Vancouver Itinerary Ideas for an Action-Packed City Break

A port city along the Burrard Peninsula in Canada’s western province of British Columbia, Vancouver has been home to First Nation communities for thousands of years. Today, the dynamic metropolis — Canada’s third-largest — is celebrated for its multicultural diversity, its stunning natural setting (mountains surround the city) and its thriving arts and culinary scenes. And thanks to the mild weather, Vancouver is a year-round destination.

Families will love attractions such as the renowned Vancouver Aquarium (don’t miss the sea otters!) and traipsing across the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Adults will enjoy hidden gems such as the Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, which pays tribute to its eponymous Haida master carver, and fantastic food and drink, from elevated Afghan fare at Zarak in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood to Michelin-recommended Maenam in Kitsilano. There’s truly something for everyone.

Top Vancouver Itinerary Ideas

Arts & Culture Scene

Vancouver’s museums, gardens and performing arts experiences alone could fill a weeklong itinerary. Below are a few standouts.

Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia

Browse towering totem poles, intricate textiles and Bill Reid’s famous Raven and the First Men sculpture, carved from a single piece of cedar, at this impressive glass- and concrete-clad museum on the UBC campus. Head outside and stroll the grounds, where you’ll find traditional Haida houses as well as poles and Musqueam house posts. The museum is also known for its European ceramics collection, lending a bit of contrast to the indigenous treasures.

Vancouver Art Gallery

From vivid mountain and coastal landscapes to contemporary photography, this downtown institution boasts a collection of more than 12,000 works. Especially noteworthy among the holdings are paintings of indigenous culture and life by Emily Carr, who emerged as a key figure in Canadian modernism during the 20th century.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

In Vancouver’s Chinatown, this serene oasis was the first Chinese garden to be built outside of Asia. Modeled after a Ming Dynasty-style garden home, it artfully blends architecture, flora, waterways and stone paths. An hour is more than enough to explore the space.

Outdoor Pursuits

Scenic parks, hiking trails, kayaking, wintertime skiing — there’s no shortage of outdoor activities in Vancouver and its surroundings all year round.

Stanley Park

No visit to Vancouver is complete without a walk or bike ride along Stanley Park’s beloved 6-mile-long seawall, which runs around the perimeter of the hemlock- and cedar-studded park, showcasing incredible harbor, mountain and city views along the way. Rent bikes just outside the park or join a tour through Cycle City Vancouver. (If time is limited, even a partial walk to stop and admire the totem poles at Brockton Point is worthwhile.) During warmer months, Second Beach is a popular picnic spot, complete with a sandy shoreline and heated outdoor pool.

Grouse Mountain

Serving as Vancouver’s alpine playground, Grouse Mountain rises 4,100 feet above the city. Take in the bird’s-eye view as you ride the aerial tram to the top. Summer offerings include a zipline and ropes course, while winter allows for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

This 460-foot-long pedestrian suspension bridge across the Capilano River was first built in 1889 and later reinforced in 1956. It wobbles and sways, thrilling visitors as they walk from one end to the other. A more recently added attraction, the Treetops Adventure — comprising a series of towering platforms and shorter bridges — really immerses visitors in the forest.

Culinary Hot Spots

From coffee to sushi to plant-based dining, Vancouver does it all so well.

Granville Island Public Market

This charming and lively market is a great place to try a bit of this and that, from spicy dill pickles and lemon squares to bagels and sake. The market also features neighboring buildings dedicated to arts and artisans, including a darling broom shop.

You can quite literally taste Vancouver’s diversity at your table. For Thai flavors, hit Michelin-recognized Maenam and order the delicious Tom Kha mushroom soup, spiked with plenty of lemongrass and galangal. At Lila, helmed by chef Meeru Dhalwala and restaurateur Shira Blustein, sample modern Indian bites such as curried cheddar samosas and black chickpea and zucchini cakes.

Plant-based diners (and their friends) should absolutely include Folke on their itinerary. Think beets with blueberries or hazelnuts and squash with mandarins and kale.

Where to Stay: Rosewood Hotel Georgia

Arguably Vancouver’s premier address, the recently renovated Rosewood Hotel Georgia is equal parts historic and contemporary. From its 1920s wood-paneled lobby to its sprawling, elegant rooms (156 in total), the property gets everything just right.

It’s worth staying for the phenomenal artwork alone. The hotel team worked with Vancouver-based art advisory firm Howard495 to curate a collection of modern Canadian art, including pieces by First Nations artists Moy Sutherland, Ray Natraoro and Sonny Assu. Ask the front desk for a copy of the art map and wander the corridors in search of paintings, sculpture and photography.

Chef David Hawksworth’s eponymous Michelin-starred restaurant, which has had a home within the Rosewood Hotel Georgia since 2011, endures as a culinary destination too.

TIP: Ciao Bambino’s Travel Advisors can book the Rosewood Hotel Georgia for you with access to exclusive perks and amenities, like early check-in/late check-out, breakfast credits, complimentary upgrades and more. Get in touch for details.

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Photos by Tanvi Chheda except where noted.

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.