Vancouver, British Columbia-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Vancouver

Places to Go:

  • Stanley Park: A must-visit attraction in Vancouver. This massive park offers stunning views of the city skyline, beaches, trails, and a variety of wildlife.
  • Grouse Mountain: For panoramic views of the city, head to Grouse Mountain’s summit. You can also visit the mountain’s wildlife refuge, which is home to grizzly bears, wolves, and other animals.

Activities:

  • Visit the nearby Museum of Anthropology to learn about Indigenous cultures in British Columbia.
  • Explore the trendy shops and cafes along Robson Street, one of Vancouver’s main shopping districts.

Where to Eat:

  • Try some fresh seafood at Tojo’s Restaurant, a world-renowned eatery located on Robson Street.
  • For a unique dining experience, head to Guu with Garlic, a Japanese restaurant with a lively atmosphere and delicious food.

Where to Stay:

  • Consider staying at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, which offers stunning views of the harbor and comfortable accommodations.
  • Alternatively, try the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, a modern hotel located in the heart of downtown.

Things to Know:

  • The weather in Vancouver can be unpredictable, so pack layers for your trip!
  • Be sure to explore the city’s many neighborhoods, such as Gastown and Kitsilano, which offer unique shopping and dining experiences.

Transportation:

  • To get around the city, use public transportation or take a ride-hailing service like Uber.
  • Consider purchasing a Translink transit pass for unlimited access to buses and skytrains.

Tips:

  • Don’t miss the vibrant Granville Island Public Market, which offers fresh produce, seafood, and local crafts.
  • If you’re visiting in the summer, be sure to check out the city’s many outdoor events and festivals, such as the Vancouver International Jazz Festival.

Day 2: Granville Island and Kitsilano

Places to Go:

  • Granville Island Public Market: As mentioned earlier, this bustling market is a must-visit for foodies.
  • Kitsilano Beach: Spend some time relaxing on this beautiful beach, which offers stunning views of the city skyline.

Activities:

  • Take a stroll along the picturesque Seawall, which runs around Stanley Park and other beaches in Vancouver.
  • Visit the Vancouver Maritime Museum to learn about the city’s rich maritime history.

Where to Eat:

  • Try some delicious seafood at The Fish Counter, a popular eatery located on Granville Island.
  • For a unique dining experience, head to Cactus Club Cafe, which offers a modern twist on traditional Canadian cuisine.

Where to Stay:

  • Consider staying at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel again, or try the Coastal Hotel Vancouver, a comfortable hotel located in the heart of Kitsilano.

Things to Know:

  • Be sure to check out the Granville Island Public Market’s food blog for inspiration and recommendations.
  • If you’re visiting in the summer, be aware that the beach areas can get crowded.

Transportation:

  • To get to Granville Island from downtown Vancouver, take a bus or ride-hailing service.
  • Alternatively, walk or bike across the Granville Street Bridge, which offers stunning views of the city skyline.

Day 3: Gastown and Chinatown

Places to Go:

  • Gastown: This historic neighborhood is known for its cobblestone streets, trendy shops, and lively atmosphere.
  • Chinatown: Visit this vibrant area, which offers a unique shopping experience and delicious Chinese cuisine.

Activities:

  • Take a guided tour of Gastown to learn about the neighborhood’s rich history.
  • Explore the many shops and cafes along Carrall Street, one of Vancouver’s main shopping districts.

Where to Eat:

  • Try some delicious Asian fusion food at Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie, a popular eatery located in Chinatown.
  • For a unique dining experience, head to Guu with Garlic, a Japanese restaurant with a lively atmosphere and delicious food.

Where to Stay:

  • Consider staying at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel again, or try the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, a modern hotel located in the heart of downtown.
  • Alternatively, try the Gastown Hotel, a boutique hotel that offers comfortable accommodations and a unique experience.

Things to Know:

  • Be aware that Gastown can get crowded on weekends and holidays.
  • If you’re visiting during the summer, be sure to check out the city’s many outdoor events and festivals.

Day 4: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Places to Go:

  • Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: This popular attraction offers stunning views of the surrounding forest and a variety of activities.
  • First Nations Village: Visit this unique village, which showcases Indigenous culture and traditions.

Activities:

  • Take a guided tour of the park to learn about its natural and cultural significance.
  • Try your hand at forest bathing, a unique activity that allows you to connect with nature.

Where to Eat:

  • Try some delicious food at The Suspension Bridge Cafe, which offers stunning views of the surrounding forest.
  • For a unique dining experience, head to The Cliff House Restaurant, which offers upscale cuisine and stunning views of the ocean.

Where to Stay:

  • Consider staying at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel again, or try the Coastal Hotel Vancouver, a comfortable hotel located in the heart of Kitsilano.
  • Alternatively, try the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Hotel, a boutique hotel that offers comfortable accommodations and a unique experience.

Things to Know:

  • Be sure to check out the park’s many events and festivals throughout the year.
  • If you’re visiting during the summer, be aware that the park can get crowded.

Day 5: Cypress Mountain

Places to Go:

  • Cypress Mountain: This popular ski resort offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a variety of activities.
  • Lions Gate Bridge: Visit this iconic bridge, which offers stunning views of the city skyline.

Activities:

  • Take a guided tour of the mountain to learn about its natural and cultural significance.
  • Try your hand at snowboarding or skiing, depending on the season.

Where to Eat:

  • Try some delicious food at The Summit Restaurant, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • For a unique dining experience, head to The Mountain Café, which offers upscale cuisine and stunning views of the ocean.

Where to Stay:

  • Consider staying at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel again, or try the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, a modern hotel located in the heart of downtown.
  • Alternatively, try the Cypress Mountain Resort Hotel, a boutique hotel that offers comfortable accommodations and a unique experience.

Things to Know:

  • Be sure to check out the resort’s many events and festivals throughout the year.
  • If you’re visiting during the summer, be aware that the mountain can get crowded.