You can get a downloadable map of this itinerary here.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL: The best time to travel to Vancouver really depends on what you want to do. If you love winter sports, you can easily drive up to Whistler in the same trip—aka one of our favorite places in the world (and probably deserving of its own guide). However, during the winter, the weather in Vancouver tends to be a bit grey. If you want to spend most of your trip in Vancouver proper, then you can’t beat the summer or early autumn when the leaves in Stanley Park start to change! 

PLACES TO STAY: If you’re looking for luxury, book a room at the Fairmont Pacific Rim, Rosewood or Shangri-la. The Douglass and EXchange are both good affordable options too. For Airbnbs, Kitsilano, Yaletown, and Mount Pleasant are all good areas with a lot going on. 

friday (kits + fairview/granville).

Start your day off in Kitsilano with a coffee and a famous mochi donut from There Their. Once you have sustenance, make your way over to Kits Beach and the Golden Mile for a stroll to see some of the best views of the city. It’s the PERFECT place to kick off your stay in Vancouver. Depending on the time of day, you may also want to swing by The Cider House for a flight of local ciders. If you find yourself back in Kits later in the day, we also love Grapes and Soda for a nightcap, Nook for a cozy Italian dinner, or Delara for modern Persian.

Then, head over to Granville Island for artisan goods, a great view of downtown Vancouver, and the CUTEST boat homes. Again, depending on the time of day, we have different recommendations for you–you could check out Mon Pitou Bistro & Bakery for a cute dog-friendly patio brunch. Lee’s Donuts to try Seth Rogan’s favorite donuts, Go Fish for tuna tacones and the best fish and chips, or Mazahr Lebanese for affordable and amazing platters.

saturday (downtown, gastown, chinatown, and yaletown)

Pick up a coffee nearby (a local favorite is 49th Parallel) and head to Stanley Park Seawall for a stroll or bike ride. If you’d like a scenic spot on the way to enjoy your breakfast, you can stop at David Lam Park or English Bay. We also LOVE English Bay for a sunset picnic, if you prefer to come back later in the day. Bike along the Stanley Park Seawall, perhaps stop at the Vancouver aquarium, and then head to Fat Mao Noodles for an AMAZINGLY rich ramen. If you prefer a vegan option, Mila nearby is also great.

After lunch, we’d recommend spending some time outdoors. Consider Sun-Yat Sen Chinese gardens or VanDusen Botanical Gardens. 

Once you’re ready to start your evening, swing by The Diamond or Nightingale for drinks before dinner. Then, you get to head to our absolute favorite spot for dinner–Kissa Tanto for Michelin-worthy Italian-Japanese fusion. If you aren’t able to secure a reservation, Bao Bei for a dim sum date night is another favorite.

sunday (hiking + north van + main street) 

Start your day at Remi Patisserie for amazing mochi. Then, head over to the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge Park, the Endowment Lands for a local-favorite in the city, Grouse Grind if you want an intense challenge, or Quarry Rock Trail for a more accessible hike.

After spending some time in the prettiest parts of Vancouver, head to lower Lonsdale and the Shipyards District in North Vancouver. Grab a craft beer at House of Funk Brewing or North Point Brewing. If you really want to reward yourself, make sure to stop by Earnest for one of Vancouver’s most popular ice-creams. Alternatively, you could head over to East Van to check out Parallel 49 Brewing Company for their summer beer garden or Andina Brewery for craft beer and ceviche.

Then, head to the restaurant capital of Vancouver–Main Street and Mount Pleasant. Start your evening at one of the many bars in the area–we’d recommend 33 Acres for craft beer and a GREAT aesthetic. If there’s a wait, we also really love Key Party for a speakeasy that’s hiding as an accountant’s office, Sing Sing for late-night beers with a great ambiance, or Mount Pleasant Vintage & Provisions for drinks with Mad Men vibes.

For dinner, three of our absolute favorites are in the neighborhood–Song (by Kin Kao) for Michelin-rated Thai food, Anh and Chi for Vietnamese food, or Suyo for Peruvian food and amazing cocktails. If you’re looking for something more casual, you can’t miss the sushi in Vancouver. Sushi Hil takes 1st place for the locals favorite.