Last Updated on January 29, 2025 by Steph
Vancouver is a quick getaway from Seattle and has a lot in common with my hometown. I would argue that Vancouver feels even closer to the mountains than Seattle, but it’s got water, mountains, and fabulous city things to explore. This Canadian getaway is also a popular jumping-off point for many great skiing and outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a Vancouver travel guide, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve driven through and checked out different things on the way to and from Whistler, plus I spent five days exploring Vancouver with my best friends over the summer. I wanted to share some of the most extraordinary things we’ve discovered to help you plan your Vancouver getaway. Even on the girl’s trip, we commented that this city would be a great family or couple’s destination. Dive into my Vancouver travel guide.
All About Vancouver, British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost province of Canada, and Vancouver is the largest city in this province. It’s Canada’s 3rd largest metropolitan area, with 2.6 million people. The city also has the 4th-highest population density in North America, after New York City, San Francisco, and Mexico City.
The Coast Salish people have lived in Vancouver for over 10,000 years. The Gold Rush of 1858 brought an influx of people to the area, and in 1863, a sawmill was established. The settlement was named Gastown, thanks to the mill’s makeshift neighborhood tavern opened by a man called Gassy Jack. Once the Canadian Public Railway arrived in the 1880s, the city was officially incorporated in 1886 as Vancouver.
Vancouver is a diverse city with high livability scores. The city doesn’t feel packed with people, even with all the highrise residential buildings. Immigrants make up 42.2% of the total population. You’ve likely seen scenes of Vancouver so many times as the city is known as the Hollywood of the North. The Good Doctor, Riverdale, X-Files, The Man in the High Castle, and countless other TV shows have been filmed here. There’s so much to explore and love about this city.
Vancouver Travel Guide: Best Things to Do
Bike Around Stanley Park and More
While there are many parks in the city, Stanley Park is one of the best. The best way to explore this giant city park is by bicycle. There is a fantastic path around the entire exterior where you can cruise to all the popular spots in the park. We kept the bikes all day and did the whole bike path along the waterfront. It was the best way to explore the city in the summertime. We rented bikes from Spokes Bicycle Rentals, and they came with helmets and locks. Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant was the perfect place to stop while cruising around the city.
Plan a Progressive Dinner in Yaletown
Yaletown is one of my favorite neighborhoods in which to wander. It’s the old warehouse district, home to incredible restaurants, bars, and shopping. We did a progressive dinner in this neighborhood, which was a huge hit. We moved from restaurant to restaurant, ordering a few things for the whole table and a round of drinks at each spot. Our favorites were Cactus Club Cafe for vegan sushi, Zab Zaab Thai, Capo and the Spritz, Banter Room, and Mister Artisan Ice Cream.
Sample Flavors at the Richmond Night Market
The Richmond Night Market is reopening in April 2025 and is a must-do in Vancouver. There are 110 food booths to choose from, so come hungry and with a group so you can sample as much as possible. In addition to the food, multiple entertainment options are available each weekend so that you can enjoy music and dance performances. The market is right next to the airport so you can book a hotel nearby for ease before your morning flight out.
Enjoy the Views from Trestle Bridge at the Mountain Path
The Trestle Bridge is part of a walking path in West Vancouver that offers views of downtown and Mount Baker on a clear day. It’s part of a network of mountain paths in these scenic neighborhoods. You can access the bridge and trail right off Cypress Bowl Road. It’s free to enjoy and would work perfectly if you are also doing the Sea to Sky Gondola below.
Take a Day Trip to the Sea to Sky Gondola
With a car, it’s easy to make the hour-long drive north to the Sea to Sky Gondola, which is one of the most beautiful drives in the area. You’ll follow a cliffside along the water with views of all the islands and surrounding peaks. Once you arrive, you take the gondola up and enjoy sweeping views and many hiking trails to explore. There is a full restaurant and gift shop at the top as well. We took the Panorama Trail, the Wonderland Lake Loop, and the Spirit Trail for a little bit of everything.
Brunch at Maxine’s Cafe
I cannot recommend this little cafe enough for brunch/lunch in Vancouver. The location is centralized with a patio and gorgeous interior, so it doesn’t matter where you are seated. Make a reservation or wander in like we did (the wait was only 20 minutes for four on a Saturday). I split the eggs cocotte and mini donuts with a friend, and it was fantastic.
Find the Gastown Steam Clock
Every city has one tourist attraction that seems overhyped, but you still have to see it. The Steam Clock was that attraction in Vancouver. No matter when we walked by, a crowd was hovering around the clock. The city has a maze of steam pipes under the streets that help provide heat for much of downtown. This clock was built in 1977 by a metalwork expert and pays homage to the city’s history. See the steam blow the whistles every 15 minutes with a whole show each hour.
Shop Along Main Street
I always think of small towns when I see Main Street, but this stretch in Vancouver is packed with cool shops and isn’t even downtown. Instead, it’s closer to Queen Elizabeth Park on the south end of town. With over 10 blocks of commercial district to explore, you could make an afternoon out of this. Enjoy street art, unique restaurants, and cute cocktail spots.
Published on Main and The Acorn Restaurant have been highly recommended (especially for vegetarians.)
Cross the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
The Pacific Northwest is famous for its moody landscapes and old-growth forests. The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge offers incredible views of the surrounding forests and scenery. Multiple hiking trails allow you to discover different parts of the park. Just beware if you’re afraid of heights because the suspension bridge offers incredible views but can be a little freaky for some as it sits 50 meters high. Visiting this park is free, so add it to your Vancouver itinerary.
Hang Out at Granville Island Public Market
This is one of my favorite spots in Vancouver for visitors, but I imagine I’d find myself here often as a local, too. The public market sits on a small “island” on False Creek. It’s in the shadow of the tall Granville Bridge and has many spots to sit on the water. You can shop for any cuisine, colorful produce, or unique little snack item here. We had pizza, dumplings, a vegan grain bowl, ice cream, and drinks. It was the perfect place to go at lunchtime and satisfy the cravings of four different humans in one place.
Spend Time By the Water at Kitsilano Beach
If you’re like me, you don’t think about beaches when you think about Vancouver, Canada, but Kitsilano is a fantastic sandy spot to enjoy a sunny day. You’ll find all the defining features of a San Diego beach, but with stunning mountains and city views. There’s even a swimming pool just off the coast, like the ones I loved in Sydney, Australia. Enjoy the nearby restaurants if you need a midday snack or pack a picnic lunch. We rode bikes there, but you can also take a water ferry to Hadden Park nearby.
On My Future Vancouver List
There are still a few things I want to explore in the city, plus countless restaurants that have been recommended. Here are a few things that are on my future list to add to this Vancouver travel guide:
- Visit the Vancouver Aquarium
- Explore the Grandview-Woodland Area, including Caffe La Tana and Havana Vancouver
- Drive to Buntzen Lake Recreation Area
- Hike to Woodland Falls
- Walk the Iona Jetty
- Take in the views from the Vancouver Lookout
- See a Canucks game
Where to Stay in Vancouver
Airbnb and other short-term rentals have run into some issues with the City of Vancouver, so this is one place that I recommend staying in a hotel. You don’t want to be canceled at the last minute or find yourself staying in a shady spot that doesn’t have city inspections or paperwork. Here are five hotels that I would recommend based on locations and reviews:
- The Skwachays Lodge (top on my list) near Gastown
- Hotel Blu Vancouver in the Yaletown area
- Sandman Suites, if you want a kitchenette in the room
- Sonder at Revival (close to Stanley Park and a quiet neighborhood)
- The Westin Bayshore for a splurge on the waterfront
How to Get Around in Vancouver
Since I came from Seattle, I drove to Vancouver. What I loved about the city is that I parked my car and only used it once when we took the day trip to the Sea to Sky Gondola. The city was easy to walk or bike everywhere. If you want to explore areas further outside of the downtown area, the public transportation system is easy to use.
Plan Your Visit to Vancouver, British Columbia
With Vancouver so nearby, it’s a city that we will visit over and over. I absolutely love how many restaurants I still have flagged and how easy of a pitstop it is on the way to Whistler. Don’t worry, I’ll continue. to update this Vancouver travel guide as I continue to explore this Canadian gem.
If you’re driving north, don’t miss the cool town of Bellingham, which is just south of the border in Washington. You can also perfectly pair this trip with the Emerald City, so check out our full city guide for Seattle.
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