Welcome to Vancouver! Start your nature adventure by checking in at your hotel and settling in. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Seawall at Stanley Park in the morning, enjoying the stunning waterfront views and lush greenery. In the afternoon, explore the Granville Island Public Market for a diverse selection of local food and crafts. As the evening sets in, head to Grouse Mountain for a breathtaking sunset and panoramic views of the city.
Stanley Park Seawall: Free, 2-3 hours
Granville Island Public Market: Budget varies, 2-3 hours
Grouse Mountain: $59 CAD per adult, $29 CAD per child, 3-4 hours
Restaurants
For breakfast, head to Café Medina for a delicious meal. Enjoy their signature dish, the Mediterranean-inspired Fricassée, with poached eggs, spiced lamb, and fresh tomato sauce. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, visit Tacofino in Gastown for some mouth-watering tacos. Try their famous fish tacos with crispy cod, cabbage slaw, chipotle mayo, and salsa fresca. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
For dinner, dine at L'Abattoir in Gastown for a sophisticated and memorable dining experience. Indulge in their exquisite dishes like the chicken liver parfait or roasted lamb saddle. The average cost for a meal is about $50 per person.
Friday October 20: Exploring Vancouver
Start your day by visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, surrounded by stunning old-growth forests. Explore the treetop walkways and suspension bridge for a thrilling nature experience. In the afternoon, take a ferry to Granville Island and enjoy the tranquil VanDusen Botanical Garden with its diverse collection of plants and flowers. Wrap up your day with a visit to English Bay Beach, where you can relax and enjoy the beautiful sunset.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: $54.95 CAD per adult, $29.95 CAD per child, 3-4 hours
VanDusen Botanical Garden: $11.50 CAD per adult, $8.25 CAD per senior/student, free for children under 5, 2-3 hours
English Bay Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day at Café Medina, a local hotspot known for its delicious brunch options. Indulge in their signature Belgian waffles or Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15-20 per person.
For lunch, head over to Tacofino, a popular eatery specializing in gourmet tacos and delicious burritos. Enjoy their innovative flavors and fresh ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $10-15 per person.
For dinner, treat yourself to a delightful dining experience at The Flying Pig. This restaurant offers a menu featuring local and sustainable ingredients, with a focus on hearty meat dishes and seafood. Average cost for a meal is about $25-35 per person.
Saturday October 21: Journey to Squamish
Head to Squamish, the outdoor recreation capital of Canada, in the morning. Start your day by hiking the Stawamus Chief, a granite monolith that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, visit the Britannia Mine Museum to learn about the region's mining history. Wrap up the day by exploring Shannon Falls Provincial Park and its majestic waterfalls.
Stawamus Chief Hike: Free, 4-5 hours
Britannia Mine Museum: $34.95 CAD per adult, $30.95 CAD per senior, $22.95 CAD per youth, free for children under 5, 2-3 hours
Shannon Falls Provincial Park: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Fergie's Cafe, a cozy diner known for its delicious pancakes and omelettes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head to Squamish Valley Golf & Country Club Restaurant and enjoy a relaxing meal with panoramic views of the golf course. Try their savory burgers or fresh salads. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Indulge in a fine dining experience at The Salted Vine Kitchen + Bar for dinner, where you can savor exquisite West Coast cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
Sunday October 22: Outdoor Adventures in Squamish
Embark on an epic outdoor adventure in Squamish. In the morning, go on a scenic hike or mountain bike ride along the extensive trail network in Alice Lake Provincial Park. Afterward, visit the Sea to Sky Gondola for breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the summit before descending. In the evening, take a leisurely walk along the Squamish Estuary Boardwalk and spot wildlife.
Alice Lake Provincial Park: Free, 3-4 hours
Sea to Sky Gondola: $44.95 CAD per adult, $42.95 CAD per senior, $27.95 CAD per youth, free for children under 6, 3-4 hours
Squamish Estuary Boardwalk: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Zephyr Cafe. This cozy restaurant offers organic and locally sourced dishes, with options ranging from avocado toast to breakfast burritos. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head to Mag's 99 Fried Chicken and Mexican Cantina. Indulge in their mouthwatering fried chicken, tacos, and burritos. This casual eatery provides generous portions at an average cost of $12 per person.
End your day with a delicious dinner at The Copper Coil Still & Grill. This rustic restaurant serves up a variety of pub-style dishes, including burgers, pizzas, and steak. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
Monday October 23: Whistler Excursion
Take a day trip to the world-renowned mountain resort of Whistler. In the morning, drive along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway and enjoy the breathtaking views. Once in Whistler, go on a thrilling zipline adventure through the old-growth forests or take a leisurely stroll through the Whistler Village. In the afternoon, ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for unparalleled views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Return to Squamish in the evening.
Sea to Sky Highway: Free, 2-3 hours
Zipline Adventure: $119 CAD per person, 2-3 hours
Whistler Village: Free, 1-2 hours
Peak 2 Peak Gondola: $69 CAD per adult, $59 CAD per senior, $35 CAD per youth, free for children under 6, 3-4 hours
Restaurants
The Wildwood Cafe is a cozy restaurant located in the heart of Whistler Village, offering a variety of delicious breakfast options such as fluffy pancakes and hearty omelettes. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
The Inukshuk Cafe is a charming spot known for its fresh and healthy lunch options. From gourmet sandwiches to homemade soups, they have something to satisfy every appetite. The average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
The Bearfoot Bistro is an upscale restaurant with a sophisticated atmosphere, offering an exquisite dining experience. Their menu features an array of gourmet dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. The average cost for a meal is about $65 per person.
Tuesday October 24: Beaches and Parks
Spend a relaxing day enjoying the beautiful beaches and parks around Squamish. Start your day at Porteau Cove Provincial Park and soak in the stunning views of the Howe Sound. In the afternoon, head to Brohm Lake for a refreshing swim or hike along the scenic trails. As the evening approaches, visit Nexen Beach, where you can have a picnic and enjoy the beach atmosphere.
Porteau Cove Provincial Park: Free, 2-3 hours
Brohm Lake: Free, 2-3 hours
Nexen Beach: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The Zephyr Cafe is a cozy breakfast spot in Squamish, offering a variety of organic and vegan options. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head to Mag's 99 Fried Chicken & Mexican Cantina, a popular local eatery known for their mouth-watering fried chicken and delicious Mexican dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
For a memorable dinner experience, The Salted Vine Kitchen + Bar is a must-visit restaurant. They specialize in Pacific Northwest cuisine with a contemporary twist, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
Wednesday October 25: Return to Vancouver
Head back to Vancouver in the morning and spend your last day exploring the city. Visit the vibrant Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park to learn about marine life and conservation. In the afternoon, take a guided kayak tour around False Creek and enjoy the city skyline from the water. As the evening sets in, indulge in a delicious dinner at one of Vancouver's renowned seafood restaurants.
Vancouver Aquarium: $37 CAD per adult, $30 CAD per senior/teen, $22 CAD per child, free for children under 4, 2-3 hours
Guided Kayak Tour: $89 CAD per person, 2-3 hours
Dinner at a seafood restaurant: Budget varies, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Medina, known for its mouthwatering Belgian waffles and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head to Tacofino, a popular food truck turned restaurant serving up delicious West Coast-style tacos and burritos. Average cost for a meal is about $12 per person.
Indulge in a memorable dinner experience at Hawksworth Restaurant, a fine dining establishment known for its sophisticated cuisine and elegant ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about $80 per person.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
If you're seeking more nature-focused experiences, consider visiting Lighthouse Park in West Vancouver, where you can explore scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking ocean views. Another off-the-beaten-path gem is the Sea to Sky Botanical Garden in Squamish, offering a peaceful retreat with stunning displays of native and exotic plant species. Your little one will love the Bloedel Conservatory in Vancouver, a tropical paradise filled with colorful birds and lush foliage.
For a true local experience, venture to Lynn Canyon Park in North Vancouver, where you can hike through lush forests, cross a suspension bridge, and discover hidden waterfalls. Additionally, the Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park near Squamish is a must-visit during the winter months, as it becomes a gathering spot for hundreds of bald eagles. Don't forget to bring your camera!