6-Day Vancouver Itinerary

• Day 1: Explore the city center
  Vancouver's city center is a bustling area filled with eclectic shops, restaurants and historic landmarks. Highlights of the day include a visit to Gastown, a walk through Stanley Park and a trip up the Vancouver Lookout for stunning views of the city.
  
• Day 2: Go on a nature trip
  Take a scenic drive up to the Whistler Mountains, a two-hour journey from Vancouver, for a fun-filled day of skiing, snowboarding, and hiking or visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. For those who prefer something more relaxed, Granville Island is a great spot to enjoy a leisurely stroll, artisan markets or hop on a boat tour.
  
• Day 3: Discover the North Shore
  Spend the day exploring the North Shore, an area that's home to some of Vancouver's most breathtaking views. Highlights include adventurous activities like zip-lining at the Grouse Mountain and a trip to the scenic Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. Take a break by indulging in tasty local food at the Lonsdale Quay Market.
  
• Day 4: Visit the surrounding areas
  Head to the charming seaside town of Victoria for a day trip. This picturesque city is home to historic architecture, beautiful gardens, and fantastic restaurants. Do not miss the stunning Butchart Gardens.
  
• Day 5: Enjoy the local food and culture
  Start the day with a visit to the colorful Chinatown and enjoy the street food, bustling markets, and unique boutiques. Then, take a stroll around the trendy neighborhoods of Kitsilano and Yaletown. Cap the day off by experiencing the city's vibrant nightlife.
  
• Day 6: Wrap up the trip
  Spend the last day touring Vancouver's top museums, like the Museum of Anthropology, or visit the iconic Peak of Vancouver for a panoramic view of the city. End the trip on a high note with dinner at one of Vancouver's amazing seafood restaurants.
  

Time and Costs Estimates

• Gastown (2-3 hours, free)
• Stanley Park (3-4 hours, free)
• Vancouver Lookout (1-2 hours, $18)
• Whistler Mountains (8-10 hours, $190 for ski lift pass)
• Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (3-4 hours, $53)
• Grouse Mountain (3-4 hours, $57)
• Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge (2-3 hours, free)
• Lonsdale Quay Market (3-4 hours, free)
• Victoria (8-12 hours, $56 ferry round trip)
• Butchart Gardens (3-4 hours, $35)
• Chinatown (2-3 hours, free)
• Kitsilano (2-3 hours, free)
• Yaletown (2-3 hours, free)
• Museum of Anthropology (3-4 hours, $18)
• Peak of Vancouver (2-3 hours, $58)
• Total Estimated Costs: $528

Transportation

Getting around Vancouver can be convenient by walking, biking or public transportation. The city's transit system operates on buses, trains, and ferries, and a day pass costs $10.50 CAD. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available with similar rates. For going outside the Vancouver area, car rental or booking a tour service might be a good option. For example, an eight-hour car rental from Vancouver to Whistler costs around $115 CAD, while a day tour to Victoria costs around $90 CAD per person.

Useful Tips

For travelers with more or less time, some adjustments can be made to the itinerary. With an extra day, taking a road trip to the beautiful wine country of BC’s Okanagan Valley or the quaint village of Bowen Island is worth a visit. For those with less time, consider skipping the day trip to Victoria, combining some of the activities into one day, or just exploring the city's main highlights in two days instead of one.