Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning West Coast escapee, this vibrant city offers the perfect balance of nature, culture, and cuisine. In this itinerary, you’ll explore iconic sights like Stanley Park and Granville Island, enjoy day trips to Victoria and sample some of the best food Canada has to offer.
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Vancouver is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore on foot, by bike, or by public transportation. This 7-day Vancouver itinerary ensures you see all the top attractions while allowing time to unwind and soak up the city’s relaxed West Coast vibes.
The Ultimate Week in Canada’s Coolest Coastal City
Day 1: Arrive and Explore Downtown Vancouver
What to do:
- Check into your hotel
- Visit Canada Place and enjoy panoramic harbour views.
- Take the 3-hour free Toonie walking tour, which starts at Canada Place. Explore the city’s highlights on this guided tour, which includes visits to all the top attractions.
Evening Tip: Enjoy a cocktail at The Lobby Lounge in the Fairmont Pacific Rim.
Day 2: Stanley Park & Vancouver Aquarium
Morning:
- Rent a bike and ride the 9km Stanley Park Seawall Loop (or the guided bike tour), or hop on board the horse-drawn tours for an informative guided tour of Stanley Park.
- Stop at Totem Poles, Beaver Lake, and Third Beach.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Vancouver Aquarium and then grab lunch at the Teahouse or Stanley Park Brewing.
Evening Tip: Walk or cycle to Sunset Beach and take in the atmosphere as you get ready for the sunset. Take a picnic or grab something to eat at one of the nearby restaurants.
Day 3: Granville Island & Sunset Views
Morning:
- Explore Robson Street for shopping and a variety of cafes.
- Visit Canada Place and enjoy panoramic harbour views.
Afternoon:
- Purchase a day pass and take the False Creek ferry and spend the afternoon getting to know the harbour front (you can do a lap of the area first, just let them know when jumping on the ferry) before arriving at Granville Island.
- Visit Granville Island Public Market and try the fresh produce.
- Browse local art studios, boutiques, and the Kids Market (if travelling with family).
Evening Tip: Enjoy the sunset by taking the city and seal tour with Vancouver Water Adventures. The tour is funny, informative and thrilling as you get up close and personal to rather large ships.
Day 4: Day Trip to Capilano Suspension Bridge
How to get there:
- Take the free shuttle from Canada Place. There are other places to jump on, but the shuttle fills up quickly, so it is worth hopping on at the first destination.
Things to do in Capilino Suspension Bridge Park
- Walk the Capilano suspension bridge.
- Explore the treetop adventures.
- Additionally, the park features the Living Forest exhibit, the Story Centre and guided tours.
Afternoon:
- Visit Chinatown’s Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
- Explore Mount Pleasant for indie shops and local breweries.
Evening Tip: Catch a sunset from Queen Elizabeth Park or book a show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Day 5: Gastown & Mount Pleasant
Morning:
- Wander the cobblestone streets of Gastown and see the Steam Clock.
- Grab brunch at Twisted Fork – 213 Carrall St (open 9 am to 2 pm daily) or Nemesis Coffee – 302 W Hastings St (opens 8 am to 4 pm daily)
Afternoon:
- Take the Forbidden Vancouver walking tour, starting in Gastown and venturing through what would have been a very active town during the 1920s, when Prohibition was in effect.
- Explore Mount Pleasant for indie shops and local breweries.
Evening Tip: Catch a sunset from Queen Elizabeth Park or book a show at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
Day 6: Visit Victoria (Day Trip)
How to get there:
Highlights in Victoria:
- Stroll through the Butchart Gardens.
- Walk the Inner Harbour and visit the Royal BC Museum.
- Afternoon tea at the historic Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Return to Vancouver by evening.
Day 7: Brunch, Beach & Departure
Morning:
- If it’s the weekend, start your morning at the Vancouver Farmers Market, try the fresh produce, and explore the small shops.
Optional final activities:
- Before making your way to Canada Place to marvel at the large cruise ships and try out the FlyOver Canada, visit the Vancouver Lookout to view the city from new heights.
- Pick up last-minute souvenirs from any of the surrounding areas.
Departure Tip: Allow extra time for traffic if travelling to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) during peak hours.
Best Time to Visit Vancouver
The best time to visit Vancouver is between May and September, when the weather is warm and dry, perfect for outdoor adventures and festivals.
Travel Tips for Vancouver
- Public transport: Use the SkyTrain, SeaBus, or buses with a reloadable Compass Card.
- Getting around: Vancouver is a bike-friendly and very walkable city.
- Where to stay: Consider the West End for greenery and sea views, Yaletown for nightlife, or Downtown for easy access to everything or around Stanley Park for that suburban feel.
Final Thoughts
This 7-day itinerary offers the perfect mix of city excitement, natural beauty, and cultural exploration. From scenic day trips to unforgettable dining experiences, Vancouver offers something for every type of traveller. Whether you’re chasing mountain views or ocean breezes, this West Coast city is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Want to know more? Listen in to today’s Episode of Truly Expat Travel Podcast
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