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Vancouver & Vancouver Island Holiday Itinerary (Dec 25‑31, 2025)

Viewed by 130 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Downtown Exploration

Morning: Land at Vancouver International Airport and take the Canada Line to downtown. Check into your hotel and freshen up before heading out.

Afternoon: Stroll through Gastown, admiring the Steam Clock and browsing boutique shops. Grab a light lunch at a local café overlooking the waterfront.

Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner at one of the restaurants on Robson Street, then take a relaxed walk along the Seawall to see the city lights reflected on the harbor.

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Day 2: Stanley Park & Granville Island

Morning: Rent a bike and cycle around the iconic Stanley Park Seawall, stopping at the Totem Poles and the Vancouver Aquarium.

Afternoon: Hop on a short Aquabus ride to Granville Island. Explore the Public Market, artisanal galleries, and maybe catch a live performance at the Granville Island Theatre.

Evening: Dine at the Granville Island Brewery for a relaxed meal, then return to the hotel via the SkyTrain for a good night’s rest.

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Day 3: Capilano & North Shore

Morning: Take the free SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay and catch a local bus to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Walk the bridge and explore the treetop walkways.

Afternoon: Visit the nearby Grouse Mountain for panoramic city views and optional winter activities like ice skating.

Evening: Return to downtown and savor a dinner of West Coast cuisine in the vibrant Yaletown district.

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Day 4: Ferry to Victoria (Vancouver Island)

Morning: Board the BC Ferries terminal at Tsawwassen for a scenic crossing to Swartz Bay. The ferry ride offers stunning views of the Gulf Islands.

Afternoon: Take the Victoria‑bound bus to downtown Victoria and check into your hotel. Begin exploring the historic Inner Harbour, visiting the Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress.

Evening: Dine at a waterfront restaurant on the Inner Harbour, then enjoy a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets of Victoria’s Chinatown.

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Day 5: Royal BC Museum & Butchart Gardens

Morning: Visit the Royal BC Museum for a deep dive into the province’s natural and cultural history.

Afternoon: Take a local bus to the spectacular Butchart Gardens. Wander the themed gardens, especially the dazzling holiday light displays.

Evening: Return to Victoria and enjoy a cozy dinner at a local pub, followed by a nightcap at a café on Government Street.

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Day 6: Craigdarroch Castle & Beacon Hill Park

Morning: Tour the historic Craigdarroch Castle, admiring its Victorian architecture and period furnishings.

Afternoon: Relax in Beacon Hill Park, strolling along its ponds and spotting the totem poles and the iconic “Beacon Hill Children’s Farm”.

Evening: Join a guided whale‑watching tour from the Inner Harbour (weather permitting) for an unforgettable marine experience.

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Day 7: Return to Vancouver & Departure

Morning: Take the early bus back to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal and board the ferry to Tsawwassen.

Afternoon: Arrive in Vancouver, store luggage at a downtown locker, and enjoy a final stroll through Science World or a quick shopping run on Pacific Centre.

Evening: Retrieve your luggage and head to the airport via the Canada Line for your departing flight.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Gast Gastown Walk – Approx. 2 hrs – $0 (free)
  • Stanley Park Seawall (Bike Rental) – 3 hrs – $15
  • Vancouver Aquarium – 2 hrs – $38
  • Granville Island Public Market – 2 hrs – $0 (food purchases extra)
  • Capilano Suspension Bridge Park – 2 hrs – $54
  • Grouse Mountain (Skyride) – 2 hrs – $60
  • BC Ferries (Round‑trip Tsawwassen ↔ Swartz Bay) – 6 hrs total – $62
  • Royal BC Museum – 2 hrs – $22
  • Butchart Gardens (Holiday Lights) – 3 hrs – $35
  • Craigdarroch Castle – 1.5 hrs – $18
  • Beacon Hill Park (Free) – 2 hrs – $0
  • Whale‑Watching Tour – 4 hrs – $120
  • Science World – 2 hrs – $25
  • Public Transit (SkyTrain, Bus, SeaBus) – 7 days – $45
  • Total Estimated Cost: $484 CAD

Tips

If you have an extra day, consider adding a day trip to the charming town of New Westminster or a relaxing soak at the Harrison Hot Springs (accessible by public transit). To shorten the itinerary, skip the whale‑watching tour and replace it with a leisurely stroll through Victoria’s Inner Harbour on Day 6; this still provides a memorable experience while saving time and money.

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