With breathtaking natural beauty, historic charm, and an exhilarating, cosmopolitan vibe, Vancouver offers it all on Canada's West Coast.
Day 1: Natural Wonder
11:00 AM
Drink in the beauty of the West Coast with a trip to renowned Stanley Park—1,000 acres of forest filled with cedar, hemlock, and fir trees just outside the downtown area.
www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley1:00 PM
Once you’ve experienced nature on the coast, go under it, and learn more about the flora and fauna of the sea at the Vancouver Aquarium, located within the park.
www.vanaqua.org5:30 PM
No trip to Vancouver is complete without a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a majestic, 19th-century walking bridge that spans the Capilano River. Enjoy the stunning views and beautiful natural backdrop, then kick back with cocktails and dinner at one of the area’s unique venues, which can accommodate groups of up to 700.
www.capbridge.comDay 2: Stop & Shop
9:00 AM
Get acquainted with Vancouver’s sights, sounds, and historic landmarks by taking a hop-on/hop-off trolley tour. Be sure to check out Canada Place, an iconic space in the heart of Vancouver’s waterfront, with hotels, a trade center, and a cruise terminal.
www.vancouvertrolley.com12:00 PM
Hop off to explore Granville Island, home to a giant public market featuring local homemade goods and foods. Browse the more than 50 colorful stalls, have a tasty picnic lunch, and then participate in a tour and beer tasting at Granville Island Brewery.
www.granvilleisland.com,
gib.ca7:00 PM
Enjoy dinner in historic Gastown, founded in 1867 and named after “Gassy Jack” Deighton—who was so dubbed because of his penchant for telling tall tales and talking endlessly. Afterwards, stroll the cobblestone streets and grab sugary treats at local dessert shop 7 Sweet Sins.
www.gastown.orgDay 3: Sea Safari
9:00 AM
May to October is prime whale-watching time in British Columbia, so hop on a boat and keep your eyes peeled for orcas, gray whales, hump-back whales, minke whales, and porpoises. This five-hour cruise can accommodate up to 23 people, offers hotel pickup, and includes lunch.
www.vancouverwhalewatch.com7:00 PM
Cap off your day at sea with the best seafood Vancouver has to offer at the award-winning West restaurant, which has been given four stars by Mobil Travel Guide. Enhance your meal with a selection from the restaurant’s dazzling, temperature-controlled “wall of wine,” which houses its collection. www.westrestaurant.com