6 days in Vancouver

A big green day on the edge of downtown. Walk or ride part of the seawall, see the totem poles, spend time with the sea animals and finish at a beach or a quiet lagoon. Stop whenever anyone is tired.

1. Breakfast

   A bakery breakfast to go

   A warm pastry and a coffee from a neighbourhood bakery, eaten on a bench at the edge of the park before the walk.

   Local tip Pack a bottle of water and a snack for the seawall.

   
2. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Stanley Park

   A huge forested park on a peninsula beside downtown, ringed by a long paved seawall. Walk a stretch or rent bikes. The path is one way for bikes, so check the signs.

   Go when Morning, when the paths are cool and quiet.

   Local tip You do not need the whole loop. Walk or ride a stretch, turn back when the group has had enough, and stop at the viewpoints. Check the signs for the direction of travel.

   

   About 26 min walk2.1 km
3. 2
   MorningWorth a short stop

   Brockton Point totem poles

   A group of totem poles carved by Indigenous artists, set beside the water on the park's east side. Read the signs, and stand back for the view of the harbour and the mountains.

   Go when Late morning, on your way round the seawall.

   Local tip Read the signs beside the poles, and take care near the water. The harbour view across to the North Shore is a good place for a photo.

   

   About 13 min walk1.0 km
4. 3
   MiddayWorth the time

   Vancouver Aquarium

   A real aquarium inside the park, with sea life from the Pacific coast and further afield. It needs a ticket, and hours and what is on view change, so check ahead before you plan the day around it.

   Go when Midday, as a cool indoor break from the paths.

   Local tip It is a real aquarium, so you need a ticket. Check ahead on hours and on which exhibits are open before you plan the day around it.

   

5. Lunch

   A picnic by the seawall

   Sandwiches, fruit and a Nanaimo bar, eaten on the grass with the harbour and the mountains in front of you.

   Local tip A Nanaimo bar is a layered chocolate and custard square, named after a town on Vancouver Island.

   About 12 min walk1.0 km
6. 4
   AfternoonWorth a short walk

   Lost Lagoon

   A quiet lagoon at the park's edge, with a path around it, ducks and swans and a view of the city rising behind. An easy, flat walk for slow legs after the aquarium.

   Go when Afternoon, for a flat, easy loop.

   Local tip Walk a short way around the water and look for ducks and swans. It is a quiet end to a busy day in the park.

   

   About 9 min walk0.7 km
7. 5
   EveningA beach evening

   Second Beach

   A sandy beach on the park's west side, with a big outdoor pool beside it and a grassy slope for a picnic. A good place for the children to burn off energy while the others sit.

   Go when Around sunset, with a picnic on the grass.

   Local tip The open-air pool beside the beach has its own season, so check ahead. Bring a towel, and use sunscreen even when it is cloudy.

   

8. Dinner

   Fish and chips at the beach

   A simple supper of crisp fried fish and chips, eaten with the sand under your feet as the sun goes down.

   Local tip Eat on the grass, and watch the gulls, which like chips too.

   

A market, small boats and a beach. Granville Island is a short, flat place to browse, then a little ferry across the water and an afternoon on the sand.

1. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Granville Island Public Market

   A big covered market on an island under a bridge, full of fruit and vegetables, bread, fish, cheese and sweets. Walk once through, then go back to buy what looked best. Check ahead on opening days.

   Go when Morning, before the aisles fill up.

   Local tip Walk the whole market once before you buy. Berries in season, smoked salmon and a pastry for the walk are all easy choices. Check ahead on opening days.

   

2. Lunch

   A market lunch

   Smoked salmon, fresh bread, cheese and berries from the stalls, assembled into a picnic on the harbour edge.

   Local tip Buy a little from several stalls and share everything. The berries are best in season.

   About 2 min walk0.2 km
3. 2
   MorningWorth a short visit

   Granville Island Kids Market

   A small indoor market of toy shops and play areas on the island, a dry stop for younger children. Check ahead on what is open, because the shops change.

   Go when Late morning, if the children need a break.

   Local tip It is a small, indoor place, handy when it rains. Check ahead on which shops are open, because they change.

   

   About 2 min walk0.1 km
4. 3
   MiddayWorth a short ride

   False Creek ferries

   Tiny boats that carry people across the inlet between stops around the water. A short ride is a treat for children, and it saves a walk. Check ahead on the routes and what they cost.

   Go when Midday, between the island and your next stop.

   Local tip The boats are tiny and the rides short, and children love them. Check ahead on the routes and where each one stops.

   

   About 20 min walk1.6 km
5. 4
   AfternoonWorth the time

   Kitsilano Beach

   A wide sandy beach with a big saltwater pool beside it, volleyball nets and a view across the bay to the mountains. The pool has its own season, so check ahead before you plan on a swim.

   Go when Afternoon, when the sand is warm.

   Local tip The big saltwater pool beside the beach has its own season, so check ahead. Watch the sun, because the breeze off the water hides how strong it is.

   

6. Dinner

   Sushi for the group

   Vancouver is known for its sushi, and many casual places serve it in sets that are easy to share at a table.

   Local tip Order a few sets, ask what is fresh and let everyone try something new.

   

A day across the water for the forest and the mountains. A bridge in the trees, a gondola up a mountain and a market by the SeaBus dock. Weather decides how much you see, so be ready to change the order.

1. Travel from Kitsilano BeachAbout 20 min by car or transit8.1 km

   Where Day 2 ended.
2. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

   A long footbridge hung high over a river canyon, with walkways in the treetops. It sways a little as you walk, so hold the rail and take it slowly. Check ahead on tickets. Lynn Canyon, a free alternative, is in the extras.

   Go when Morning, before the crowds and the heat of the day.

   Local tip The bridge sways and it is high, so it is not for everyone. Hold the rail and go slowly. Lynn Canyon is a free alternative. Check ahead on tickets.

   

3. Lunch

   A picnic before the mountain

   Bread, cheese, fruit and something sweet, packed on the way over, so you do not have to hunt for lunch before the gondola.

   Local tip Bring a refillable bottle, because the mountain air is dry.

   About 14 min by car or transit4.7 km
4. 2
   AfternoonWorth the time

   Grouse Mountain

   A mountain you reach by aerial tram, called the Skyride, with wide views of the city and the sea. The top can be in cloud when the city is clear, so check ahead on the view and the weather before you go up.

   Go when Afternoon on a clear day, once you can see the top from town.

   Local tip The top can sit in cloud when the city is bright, so look at the mountain from below before you buy a ticket. Bring a warm layer, because it is cooler up there. Check ahead.

   

   About 19 min by car or transit7.8 km
5. 3
   EveningAn easy end to the day

   Lonsdale Quay

   A market building beside the SeaBus dock, with food stalls and shops. The little ferry back across the harbour is part of the fun, and the city lights come on as you go.

   Go when Early evening, then the SeaBus back across the harbour.

   Local tip Eat something at the food stalls, then ride the SeaBus back. The ride itself is a short harbour tour with a view of the downtown skyline.

   

6. Dinner

   A supper at the quay

   Food stalls and small counters around the market serve noodles, dumplings and sandwiches. Easy for a group with different tastes.

   Local tip Everyone orders their own, then you meet at a table by the water.

A city day for curious people. Start at the silver dome of Science World, walk the False Creek seawall, then go into Chinatown and its quiet garden, and end in old Gastown by the harbour.

1. Travel from Lonsdale QuayAbout 13 min by car or transit4.3 km

   Where Day 3 ended.
2. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Science World

   A hands-on science centre in a big silver dome at the end of False Creek. Plenty to touch, push and try, with room for both children and adults. Check ahead on tickets and what is on.

   Go when Morning, when the exhibits are quiet.

   Local tip Go straight to the hands-on rooms and leave the rest. Check ahead on tickets and on special shows. The seawall outside is a flat walk.

   

3. Lunch

   Dim sum in Chinatown

   Small plates of dumplings and buns, shared around a table. A fun way for a group to try many things at once.

   Local tip Order a few at a time and add more, and ask for tea.

   

   About 9 min walk0.8 km
4. 2
   MiddayWorth a short walk

   Chinatown

   One of the oldest Chinese neighbourhoods in the country, entered through a tall gate. Look in the bakeries and the herb shops and the narrow old buildings. Some streets are quiet, so wander with care.

   Go when Midday, with a pastry from a bakery.

   Local tip Walk through the gate and wander the main street slowly. Some blocks are quiet and others are busy, so stay with your group.

   

   About 2 min walkunder 0.1 km
5. 3
   AfternoonWorth the time

   Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

   A classical Chinese garden of ponds, pavilions, stone and winding paths, built in the traditional way. It is a quiet, calming place to sit. Check ahead on how it is open, and on tours.

   Go when Afternoon, as a calm break from the street.

   Local tip Walk slowly and sit on a bench by the pond. A short guided visit can explain the design. Check ahead on how the garden is open, and on tours.

   

   About 8 min walk0.6 km
6. 4
   Afternoon10 minutes is enough

   Gastown steam clock

   A clock on a street corner in old Gastown that is run by steam and lets out a whistle every so often. Stop for a photo, then walk the cobbled street with its old brick buildings.

   Go when Late afternoon, then walk the cobbled street.

   Local tip It whistles every so often, so a short wait may be worth it. The steam comes from a pipe below the street, so the clock is mostly a curiosity.

   

7. Dinner

   Poutine in Gastown

   Poutine is fries with cheese curds and gravy, a Canadian classic, and easy to share among friends or children.

   Local tip Order one to share first, because the plates are generous.

   

   About 6 min walk0.5 km
8. 5
   EveningA harbour walk

   Canada Place

   A pier on the harbour shaped like sails, with a long walkway and a view across the water to the mountains. A good place to stand at the end of the day and watch the seaplanes come and go.

   Go when Around sunset, when the mountains turn pink.

   Local tip Walk to the end of the pier and look across at the North Shore. The seaplanes landing nearby are fun to watch.

   

A slow, green day on the south side, then the beach for the evening. Two big gardens with plenty of benches, and a long lazy sunset on English Bay.

1. Travel from Canada PlaceAbout 15 min by car or transit5.2 km

   Where Day 4 ended.
2. Breakfast

   Eggs and a farmers market stop

   Eggs on toast, then a stroll past a farmers market stall for fruit to eat in the garden.

   Local tip Buy berries and cherries in season, and rinse them before you eat.

   
3. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Queen Elizabeth Park

   A hilltop park with sweeping lawns and gardens, and a wide view of the city and the mountains. Easy paths, benches and room for children to run around. Walk down through the old quarry garden.

   Go when Morning, when the paths are quiet.

   Local tip The park is on the city's highest hill, so it has a broad view. Walk down into the old quarry garden, and go back up by the shady path.

   

   About 2 min walkunder 0.1 km
4. 2
   MorningWorth a short visit

   Bloedel Conservatory

   A glass dome at the top of the park, full of warm-climate plants and free-flying tropical birds. A warm, dry stop for a wet day. Check ahead on how it is open.

   Go when Late morning, or any time it rains.

   Local tip It is warm and humid inside, so wear a thin layer. The birds fly free, so stay on the path. Check ahead on how it is open.

   

   About 15 min walk1.2 km
5. 3
   AfternoonWorth the time

   VanDusen Botanical Garden

   A big garden of plants from around the world, with a hedge maze, lakes and quiet paths. Take a map and choose a loop that suits your group. Check ahead on events.

   Go when Afternoon, with a picnic on the lawn.

   Local tip Pick one loop from the map and take your time. The hedge maze is the easiest hit with children. Check ahead on events and on how the garden is open.

   

6. Lunch

   A picnic in the garden

   A simple lunch eaten on a bench or a lawn in the garden, with a bottle of water and a piece of fruit.

   Local tip Pick a shady spot, and carry out your scraps.

   About 10 min by car8.4 km
7. 4
   EveningA sunset beach

   English Bay Beach

   A city beach on a wide bay, with logs to sit on and ships waiting at anchor. Come for the sunset, and stay as the sky changes color over the water. Check conditions before swimming.

   Go when Around sunset, on a log with a snack.

   Local tip Sit with the ships waiting at anchor and watch the sky change. The water is cold, so check conditions before swimming.

   

8. Dinner

   Salmon on the West End

   Wild salmon is a Pacific Northwest classic, grilled and served with potatoes and greens, in the West End streets near the beach.

   Local tip Ask what is in season and let the server choose for you.

   

A long day with a boat ride at both ends. Cross to Vancouver Island on a BC Ferry, see a big garden, walk the harbour in Victoria and come back by ferry. Check ahead on reservations and plan the return sailing before you go.

1. Drive from English Bay BeachAbout 43 min by car31.2 km

   Where Day 5 ended.
2. 1
   MorningWorth the time

   Tsawwassen ferry terminal

   The terminal south of the city where BC Ferries sails for Vancouver Island, across the Strait of Georgia. The crossing is long enough to sit, eat and look for seabirds from the deck. Reservations are worth checking ahead.

   Go when Morning, with the sailing booked ahead.

   Local tip Check ahead on reservations, and plan your return sailing before you go. Go up on deck to watch the islands slide past.

   By ferry, about 1 h 35, then by road54.8 km

   Options

   FerryBC Ferries from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay, about 1 hour 35 minutes. Check the times

   RoadThen about 20 to 25 minutes by road to Butchart Gardens.

   AirA floatplane or helicopter from downtown Vancouver to Victoria is about 35 minutes.

   CheckBook a car space in summer.

3. 2
   MiddayWorth the time

   Butchart Gardens

   A famous garden made in an old quarry, with flower beds, ponds and paths to wander. It is large, so take your time. Check ahead on tickets, on what is in bloom and on how late it stays open.

   Go when Midday, once you are off the ferry.

   Local tip It is large, so plan on a slow loop with benches. Check ahead on tickets, on what is in bloom and on how late it is open. A hat and sunscreen help.

   

4. Lunch

   Afternoon tea in Victoria

   A small pot of tea with sandwiches and cakes, a long-standing habit of the old city. A pleasant way to rest in the middle of a big day.

   Local tip Book ahead if you want a table, and share a plate among children.

   

   About 32 min by car or transit17.5 km
5. 3
   AfternoonWorth the time

   Victoria Inner Harbour

   The heart of Victoria, a small harbour lined with old stone buildings, boats and buskers. Walk the waterfront at an easy pace and look at the floating houses and ferries.

   Go when Afternoon, for a gentle harbour stroll.

   Local tip Walk the waterfront slowly and watch the small boats. It is a pleasant place to sit with an ice cream before heading back.

   

6. Treat

   Ice cream by the harbour

   A cone to eat on the waterfront, with boats and seagulls for company.

   Local tip Pick a small cone, because the walk back is a long one.

   

   About 4 min walk0.3 km
7. 4
   EveningWorth a short look

   British Columbia Parliament Buildings

   The provincial parliament, a grand stone building facing the harbour, outlined in lights at night. Look at it from the lawn and from across the water. Plan your return ferry before dusk.

   Go when Early evening, before the return ferry.

   Local tip Look at the stone front from the lawn, then watch the lights come on from across the harbour. Leave time for the ride back, because the last sailing matters.