Vancouver, BC

Two-Day Itinerary and Must-See Attractions in Vancouver, BC, Canada

Vancouver, British Columbia, is a seaport city located in the southwest corner of Canada and surrounded by mountains, evergreen forests, and waterways leading to the Pacific Ocean. The city center boasts a thriving arts scene, diverse dining options, and Indigenous culture.

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Vancouver has no trouble attracting visitors. As a major west coast seaport, Vancouver serves as a port-of-call for many cruise ships and is also a layover hub for International fights from Asia. During the summer months, when the weather is mild and cruise ships being their summer schedules through the inside passageways to Alaska, tourism picks up substantially.

Whether you have Vancouver in mind as a destination for your next vacation, or perhaps just a pre-cruise adventure before embarking on a sail to Alaska, this post will provide you with ideas on how to make the most of your time. Vancouver is the perfect size city for a weekend city break with so many attractions to explore both within the metro area and just outside in the gorgeous landscape of British Columbia.

While visitors can pack a lot into a single day, I would recommend at least two days to explore both the city and some of the nearby attractions outside the city.

Above photo: Lions Gate Bridge connecting downtown Vancouver to the Sea-to-Sky Corridor

I visited Vancouver in May. It was late spring and city parks were bursting with colorful budding foliage while the Canadian geese were showing off their fuzzy new goslings. I was actually surprised by the number of geese we saw and how close they mingled with people. They aren’t the friendliest creatures though.

Above photos: Spring in Vancouver

• Where we stayed
• The perfect 2-day itinerary
• Sea-to-Sky Corridor
• Vancouver attractions
• For a longer stay
• What we ate
• Additional information

Where we stayed

Before deciding where to stay in Vancouver, there are a couple other big decisions that should come first. 1. Will you be driving and/or renting a car? 2. What activities are on your itinerary and where are they located?

If you won’t have a car and will be keeping to the metro area, my recommendation would be to stay somewhere central, close to the waterfront or Robson Square. Chances are you will still need to summon an Uber for rides here and there, but there is quite a bit to explore in the heart of the city.

Quick Tip: Avoid staying in the East Hastings Street area where there is a heavier concentration of transient tent camps and open drug usage.

If you will have a car, definitely think about parking and access to the major roads. Traffic is no joke. Because Vancouver is a peninsula, traffic congestion can be heavy for bridges to the north and southwest. We wanted to stay in the city, but minimize the time in traffic to the north. So, we stayed in the West End neighborhood near Stanley Park at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel.

Above photos: Room with a view at the Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel

The perfect two-day itinerary

We arrived in Vancouver on a weekday evening and had a full 48-hours to allocate before boarding our Seabourn cruise later in the week. To keep things efficient, we set aside one day for exploring the Sea-to-Sky Corridor to the north of Vancouver and our second day for exploring the city proper.

We had absolutely perfect, gorgeous, sunshine-y weather, which I know was a rare stroke of luck. Had there been rain, I would have elected to do our city sightseeing in the rain and our outdoorsy activities in nicer weather. Thankfully, we didn’t have to shuffle anything.

Sea-to-Sky Corridor

Shannon Falls Park

BC-97 | Squamish-Lillooet D, BC | Website

Shannon Falls Park is a natural recreation area located roughly 36 miles north of Vancouver. The parking lot is directly off of Highway 99, making it a very accessible stop en route to Squamish or Whistler. The park has very nice hiking trails and picnic areas, but the main attraction is without a doubt Shannon Falls.

Shannon Falls originate from Mount Habrich and Mount Sky Pilot. They drop a total of 335 meters, making this the third highest falls in British Columbia

Above photos: Shannon Falls Park

Sea-to-Sky Gondola

36800 Highway 99 | Squamish, BC | Website

The Sea-to-Sky Gondola is an aerial tramway located practically next door to Shannon Falls Park. It offers dramatic sweeping views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountainous landscape. While the ascent alone is an incredible experience, the attractions at the top are even better.

Above photos: Sea-to-Sky Gondola (left) and view of Howe Sound (right)

First, there is the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, which offers some perspective of the scale and height of Mount Habrich and Stawmus Chief Provenial Park. The bridge connects the Summit Lodge with the Spirit Viewing Platform, where you will find informational displays on the history of the Squamish people.

Above photo: Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge

The other main attractions at the summit include a very well maintained network of front- and back-country trails, as well as a Via Ferrata adventure. We completed two trails: The Spirit Trail (0.25 mi) and the Panorama Trail (0.81 mi), The Panorama Trail was an easy trail amongst old-growth forest that opened to multiple scenic overlooks.

Above photos: Panorama Trail

The Summit Lodge has a casual dining restaurant where you can sit inside or out on their patio taking in more of those epic views. The gift shop was also really nice. You could easily spend an entire day here with the activities and food options. We ended up just spending the morning because we had several other things we wanted see while we had our rental car.

Quick Tip: There is a small discount when you purchase your tickets online in advance. On-site parking is available for an additional fee.

Above photo: Sky Pilot and Spirit Viewing Platform

Horseshoe Bay

Horseshoe Bay is a little town located in West Vancouver at the entrance to Howe Sound. We stopped here for lunch on our way back to Vancouver and were immediately charmed by its seaside vibes and colorful marina. If you happen to be interested in exploring Bowen Island, Nanaimo, or Sunshine Coast, you can catch a BC Ferry from here.

The waterfront area is the perfect place to park your car and continue on foot to the shops, restaurants, and beach area. After our lunch at Troll’s, we wandered down to the shore and enjoyed the views.

Above photo: Horseshoe Bay

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

3735 Capilano Road | North Vancouver, BC | Website

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is an iconic British Columbia attraction, known for its famous bridge, cliffwalk, and other activities. The bridge spans 450 feet across the Capilano River offering breathtaking views of the lush rain forest flanking the river.

Above photos: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

While the suspension bridge is the main draw for most visitors, the boardwalk trails and illuminations are full of natural beauty and incredible views. Along the way, there are educational kiosks that provide insight into the geology, ecosystem, history, and culture of the land and its people.

Above photos: The Living Forest, Raptors Ridge, and Cliffwalk at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

We explored every aspect of the park, with the exception of the children’s areas, and loved it. The only drawback to be aware of is the crowds. Unless you come early in the morning or are one of the last visitors to leave, you will inevitably be joined on the bridge and Cliffwalk with a long line of other tourists. If you are looking for something a little more peaceful, Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge might be a better choice.

Above photo: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Vancouver Attractions

Gastown

Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood. It is named after tavern owner, John ‘Gassy Jack’ Deighton, who opened his doors back in 1867. Today, the historic cobblestone streets are lined with boutiques, art galleries, and trendy eateries. We came to Gastown for dinner, a little on the late side for shopping and showrooms. So, some light window shopping and sightseeing of the Victorian architecture was the extent of our experience.

Above photos: Gastown

Quick Tip: Don’t wear heels:( I slipped into my stiletto pumps for dinner and what a mistake that turned out to be. The streets and sidewalks are very uneven and an unwelcome hazard for anyone wearing anything except flat-soled footwear.

One of the most notable historic landmarks in Gastown is the Steam Clock. It actually isn’t that old, built in 1977, but it is super cool. It whistles every 15 minutes, letting out a cloud of steam to the delight of everyone standing on the sidewalk.

Above photo: Gastown Steam Clock

Stanley Park Seawall

No trip to Vancouver is complete without visiting the world renowned Stanley Park. This 1000-acre wooded park is even bigger than NYC’s Central Park, just to put things in perspective. Stanley Park is full of attractions ranging from totem poles, light houses, hiking & biking trails, the Vancouver Aquarium, and countless other activities.

Above photos: Stanley Park

The Stanley Park Seawall is a 10-km loop around the perimeter of Stanley Park, surrounded by Vancouver Harbour and English Bay. Fun fact: The Seaside Greenway, which includes the Stanley Park Seawall, is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path. There are no cars – just a lane for pedestrians and a lane for cyclists!

Above photos: View of Lions Gate Bridge from the Stanley Park Seawall

We rented bicycles from Spokes to cycle the Stanley Park Seawall. The full circuit took roughly an hour with occasional stops to visit with the geese and see the sights. The folks at the cycle shop provided us with a map and easy-to-follow directions. This is definitely a must-do activity while in Vancouver!

Above photo: Siwash Rock

Christ Church Cathedral

690 Burrard Street | Vancouver, BC | Website

Christ Church Cathedral is Vancouver’s oldest surviving church, dating to 1895. The Gothic-style building stands out amongst the modern architecture along Burrard Street. It’s hard to miss.

Above photos Vancouver Christ Church Cathedral

The interior of the church features a hammerbeam wooden ceiling with lantern-style pendant lights, making it feel rather primitive. The stained glass windows and regimental colors of the Seaforth Highlanders reflect the heritage of Vancouver. There are also numerous memorials and remembrance plaques connecting the city’s history and the roots of the Anglican Communion in the British Isles.

Above photos: Christ Church Cathedral

Vancouver Art Gallery

750 Hornby Street | Vancouver, BC | Website

The Vancouver Art Gallery is an art museum adjacent to Robson Square in central Vancouver. It is housed in the former provincial courthouse, domed ceiling and all. Hence, this attraction is not just about the museum’s collections and exhibits, but also the grand neoclassical architecture of this historic government building. The museums exhibitions rotate frequently ensuring something new to see for repeat visitors.

Above photos: Vancouver Art Gallery

Canada Place

999 Canada Place | Vancouver, BC | Website

Canada Place is a landmark waterfront venue that encompasses the Vancouver Convention Center, Pan Pacific Hotel, shopping, entertainment, and the cruise ship terminal. Its prominent 90-foot white sails attract curiosity and visitors to the harbor from all over.

We visited Canada Place’s west promenade. It is akin to a boardwalk full of pedestrians, bicyclists, and skateboarders. You can watch the seaplanes taking off, cruise ships coming into port, or live entertainment against the backdrop of Vancouver’s surrounding mountains. The most popular event that takes place at Canada Place is Canada Together (July 1), a huge annual Canada Day celebration featuring live entertainment, indigenous displays, and other family-friendly activities.

Above photo: Vancouver with the Canada Place sails at left

For a longer stay

Sometimes the timing just doesn’t work out to fit it all in. Regrettably, we had to leave several sights unseen until the next visit. Here are a few places that will draw us back:

Granville Island Public Market

The Granville Island Public Market is an indoor marketplace with eateries, produce stands, fresh fish, and unique handcrafted items. It looks amazing! Locals and tourists flock to this popular place and spend hours on end shopping and enjoying the live entertainment and activities.

Kitsilano Beach

Had we made it to Granville Island Public Market, we would have combined it with the a visit to Kitsilano Beach. This is one of the most popular beaches near Vancouver. It offers panoramic views of downtown Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, and the beautiful mountains to the north. While I can’t imagine getting in the freezing water, there is also a heated salt-water pool that sounds a little more inviting.

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is the main attraction for visitors to Lynn Canyon Park. It is a popular, quieter alternative to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park especially for locals who come here for the hiking trails, waterfalls, and swimming holes. We didn’t make it here due to its location a bit too far east from our other planned stops for the day. The massive trees and lush forest growth look like the perfect setting to enjoy a respite in nature.

Grouse Mountain

Grouse Mountain is a ski resort just a quick 30-minutes north of downtown Vancouver. Like many other mountain resorts, Grouse Mountain also offers a slew of summer activities, such as paragliding, eco-walks, lumberjack shows, a zipline and ropes course, and their iconic Red Skyride tramway to the peak. A new gondola is also in the works and will replace the Blue Skyride in 2025. A winter ski trip is definitely in the works for me:)

What we ate

Two main cuisines dominate the Vancouver food scene — Asian and French Canadian. We had both! Our first night in the city we stumbled on a sushi place close to our hotel, Kamei Royale Japanese Restaurant. Regardless of where you stay, you won’t have to go very far to find Chinese, Japanese Fusion, or a noodle house due to the prevalent Asian-Canadian population.

Of course, it is hard to set foot on Canadian soil and not get poutine. It is practically the national dish. Fritz European Fry House on Davie Street is consistently hailed as the best in town.

Vancouver is also known for its French-inspired West Coast cuisine. Our dinner at L’Abattoir in Gastown not only had the most incredible seafood, but the wine pairings completely elevated our experience. L’Abattoir is a Michelin-recommended restaurant and is the perfect place to go for a special meal.

Above photos: L’Abattoir Restaurant

Additional information

Climate

British Columbia has a wet, mild climate due to both continental and maritime air. I was fully prepared for rain, but we were uncommonly lucky with two full days of sun. Of course, the rainy conditions are what produce the giant trees and lush rain forests in the region.

I’m already planning my next trip to Vancouver, but it will be in the winter so I can get some skiing in. While winters are wet in Vancouver, the precipitation means snow in the mountains!

Guided Tours

If you are not comfortable going on your own or are interested in having a knowledgeable local point out the sights, I have added a few tour options below.

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