Begin your trip by exploring downtown Vancouver, where you can find a mix of modern skyscrapers and historic buildings. Visit Canada Place, a famous landmark with beautiful views of the harbor, and browse the art galleries and boutiques in Gastown. End your day with a walk around Stanley Park, a massive urban park with stunning scenery and greenery.
Explore one of Vancouver's most vibrant neighborhoods, Granville Island, which offers diverse culture, entertainment, and shopping. Visit the Granville Island Public Market to sample fresh local seafood and produce, watch artists at work at the Emily Carr University of Art + Design, and catch a show at the famous Granville Island Stage.
Spend the day at Kitsilano Beach, a popular spot for sunbathing, water sports and beach volleyball. Visit the Vancouver Aquarium, where you can see marine life exhibits featuring beluga whales, sea otters, and dolphins. Finish your day with a stroll down Kitsilano's lively shopping and dining hub, West 4th Avenue.
Visit the Museum of Anthropology, which houses over 50,000 artifacts and artworks from around the world, including the largest collection of Northwest Coast First Nations art. Afterwards, head to nearby Jericho Beach for some superb views of English Bay and the North Shore Mountains.
Discover Vancouver's historic Chinatown, which features traditional Chinese architecture, cultural events, and delicious food. Visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city with stunning architecture, koi ponds, and Chinese-style pavilions.
Head to the Telus World of Science, a hands-on museum designed for all ages where you can explore the wonders of science and technology. Afterwards, explore the scenic False Creek, a popular spot for jogging, cycling, and boating. You can also catch the ferry to Granville Island from the False Creek Ferry Dock.
Experience the thrill of walking across the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a 140-meter long bridge suspended 70 meters above the Capilano River. Afterwards, head to Grouse Mountain for some skiing, snowboarding, or hiking, depending on the season. Enjoy stunning views of Vancouver from the summit of the mountain.
Drive up the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, which offers breathtaking views of the coastline and mountains. Stop in Squamish to try some rock climbing or zip lining, and continue on to Whistler, a world-renowned ski resort with excellent dining and shopping options.
Take a ferry to Vancouver Island, which is known for its stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. Explore the charming city of Victoria, where you can see historic buildings, visit the Butchart Gardens, and go on a whale watching tour.
Visit Commercial Drive, a vibrant community with a diverse mix of cultures, food, and shopping. Head to the Italian Cultural Centre, which offers a variety of events, classes, and exhibitions related to Italian culture, history, and language. You can also dine in the center's Trattoria, which offers delicious Italian dishes.
Visit the UBC Museum of Anthropology to see more than 9,000 First Nations artifacts and to attend cultural exhibitions, lectures, and events. Afterwards, explore the beauty of the Pacific Spirit Regional Park, which has over 73 km of scenic trails and serene forests.
Visit the Queen Elizabeth Park, which offers spectacular views of the city, gardens, and recreational spaces. Head to the VanDusen Botanical Garden, which has over 50 acres of gardens and a wide range of plant collections from around the world, including a maze and a medicinal garden.
Visit Robson Street, a bustling shopping district with stores, restaurants, and cafes. Explore the Vancouver Art Gallery, which features over 12,000 works of art from local and international artists, including paintings, sculptures, and installations.
Take a walk around the charming neighborhood of Gastown, which has cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and trendy shops. See the famous Gastown Steam Clock, which plays a whistle every 15 minutes. Afterwards, head to the Harbour Centre Tower, which has amazing views of the city from its observation deck.
End your trip in Vancouver by exploring any part of the city that you missed or simply relaxing before your flight. Vancouver International Airport is easily accessible by public transit, taxi, or rental car.
Travelers to Vancouver have several options for getting around the city, including public transit (bus, SkyTrain and seabus), taxi, bike rentals, and car rentals. Single transit fare starts at $3.25, and day passes are available for $10.50. Taxis are metered and usually charge between $2.50 and $3.00 per kilometer. Bike rentals cost around $9.00 per hour, or $39.00 per day. Rental cars are available at the Vancouver International Airport and throughout the city, starting from $25.00 per day.
For travelers with more time, consider adding a day trip to Whale Watching from the Gulf Islands. Additionally, Capilano Suspension Bridge can be combined with other attractions such as Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge for a day trip. If you have less time, consider removing Vancouver Island and Victoria from the itinerary or squeezing a few attractions together.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the only major international airport serving Vancouver. The airport is located in Richmond, which is approximately 25 minutes south of downtown Vancouver. The airport has a wide range of services and amenities, including shops, restaurants, and car rental facilities.