Vancouver British Columbia 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Vancouver

Morning:

  • Start your day with breakfast at Juice Truck (15 W Hastings St), a popular spot for healthy acai bowls, smoothies, and coffee.
  • Visit the historic Gastown, stroll along Waterfront, and take a photo with the iconic Gastown Steam Clock.
  • Explore the vibrant Granville Island Public Market (1661 Duranleau St). Enjoy local produce, artisanal goods, and unique gifts. Don’t miss Granville Island Brewing for a craft beer tasting.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Stanley Park, Vancouver’s most famous park. Rent a bike (available at rental kiosks in the park) or take a leisurely walk and check out the totem poles, Rose Garden, and Prospect Point.
  • Visit Vancouver Aquarium (845 Avengers Way), located within Stanley Park.

Evening:

  • Have dinner at Guerilla Café (3705 W 10th Ave), a quirky eatery known for its brunch menu and interesting decor.
  • Catch a movie at the VanCity Theatre (1181 Seymour St) or enjoy a night out with live music at The Commodore Ballroom (868 Granville St).

Day 2: Nature and Culture in Vancouver

Morning:

  • Start your day with breakfast at Son’s Donuts & Bakery (185 Keefer Pl), a local favorite.
  • Visit Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (578 Carrall St), the only authentic classical Chinese garden outside of China.

Afternoon:

  • Head to Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby St) or Museum of Anthropology at University of British Columbia (6393 NW Marine Dr) to immerse yourself in local and indigenous art and culture.
  • Explore the trendy neighborhood of Kitsilano Beach. Relax on the beach, rent a kayak, or visit Kitsilano Pool, one of Canada’s largest outdoor pools.

Evening:

  • Have dinner at Nightingale (1019 Commercial Dr), a charming restaurant specializing in shareable Mediterranean dishes.
  • End your day with a stunning sunset view from Cypress Provincial Park. You can reach the viewpoint by car or take a bus to the end of Cypress Bowl Road and hike up. Be sure to check the weather conditions before heading out as the road might be closed during winter months.

Things to Know:

  • Vancouver is known for its friendly, welcoming residents who are happy to help with directions or recommendations. Don’t hesitate to ask locals for advice!
  • Weather can be unpredictable in Vancouver, so pack layers and a light rain jacket.
  • Public transportation is reliable and affordable. The TransLink (translink.ca) network includes buses, SkyTrain, SeaBus, and the West Coast Express. Consider getting a Compass Card for contactless travel.
  • Tipping is customary in Vancouver. A 15-20% gratuity is usually appreciated in restaurants and for taxi services.
  • Vancouverites are generally environmentally conscious, so remember to recycle, use reusable bags, and be mindful of your waste.

Stay:

  • The Listel Hotel (130 Robson St) is a boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Vancouver, offering stylish rooms and an art gallery onsite.
  • For budget travelers, Samesun Vancouver (1505 W 8th Ave) offers affordable hostel accommodations with a social atmosphere.

Enjoy your trip to Vancouver! There’s always something new to discover in this beautiful city.