We recently visited Vancouver, a vibrant and dynamic coastal city in British Columbia. While Canada is known for its adventurous spirit, Vancouver is a perfect destination for a relaxing family trip.
In this blog post, I will share my 2-day itinerary of Vancouver, including popular tourist attractions and a few hidden gems we explored. However, my total trip length was four days. The first two days were in Vancouver, and the remaining days were in Whistler. You can follow my exact itinerary or pick and choose to create your own.
I will also provide my daily budget for each day and tips to help you plan your trip. I designed this itinerary to be relaxing, making it an excellent option for those traveling with seniors or children who want to maximize their time and budget.
Why visit Vancouver?
Vancouver is a bustling city known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and vibrant city life. Due to its close proximity to mountains, forests, and the ocean, it makes a perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, from experiencing a cosmopolitan city life to taking long beach walks to fulfilling your adventurous pursuits like kayaking, skiing, and hiking.
Moreover, the city boasts a thriving arts and culture scene featuring world-class museums, galleries, and theaters. Vancouver also has an eclectic food scene thanks to its diverse population, locally sourced ingredients, and uber-fresh seafood, making it a paradise for gastronomes.
If you still need more reasons to visit Vancouver, here is another one. The city is just a 3-hour bus ride from Seattle. Awesome right? Now that I have convinced you to visit Vancouver, here is my detailed itinerary to make the most of your time.
How many days are enough to explore Vancouver?
The number of days largely depends on the activities you wish to do. But, I recommend spending at least 3 to 5 days to experience the city’s vibe and culture.
How to reach Vancouver?
If you reside in or near Seattle and have a car, driving is the most convenient mode of transportation to get to Vancouver. The route is scenic, and you can see Mount Baker and the Olympic peaks on a clear day. Moreover, it takes just 2.5 hours to reach downtown Vancouver. However, if you do not have a car or prefer not to drive, you can opt for a bus or Amtrak.
For those traveling from other parts of the US or the world, taking a flight is the best option to reach Vancouver. We chose the Flix Bus for our trip, which cost us $29 per person for a one-way trip.
Where to stay?
I recommend staying in or near downtown because it is perfect for easy access to many attractions on foot or public transportation, including popular spots like Stanley Park and Grouse Mountain.
Finding a decent-budget hotel is difficult in Vancouver. Therefore, we decided to stay in a hostel. If you are looking for a budget hotel or hostel, I highly recommend staying at the St. Clair Hostel. This naval-themed historic hotel fit our budget perfectly and was located conveniently in the heart of downtown, right between Gastown and Canada Place.
St. Clair offers dormitories as well as private rooms with shared bathrooms. It is also within a short 5-minute walk from two major Skytrain stations.
If you are not too inclined to stay in a hostel, we have a few hotel recommendations for downtown.
- Days Inn by Wyndham Vancouver Downtown – budget 3-star property | $120-$150 per night.
- The Burrard – mid-ranged 3-star hotel | $130-$180 per night
- Fairmont Pacific Rim – luxury 5-star hotel | $300-$350 per night
- Rosewood Hotel Georgia – luxury 5-star hotel | $280-$320 per night
Vancouver 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1
We started our journey from Seattle around 7 am and arrived in Vancouver at noon. We kept our itinerary light for the day and decided to explore the historic neighborhoods and a quick trip to Granville Island. Below is the list of all the spots we covered on Day 1. I will share a separate blog post about the restaurants we tried, the places we recommend, and a few we want you to avoid.
Downtown
Downtown Vancouver is a bustling neighborhood surrounded by several waterbodies like Burrard Inlet, English Bay, and False Creek, and offers a blend of commercial, cultural, and entertainment spots. This place has something for everyone.
If you are a shopping enthusiast, Robson Street is the place to be, with an array of boutiques and major retailers. Visiting iconic spots like the Harbour Centre Tower and Canada Place is a must for movie enthusiasts. If you enjoy history and architecture, visit Gastown and Yaletown. These streets also have boutique shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Gastown
Gastown is the oldest neighborhood in Vancouver, known for its charming cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, and bustling atmosphere. The district has several trendy boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, and unique shops. But one thing that attracts the most eyeballs is the famous Steam Clock located at the corner of Cambie and Water Streets. The clock, built by Canadian horologist Raymond Saunders, blows up like a pressure cooker every 20 minutes and is a delightful sight to watch.
Walking through the streets of Gastown will let you immerse in the city’s rich history while enjoying its contemporary urban vibe. However, to fully understand the city’s history and culture inside-out, we recommend taking a walking tour with a local.
Chinatown
Vancouver’s Chinatown is one of the oldest and largest Chinatowns in North America, offering an immersive experience. Start your journey at the tranquil Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, a beautiful oasis amidst the bustling downtown. Take a selfie with the Millennium Gate, browse through traditional herbal medicine shops, and discover unique cultural landmarks. Moreover, it’s one of the best places to indulge in authentic Chinese cuisine without breaking your pockets.
Pro Tip: Most shops, restaurants, and attractions in Chinatown close by 6 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.
Canada Place
Canada Place is one of the most prominent landmarks in Vancouver, located on the waterfront. The architecture resembles a ship and is quite popular among locals and tourists. You can walk around the compound admiring the sculptures, the stunning skyline, and the mountains.
If you have time or are traveling with kids, watching a movie at the IMAX Theatre is highly recommended for an immersive cinematic experience. Moreover, if you are not afraid of heights, getting a bird’s eye view of the city is a fun option at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre, which offers several awesome seaplane and helicopter tours.
Vancouver Seawall
The Vancouver Seawall is a world-renowned scenic pathway winding along the waterfront. It’s one of the best places to watch a sunset and enjoy a pleasant walk. The 17-mile-long Seawall encircles the downtown area, Stanley Park, and several other neighborhoods along the coast. It is a pedestrian-friendly pathway, perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, or rollerblading. It’s great for photography or simply having a picnic by the water.
Sunset Beach
As the name suggests, Sunset Beach is a picturesque waterfront area known for breathtaking sunsets and stunning ocean views. It’s a sandy beach bordering a grassy park area, providing opportunities for relaxation, picnics, and recreational activities. You can stop by this place on your way to Granville Island because it is next to the False Creek ferry terminal.
Granville Island
Granville Island is a bustling Public Market offering a unique blend of arts, culture, shopping, and dining experiences. It is known for its fine quality of fresh produce, seafood, artisanal food products, and local crafts. Try out all the delectable food and discover the new favorites that will leave you wanting for more. Alternatively, you can also go on a food tour and experience the culinary side of the city with a local.
- Granville Island Public Market Food Tour by Robert Sung Tours – includes food tasting | $86.05 per person
- VIP Access Granville Island Market Tour – called a “Canadian Signature Experience” by the Canadian Tourism Commission | includes food tasting | $142.20 per person
An interesting fact about the vibrant Granville Island is that it is not an island but a peninsular region within the False Creek area. In addition to the Public Market, Granville Island is home to numerous boutique shops, art galleries, and theaters. It has a thriving arts community, and you can discover local artists’ works, handmade jewelry, pottery, and more as you wander through the island’s streets.
If you’re a music lover, head to Granville Island Stage or the Arts Club Theatre Company to enjoy live performances. Moreover, don’t forget to visit the Granville Island Brewery, offering delicious locally brewed beers and brewery tours for craft beer enthusiasts.
Day 2
On our second day, we explored the stunning landscapes of North Vancouver. We began our day with some light adventure at one of the Suspension bridges. Capilano Suspension Bridge is an award-winning attraction in the area, but due to the high ticket prices, we chose another one that’s equally stunning and offers free entry. Here’s a list of places we covered on day two.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
Located in Lynn Canyon Park in North Vancouver, the suspension bridge is a pedestrian bridge stretching across the picturesque Lynn Canyon. Apart from the bridge, the park has several waterfalls and beautiful trails passing through the lush forest.
Crossing the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is a thrilling experience as the bridge sways slightly with each step. If you don’t mind cold water, bring your suit along and enjoy a dip in the swimming holes. The best part about Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is that it is free to visit, unlike other suspension bridges in the area, providing an accessible and awe-inspiring nature experience for everyone.
Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is a popular ski and snowboarding destination in North Vancouver that offers a picturesque view of British Columbia. It is a popular year-round destination due to its stunning natural beauty and wide range of activities.
Grouse Mountain transforms into a wonderland for winter sports enthusiasts between November and March. It’s one of the best spots for skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides. In summer, this transforms into a hiker’s paradise, great for hiking and visiting the wildlife refuge, where you can observe grizzly bears, wolves, and other indigenous animals up close.
You can take the Skyride to the mountain top, a scenic gondola ride that offers breathtaking views during the ascent. Or hike to the top of the Grouse Grind if you’re up for some adventure 😉. It is a strenuous hike and will challenge you at every turn. But if you like that burn, this is a must-have on your bucket list.
Capilano Lake and Cleaveland Dam
On the way back, take a detour to explore the two hidden gems nestled amidst the picturesque Capilano River Regional Park, surrounded by lush forests and stunning mountain scenery. Capilano Lake is a reservoir providing drinking water to the Greater Vancouver area. The lake offers a tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular spot for picnicking, fishing, and canoeing.
Cleveland Dam, located at the north end of Capilano Lake, is an impressive structure that helps regulate water flow from the lake into the Capilano River. Moreover, it is also a notable example of engineering and provides a spectacular backdrop for photography. Visitors can walk across the dam and enjoy panoramic views of the reservoir and the surrounding landscape.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is Vancouver’s most popular spot, an urban oasis spanning over 1,000 acres. It is one of the largest urban parks in North America, offering a diverse range of attractions and activities. You can explore several spots, from the iconic Seawall to beautiful beaches like the Second and Third Beach, from Vancouver Aquarium, which showcases a variety of marine life, to the stunning Totem Poles.
The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including birds, raccoons, squirrels, and even occasional sightings of seals and otters along the Seawall. It provides a unique opportunity to experience nature within an urban setting. Plus, it’s the best spot to catch a night view of the city skyline and the stunning lighting at Canada Place.
Day 3 & 4
On the third day of our trip, we wanted to escape the busy city life. So, we rented a car from the Avis downtown office and headed north along the famous Sea to Sky Highway.
This picturesque roadway in beautiful British Columbia stretches from Vancouver to the charming resort town of Whistler. It’s a part of Highway 99, which spans from the U.S.-Canada border in Blaine (Washington) to Cache Creek (British Columbia). The highway has numerous viewpoints and pull-off areas, allowing us to stop, soak in the scenery, and snap some unforgettable photographs.
Keep watching this space for my article, where I share details about my time in Whistler.
More recommendations
If you’re traveling with kids, Science World is a great place to educate and entertain them. If you’re looking for a nature retreat within city limits, add Queen Elizabeth Park and VanDusen Botanical Garden to your bucket list. One is considered one of the most well-maintained gardens in the world, whereas the other is a world-renowned botanical garden. We are definitely saving these two spots for our next visit.
Where to eat
The food scene in Vancouver is diverse and exceptional, from the freshest and most exquisite sushi to lip-smacking pizzas and Indian food. And let’s not forget about the creative fusion food, from Japanese hotdogs to tantalizing curry-infused dishes. Keep watching this space as I’ll share a list of our favorite restaurants and dishes we tried in Vancouver.
Bonus Tips
Best time to visit:
Vancouver is an all-year-round destination. But if you mind the damp and moist weather, Summer is the best time to visit the city. You will get good visibility of the peaks and the water bodies, and it is easier to walk around without worrying about getting wet.
Transit:
The public transit scene is great in Vancouver and connects all the major spots in the city. Therefore, if you do not want to drive around the city, you can buy a day pass and enjoy a hassle-free, budget-friendly trip.
But if you are renting a car, especially during winter, book a 4-wheel drive only. I also recommend snow tires and chains if you are heading to Whistler or Grouse Mountain.
Also, Downtown Vancouver gets quite busy, especially during the weekend, so I recommend walking instead of driving. The streets are very walkable and easy to navigate. Plus, you won’t have to worry about hefty parking fees.
Clothes:
The overall vibe of Vancouver is casual, so much so that you can wear your pajamas and won’t feel weird! Moreover, wear comfortable shoes and carry a rain jacket as you never know when it will start raining. Therefore, we love taking our Vessi products everywhere, from shoes and socks to caps and jackets. They are stylish, waterproof, and perfect for Vancouver weather.
Traveling from the USA?
If you are a temporary resident of the USA on a work (H1B & L)/ student (F & J) visa with an expired visa stamp, you can travel to Canada and stay for up to 30 days. You will need a valid Canadian tourist visa and your latest I-94. To verify your I-94 status, check your latest I-797 document.
