Start the day with a visit to Granville Island, Vancouver's artistic hub where visitors can find a public market, street performers, artisan workshops, and art galleries. For a unique experience, take a 3-hour food tour, exploring the island's tastes and flavors.
Spend the day in Stanley Park, where you can rent bikes or Segways to explore the park's stunning scenery, beaches, wildlife, and attractions such as totem poles, aquarium, and rose garden. In the evening, head to Gastown, a trendy neighborhood filled with bars, restaurants, and local stores. Don't miss the famous Steam Clock, and end the night with a cocktail at The Diamond.
Get your adrenaline pumping with a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you can walk on a 450 feet (137 meters) long suspension bridge, explore a tree canopy, and walk on Cliffwalk, a cliff-side walkway. Afterward, visit Lynn Canyon Park, a free alternative park that offers smaller but equally thrilling suspension bridges and hiking trails.
Take a day trip to Whistler, one of the best ski resorts in North America. Even in the summer, visitors can enjoy a gondola ride with spectacular views or try outdoor activities such as zip-lining, mountain biking, or hiking. To relax, book a spa day at Scandinave Spa or enjoy a wine tasting at one of the local wineries.
While it's possible to get around Vancouver by public transportation, renting a car or taking a taxi might be more convenient, especially for longer trips like Whistler. Expect to spend around CAD 150-200 for a 2-day car rental, or CAD 75-100 for a round trip to Whistler by taxi, which takes around 2 hours.
If you have more time, consider adding a day trip to Victoria, exploring Chinatown or Commercial Drive, or visiting nearby beach towns like White Rock or Squamish. If you have less time, you can skip Capilano Suspension Bridge Park or shorten the duration of the other activities. Always check the weather report and dress accordingly, especially for outdoor activities.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the most convenient airport, located around 13 km south of Vancouver downtown. It's easily accessible by public transportation or taxi, and offers non-stop flights to many international destinations. There's also a smaller airport, Abbotsford International Airport (YXX), located around 78 km east of Vancouver.