The Perfect Itinerary for One Day in Vancouver (By a Local)

👉 Jump to: 1 Day in Vancouver | Where to Stay | Map | Tips | Get Printable Version

So, you only have one day in Vancouver and you’re unsure what to do. Don’t worry! I’m a local here to help you catch all the city’s highlights.

This easy-to-follow itinerary showcases the best that Vancouver has to offer. It also lists suggestions on where to stay and how to get around. I’ve done the work, so you don’t have to!

Vancouver may seem vast and sprawling, but all the main attractions are close together, and the tourist core is walkable. Even if you only have one day, don’t worry! You can still get a great taste of the city. Have more time in Vancouver? Check out my 5-day Vancouver itinerary.

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Where to Stay if You Only Have One Day in Vancouver

View of the dim lit opulent interior of the lobby of Rosewood Hotel Georgia — *The opulent lobby of the* ***Rosewood Hotel Georgia***

There are tons of great hotels in Vancouver. But for one day, it’s best to stay somewhere central and convenient to public transportation. These hotels are all within the Downtown core, making it easy to get to all the recommended sights.

💵 Budget – YWCA Hotel
🛏️ Mid-Range – The Sutton Place Hotel
💎 Luxury – Rosewood Hotel Georgia
🚢 Near the cruise ship terminal – Fairmont Waterfront

For other hotel and neighborhood ideas, check out our comprehensive guide to where to stay in Vancouver.

1 Day Vancouver Itinerary

🖨️ Get a printable version of this itinerary

8:00 AM – Breakfast & Granville Island

View inside the Granville Island Public Market with people shopping — *Stuart’s is my go-to for a treat at Granville Island Public Market*

Granville Island is my favorite attraction in Vancouver. The public market is full of wonderful local food. And it’s a hub for Vancouver’s artistic community.

But it is also very popular and busy, especially on sunny days. Getting there before the crowds will allow you to take your time and see everything.

Arrive before the public market opens at 9 AM (open 7 days a week). Getting there early will give you time to fuel up for your day. Blue Parrot Espresso Bar is a nice place for coffee in the market. Or, if you prefer a sit-down breakfast, Dockside Restaurant has delicious food with incredible views. I could sit on their patio all day!

Then, spend a couple of hours exploring the market and the surrounding artists’ studios. Shop at the Net Loft and along Railspur Alley. And take photos at the waterfront. If you’ve got the kids in tow, visit the Kids Market and water park.

Grab a sweet treat at Rogers’ Chocolates before you head off to catch the boat to your next stop! Their Victoria Creams are a classic. Peppermint and peanut butter are my fave!

11:00 AM – Beaches and Lunch in the West End

View of the seawall and beaches in Vancouver during winter — *The seawall and beaches are still beautiful in the winter*

At Granville Island, hop on one of the little False Creek Ferries. It’s a fun and picturesque way to cross the water (a one-way ticket is $4). Ride the ferry to the Sunset Beach/Aquatic Centre stop on the other side of False Creek.

From here, walk along the Vancouver Seawall from Sunset Beach to English Bay. Pull up a log and soak in the spectacular views of Kitsilano and UBC. And don’t miss a photo op with Vancouver’s most delightful piece of public art, A-maze-ing Laughter.

By this point, you’re probably going to be hungry. So, stay in the area and have lunch. There are lots of dining options along Denman Street, so you’re sure to find something to suit your cravings and budget.

Cactus Club Cafe is one of Vancouver’s most popular restaurants. And it has the best beach views of English Bay from its patio.

After lunch, a short walk or bus ride will take you to the jewel of Vancouver, Stanley Park.

1:00 PM – Stanley Park

People admiring the Stanley Park totem poles — *The Stanley Park totem poles are a favorite Vancouver photo op*

Stanley Park is enormous! 405 hectares, to be exact. So, spend a couple of hours here, especially if you want to visit the Vancouver Aquarium.

See the famous totem poles, walk the seawall for incredible views, and get up close to the Lions Gate Bridge at Prospect Point. If you don’t feel like walking, a nice way to explore the park is on a one-hour horse-drawn carriage tour.

3:00 PM: Vancouver’s Waterfront & Downtown

Author Catherine taking a selfie at Vancouver’s waterfront — *Enjoying the breathtaking mountain views at Vancouver’s waterfront*

Leave Stanley Park by bus or rideshare for Downtown’s Waterfront area. Here, you’ll be able to get some beautiful photos of Stanley Park, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore mountains. Watch the float planes take off and land. You can also see the city’s two convention centers.

If it’s sunny, you can’t beat the panoramic views at the Vancouver Lookout. But if the skies aren’t cooperating, FlyOver Canada is a perfect dreary day option.

Afterward, head back into the Downtown core. It’s only a 10-15 minute walk away!

Art lovers can budget some time to visit the Vancouver Art Gallery (closed Tuesdays, open until 5 PM except Thursday until 8 PM). And browse the famous chain stores along Robson Street.

There are lots of restaurants and cafes in the area, should you need a little pick-me-up. I love Happy Hour at Joe Fortes, or coffee and cake at Thierry.

6:30 PM: Dinner & drinks in Gastown

View of the shops at Gastown — *Historic Gastown is the perfect place for dinner*

From Downtown, it’s an easy walk, SkyTrain, or taxi ride to Gastown. Explore this historic neighborhood where the city began. Stroll the cobbled streets and visit the shops. Watch the steam clock whistle on the quarter hour.

Gastown is the perfect place for dinner. The neighborhood is full of both high-end and casual choices. Pourhouse is a cozy spot famous for its cocktails. And Di Beppe is wonderful for pizza and pasta.

Gastown and nearby Chinatown are two of the best neighbourhoods for nightlife, should you wish to stay out late. For live music, Guilt & Co. is a nice choice. And Bagheera is my favorite for a lounge scene.

⚠️ Heads up: Gastown and Chinatown border Vancouver’s notorious Downtown Eastside. It’s rare for any harm to come to tourists. But remain vigilant in these areas, especially at night. Mind your personal items and keep to yourself to stay safe in Vancouver.

1 Day in Vancouver – Itinerary Map

1-Day Itinerary Planning Tips

Tip #1 – Dress for the weather

A sailboat in False Creek, surrounded by the cityscape of Vancouver — *False Creek on a sunny spring day*

They don’t call Vancouver “Raincouver” for nothing. Unless you get lucky, you will likely need your umbrella. And if you plan to do lots of walking, it’s wise to bring waterproof shoes.

Vancouver is also famous for experiencing four seasons in one day, so it’s always a good idea to layer your clothing. Even in the summer months, you may need a sweater.

Tip #2 – Use transit to get around

A bus travels along a street in Vancouver — *Vancouver’s public transit is perfect for tourists*

Vancouver’s traffic is terrible, and parking is expensive. For a short visit, forget the car. Use public transportation instead. For one day in Vancouver, it’s worth buying a transit day pass. This will give you access to all buses, the SkyTrain, and SeaBus (but not the False Creek Ferries or Hop-On/Hop-Off bus tours).

A one-day pass for all-zone travel is $11.95 for adults and $9.40 for seniors and students (known as “Concession”). Or, you can simply tap your credit card for individual rides on public transit.

Tip #3 – Saving money in Vancouver is possible

View of the Cauldron from the 2010 Winter Olympics — *Vancouver has lots of free things to see, like the cauldron from the 2010 Winter Olympics*

Vancouver is a famously expensive city for both locals and tourists. But it is possible to enjoy the city without going broke.

If you plan on visiting a couple of attractions during your day here, a Vancouver Attractions Pass will save some money. But Stanley Park, English Bay, Granville Island, and Gastown are all free to visit. You just pay for any food or souvenirs that you buy.

When it comes to dining, Vancouver has many small restaurants and food trucks. You’ll get a good meal for an affordable price at the local holes-in-the-wall. You can also find Happy Hour at many of Vancouver’s restaurants. It’s a great opportunity to snag a discount at some of the city’s more expensive places.

And take transit over taxis. For tourists, transit is easy. And it’s a much cheaper way to get around.

Tip #4 – Mind your belongings

View of Graffiti in alleyways of Vancouver — *I love graffiti in alleyways, but stay mindful when you go exploring*

You will be safe in Vancouver. But your belongings might not be. Violent crime is rare in the city. But Vancouver has a lot of problems with drug addiction, so property crime is rampant.

Never leave anything in a vehicle. Even if you think it’s not of value, you’d be amazed at what people will break into a car to steal. Always be mindful of your handbag and mobile phone while walking around town or dining at a restaurant.

People may also stop you on the street to ask for money. Keep walking, and don’t engage with them. Should you be a victim of theft or any other crime, call 911 for assistance.

Tip #5 – Tipping is expected

A Tips jar in Vancouver — *You’ll be asked to tip at most places in Vancouver*

North Americans are used to it, but tipping is something that comes as a surprise to many overseas visitors to Vancouver. And it seems like everywhere you go, you’ll be asked to leave a tip.

I tip 15% at sit-down restaurants. However, on many card machines, you’ll see tip options that begin at 18%. You can bypass this and customize your tip if you wish. Generally, large groups of 6 or more will automatically have 18% added to the bill. So, always check your bill if you’re with a group.

For taxis, it’s adequate to tip 10% of the fare. And for bellhops and housekeeping at hotels, it’s fine to leave $5 – $10, depending on the service. If you’re visiting a hair salon or spa in Vancouver, 10-15% of the treatment price is customary.

I don’t tip in places where I’m ordering at the counter, like bakeries or coffee shops. Tipping is also unnecessary if you’re ordering takeout, unless it’s through a food delivery service like DoorDash.