Land at Vancouver International Airport and transfer to River Rock Casino hotel in Richmond; the ride is about 20–30 minutes by taxi or 30–40 minutes by Canada Line + short taxi depending on luggage. Drop bags if early check-in is not available.
Check in or leave bags with the front desk; River Rock's check-in is typically mid-afternoon, so plan a short walk around the property or grab a coffee while you wait.
Keep your first meal easy after travel — try a casual Richmond spot (many excellent Asian eateries nearby) or the River Rock hotel's restaurants for convenience and comfort.
If you have energy, drive about 20–25 minutes to Steveston fishing village for a walk along the waterfront and pastry/seafood shops; it’s a relaxed way to stretch your legs after flying.
Take a 25–35 minute drive or SkyTrain to downtown Vancouver for a special dinner. Recommended: Hawksworth (modern fine dining in downtown for a memorable evening). Reserve ahead; dress smart-casual.
Rent e-bikes near the park entrance and cycle the Seawall around Stanley Park; plan roughly 1–1.5 hours for the main loop at a relaxed pace to enjoy viewpoints and Totem Poles.
Meet your friend Danielle for lunch — recommended meeting spot: The Teahouse in Stanley Park (great views, solid menu) or choose a downtown café if easier for both.
Head to Vancouver's Main Street and Mount Pleasant area for curated thrift and vintage shops such as Crossroads Trading, Stag & Co., and independent vintage stores; most shops open by 11am and close mid- to late-afternoon/evening — check each store’s hours.
If you want a quieter evening after a full day, try a tapas or seafood restaurant in Richmond or head back into Vancouver's Gastown for a lively bistro (L’Abattoir is a good choice).
Head to Nemesis Bakehouse or Nemesis Coffee for their popular breakfast sandwiches and pastries — plan to arrive early as lines form; Nemesis typically opens in the morning (check exact branch hours).
Attend the baby shower from 1–4pm as planned; enjoy time with friends and family. Make sure you have transit or a short taxi ride planned back to the hotel afterwards.
Enjoy the planned evening dinner with friends — if you need a suggestion, try The Keg for relaxed steakhouse fare or Cibo Trattoria for Italian in Richmond; confirm reservation or meeting details with your group.
Treat yourselves to a celebrated Vancouver brunch: Café Medina (famous for waffles and Mediterranean-inspired brunch) or Jam Café (hearty comfort brunch). Both open mornings; expect waits at peak times, so arrive early or be prepared to queue.
Stroll the Public Market, artisan shops and waterfront on Granville Island; the market is open year-round (usually ~9am–6pm depending on season) and is a lovely daytime destination.
If you want an indoor activity, FlyOver Canada at Canada Place is a cinematic flight ride (~35 minutes) and is a good rainy-day alternative; otherwise, explore Vancouver shops or galleries.
Attend the themed 'Hogwarts/Harry Potter' seasonal pop-up in/near Stanley Park (user-preferred night). This event is typically a 2-hour immersive evening experience — confirm event dates, times and buy tickets in advance. If heavy rain cancels or it’s not running this year, swap for Capilano Suspension Bridge Lights or the Vancouver Christmas Market (seasonal).
Use a calm morning to pack and enjoy a quick breakfast at the hotel cafe or grab-and-go from a nearby bakery; ensure you have boarding passes and any last-minute items ready.
Check out of River Rock (confirm luggage hold if needed) and leave in plenty of time for your midday flight; aim to depart hotel by ~9:30–10:00am to allow for traffic and airport procedures.