it will take us onto some of the easy forest trails as well as along the waterfront.
North Shore’s Coast Mountains
Across the water from Vancouver’s downtown peninsula, at the foot of the Coast Mountains, is a green suburb that beckons with outdoor adventure. Here we found our number two pick for a Vancouver itinerary, the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Pro tip: There is a free shuttle to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park and Grouse Mountain with pick-up just outside Canada Place.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
If you are brave enough, look down at the rushing river as you cross the swaying Capilano suspension bridge. Make time to enjoy the rainforest nature trails, totem pole collection, the treetop cliff walk of suspended bridges, and the cantilevered walkway. Get advance tickets and enjoy the self-guided tour.
Grouse Mountain
A little further up the slope, Grouse Mountain offers the ultimate mountain-top playground, and the fun begins on a thrilling gondola ascent to the summit. At the top, you’ll be greeted by jaw-dropping views, an entertaining lumberjack show, and the mountain’s resident rescued grizzly bears (Grinder and Coola).
The mountain’s ziplines guarantee an adrenaline rush, as does a trip up Eye of the Wind, the world’s first commercial wind turbine. Get advanced tickets for the entrance and aerial tram.
*Skip the line at both Capilano and Grouse Mountain with this tour that includes both venues.
Drive the coast
On one of our visits, we chose to rent a car and spend a day just driving north along the stunning coastline, stopping at various beaches and other sites that drew our attention.
Canada Place and Vancouver’s Harbourfront
Canada Place is picture-perfect for photo-ops and a great place to relax and watch cruise ships glide into the city and the floatplanes take off.
Its Harbourfront walkway passes the cruise port, the former home of the 1986 World’s Fair, and the 2010 Olympic Cauldron at Jack Poole Plaza. Made of steel and glass, the cauldron is a legacy of hosting this international sporting event. It’s a perfect selfie spot with a ready-made backdrop of the city, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore mountains.
Fun fact: British Columbia boasts the largest floatplane network in the world.
For many, the thrill of a floatplane ride is a novelty in itself as they experience their first watery take-off and landing – but it’s the view from above that’s guaranteed to drop jaws as you zoom over Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver, then find yourself gazing down on remote snowy mountain peaks.
Neighbourhoods to visit in a Vancouver itinerary
Gastown
Hip and historic Gastown is where the city first began in 1867. Today, the district is home to cool cocktail bars, impeccably curated boutiques, and cobblestoned streets begging to be explored.
Check out the steam clock, a landmark in Gastown that ‘blows off steam” (and a tune) every quarter-hour. Nearby, there is a statue of John “Gassy Jack” Deighton, the namesake for Gastown.
If you are seeking intrigue, suspense, and murder, dissect the many stories as to how Blood Alley got its name. It seems that the most reliable sources believe it was named from the many butchers who worked on the street, and the animal blood washed away at the end of the day.
Afterwards, explore Water Street’s boutiques and souvenir stores. If you’re hungry, stroll the streets for wine and charcuterie, Pacific Northwest menus, modern Asian options, and craft beer pubs, or better still, take a walking food tour of Gastown.
Downtown
Since the 1920’s Granville Street has been the city’s main entertainment district. At one point there were 19,000 of these stylish red neon signs in Vancouver. In the 1960s, the city banned new neon signs, but these days it is once again encouraged on Granville Street. Dunn’s Tailors is another example of neon in Vancouver, and it is the only sign in the city with a heritage designation.
Right in the heart of downtown, Robson Street is the city’s best-known shopping strip. This is where you’ll find the partially-subterranean Pacific Centre mall and big-name stores. Just a block over on Alberni Street is Vancouver’s “luxury row” with international designer brands.
Sinclair Centre combines the old with the new and creates an indoor atrium space. Once home to the city’s main post office, it is now a shopping mall.
Granville Island
A must-see for shoppers craving unique and unusual gifts. Artsy Granville Island is a former industrial area transformed into a warren of artisan studios and shopping nooks. Our personal favourite is the bustling Public Market, teeming with delicatessens, bakeries, fishmongers, and pyramids of photogenic fruit and vegetables.
To see Granville Island from the water, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and start exploring.
Chinatown
As North America’s third-largest Chinatown, this neighbourhood is packed with vivid colours, Asian cuisine, and vibrant culture, rich in history and architecture. Located just to the east of downtown, highlights include Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the Sam Kee Building (the world’s narrowest commercial building) and the Chinese Cultural Centre.
Vancouver itinerary
Above is only the highlights, there are museums, shopping, beaches, hiking, watersports and so many more options. Plus, Vancouver is well known for impressive and creative gastronomic treats. Pulling it together, here are a few suggested itineraries.
One-day Vancouver itinerary options:
In the morning, walk to Canada Place and take the free shuttle up to Capilano Suspension Bridge. On the return shuttle, ask to be let off at Denman Street, just outside Stanley Park. Before entering the park, head to Kintaro Ramen (788 Denman Street) and enjoy the original ramen in Vancouver for lunch. Then rent bicycles along the street and head into the park.
If you are trying to do it all in a day, head over to Grandville Island before the Public Market closes, then off to Gastown for dinner. You will be exhausted, well-fed, and desperately wishing you had allocated more time to enjoy this fascinating city.
Two or three-day Vancouver itinerary options:
Start your first day the same as above, but spend the entire afternoon enjoying the park. It will look something like this:
Day 1: Canada Place to Capilano Suspension Bridge to Kintaro Ramen to Stanley Park
Day 2: Take a private tour of Vancouver or enjoy the hop-on-hop-off bus self-guided tour. In the afternoon, relax at a cafe and soak in the natural beauty of Vancouver.
Day 3: Start your day with a floatplane tour followed by renting a car and driving up north, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the beaches.
OR
Day 1: Canada Place to Capilano Suspension Bridge to Grouse Mountain
Day 2: Take a private tour of Vancouver, or enjoy the hop-on-hop-off bus self-guided tour. In the afternoon, cycle through Stanley Park. Or take this bicycle tour of the city that seems to do it all.
Day 3: Start your day at a waterfront cafe and then head to the Public Markets on Granville Island. Spend the afternoon shopping and be sure to include window shopping at the luxury locations on Alberni Street.
Where we stayed
We stayed at the Victorian Hotel, a boutique hotel in the original building from the late 1890s. The rooms were large and lovely, with Victorian decor that contrasted the modern bathroom. A good location for walking the city, it was also only a short walk from the dock (we arrived in Vancouver via cruise ship).
More from the Pacific Northwest
How many days will you allocate for your Vancouver itinerary?
Disclaimer: This page is written with guidance from Destination Vancouver. We received complimentary entry to several venues and/or media rates, in order that we can share first-hand experiences. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Anda
We visited Vancouver a few years ago, on our way to an Alaska cruise. Unfortunately we could only spend 2 days there, but I wish I could return for more. My favorite was the Gastown and the Steam Clock, but I was also proud of myself for crossing the Capitano suspension bridge. It looked really scary in the beginning, but then it was OK.
Jackie
Gassy Jack was toppled in February and removed.
Teresa
Great coverage of a beautiful city!
Lydia C. Lee
It would be exciting to see a raccoon in the wild…#WWOAT
Olivia
Vancouver sounds like an amazing city to visit! There’s so much to do there and I don’t think I could visit for less than 3 days…and I’d definitely want to check out the Capilano Suspension Bridge!
Faith
We love Vancover–especially what a bikeable city it is. We missed the suspension bridge the last few times we have been there. Next time for sure.
Linda (LD Holland)
We have family in Vancouver and visit quite regularly. I am glad to see you found some of the gems on your visit. It surely does awaken the senses. Lots to see for many visits!
Michelle
I’ve only been to Vancouver once but now I have so many reasons to go back. You planned great itineraries and I hope to use them one day soon.
Bea
The name Gassy Jack made me laugh…. makes me thing of someone with a flatulent problem, LOL!. Sorry, very childish I know. I’m not normally a city person but Vancouver looks cool, especially being so close to the great outdoors!
Sue
I visited Vancouver as a very quick day trip from Seattle years ago. Definitely not enough time to enjoy this beautiful city, it’s on my list for 2023.
Ildiko
I’ve been to Vancouver only once, a long time ago. I have been wanting to return as it is such a beautiful city and I would love to explore the coast and mountain hikes in the surrounding area. I did go on the suspension bridge which was very fun! The colorful totem poles look so pretty as well.
Leah
Really great guide and we’ll definitely use it to plan our Vancouver trip!
Henry / @fotoeins
Sightings of raccoons, skunks, coyotes, and deer are now common throughout the greater Vancouver area. We’ve got a family of raccoons in our back alley somewhere. At night, they clearly look different than the usual alley cats. 😉
stevebethere
Thoroughly enjoyed the pics and post Rhonda, Granville St reminded me a bit like Oxford Street here
Have a tanfastic day Rhonda 🙂
eileen g
18 days is a long time on a cruise ship; i hope you write blog about that! Vancouver is one of those cities you only here good things about. I hope to make it to Western Canada one of these days.
jan
We hired bicycles and rode around Stanley Park and around the waterline of Vancouver. It is certainly the City to do that in, especially with the sun shining. 🙂 I loved revisiting via your photos.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
My friend Al &( his wife Meilin) have his sister and mother living in Vancouver. They liver in downtown Vancouver. They soon will be going to visit them and then later fly to China for a 5 week visit. Meilin still has relatives in China and Al loves spending time in China. Are you planning another vacation soon? Soon my wife and I will be going to a cottage. Mary Lou wanted to spend some time in a cottage. For me, I wanted to take another cruise but you know what happened with that idea? Ha,ha,ha. That’s OK. We’ll enjoy the cottage. It has a lake and a golf so it won’t be that bad. See ya my friend.
Cruisin Paul
Elaine J. Masters
I’ve been trying to get back to Vancouver for years and you’ve just made the longing stronger. Love the walking tour, Stanley Park is gorgeous anytime but you caught it in sunshine too! Great culture, international eating and architecture. Nice post!
Anda
I loved Vancouver too, Rhonda, especially Stanley Park. I didn’t get to see the ice skating rink in Robson Square though. The fact that the glass roof amplifies the heat and melts the ice proves that it was poorly conceived. They should have thought about that before building a glass roof over an ice skating rink.
Brooke
I love Vancouver and was continually fascinated by the culture and lovely parks around the city! Stanley Park is beautiful, I spent the whole day walking around and exploring the area. Did you get to visit Granville Island Market?
Janie Junebug
We lived near Seattle long ago and made a few trips to Vancouver, a city I love. Our children were young, so we especially liked Stanley Park. I have many nice memories of Vancouver.
Love,
Janie
Sadie
I definitely have to go back to Vancouver and explore all of these places! My last visit was way too short!
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Great shots. Blood Alley sounds cool. Shame the rink is only open a couple weeks out of the year. They should use it for something else in between.
Jim | ReflectionsEnroute
Corinne and I have only ever driven through Vancouver and each time we agree we really need to take some time to visit the city. Thanks for giving us even more encouragement to go! Your photos are great, are they all taken with the new camera?
jill
I’ve not been to Vancouver but it looks lovely in your photos. My son went there for the first time this year and he enjoyed Stanley Park and a hockey game. Adding it to my list!
Comedy Plus
What a fun day. I love those tours. They are most informative and the history you learn is awesome.
So that’s how you got the new camera. I saw that camera in San Francisco.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Tara
This is awesome. I’ve been planning a trip to Vancouver for a while now. I’ve never been, but I have explored a lot of the PNW. I also envision myself living there someday. Oceans and Mountains – Yay!
Lexa Cain
Wow, Vancouver’s so pretty and clean. It does look rather wet though. Still, with all that greenery, it seems super healthy and so picturesque. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Kathy Marris
I love Vancouver too. I think my favourite place is Stanley Park. The day I visited it was a perfect blue sky Spring day and the tulips were in bloom. I also visited the Vancouver Aquarium in the park where I saw cute otters holding hands and the white beluga whales. Gastown was another highlight.
Julie
Gorgeous photos of Vancouver, Rhonda! Our family went there many years ago with my mom, and we stayed in
Stanley Park. As pretty as Vancouver was, we liked Victoria even more. It was like traveling back in time to a Europen country. Sorry about your camera, but the new one sounds great.
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – lovely to see the sights with you and learn some of that history … such a mix of all things. I’ve been through with my mother on our way to the Island – so it was an overnight stop – definitely need longer. Glad you got the camera fixed/upgraded … Cheers Hilary
Cathy
Biking on travels is one of my new favorite ways of seeing the area- you can cover so much ground. Added bonus of some exercise too:) Sorry about the camera but congrats on the upgrade!
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
Thank you for taking me to Vancouver, virtually at least. David and I have tried to go there many times but circumstances have always defeated us.