Vancouver is a vibrant, multicultural city surrounded by beautiful natural scenery. This 7-day itinerary covers some of the top sights and neighborhoods in Vancouver, as well as a day trip to Victoria.
This itinerary includes:
- Exploring downtown Vancouver, including Canada Place and Robson Street
- Taking in the views of the city from North Vancouver
- Experiencing Richmond’s Asian cuisine and culture
- Walking through historic Gastown and Chinatown
- Visiting Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium, and VanDusen Botanical Garden
- Taking a day trip to Victoria on Vancouver Island
- Ending with some time to relax or shop before your departure
Whether you love the outdoors, food, architecture, or culture, this Vancouver itinerary has something for you. Get ready for an amazing week exploring one of Canada’s most exciting cities!
Table of Contents
Day 1 – Downtown Vancouver
Start your first day in Vancouver by heading to Canada Place, the iconic building that looks like a ship with 5 sails. Canada Place is right by the waterfront and next to the Pan Pacific Hotel. You can walk along the pier, admire the scenery across Burrard Inlet, and check out the CN Tower. If you’re feeling hungry, there are many restaurants inside Canada Place to choose from.
After checking out Canada Place, head over to Robson Street, one of the most popular shopping streets in Vancouver. Robson Street is filled with boutique shops, restaurants, cafes, and more. You’ll find both local shops and major international brands here. Some of the top stores to check out include Lululemon, Aritzia, Sephora, and Maple. Stop for a bite at one of the many cafes dotted along Robson Street.
In the afternoon, make your way over to Granville Island. This peninsula and shopping district is filled with artisan shops, galleries, restaurants, and entertainment options. Wander through the Public Market and check out the various food stalls and small shops selling arts, crafts, and souvenirs. Granville Island is also home to breweries and distilleries offering tours and tastings.
End your first day by visiting Stanley Park, a magnificent green space offering beautiful natural scenery. Walk, bike, or drive along the seawall for views of the ocean, mountains, and forest. Be sure to see Prospect Point, Third Beach, and Lost Lagoon. Visit attractions like the Vancouver Aquarium and totem poles. If you have time, walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge for stunning rainforest views.
Day 2 – North Vancouver
Start your second day by heading over to North Vancouver. This area of Vancouver offers plenty of outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
No trip to Vancouver is complete without visiting the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge. First built in 1889, this 450-foot-long suspension bridge sits 230 feet above the Capilano River. Walk out over the canyon on the wobbly bridge for majestic views of old-growth forests. Make sure to stop at the Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk – walkways high up in the trees and along the canyon. End your visit with some local First Nations history at Kia’palano.
Grouse Mountain
Take the Skyride gondola up to the peak of Grouse Mountain. At the top, get incredible views over Vancouver from the Observation Deck. Or walk out on the Eye of the Wind glass floor skywalk suspended over a cliff. Try ice skating, lumberjack shows, chairlift rides, or skiing in season. Go for a hike on one of the many wilderness trails. And say hello to the resident Grizzly Bears, Grinder, and Coola.
Lynn Canyon
For a free alternative to Capilano, visit the beautiful Lynn Canyon in North Vancouver. Walk over the 50-meter-long suspension bridge for gorgeous forest views. Hike around the lush rainforest and along gurgling creeks. Picnic by one of the swimming holes, or take an outdoor yoga class. See 30-foot-high Lynn Falls and the twin Cascades. This is the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Where to Eat
Fuel up on delicious food in North Vancouver after all that time outdoors. Good spots include Burgoo Bistro for hearty gourmet comfort food, Carracho’s for tacos and ceviche, and Obstruction Brewing for pizza and craft beer.
Day 3 – Richmond
For nature enthusiasts, the serene Richmond Nature Park provides tranquil walking trails amidst lush greenery, perfect for birdwatching and picnics. History buffs can immerse themselves in the past at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, learning about the region’s fishing industry heritage. Additionally, the Richmond Olympic Oval offers a variety of sports and fitness activities, including ice skating and rock climbing, making Richmond a dynamic destination for all interests.
Whale watching is another exciting activity in Richmond, Vancouver. Several tour operators offer guided excursions departing from nearby Steveston Village or Vancouver’s neighboring communities. These tours provide the opportunity to witness majestic whales, such as orcas, humpbacks, and gray whales, in their natural habitat along the scenic coast of British Columbia. With knowledgeable guides providing insights into marine life and the local ecosystem, whale watching in Richmond offers unforgettable experiences for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Don’t forget to visit the Richmond Night Market for a taste of Asian street food and shopping. Open from mid-May through October, the night market features over 200+ food stalls along with market-style shopping for clothing, accessories, and souvenirs. Wander the neon-lit stalls and sample delicious bites like Korean fried chicken, takoyaki, and Taiwanese ice cream rolls.
Finish off the night at Aberdeen Centre, Canada’s largest Asian mall. This vibrant indoor mall contains restaurants serving cuisines from across Asia, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and more. There are also beauty spas, arcades, and shops selling everything from boba tea to anime collectibles. It’s the perfect place to pick up some unique souvenirs before your Richmond excursion ends.
Day 4 – Gastown & Chinatown
Start your fourth day by exploring the historic neighborhood of Gastown. This charming area features cobblestone streets, Victorian-era buildings, and bustling shops and restaurants. Don’t miss the iconic Steam Clock in the heart of Gastown, which puffs steam every 15 minutes.
After grabbing breakfast or coffee in Gastown, make your way to Chinatown. Vancouver’s Chinatown is one of the largest in North America. Wander through the vibrant streets lined with produce markets, souvenir shops, and restaurants. Stop for an authentic dim sum lunch, or try some traditional Chinese desserts like egg tarts or sesame balls.
One highlight of Chinatown is the Chinese Cultural Centre, which offers exhibits on Chinese-Canadian history and culture. It’s also worth visiting the nearby Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the first authentic Chinese garden built outside of China. This tranquil oasis offers ponds, stone pathways, and elegant pavilions.
Spend the afternoon exploring more of Chinatown and discovering unique shops and eateries. This district truly showcases Chinese heritage and traditions in an engaging way. Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs!
Day 5 – Vancouver Aquarium & VanDusen Botanical Garden
The Vancouver Aquarium is a must-see located in beautiful Stanley Park. Some highlights include:
- Seeing beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters, and seals up close in engaging exhibits
- Walking through the outdoor forest and coastal trail exhibits to see animals like wolves, cougars, and bears
- Visiting the Amazon Gallery with piranhas, electric eels, and other exotic fish
- Seeing the stellar sea lion show and being amazed at their agility and training
- Exploring aquarium galleries like Treasures of the BC Coast to learn about local aquatic life
After visiting the aquarium, head over to VanDusen Botanical Garden. Spread over 22 hectares, the gardens have diverse botanical collections showcasing plants from around the world. Some top attractions:
- The Elizabethan hedge maze with over 3000 pyramidal cedars
- Rhododendron Walk showcasing hundreds of rhododendrons and azaleas
- Livingstone Lake with water lilies and other aquatic plants
- Sino-Himalayan Garden with Chinese and Himalayan-themed landscaping
- Korean Pavilion with unique Korean architecture amidst gardens
Spend an afternoon taking in the natural beauty and diversity of plant species at VanDusen Garden. The vibrant colors and textures of flowers, trees, shrubs, and other plants make it a true urban oasis.
Day 6 – Day Trip to Victoria
No trip to Vancouver is complete without a visit to the charming city of Victoria located on Vancouver Island. Victoria can be reached in just over an hour by ferry from Vancouver. For this day trip, take an early morning BC Ferries sailing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay. Upon arrival, pick up a rental car or take transit into downtown Victoria.
Start your day at the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Wander through the Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, and other meticulously designed garden areas showcasing a dazzling array of flowers and landscaping. After exploring the gardens, head over to the historic Inner Harbour and enjoy lunch along the waterfront.
Next, visit the Royal BC Museum to learn about the natural and human history of British Columbia and see an array of First Nations artifacts. Some of the museum’s highlights include a woolly mammoth skeleton and a walk-through replica of an old gold rush town.
Finish off the day back at the Inner Harbour. Stroll along the waterfront, check out the Parliament Buildings, and do some shopping and dining before catching the evening ferry back to Vancouver. You’ll arrive back in Vancouver just in time for a late dinner. With its temperate climate, laidback vibe, and wealth of attractions, Victoria is a perfect way to complement your Vancouver itinerary.
Day 7 – Departure from YVR
After a week full of exploring Vancouver’s top neighborhoods, tourist attractions, and natural landscapes, it’s time to head home from your memorable trip to this beautiful city. On your last day, check out of your hotel or Airbnb and make your way to Vancouver International Airport (YVR), located just a short drive from downtown.
Make sure to arrive at YVR at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure time to accommodate going through security, U.S. customs preclearance if flying to the United States, and potential delays. If you have some extra time before your flight, grab a meal at one of YVR’s many dining options showcasing local B.C. fare. Do some last minute shopping at the abundance of stores and boutiques offering Canadian-made goods and souvenirs.
Once it’s time to board, you can reminisce about the past week’s adventures that allowed you to experience the best of Vancouver – from the coastal scenery and lush rainforests, to diverse neighborhoods and world-class attractions. The memories made over the last seven days will surely inspire you to return and further uncover all that this amazing city has to offer. As your plane takes off over the coastline, bid farewell for now to Vancouver!
Where to Stay in Vancouver
Vancouver offers a wide variety of accommodations to fit any budget or preference. Here are some recommendations for great places to stay in different neighborhoods:
Downtown
Downtown Vancouver puts you right in the heart of the action. Stay here for easy access to top attractions like Canada Place, Robson Street shopping, and the Vancouver Art Gallery.
- Fairmont Pacific Rim – Luxurious and modern hotel located on the waterfront with amazing city views. Close to Canada Place.
- Wedgewood Hotel & Spa – Upscale boutique hotel known for excellent service and great dining options. Close to Robson Street.
- L’Hermitage Hotel – Charming French-style boutique hotel near shopping on Robson Street.
Yaletown
Yaletown offers a trendy vibe with converted warehouse loft-style hotels and contemporary high-rises. Great location near False Creek.
- Opus Hotel – Stylish and modern boutique hotel with floor-to-ceiling windows. Near Yaletown’s restaurants and nightlife.
- Georgian Court Hotel – Elegant hotel housed in a 1920s heritage building. Rooftop pool and proximity to False Creek.
Gastown
Gastown is known for its cobblestone streets, Victorian-era buildings, and hip independent shops. Unique, historic accommodations.
- The Burrard – Chic, modern hotel with neat retro design touches.
- Skwachays Lodge – First Nations art gallery and hotel with a cultural focus.
Kitsilano
Kitsilano or “Kits” has a laidback, beach vibe. Stay here for proximity to Kits Beach, Granville Island, and UBC.
- Granville Island Hotel – This charming boutique hotel is located right on Granville Island. Unbeatable location.
- L’Hermitage Hotel – French-style boutique hotel near Kits Beach.
Conclusion
The seven-day itinerary outlined above provides a comprehensive overview of some of the top sights and neighborhoods in Vancouver and Victoria. Within a week, you’re able to experience the beautiful natural scenery, unique neighborhoods, world-class attractions, and delicious cuisine that these cities on Canada’s west coast have to offer.
Some of the highlights from the trip include exploring Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the Seawall in downtown Vancouver, taking the Sea to Sky Highway to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver, and walking through historic Gastown and vibrant Chinatown. A day trip to Victoria allows you to visit the stunning Butchart Gardens, the scenic Inner Harbour, and the impressive British Columbia Parliament Buildings.
Other memorable excursions include spending a day at the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park and walking through the diverse botanic gardens at VanDusen. Excellent restaurants, cafes, museums, and shops can be found throughout both cities.
To experience the best of Vancouver and Victoria, stay in downtown Vancouver close to transit lines. Reserve at least a week to have enough time to see all the top attractions at a relaxed pace without feeling rushed. The temperate climate means spring and summer are ideal times to visit.
With its stunning natural beauty, multicultural vibrancy, and world-class attractions, Vancouver and Victoria make for an unforgettable week-long vacation. This itinerary packs in the best of both cities for first-time visitors.
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