Vancouver 2 weeks

Canada's second-busiest airport, serving as a gateway to the Pacific. It offers a range of amenities and efficient connections to the city.

• Consider the Canada Line SkyTrain for a quick and affordable transfer to downtown Vancouver.

Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, known for its Victorian architecture, cobblestone streets, independent boutiques, and vibrant culinary scene. It's a great place to wander and soak in the city's history.

• Don't miss the Gastown Steam Clock, which whistles every 15 minutes.
• Explore the many independent art galleries and shops.

A popular, family-friendly restaurant in Gastown offering classic Italian dishes in a unique, historic setting with a vintage tram car as part of the dining area.

• The all-inclusive dinner special is a great value.

A magnificent 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest park, bordering downtown Vancouver. It offers stunning ocean views, lush trails, and iconic totem poles.

• Rent bicycles near the park entrance for an enjoyable ride along the Seawall.
• Visit the Vancouver Aquarium within the park (separate admission).

The highest point in Stanley Park, offering panoramic views of the North Shore mountains, the Lions Gate Bridge, and the Vancouver skyline. It's a perfect spot for photos.

• There's a cafe here for refreshments.

An 8.8 km (5.5 mile) scenic pathway that encircles Stanley Park and extends around the city's waterfront. It's ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling.

• Enjoy the diverse scenery, from dense forest to open ocean views.

A waterfront restaurant located at Coal Harbour, offering excellent seafood and West Coast cuisine with spectacular views of Stanley Park and the North Shore mountains.

• Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

A vibrant public market located on Granville Island, featuring a wide array of fresh produce, artisanal foods, local crafts, and specialty shops. It's a bustling hub for food lovers and shoppers.

• Sample local delicacies from various food vendors.
• Enjoy live music performances that often take place in the market square.

A leading non-profit organization dedicated to arts education for young people, located on Granville Island. It often hosts public exhibitions and performances.

• Check their schedule for any public events or exhibitions during your visit.

Explore the rich maritime history of the Pacific Northwest, including exhibits on Indigenous seafaring, Arctic exploration, and the Royal Canadian Navy. It's located in Kitsilano, a short transit ride from Granville Island.

• See the historic St. Roch, the first ship to completely circumnavigate North America.

Situated on Granville Island, this upscale seafood restaurant offers stunning views of False Creek and the city skyline. It's known for its fresh oysters and lively atmosphere.

• Perfect for a romantic dinner with a view.

Experience the thrill of walking across a suspension bridge swaying 70 meters (230 ft) above the Capilano River. The park also features the Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk.

• Arrive early to avoid the largest crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved.

Known as the 'Peak of Vancouver', Grouse Mountain offers breathtaking panoramic views, hiking trails, and wildlife encounters. Access is via the Skyride aerial tramway.

• In summer, enjoy the lumberjack show and the grizzly bear refuge.
• The Eye of the Wind, a wind turbine with a viewing platform, offers unique perspectives.

Located atop Grouse Mountain, this restaurant offers fine dining with unparalleled views of the city and surrounding mountains. It's a memorable spot for a special meal.

• Dress code is smart casual.
• Bookings are essential.

Housing world-class collections of Indigenous art and cultural artifacts from British Columbia and around the world. Its stunning architecture and location on the UBC campus are highlights.

• Focus on the First Nations Gallery and the Great Hall for impressive totem poles and carvings.
• The museum's setting overlooking the water is beautiful.

A beautiful oasis on the UBC campus, featuring diverse plant collections, thematic gardens, and the unique Greenheart TreeWalk, an elevated walkway through the forest canopy.

• The TreeWalk offers a unique perspective of the forest.
• It's a peaceful escape after exploring the museum.

One of Vancouver's most popular beaches, offering a long sandy stretch, a large outdoor saltwater pool (seasonal), and fantastic views of the city and mountains. It's a great spot for relaxing and people-watching.

• The Kitsilano Pool is a must-visit during summer months.
• Plenty of cafes and shops line nearby Cornwall Avenue.

A highly-regarded restaurant in Gastown, housed in a former 19th-century jail and butcher shop. It offers a sophisticated menu of French-inspired Canadian cuisine and artisanal cocktails.

• Known for its excellent cocktails and romantic ambiance.

Vancouver's highest point, offering spectacular city views, beautiful gardens, and the Bloedel Conservatory, a domed tropical paradise with exotic birds and plants.

• The conservatory is particularly stunning on a chilly day.

A world-class botanical garden featuring diverse plant collections from around the globe, thematic gardens, and serene pathways. It's a tranquil escape for nature lovers.

• Don't miss the Maze and the Japanese Garden.
• Check for seasonal events or exhibits.

Explore the trendy Main Street corridor, known for its eclectic mix of independent boutiques, vintage stores, artisan shops, and diverse eateries.

A renowned vegetarian restaurant on Main Street, celebrated for its innovative and beautifully presented dishes that appeal to all palates. It offers a unique and memorable dining experience.

• Reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity.

Embark on a thrilling boat tour from Vancouver's waterfront to spot whales (humpbacks, orcas, grays), dolphins, seals, and other marine life in their natural habitat. Tours typically last 3-4 hours.

• Dress in warm layers, even in summer, as it can be cold on the water.
• Bring binoculars and a camera for wildlife viewing.

Enjoy a casual lunch at one of the many eateries near the departure point for whale watching tours, offering a variety of quick and tasty options.

An iconic waterfront landmark with its distinctive sail-like structures. It's a hub for cruise ships, ferries, and offers great city views and the FlyOver Canada attraction.

• Consider the FlyOver Canada virtual flight experience for a thrilling aerial tour of the country.

A renowned fine-dining establishment in the heart of downtown Vancouver, offering contemporary Canadian cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients and impeccable service.

• This is a splurge, perfect for a celebratory meal.

Take a scenic ferry ride from Tsawwassen (south of Vancouver) or Horseshoe Bay (north of Vancouver) to Swartz Bay (near Victoria). The journey offers beautiful coastal views.

• Book your ferry tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
• Arrive at the terminal at least 45 minutes before departure.

One of the world's most celebrated floral display gardens, featuring a stunning variety of themed gardens, including the Italian Garden, Japanese Garden, and Rose Garden.

• Allow ample time to explore the vast grounds.
• Check the seasonal bloom reports to plan your visit around specific flowers.

Wander around Victoria's picturesque Inner Harbour, admire the historic Parliament Buildings and the Fairmont Empress Hotel, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Board the ferry back to the mainland, reflecting on a beautiful day trip to Vancouver Island.

An iconic geodesic dome housing interactive science exhibits, live science shows, and an OMNIMAX theatre. It's a fun and educational experience for all ages.

• The Wonder Gallery is great for younger children, while the Eureka gallery is for older kids and adults.

The site of the 2010 Winter Olympics athletes' village, now a vibrant community with public art, parks, and waterfront walkways along False Creek. It's a great area to explore and grab lunch.

• See the 'Digital Orca' sculpture and the 'Waiting' art installation.
• Rent a kayak or paddleboard on False Creek.

Experience immersive films on a massive dome screen at Science World's OMNIMAX theatre. Films cover a wide range of educational and entertaining topics.

• Check the show schedule in advance as films change regularly.

Located in the Olympic Village, this popular spot boasts an extensive selection of craft beers on tap and a diverse menu of pub-style fare. It has a lively atmosphere.

• Great place to sample local BC craft beers.

Housed in a stunning neoclassical building, the gallery features a diverse collection of historical and contemporary art, with a notable focus on Emily Carr and other West Coast artists.

• Look for special exhibitions which are often world-class.
• The building itself is a historic landmark.

Vancouver's premier shopping street, offering a wide range of international and local brands, department stores, trendy boutiques, and numerous cafes and restaurants.

• Great for souvenir shopping and people-watching.

One of North America's largest Chinatowns, offering a vibrant mix of traditional markets, herbal shops, bakeries, and authentic restaurants. Explore its rich history and cultural heritage.

• Visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden for a peaceful retreat.
• Try some dim sum for lunch.

A highly popular and acclaimed Chinatown eatery serving inventive Taiwanese-inspired small plates and cocktails in a lively, intimate setting.

• Expect a wait, as they do not take reservations for small parties.
• Order a variety of dishes to share.

A world-renowned mountain resort village, famous for its skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking, mountain biking, and stunning alpine scenery in summer. It's about a 1.5-2 hour drive from Vancouver.

• Consider taking the Sea-to-Sky Gondola for incredible views.
• Explore the pedestrian-friendly village with its shops and restaurants.

An engineering marvel, this gondola connects Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding Coast Mountains and glaciers. It's the longest and highest unsupported cable car span in the world.

• Book tickets in advance to save time.
• The glass-bottomed cabins offer a unique perspective (limited availability).

Enjoy numerous hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels, from gentle village strolls to challenging alpine treks. Popular options include the High Note Trail or trails around Lost Lake.

Choose from a wide array of dining options in Whistler Village, from casual pubs to upscale restaurants, featuring diverse cuisines.

Located in Stanley Park, this renowned aquarium is dedicated to marine research, conservation, and rehabilitation. It features diverse aquatic life from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

• Don't miss the Amazon and Arctic ecosystems exhibits.
• Check the schedule for daily feeding times and presentations.

A modern waterfront area adjacent to Stanley Park and downtown. It offers beautiful views, a marina, and a pleasant promenade for walking.

• Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants with harbour views.

An exhilarating virtual flight ride at Canada Place that simulates flying across Canada, experiencing its breathtaking landscapes and iconic sights. It uses motion, wind, and scents for an immersive experience.

• This is a popular attraction; book tickets in advance.

An upscale Japanese restaurant known for its innovative Aburi (flame-seared) sushi and stunning waterfront views of Coal Harbour and Stanley Park. It's a culinary highlight.

• The signature Miku roll is a must-try.

Enjoy a scenic drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) from Vancouver towards Whistler, renowned for its dramatic coastal cliffs and mountain vistas.

Ascend over the turquoise waters of Howe Sound from Squamish. The gondola ride offers spectacular views of coastal fjords, islands, and surrounding mountains.

• Walk the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge at the top for amazing photo opportunities.
• Several hiking trails are accessible from the upper station.

Home to the third-highest waterfall in British Columbia, Shannon Falls plunges 335 meters (1,099 ft) down a granite cliff. It's a short walk from the Sea to Sky Gondola base.

• The viewing platform offers a close-up perspective of the falls.

Enjoy dinner in the town of Squamish, known for its craft breweries and casual eateries, or drive back to Vancouver for a wider selection of dining options.

Pick up any last-minute souvenirs or gifts from local shops in downtown Vancouver.

Enjoy a final delicious brunch at a local cafe or restaurant before heading to the airport.

Depart from Vancouver, filled with memories of your West Coast adventure.