12-Day Vancouver Adventure: Nature, City, and Unforgettable Parties on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Arrival

Vancouver, Canada

3:00PM

Check-In to Accommodation

Settle into your hostel or budget hotel downtown to recharge after your travels.
Walking from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to downtown takes about 30 minutes.
CAD90, 1 hour

5:00PM

Explore Granville Island

Stroll around the vibrant markets for local crafts and food.
Take the False Creek Ferry from downtown to Granville Island.
CAD10, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Spaghetti Factory

Enjoy a hearty Italian meal with generous portions without breaking the bank.
Walk back to downtown.
CAD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: City Exploration

Vancouver, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Artigiano

Start your day with a delicious cappuccino and a breakfast sandwich.
Walk to the café in downtown.
CAD12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Feel the thrill of crossing this iconic suspension bridge surrounded by nature.
Take the bus from downtown - approximately 30 minutes.
CAD54, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Village Taphouse

Refuel with some pub fare and local craft beer.
Walking back to the bus station.
CAD20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Stroll in Stanley Park

Explore beautiful trails and see the famed totem poles.
Walk to Stanley Park.
Free, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Naam

Indulge in healthy vegetarian dishes available 24/7.
Walk from Stanley Park to The Naam.
CAD18, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening at English Bay Beach

Watch the sunset and relax by the beach.
Walking distance from The Naam.
Free, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: North Shore Adventure

Vancouver, Canada

7:30AM

Breakfast at Jethro’s Fine Grub

Start the day with hefty portions of maple bacon pancakes.
Take the bus to North Vancouver.
CAD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Hike Grouse Mountain

Tackle the Grouse Grind for stunning views of the city.
Take the Skyride from the base to the top.
CAD61, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Grouse Mountain BBQ

Enjoy a tasty lunch at the mountaintop spot with panoramic views.
Dining located at the mountain top.
CAD25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Zip Lining in Grouse Mountain

Experience the thrill of zip-lining with breathtaking forest views.
Activity is booked at the park.
CAD149, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Beach House

Savour seafood with a stunning view of the ocean.
Bus back to West Vancouver then walk.
CAD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Whistler Day Trip

Whistler, Canada

6:00AM

Early Breakfast at Tim Hortons

Grab a quick coffee and breakfast sandwich to fuel up for the exciting day ahead.
Walk to the nearby Tim Hortons.
CAD10, 30 minutes

7:00AM

Trip to Whistler

Take a scenic bus ride to Whistler amidst breathtaking mountainous views.
Book a Greyhound bus directly to Whistler.
CAD45, 2 hours

9:30AM

Explore Whistler Village

Wander through this charming pedestrian village filled with shops and outdoor activities.
Walking around the village.
Free, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Old Spaghetti Factory

Cotton to the mountain vibe with a hearty pasta meal.
Close to the village center.
CAD20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Zip Lining in Whistler

Soar through the trees and feel the rush of adventure.
Close proximity to the village.
CAD149, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Vancouver

Enjoy the bus ride back as you reflect on day’s adventures.
Greyhound bus for return.
CAD45, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The White Spot

Wind down with classic burgers and casual dining.
Walk to the restaurant from bus station.
CAD20, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Gastown and Chinatown

Vancouver, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Pancake House

Devour a delightful stack of pancakes with maple syrup.
Walk to the café in Gastown.
CAD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Explore Gastown

Visit the iconic Steam Clock and wander charming cobblestone streets.
Leisurely walk around Gastown.
Free, 2 hours

11:00AM

Visit Chinatown

Stroll through the rich culture, visiting markets and shops.
Walk from Gastown to Chinatown.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hon’s Wun-Tun House

Savour delicious dim sum at a local favourite.
Walk to the restaurant.
CAD18, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Classical Chinese Garden

Experience tranquility in this beautiful authentic classical garden.
Short walk to the garden.
CAD14, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Take a Walk at False Creek

Relax by the water while enjoying the views of the city.
Walk to False Creek.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Nuba

Enjoy Lebanese flavours in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Walk to the restaurant.
CAD25, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Relaxing in Stanley Park

Vancouver, Canada

9:00AM

Breakfast at The Breakfast Table

Start off the day with an energizing smoothie and a breakfast burrito.
Walking distance from downtown.
CAD15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Cycle around Stanley Park

Rent a bike and explore the scenic sea wall and beaches.
Bicycle rentals are available in the park.
CAD10, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Prospect Point Café

Enjoy a light lunch with stunning views of the Lions Gate Bridge.
Inside the park, easy access.
CAD20, 1 hour

2:30PM

Explore the Vancouver Aquarium

Discover marine life and conservation efforts at this renowned aquarium.
Easy walk within Stanley Park.
CAD42, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Cactus Club Cafe

Savour modern Canadian cuisine with a trendy vibe.
Walk back to the cafe.
CAD30, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Watch a Show at Stanley Park Pavilion

Catch an outdoor show or live music, spending a lovely evening.
Short walk from the cafe.
CAD20, 2 hours
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Day 7: Victoria Day Trip

Victoria, Canada

6:30AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Fuel up with grab-and-go refreshments or pastries.
Provided at hostel.
Free, 30 minutes

7:00AM

Take the Ferry to Victoria

Enjoy the relaxing ferry ride across the picturesque Gulf Islands.
Book a ferry from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay.
CAD45, 1.5 hours

9:00AM

Explore the Royal BC Museum

Learn about the cultural and natural history of British Columbia.
Take local transit to downtown Victoria.
CAD20, 2 hours

11:30AM

Walk the Inner Harbour

Witness stunning views and iconic landmarks along the harbourfront.
Walk from the museum.
Free, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Red Fish Blue Fish

Indulge in fresh, local seafood at this popular food truck.
Walk to the food truck by the harbour.
CAD15, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Butchart Gardens

Experience the breathtaking floral displays in this world-renowned garden.
Take local transit or shuttle to Butchart.
CAD38, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Reef

Enjoy Caribbean-inspired dishes as you reflect on the day's adventures.
Travel back to town, then to the restaurant.
CAD25, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Return Ferry to Vancouver

Enjoy the scenic views one last time before heading back.
Ferry from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen.
CAD45, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Beach Day at Kitsilano

Vancouver, Canada

9:00AM

Breakfast at Green Leaf Cafe

A perfect morning with smoothie bowls and fresh juices overlooking the beach.
Take the bus to Kitsilano.
CAD15, 1 hour

10:00AM

Kit's Beach Fun

Relax on the sandy beach or play beach volleyball.
Walking distance from the café.
Free, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Sandbar

Savour unique seafood dishes with a beach view.
Walk to the restaurant.
CAD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Vanier Park

Explore nearby parks offering views of the city and mountains.
Short walk to the park.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Boathouse

Enjoy a waterfront dining experience with local seafood.
Walk to the restaurant on the beachfront.
CAD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Capilano Adventure

Vancouver, Canada

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Buzz Cafe

Delight in a hearty breakfast sandwich and coffee before another bout of adventure.
Take the bus from downtown.
CAD12, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge

Challenging yourself with heights and breathtaking views on the iconic bridge.
Bus ride to Capilano Park.
CAD54, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Bridge House Restaurant

Enjoy relaxing views with your meal at the Capilano Park.
Located within the park.
CAD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Nature Walks in the Park

Embark on beautiful trails to witness nature firsthand with scenic views.
Easy access walking routes within park.
Free, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Downtown Vancouver

Unwind with a bus ride back to downtown after an adventurous day.
Catch the return bus.
CAD10, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Japadog

Indulge in a Japanese twist on hot dogs that you can't miss!
Walking distance from the bus stop.
CAD10, 1 hour
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Day 10: Nightlife in Granville Island

Vancouver, Canada

10:00AM

Breakfast at The Greenhorn Cafe

Discover local treats in a cozy atmosphere to energize for a day of relaxation.
Walk towards the cafe.
CAD12, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Granville Island during the Day

Enjoy artisanal markets and local crafts before the night begins.
Within Granville Island.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch from Granville Island Public Market

Grab diverse gourmet food options like fresh sushi or a delicious burger.
Enjoy the experience at the market.
CAD18, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at The Sandbar

Dine on quality seafood with a lovely view of the water.
Walking distance within Granville Island.
CAD30, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Enjoy the Nightlife

Hit the local pubs and clubs for a vibrant bachelor or bachelorette party atmosphere.
Stroll around and visit multiple locations.
Varies, 4 hours
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Day 11: Foodie Tour

Vancouver, Canada

9:00AM

Brunch at OEB Breakfast Co.

Indulge in a lavish brunch with signature dishes.
Walking distance from downtown.
CAD30, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit a few local Breweries

Sample unique local beers on a brewery tour.
Walk or ride local transit to breweries.
CAD25, 3 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Vancouver Food Trucks

Explore various food trucks for quick bites and local flavours.
Walk around downtown for food truck area.
CAD15, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Visit the Vancouver Farmers Market

Explore local produce and homemade goods.
Public transport to farmers market location.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Miku

Savour fine Japanese sushi made with local ingredients.
Walking from the farmers market.
CAD50, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Departure

Vancouver, Canada

8:00AM

Final Breakfast at The Chilliwack Café

Enjoy a locally-sourced breakfast to wrap up your trip.
Walking distance from the hotel.
CAD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Last-minute Shopping

Grab some souvenirs to remember your adventure in Vancouver.
Visit Granville Street shops.
Varies, 2 hours

12:00PM

Check-Out and Departure

Time to say goodbye to this beautiful city as you plan your next adventure.
Travel to airport via SkyTrain.
CAD10, 1 hour
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