Vancouver is a beautiful, vibrant city surrounded by nature and packed with exciting things to see and do, even on a long weekend trip. This itinerary focuses on must-visit highlights and attractions to help you make the most of your limited time. We’ll explore Stanley Park, Granville Island, the Vancouver Aquarium, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Gastown, the Museum of Anthropology, and Grouse Mountain. Day trip options to Victoria, Whistler, and Bowen Island are also included.
You’ll get a taste of natural wonders, local culture, indigenous history, and metropolitan energy. From scenic trails and suspension bridges to informative museums and lively markets, Vancouver has something for everyone. This itinerary balances outdoor adventures with indoor activities so you can experience the best of this cosmopolitan Canadian city while staying fresh and energized. With thoughtful planning, one week is enough to create lasting memories in Vancouver.
Table of Contents
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a 400-hectare natural park located in downtown Vancouver adjacent to the downtown peninsula. It’s one of the largest urban parks in North America and a top attraction in Vancouver. The park features a nearly 8.8 km seawall path encircling the park, with walking and biking trails weaving through giant cedar and cypress trees. Some of the key landmarks and attractions in Stanley Park include:
- Totem Poles – Stanley Park is home to a collection of towering totem poles created by First Nations artists. The most photographed totem poles stand near the park entrance at Brockton Point.
- Vancouver Aquarium – This large aquarium located in Stanley Park displays local aquatic life and has dolphin shows. It’s a top thing to do in Stanley Park with kids.
- Stanley Park Rose Garden – This rose garden contains around 4000 rose bushes and 350 varieties. It’s especially beautiful to stroll through in the summer.
- Seawall – The scenic Seawall path winds along the waterfront perimeter of the park. It’s popular for walking, running, biking and taking in views of the ocean and city skyline.
- Beaches – Stanley Park has a few nice beaches throughout like Second Beach with its heated swimming pool and Third Beach with views of the Lions Gate Bridge.
With its forests, gardens, beaches and seawall, Stanley Park is a nature oasis in the city and one of the top attractions to spend time in Vancouver.
Granville Island
Right in Vancouver’s downtown harbor lies Granville Island, a peninsula packed with unique shops, galleries, restaurants, and entertainment options, bringing a colorful splash of culture to the city.
The Granville Island Public Market sprawls over 50,000 square feet, with hundreds of vendors selling everything from fresh produce, baked goods, and ethnic cuisine to locally made crafts. It’s a hub for gourmet food, with cheese shops, charcuteries, chocolatiers, specialty tea vendors, and dozens of places to grab a quick bite. Indulge in the tastes of the Pacific Northwest, from wild salmon and oysters to seafood chowder and artisan doughnuts.
Beyond the market, Granville Island overflows with creativity. Browse the studios of local glassblowers, potters, painters, jewelry makers, and woodworkers showcasing their handcrafted wares. Catch improv comedy shows and musicals at Granville Island Stage, take in performances at the Vancouver International Dance Centre, or weave through the collections at the Vancouver Art Gallery’s offsite location. Kids love the hands-on activities at the Kid’s Market and Granville Island Water Park.
With its vibrant atmosphere and endless sights, Granville Island is a must-visit on any Vancouver itinerary. Its unique waterfront setting and blend of food, shopping, art and entertainment create an unforgettable experience.
The Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium is one of the top attractions in Vancouver, featuring over 50,000 animals across nearly 200 species. Located in Stanley Park, the aquarium contains outdoor exhibits with local marine life, including sea otters, seals, and penguins. Inside, you’ll find tropical fish, sharks, reptiles, and more from around the world.
Some of the key exhibits at the aquarium include:
- The Steller’s Bay exhibit is home to spotted eagle rays and wolf eels. Watch divers hand-feed the rays up close.
- Discover Canada’s Arctic, which allows you to get face-to-face with puffins, murres, and other cold-water birds.
- The Amazon flooded forest is a lush tropical exhibit with piranhas, arapaima fish, and other Amazonian species.
- Touch pools let kids and adults interact with starfish, sea cucumbers, and other tidepool creatures.
In addition to the exhibits, the Vancouver Aquarium is a leader in conservation and marine research. They operate rescue and rehabilitation programs for marine mammals and sea turtles. The aquarium also has multiple initiatives focused on research and conservation of endangered species like beluga whales. Proceeds from ticket sales help support these critical conservation efforts.
With fun, hands-on exhibits and world-class animal care, the Vancouver Aquarium is an excellent way to spend a day while supporting marine conservation. It’s an attraction kids and adults will both enjoy.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most popular attractions in Vancouver. Spanning 450 feet across and 230 feet above the Capilano River, this wobbling bridge first opened in 1889.
The park offers a mix of rainforest nature trails and living tree canopy walks. Take a stroll over the historic suspension bridge to explore the 27 acres of West Coast temperate rainforest. Look down at the rushing river below through gaps in the bridge’s wooden planks. The park’s Cliffwalk is a cantilevered walkway with a labyrinth of narrow bridges, stairs, and platforms clinging to the granite cliff above the Capilano Canyon. Signs along the trails share forest facts and history.
From the Treetops Adventure, walk among the old-growth giants along 7 suspension bridges through evergreen canopies at varying heights up to 110 feet. This network of platforms, bridges, and trails offers unique perspectives looking down on ferns and moss below. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a peaceful escape into the lush Pacific Northwest rainforest just minutes from downtown Vancouver.
Gastown
Gastown is a must-visit neighborhood in Vancouver known for its history and culture. This trendy area features unique shops, restaurants, galleries, and lively nightlife.
As Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, Gastown gives visitors a glimpse into the city’s past. Many of the stone and brick buildings lining the cobblestone streets date back to the late 1800s. Be sure to check out the iconic Steam Clock, a famous landmark powered by steam.
Foodies will love browsing the diverse culinary offerings in Gastown. Head to one of the area’s popular restaurants to try locally sourced seafood, bison, craft beer, or authentic French cuisine. For a casual bite, stop into a cafe or pub.
After dining, stroll along Water Street to browse the independent boutiques. You’ll find chic clothing, one-of-a-kind home decor, jewelry, and more. Pop into a gallery to admire contemporary Canadian art.
When night falls, Gastown comes alive with trendy bars and lounges. Sip on creative cocktails as you take in the lively nighttime energy. This vibrant area offers nonstop evening entertainment.
With its hip ambiance and refined offerings, Gastown is a must-visit for experiencing Vancouver’s arts, culture, food, and shopping scenes. Don’t miss out on exploring this dynamic neighborhood.
Museum of Anthropology
The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is one of Vancouver’s must-see attractions, especially for those interested in First Nations art and culture. Located on the UBC campus, the museum houses one of the world’s finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations art and artifacts.
The museum’s Great Hall showcases an impressive collection of totem poles, canoes, ceremonial masks, bentwood boxes, and other examples of craftsmanship by First Nations artists. One of the highlights is the Raven and the First Men collection of poles depicting a Haida origin legend. Visitors can also view the incredible Great Canoes hanging from the hall’s ceiling.
In addition, the museum features thoughtful and engaging exhibits on the history and living cultures of British Columbia’s First Peoples. The Multiversity Galleries provide an immersive look at the diversity between coastal and interior communities. The Canadian Journeys gallery focuses on pre-contact and early contact history. Rotating exhibits showcase contemporary indigenous artists and current issues.
With its incredible collections, cultural insights, and scenic cliffside setting, the Museum of Anthropology is an essential destination for understanding and appreciating the deep traditions of creativity and artistry among British Columbia’s First Nations. It provides a memorable and moving experience for any visitor interested in indigenous art and culture.
Grouse Mountain
A trip to Vancouver isn’t complete without a visit to Grouse Mountain, a must-visit attraction located 15 minutes from downtown. Take the Skyride up the mountain and enjoy breathtaking views over the city and ocean from an elevation of over 4,100 feet.
The views from the top allow you to see all the way to Vancouver Island and on clear days, even to Mount Baker in Washington State. Be sure to take the chairlift to the peak of the mountain for the absolute best panoramic views.
In addition to the incredible scenery, there are lots of activities available on Grouse Mountain. Go for a hike on one of the many mountain trails, take a guided nature walk to learn about the area’s wildlife, or visit the Grizzly Bear Refuge to see orphaned bear cubs.
In the winter, Grouse Mountain transforms into a ski and snowboard area with 25 runs spread over 64 acres. The mountaintop even has an outdoor skating rink with impressive views.
No matter the season, Grouse Mountain promises stunning vistas and plenty of things to keep you entertained. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for breathtaking views of Vancouver.
Day Trips
While Vancouver has plenty to offer, there are a few options for easy day trips just a short trip away. Some top day trip options include:
- Whistler: Located just 2 hours north of Vancouver, Whistler is a world-renowned destination for skiing and snowboarding in the winter. But it also offers plenty of summer activities like mountain biking, hiking, and scenic gondola rides. The scenic Sea to Sky Highway makes getting there part of the fun.
- Victoria: BC’s charming capital city is located on Vancouver Island, just a 90-minute ferry ride away. Wander through the lively Inner Harbour, visit the beautiful Butchart Gardens, and enjoy high tea at the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel.
- Vancouver Island: In addition to Victoria, there are many other great spots to explore on Vancouver Island. Some highlights include Tofino for stunning beaches and surfing, Pacific Rim National Park for rugged wilderness, and Nanaimo for kayaking and whales. You can take a day trip ferry over and explore.
- The Sunshine Coast: A hidden gem with charming coastal towns like Gibsons and Sechelt located just a 40-minute ferry ride from Vancouver. Ideal for a relaxing getaway with beaches, hiking, and local seafood.
With so many options close by, it’s easy to pair a trip to Vancouver with an unforgettable day trip or two. Whistler, Victoria, and Vancouver Island offer some of the best options to make your trip complete.
Conclusion
Vancouver is a dynamic and diverse city with so much to see and do. From exploring Stanley Park’s forests and beaches to wandering the historic cobblestone streets of Gastown, to the funky shops and markets of Granville Island, there are many exciting neighborhoods and attractions to experience. Don’t miss must-see destinations like the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, and the Vancouver Aquarium.
Make time as well for the world-class Museum of Anthropology on the UBC campus. And if you have a few days, take a scenic day trip out to Victoria or Whistler to see more of beautiful British Columbia. With a week in Vancouver you’ll get a great introduction to this cosmopolitan Canadian city and the natural wonders that surround it.
To summarize, some top recommendations are:
- Spend a day walking and biking through iconic Stanley Park
- Check out the waterfront and lively markets at Granville Island
- Get up close to marine life at the Vancouver Aquarium
- Walk across the thrilling Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Wander historic Gastown and visit its unique shops and galleries
- Tour the Museum of Anthropology’s exhibits of Pacific Northwest art and culture
- Take the gondola up Grouse Mountain for mountain views
- If time allows, make a day trip to Victoria or Whistler
With so much scenic beauty and urban energy, Vancouver offers an unforgettable travel experience. Follow this one week itinerary to see the best of this amazing city.
Don’t forget to check our comprehensive guide Discover The World: The Ultimate Guide to Intuitive Travel Planning.
Plan your trip with ease by visiting our Accommodation and Transportation pages. Discover unbeatable deals for a seamless and unforgettable Vancouver adventure!