Start your Vancouver trip with a visit to the Granville Island where you can enjoy a diverse array of restaurants, artisan shops, art galleries, fresh food markets, and famous theater performances. A must-try at the bustling Granville Island Public Market are the handcrafted donuts from Lee's Donuts and the savory flavors of a snack from the famous Stock Market.
Discover the scenic beauty of the largest green urban park in North America, Stanley Park, with a 9-kilometer seawall trail, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Lion's Gate Bridge, and the North Shore Mountains. In the afternoon, head towards the cobbled streets of the historic district of Gastown, known for its Victorian architecture, stylish boutiques, art galleries, and trendy cocktail bars.
Experience adventure and stunning nature at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where the suspension bridge spans 137 meters (450 feet) over a lush green canyon. Take a scenic walk through the rainforest, cross the suspension bridge over the Capilano River, and take in the breathtaking view.
Indulge in a modern neighborhood of varied boutiques, famous bistros, and unique bars at Yaletown. Delve in a contemporary art experience with the Vancouver Art Gallery and its art exhibitions, featuring works by both local and international artists.
Soak in the panoramic view of the city from the Vancouver Lookout, situated at Harbor Center Tower. Later, take a stroll through the vibrant and quirky Chinatown, one of the largest Chinatown neighborhoods in North America with its intricate gate, traditional medicine shops and delicious Dim Sum restaurants.
End your Vancouver trip with a relaxing day at the Kitsilano Beach, consisting of three distinct sections; Kitsilano Beach Park, Kitsilano Pool, and Kits Point to try numerous water activities or relax under the sun. Afterward, become one with nature at the VanDusen Botanical Garden, a 22-hectare garden, offering a collection of plants from around the world.
Public transportation options such as TransLink (SkyTrain, Bus, and Seabus) or rental bicycles are a convenient and affordable way to get around Vancouver. Taxi and ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available. Expect to pay between $10-20 for a one-way fare or $35-50 for day-ride or multi-day passes including zones 1-3.
If you have more time, consider visiting the nearby tourist attractions like Whistler, the Gulf Islands, or the Capilano Salmon Hatchery. If you have less time, skip Kitsilano Beach and VanDusen Botanical Garden.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the primary airport of Vancouver, located 12 km south of downtown Vancouver. It's the second-busiest airport in Canada and served by over 60 airlines flying to over 125 destinations worldwide. The estimated driving time to downtown Vancouver is 30 minutes with a taxi or sky train.