Start your trip to Vancouver by exploring Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. Take a leisurely stroll through the seawall, a 9 km path that offers breathtaking views of the city skyline, mountains, and the sea. You may also consider visiting popular places inside the park such as the Lost Lagoon or the Vancouver Aquarium.
As lunchtime approaches, make your way to the Granville Island Public Market. This famous marketplace offers an incredible selection of fresh produce, seafood, artisanal foods, and crafts. Enjoy a diverse range of food choices from exotic mushrooms to maple-infused salmon.
After a satisfying meal, take a walk to Gastown, the city's oldest neighborhood. This historic area is famous for its Victorian architecture, trendy boutiques, and art galleries. Don't forget to take a snapshot of the Steam Clock, a unique landmark that marks every 15 minutes with a whistle.
End your day by visiting English Bay Beach, one of Vancouver's most popular beaches. Here, you can enjoy the stunning sunset, sunbathe, or swim. If you're up for some adventure, consider taking an Aquabus ride to explore the nearby beaches, including Granville Island, along False Creek.
Getting around Vancouver is relatively easy and affordable with the city's public transportation system, including TransLink buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus. Fares range from $3.00 to $5.00 for a single-use ticket depending on the zone of travel, and there are day passes available, which are a great option for those planning to use transit frequently. Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available but may prove to be more expensive than public transportation.
If you have more time, consider visiting other attractions, such as the Vancouver Lookout or Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. For nature enthusiasts, hiking the Grouse Grind, the local mountain, is also an excellent option. If you have less time, you may eliminate Granville Island Public Market and allocate more time to Stanley Park or English Bay Beach.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the major airport serving Vancouver, located about 12 km south of Downtown Vancouver in Richmond. The airport is the second busiest airport in Canada and serves a variety of international and domestic airlines.