8-Day Vancouver and Surroundings Itinerary: Nature, Culture & Urban Exploration

Day 1: Downtown Sights

Vancouver, Canada on May 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Jam Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with classic Canadian comfort food at this popular spot, opening at 8am to start your day energized.
CAD20, 1h0m

9:45am

Vancouver Public Library

Explore the architecturally stunning central library, a cultural hub featuring exhibitions and quiet reading spaces. Open from 9am to 9pm.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Waterfront Station

Visit this historic transportation hub to appreciate its architecture and get orientation for the city.
Free, 30m

11:45am

Lunch at Miku Restaurant

Have lunch at Miku, famous for its Aburi sushi and waterfront views. Open from 11:30am.
CAD45, 1h15m

1:15pm

Vancouver Lookout Tower

Ascend the Lookout Tower for panoramic views of downtown Vancouver and surrounding mountains, open 10am to 9pm.
CAD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Gastown and Steam Clock

Stroll historical Gastown district, admire the famous steam clock and unique shops. Perfect for photos and light shopping.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at L'Abattoir

Dine in this trendy Gastown restaurant offering Pacific Northwest cuisine in a stylish setting. Open from 5pm.
CAD50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Stanley Park & Seawall

Vancouver, Canada on May 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Medina

Savor Mediterranean-inspired breakfast dishes at Café Medina, known for waffles and brunch classics. Opens at 8am.
CAD25, 1h0m

9:30am

Stanley Park

Explore Vancouver’s largest urban park featuring forests, beaches, and First Nations totem poles. Open all day.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Seawall Walk

Walk the famous seawall around Stanley Park, offering scenic views of the ocean, mountains, and city skyline.
Free, 2h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at The Teahouse in Stanley Park

Enjoy lunch at this charming restaurant overlooking the park and beach, perfect for casual dining.
CAD35, 1h15m

4:00pm

Relax or rent bikes for more park exploration

Rent bikes or relax by the beach, taking in sunset views along the water.
CAD25 bike rental, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cactus Club Café

Dine with views of English Bay and enjoy contemporary West Coast cuisine, open until 10pm.
CAD45, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Bridges & Parks

Vancouver, Canada on May 30, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Greenhorn Café

Start early with hearty breakfast options at this local favorite, opens at 7am.
CAD15, 1h0m

8:45am

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Walk across the iconic suspension bridge and explore surrounding rainforest trails and treetop adventures. Opens 9am.
CAD55, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Capilano Suspension Bridge Café

Light lunch at the on-site café offering sandwiches and refreshments.
CAD20, 45m

1:00pm

Lynn Canyon Park

Enjoy picnic spots and a free suspension bridge in this beautiful park with waterfalls and hiking trails.
Free, 2h0m

3:30pm

Return to Vancouver and free time

Rest or explore local shops downtown at your leisure.
Free, Evening

6:30pm

Dinner at Blue Water Cafe

Dine on exceptional seafood with Northwest flavors in downtown Vancouver. Reservation recommended. Open until 10pm.
CAD60, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Mountain Views

Vancouver, Canada on May 31, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Breka Bakery & Café

Fuel up with freshly baked pastries and coffee, open 24 hours.
CAD12, 45m

8:00am

Grouse Mountain

Take the Skyride gondola up to Grouse Mountain for hiking, wildlife exhibits, and panoramic views. Opens 8:30am.
CAD65, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Altitudes Bistro

Enjoy gourmet lunch with breathtaking mountain vistas at the bistro atop Grouse Mountain.
CAD40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Cypress Lookout

Drive to Cypress Provincial Park for stunning lookout views and short hiking trails. Parking fee applies.
CAD10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Vancouver and dinner at The Naam

Enjoy casual, vegetarian comfort food at this 24-hour restaurant famous in Vancouver’s Kitsilano area.
CAD25, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Whistler Day Trip

Whistler, Canada on June 1, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel or to-go

Prepare for an all-day excursion to Whistler.
CAD15, 30m

7:30am

Drive/Bus to Whistler

Enjoy scenic 1.5 to 2-hour drive along Sea-to-Sky Highway towards Whistler.
CAD0, 2h0m

9:30am

Shannon Falls

Stop by Shannon Falls Provincial Park to see the spectacular 335-meter waterfall. Open daily, free admission.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Explore Whistler Village

Tour the pedestrian village with shops, cafes, and galleries.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Bearfoot Bistro

Delight in contemporary Canadian cuisine and unique cocktails. Open from noon.
CAD50, 1h15m

2:30pm

Whistler Peak to Peak Gondola

Take this spectacular gondola ride for mountain vistas and hiking options.
CAD60, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Vancouver

Drive back for a restful evening.
CAD0, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Local Public Eatery

Casual dinner featuring Canadian pub fare in West Broadway neighborhood. Open until 11pm.
CAD30, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Richmond Culture & Village

Richmond, Canada on June 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Richmond Brighouse

Start with options in Richmond Center Mall food court or nearby cafes from 8am.
CAD15, 1h0m

9:30am

International Buddhist Temple

Visit this beautiful temple with traditional Chinese architecture and tranquil gardens. Open 9am-4pm.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Richmond Gurudwara

Explore the golden-domed Sikh temple, an important cultural and religious site.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Steveston Village

Enjoy fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf or nearby restaurants in this charming fishing village.
CAD35, 1h15m

2:00pm

Steveston Village Exploration

Browse shops, visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery, and enjoy harbor views.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Richmond Center Mall Shopping

Return to the mall for browsing, souvenirs, and leisure shopping.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Acorn

Indulge in outstanding vegetarian cuisine in Vancouver, reservation advised.
CAD45, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Beaches & Gardens

Vancouver, Canada on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Lula Café

Enjoy locally-sourced creative breakfast dishes, opening at 8am.
CAD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Kitsilano Beach

Relax or walk along this popular beach with stunning mountain and city views. Open all day.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Explore 55 acres of beautiful themed gardens and plant collections. Open 10am-7pm.
CAD12, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at The Naam

Dine at this iconic vegetarian spot near Kitsilano Beach, open 24hrs. Great for a casual meal.
CAD25, 1h0m

2:45pm

Relax or shop around Kitsilano

Explore local shops, galleries, and cafés in Kitsilano neighborhood.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at AnnaLena

Indulge in inventive West Coast dishes in a warm, modern setting. Open till 10pm.
CAD50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Conservatory & Mall

Vancouver, Canada on June 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Artigiano

Start the day with excellent coffee and light breakfast options, opening 7am.
CAD12, 45m

9:30am

Bloedel Conservatory

Visit this tropical garden conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park, home to exotic plants and birds. Open 10am-5pm.
CAD7.75, 1h30m

11:15am

Queen Elizabeth Park stroll

Wander the surrounding gardens and take in mountain views.
Free, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Seasons in the Park

Lunch overlooking the city and gardens, renowned for seasonal cuisine. Opens 11:30am.
CAD40, 1h30m

2:30pm

CF Pacific Mall

Spend the afternoon shopping in Canada’s largest Asian mall with diverse shops and eateries.
Free, 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Dinesty Dumpling House (Pacific Mall)

Enjoy high-quality Taiwanese dumplings and noodles to end your trip with authentic flavors.
CAD25, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability