Day 1: Start your day at Granville Island Public Market, where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and artisanal food items. Stroll around the alleys of the market and enjoy delicious bites from different stalls. Afterward, head to the Kitsilano area and have lunch at AnnaLena, a restaurant serving modern Canadian cuisine. In the afternoon, visit Stanley Park and have a picnic with local snacks while enjoying the view. End your evening with dinner at Mak N Ming, a Japanese-French fusion restaurant.
Day 2: Start with breakfast at Jam Cafe on Beatty St., where they serve scrumptious pancakes and waffles. Afterward, visit Gastown, where you can find cute cafes and unique shops. Lunch is at Peckinpah BBQ, where you can try tender BBQ ribs and brisket. Spend the afternoon at the trendy Mount Pleasant neighborhood that has numerous craft breweries. Visit 33 Acres Brewing Co. and enjoy a beer flight. End your day with dinner at Acorn, a vegetarian-friendly restaurant.
Day 3: Take a day trip to Richmond, where you can find the best Chinese food outside of China. Start with a dim sum brunch at Sea Harbour Seafood Restaurant. Afterward, visit the Burnaby Village Museum, where you can experience life in a 1920s village. Enjoy a delicious snack at Steveston Village, where they have authentic fish and chips. End your day with dinner at the well-known Dinesty Dumpling House.
Day 4: Have breakfast at Medina Cafe, where they serve a unique twist on brunch dishes. In the morning, visit the trendy Yaletown neighborhood, where you can find excellent coffee places and chic shops. For lunch, visit a new food hall called the Stackt Market. In the afternoon, explore Chinatown and visit the beautiful Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. End your day with dinner at Kissa Tanto, a hybrid Italian-Japanese restaurant with unique flavors.
Day 5: Start with breakfast at the cozy Nelson The Seagull Cafe. Afterward, visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you can enjoy beautiful nature and explore a stunning suspension bridge. For lunch, visit one of the local food trucks in North Vancouver, and try some unique fusion dishes. In the afternoon, visit the VanDusen Botanical Garden, where you can relax in nature. End your day with dinner at Savio Volpe, an Italian restaurant with flavorful dishes.
Day 6: Start with breakfast at the popular The Red Wagon Cafe, where they serve a delicious breakfast poutine. In the morning, take a food tour in the Granville Island area and try various local specialties. Have a seafood lunch at Blue Water Cafe. In the afternoon, visit the famous Science World and explore interactive exhibits. End your day with dinner at CinCin Ristorante, where they serve exceptional Italian dishes.
Day 7: Start with breakfast at Aphrodite's Organic Cafe, where they serve delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes. Visit the UBC Museum of Anthropology, where you can explore cultural artifacts and art. Have lunch at La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop, where they serve the best tacos in town. Visit the University of British Columbia Botanical Garden in the afternoon, where you can learn about plants and their uses. End your day with dinner at the fancy and excellent Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar.
Time and Costs Estimates
Granville Island Public Market (1-2 hours, $20-30)
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (1-2 hours, $10-15)
Kissa Tanto (2-3 hours, $60-80)
Nelson The Seagull Cafe (1-2 hours, $15-20)
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (2-3 hours, $50-70)
North Vancouver food trucks (1-2 hours, $10-20)
VanDusen Botanical Garden (1-2 hours, $15-20)
Savio Volpe (2-3 hours, $60-80)
The Red Wagon Cafe (1-2 hours, $15-20)
Blue Water Cafe (1-2 hours, $30-50)
Science World (2-3 hours, $25-35)
CinCin Ristorante (2-3 hours, $70-100)
Aphrodite's Organic Cafe (1-2 hours, $20-30)
UBC Museum of Anthropology (2-3 hours, $20-30)
La Taqueria Pinche Taco Shop (1-2 hours, $20-30)
UBC Botanical Garden (1-2 hours, $15-20)
Total Estimated Costs: $825-1155
Transportation
It is suggested that travelers use public transportation to move around Vancouver. The transportation system consists of buses, trains, and ferries. A one-way bus or train ticket costs ~$2.95, and a one-way ferry ticket costs ~$10. However, it is recommended to purchase a day pass or a Compass card to save money. Taxis are also available but more expensive. Vancouver is a very walkable city, so walking or renting a bike can also be an excellent option.
Useful tips
If you have more time, you can visit the nearby Grouse Mountain, Whistler, or Victoria Island. If you have less time, you can skip some of the museums and gardens or combine two locales into one day, as they are in close proximity to each other. Consider visiting during the shoulder season (spring or fall) to avoid the crowds and get some discounts. Also, don't forget to try the local salmon, poutine, and craft beer.
Airports
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the main airport in Vancouver, located about 25 minutes from downtown. It is a modern and well-organized airport with various shops, restaurants, and amenities.