12-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Vancouver, Canada: Exploring Gastown and Beyond

  • Day 1: Gastown
    0 minutes from last location

    Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, offering a mix of Victorian architecture, cobbled streets, galleries, and shops. Take a stroll along Water Street and explore the lively atmosphere, street art and try famous Fish'n Chips.

  • Day 2: Stanley Park
    20 minutes (3.5 miles) from last location

    Stanley Park is Vancouver's largest urban park, with stunning ocean views, miles of hiking trails, gardens, and beaches. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including eagles, raccoons, and beavers.

  • Day 3: Granville Island
    10 minutes (2.5 miles) from last location

    Visit the famous Granville Island, a charming place that features a large public market and a vibrant arts scene. Don't miss the chance to try fresh seafood, such as lobster or crab, at one of the many restaurants on the island.

  • Day 4: Chinatown
    10 minutes (2.2 miles) from last location

    Take a walk through Vancouver's Chinatown, the largest in Canada and home to Chinese gardens, parks, and temples. Visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, one of the most beautiful gardens outside of China.

  • Day 5: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
    20 minutes (5.5 miles) from last location

    Admire the beauty of the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which spans 450 feet above the Capilano River. The park also features cliff walks, treetop adventures, and a cable car ride through the rainforest.

  • Day 6: VanDusen Botanical Garden
    30 minutes (7.5 miles) from last location

    Stroll around the elegant VanDusen Botanical Garden, one of Vancouver’s best outdoor attractions. It showcases a wide range of plants from around the world and has a beautiful fountain plaza.

  • Day 7: Lynn Canyon Park
    30 minutes (9.5 miles) from last location

    Explore Vancouver's natural beauty at Lynn Canyon Park. Hike through temperate rainforests, cross the famous suspension bridge or go swimming in the pools below a 30-foot waterfall.

  • Day 8: Kitsilano Beach
    20 minutes (4.5 miles) from last location

    Spend a relaxing day at one of Vancouver's best beaches, Kitsilano Beach. It’s a popular destination for swimming, beach volleyball, kayaking, and sunbathing.

  • Day 9: Science World at Telus World of Science
    20 minutes (4 miles) from last location

    Step into the world of science and innovation with interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and shows at Science World. The museum holds many fascinating exhibitions and pre-designed labs for visitors to learn from.

  • Day 10: Museum of Anthropology
    30 minutes (7.5 miles) from last location

    Discover the history and culture of First Nations communities at the Museum of Anthropology, located on the University of British Columbia campus. The museum houses a vast collection of art, artifacts, and cultural objects, including impressive totem poles.

  • Day 11: Whistler Mountain
    2 hours (76.2 miles) from last location

    Take a day trip to Whistler Mountain, the largest ski resort in North America. Ride the gondola and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. During the summer season, try hiking, biking, and zip-lining in the area.

  • Day 12: Queen Elizabeth Park
    20 minutes (4 miles) from last location

    Head to Queen Elizabeth Park, the highest point in Vancouver, which offers stunning views of the cityscape. The park features manicured gardens, a conservatory, and a fountain.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Gastown Walking Tour (2 hours, Free)
  • Stanley Park (4 hours, Free)
  • Granville Island (2 hours, $25-30 for lunch)
  • Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (1 hour, $16)
  • Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (3-4 hours, $54)
  • VanDusen Botanical Garden (2 hours, $11)
  • Lynn Canyon Park (2 hours, Free)
  • Kitsilano Beach (3 hours, Free)
  • Science World (3 hours, $28)
  • Museum of Anthropology (3 hours, $18)
  • Whistler Mountain (8-9 hours, $100-120 for roundtrip transportation and gondola tickets)
  • Queen Elizabeth Park (2 hours, Free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $340-370

Transportation

Travelers can get around Vancouver using public transport, including buses, the SkyTrain, and the SeaBus. A day pass for public transportation costs $10.50, whereas a three-day pass costs $29.00. Taxis and ride-shares are reasonable options as well, with the average cost of a taxi ride around $3 per kilometer. The travelers can rent a bike for around $35 per day.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting: Vancouver Aquarium, Grouse Mountain, or the Vancouver Art Gallery. If you're short on time, you can skip the day trip to Whistler Mountain. As for the best time of year to visit Vancouver, it is in the summer months, from June to September.

Airports

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located 15km South of downtown Vancouver, it is one of the busiest airports in Canada, serving international and domestic flights. It is served by more than 60 airlines and connects to 125 destinations worldwide through direct flights. The airport has the SkyTrain station which takes you directly to downtown Vancouver costing around $8.

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