8-Day Family Adventure in Vancouver: Culture, Nature, and Food on a Budget

Day 1: Explore Vancouver

Vancouver, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Medina

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Medina, famous for its Belgian waffles and coffee.
Located in the heart of downtown, easily accessible by public transport.
CAD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Stanley Park

Head to Stanley Park for a morning stroll or bike ride along the seawall with stunning views of the city.
Take the bus from downtown to Stanley Park, approximately 15 minutes.
CAD10 (bike rental), 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Fish Shack

Enjoy fresh seafood at The Fish Shack, a laid-back eatery in the city centre.
Take a bus or walk back to the city centre, around 15 minutes.
CAD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Granville Island

Explore the vibrant Granville Island Market, filled with local crafts and mouth-watering food options.
Catch a false creek ferry from downtown to Granville Island, approximately 10 minutes.
CAD8, 2 hours

4:00PM

Volunteer at the Greater Vancouver Food Bank

Spend your afternoon volunteering, helping in their community kitchen to prepare meals.
Take a bus to the location, approximately 20 minutes.
Free, 3 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Nuba

Savour a delicious Lebanese dinner at Nuba, with vegetarian and meat options.
Head back to downtown Vancouver, approximately 25 minutes by bus.
CAD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Vancouver, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at Jam Café

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Jam Café, a local favourite for its retro atmosphere and comfort food.
Take the bus to the café, approximately 15 minutes.
CAD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Museum of Anthropology

Visit the Museum of Anthropology to explore Indigenous art and culture.
Take a bus to UBC, around 25 minutes.
CAD18, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at UBC's Blue Chip Café

Grab a casual lunch at the UBC Blue Chip Café while enjoying views of the campus gardens.
Walk to the café, around 10 minutes from the museum.
CAD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore Kitsilano Beach

Head over to Kitsilano Beach for swimming, beach volleyball, or simply relaxing in the sun.
Take a bus from UBC to Kits Beach, around 30 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery

Enjoy a collection of Canadian works at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Take a bus back to downtown, approximately 20 minutes.
CAD16, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Guu with Garlic

Experience flavourful Japanese izakaya dining at its best in Guu with Garlic.
Short walk from the art gallery, around 10 minutes.
CAD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Nature Exploration

Vancouver, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Way of Tea

Savour a unique breakfast experience at The Way of Tea, known for its organic offerings.
Take a bus to the café, around 15 minutes.
CAD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Lynn Canyon Park

Spend the morning hiking in Lynn Canyon Park featuring trails and the iconic suspension bridge.
Take a bus to Lynn Canyon, approximately 30 minutes.
Free, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Picnic Lunch

Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning nature of Lynn Canyon, with fresh local products from the market.
Prepare at local shops or bring snacks from Granville Island.
CAD10, 1 hour

1:30PM

Deep Cove

After lunch, head to Deep Cove for kayaking or paddleboarding in the tranquil waters.
Take a bus from Lynn Canyon to Deep Cove, around 30 minutes.
CAD30 (kayak rental), 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Queen Elizabeth Park

Enjoy the beautiful gardens and panoramic views at Queen Elizabeth Park.
Take a bus back to downtown, then to Queen Elizabeth Park, approximately 45 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Naam

Indulge in one of the best vegetarian restaurants in Vancouver with an extensive menu at The Naam.
Take a bus to The Naam, around 30 minutes.
CAD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Adventure Day

Vancouver, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Table

Start the day with a fresh and filling breakfast at The Breakfast Table, known for its comfort food.
Take a bus, around 15 minutes.
CAD14, 1 hour

9:30AM

Grouse Mountain Adventure

Take the Skyride up to Grouse Mountain for a day filled with hiking, zip-lining, and breathtaking views.
Take the Skytrain to North Vancouver and then the local bus to Grouse, approximately 1 hour.
CAD60, 4 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Grouse Mountain Chalet

Enjoy a scenic lunch with a view of the mountains at Grouse Mountain's dining facilities.
On-site at Grouse Mountain.
CAD25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Capilano Suspension Bridge

Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for a thrilling walk across the famous bridge.
Take a bus from Grouse Mountain to Capilano, approximately 30 minutes.
CAD58, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Vancouver

Head back to Vancouver city after an exhilarating day of adventures.
Take a bus back, approximately 30 minutes.
CAD5, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Cactus Club Café

Finish your day with a laid-back dinner at Cactus Club Café, offering a diverse menu.
Short walk from the bus stop, around 10 minutes.
CAD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Day Trip to Whistler

Whistler, Canada

7:00AM

Early Breakfast at Save-On-Foods

Grab some quick breakfast items at Save-On-Foods before your trip.
Located conveniently downtown.
CAD10, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Drive to Whistler

Travel to Whistler, famed for its outdoor sports and mountain scenery.
Drive or take a shuttle for about 1.5 hours.
CAD50 (gas or shuttle), 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Whistler Village Explorer

Explore the Whistler Village, filled with shops, cafés, and a lively atmosphere.
Walk around the village which is pedestrian-friendly.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Old Spaghetti Factory

Enjoy a hearty Italian meal at The Old Spaghetti Factory, family-friendly and affordable.
Located in the village, easy walk.
CAD20, 1 hour

1:30PM

Peak 2 Peak Gondola Adventure

Experience the breathtaking views from the world-renowned Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
Access from Whistler Village, very close.
CAD62, 2 hours

3:30PM

Outdoor Activities

Engage in some summer activities such as hiking or biking around Whistler.
Explore on foot or rent bikes nearby.
CAD30, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at A&W

Enjoy a casual meal at A&W, perfect for families after a day full of activities.
Located in Whistler Village.
CAD15, 1 hour

7:30PM

Return to Vancouver

Drive back to Vancouver after an adventurous day.
Take the highway for about 1.5 hours.
CAD50 (gas), 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Excursion to Victoria

Victoria, Canada

7:30AM

Breakfast at Murchie's Tea & Coffee

Enjoy traditional English breakfast fare alongside tea at Murchie's.
Located downtown, easy to access.
CAD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Ferry to Victoria

Take the scenic ferry ride to Victoria, known for its quaint architecture and gardens.
Depart from Tsawwassen ferry terminal; allow time for travel, about 90 minutes.
CAD18, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Butchart Gardens

Explore the stunning flora at Butchart Gardens, a must-see in Victoria.
Bus or taxi from the ferry terminal to the gardens, about 30 minutes.
CAD36, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Blue Poppy Restaurant

Dine in at Butchart Gardens with fresh local dishes.
On-site dining.
CAD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Royal BC Museum

Discover the culture and history of British Columbia at the Royal BC Museum.
Return to Victoria by bus, around 30 minutes.
CAD22, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Whale Watching Tour

Take an exciting whale watching tour through the waters surrounding Victoria.
Local tours depart from downtown near the harbour.
CAD90, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Il Covo Trattoria

Enjoy Italian cuisine with a beautiful view of the harbour at Il Covo.
Short walk from the harbour.
CAD40, 1.5 hours

8:30PM

Return to Vancouver

Catch the ferry back to Vancouver in the evening.
Ferries run regularly from Victoria terminal.
CAD18, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Relaxation and Shopping

Vancouver, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cora

A family-friendly breakfast at Cora with delicious fruit crepes and healthy options.
Located downtown, easily reachable.
CAD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Science World

Explore interactive exhibits that entertain and educate the whole family at Science World.
Take the Skytrain to Main Street, around 15 minutes.
CAD29, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Sticky Wicket

Known for its casual ambience and pub-style food, The Sticky Wicket is situated near downtown.
Take the bus, around 15 minutes.
CAD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Spend time at Vancouver Aquarium

Visit the Vancouver Aquarium to learn about marine life and conservation efforts.
A short bus ride or ferry to Stanley Park, approximately 15 minutes.
CAD40, 2 hours

4:30PM

Shopping on Robson Street

Take the afternoon to shop along Vancouver's iconic Robson Street, filled with shops and boutiques.
Walk from the aquarium, around 20 minutes.
Free (shopping expenses vary), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar

Indulge in steak and other meaty dishes at The Keg, perfect for families.
Return to downtown, approximately 15 minutes by bus.
CAD45, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Farewell Vancouver

Vancouver, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Pure Café

Enjoy a healthy breakfast at The Pure Café, with options for everyone.
Located near your accommodation.
CAD15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Capilano River Park

Take a final stroll or hike in the serene Capilano River Park.
Take a bus to Capilano area, approximately 30 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Last-minute souvenir shopping

Head back to Granville Island for final souvenirs and artisan products.
Return by bus, approximately 30 minutes.
Free (shopping expenses vary), 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Granville Island Oyster Bar

Enjoy a seafood feast one last time at Granville Island before heading home.
On Granville Island, easy walk.
CAD30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Exploring Gastown

Explore Vancouver's historic Gastown with its iconic steam clock and cobblestone streets.
Take a bus from Granville Island to Gastown, approximately 15 minutes.
Free, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Departure

Wrap up your family adventure in Vancouver and head to the airport or train station for your departure.
Use taxi or public transport to your departure point.
Varies, 1 hour
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