The Perfect 5-Day Vancouver Itinerary (Planned by a Local, With a Map)
👉 Jump to: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 | Map | Getting Around | FAQ | Where to Stay | Get Printable Version
As a Vancouver local, I love showing people around my city. It’s home to great art, amazing food, and fun attractions. Plus, its natural surroundings will take your breath away.
Although Vancouver is Canada’s third-largest city, its tourist core is compact and walkable. And with a good transit system, it’s easy to explore neighbourhoods that are further afield. However, with so much to see and do, planning a trip can be overwhelming.
To save you the hassle (and to help you make the most of your time and money!), I’ve created the perfect Vancouver itinerary. Here’s how to experience Vancouver’s popular activities and hidden gems on a fun 5-day visit.
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5-Day Vancouver Itinerary
To plan the perfect itinerary, you first need the perfect hotel.
If these hotels have availability for your dates, they are my top recommendations for where to stay in Vancouver:
- 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Fairmont Pacific Rim
- 🗺️ Best Location – Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
- 💎 Best Luxury – Rosewood Hotel Georgia
- 🛏️ Best Budget Option – The YWCA Hotel
- 📜 Best Historic – The Sylvia Hotel
- 🏠 Apartments – Find a Rental in Vancouver
Accommodation sorted? Let’s get planning your Vancouver adventure:
🖨️ Get a printable version of this itinerary
Day 1 – Get to Know Vancouver’s Past & Present
Morning
A great place to start your visit to Vancouver is at the Waterfront. It’s one of the most photogenic parts of the city!
Tableau Bar Bistro is perfect for breakfast. Once you’re fueled up, walk around the area and admire the views of Stanley Park and the North Shore. For a panoramic snapshot of the city from above, don’t miss a visit to the Vancouver Lookout.
Next, you’ll want to spend some time in the jewel of Vancouver: Stanley Park. You can take a bus from the waterfront or walk the seawall through Coal Harbour. Take photos at the totem poles and visit the fish at the Vancouver Aquarium. If you get hungry, the Teahouse is an iconic spot for lunch in the park.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, catch a bus or Uber to Chinatown. Vancouver’s Chinatown is the third largest in North America!
Explore the history of the Chinese in Vancouver at the Chinese Canadian Museum. Then, visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden for a little rest in a traditional Chinese garden. Both attractions are open Wednesday – Sunday.
If you haven’t eaten yet, Chinatown has many great places to grab a bite. Fat Mao Noodles is a lunchtime favourite and I love New Town Bakery for a sweet treat.
👉 Alternate Plans: To see Vancouver’s first residential neighbourhood, head to nearby Strathcona. Its architecture is beautiful on a sunny day.
Evening
Chinatown neighbours the area where the city of Vancouver began: Gastown. Spend the evening strolling its cobbled streets and popping into the trendy shops. John Fluevog is famous for its whimsical footwear — don’t miss a visit to this Vancouver legend. Then, hang around to watch the steam clock whistle every 15 minutes.
Water Street is magical at night, so it’s the perfect time to go on a historical walking tour. Forbidden Vancouver tours are a fun way to learn about Vancouver’s history and hear some sordid tales from the past.
Gastown is also a wonderful food destination. L’Abattoir is a popular high-end option. But if you’re looking for something more casual, you can’t go wrong with dinner at Nuba. If you have the kids in tow, The Old Spaghetti Factory is sure to be a hit.
Additionally, Gastown and Chinatown are home to some of the city’s best nightlife. Bagheera and The Keefer Bar are amazing cocktail spots for after-dinner drinks.
⚠️ 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 this area, especially at night. See my guide to safety in Vancouver for more insight.
Day 2 – Explore Vancouver’s Vibrant Center
Morning
The next day, spend the morning at Granville Island, home to a bustling public market, artist studios, and incredible city views. It’s a busy place, so arrive early! The Aquabus is always my favourite way to get to Granville Island. These little ferries putter up and down False Creek. A ride on one of these is a relaxing and picturesque way to see the city.
Get to the public market right when it opens at 9 am. You’ll beat the crowds and have space to move and look around. Visit the stalls selling fresh produce, meats, seafood and cheese.
Once you’re finished in the market, explore the island. Admire the work of the local artists. Pick up a souvenir at the shops inside Net Loft. Take a walk along the seawall for city and water views. And, if you’re traveling with little ones, be sure to visit the Kids Market and the Granville Island Water Park.
Granville Island is one of the best places to eat in the city. The Market is home to a wonderful food court, but it can be hard to snag a table. So, for a more formal, sit-down meal, Tap & Barrel Bridges is a lunch spot that I always enjoy.
Afternoon
Next, you’ll visit Yaletown. It’s easy to get there on the Aquabus or by public transit.
Spend the afternoon in Vancouver’s historic warehouse district. See Engine 374 at the Roundhouse. It dates back to 1887! Enjoy the views from David Lam Park. Shop at the boutiques along Hamilton and Mainland Streets, and enjoy happy hour specials at Homer St. Cafe.
Evening
Spend the late afternoon and evening in the downtown core. To see thoughtful exhibitions and impressive local art, visit the Vancouver Art Gallery before its 5 pm closure (Wednesday – Monday; the museum closes at 8 pm on Friday).
Then, enjoy walking around Robson Street. It’s full of famous shops and home to the Roman Colosseum-inspired Vancouver Public Library.
Downtown Vancouver is full of great restaurants for dinner. The options are endless! Glowbal is always a fabulous choice for a night on the town. And you’ll also find my top-recommended hotel in the city center, Fairmont Pacific Rim.
Day 3 – Mountain Adventures Await
Morning
On day three, take a boat ride to North Vancouver, one of my favorite day trips from the city. Here, you’ll visit some of Vancouver’s top attractions.
From Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver, hop on the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay — and get your camera ready! During this 15-minute ride, you’ll have breathtaking views of Stanley Park, the North Shore, and Downtown. Once you’ve docked, have breakfast at Jam Cafe, one of my faves.
Then, head to the bus loop to catch the bus to Grouse Mountain. Upon arrival (or online in advance), purchase a ticket to ride the gondola to the top. At the top of the mountain, there is a lot to see and do. Visit the resident bears, Grinder and Coola. Catch a lumberjack show, ride the zipline, and walk the alpine trails.
If you visit in the winter, spend the morning skiing, snowshoeing or ice skating. And why not grab lunch up there? It’s the best view in town!
👉 Pro Tip: Two bridges also cross Burrard Inlet into North Vancouver, but I recommend leaving the car behind. The traffic is terrible. Parking is worse. Meanwhile, the SeaBus and the number 236 bus from Lonsdale Quay will save you time, money, and stress.
Afternoon
Once you’ve returned to earth, head to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Here, you’ll spend the afternoon wandering through the trees, walking along the edge of a cliff, learning about the area’s history, and swinging on a 135-year-old suspension bridge. And don’t leave without buying some homemade fudge at The Trading Post!
Then, return to Lonsdale Quay. Late afternoon is a great time to visit the Shipyards District. Stroll through Lonsdale Quay Public Market and the surrounding shops and galleries. Then, grab a donut from Cream Pony for a little pick-me-up.
If you’re strapped for time or prefer to visit Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge with a guide, consider this top-rated Grouse Mountain, Capilano Bridge Tour with Fish Hatchery.
Evening
The Shipyards District is stunning after the sun goes down, and this is where you’ll wind down your day. Take a walk along Shipbuilders’ Pier to marvel at the city lights of Downtown Vancouver and the Lions Gate Bridge. If you’re there on a Friday from May to September, don’t miss the Shipyards Night Market.
Have dinner at one of the area’s many restaurants. I love the food and views at Pier 7 and JOEY Shipyards. And after dinner, head up to Esplanade and cap your night off at the many craft breweries that line the street.
The SeaBus runs back to downtown Vancouver until 1 am (11 pm on Sunday and holidays), so take your time and enjoy!
🏨 Where to Stay: Although it’s not far from downtown, North Vancouver has lots to do, so consider spending the night on this side of the inlet. The Seaside Hotel is a fantastic option in the heart of the Shipyards.
Day 4 – Cultural Attractions & Vancouver Beaches
Morning
You’ll start day four by heading west to the University of British Columbia (UBC). Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe is a Vancouver institution in Kitsilano. Stop here for breakfast, as it’s on the way from downtown.
At UBC, you’ll visit one of my favourite museums in British Columbia, the Museum of Anthropology. Its First Nations’ art is some of the best in the province. But don’t only stay inside! Walk around back to see this stunning building from the outside. It was designed by famed local architect Arthur Erickson and is a work of art in itself.
Once you’ve finished with the museum, wander around the university. It’s a beautiful campus. The UBC Rose Garden is at its best between June and September. But the garden will offer stunning views, year-round.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, take the bus or a taxi back to Kitsilano. Walk down West 4th Avenue and explore the local boutiques. It’s home to the world’s first Lululemon.
By this point, you’ll be hungry. It’s a good thing that Kitsilano is loaded with restaurants. You can’t beat LOCAL Public Eatery for casual eats and beachy vibes.
After lunch, walk along Kitsilano Beach to Vanier Park. Here, the Museum of Vancouver and Vancouver Maritime Museum will teach you all about Vancouver’s history. And astrophiles will love the H.R. McMillan Space Centre, Planetarium, and Gordon Southam Observatory.
Evening
In the evening, cross the water to the West End. Although this is a mostly-residential neighbourhood, English Bay is a highlight. Pull up a log and enjoy the breathtaking ocean views, or take a walk along the seawall.
Visit the shops and soak up the energy of Davie Village. It’s the heart of Vancouver’s LGBTQ+ community. Stop for a drink with beach views at the legendary Sylvia Hotel and be sure to take your picture with Vancouver’s most delightful piece of public art, A-maze-ing Laughter.
The area around Denman Street is full of restaurants serving every type of food you can imagine. It’s a nice place for dinner. Cactus Club Cafe and Cardero’s are Vancouver classics and great spots to watch the sun go down.
Day 5 – Wander East Vancouver’s Hip Neighbourhoods
Morning
By this point, you’ve seen all the big attractions. So, on day five, check out some of Vancouver’s less-touristy neighbourhoods. Mornings are always my favourite time of day at Olympic Village.
Grab a coffee and pastry at Terra Breads and watch the world go by. Walk the seawall for some great city views and channel your inner nerd at Science World. Afterward, pick up a cool treat at Earnest Ice Cream.
Afternoon
Then, walk or take the bus up Main Street into Mount Pleasant. This hip neighbourhood is home to some of Vancouver’s best restaurants, so begin your afternoon with lunch. Fable Diner is always a fave!
The area is ground zero for Vancouver’s murals. After lunch, walk around the side streets to see the many works of art that adorn the neighbourhood’s buildings. Main Street is lined with amazing independent stores. It’s one of the best areas for locally-made clothing and unique home decor.
Evening
In the late afternoon, make your way to Commercial Drive. This diverse neighbourhood made Time Out’s list of the coolest streets in the world in 2024 — and I would have to agree! Pick up a fun vintage tee or rare vinyl record from one of “The Drive’s” many cool shops, or go bowling at Grandview Lanes.
Foodies will be spoiled on Commercial Drive. The area is known as “Little Italy” so, naturally, Italian food is the best here. Sopra Sotto is my go-to for pizza and pasta. But if you’re not feeling the carbs, there’s nowhere better than Lunch Lady for award-winning Vietnamese food. After dinner, pop over to Sing Sing for one of their famous cocktails.
Vancouver Itinerary Map
Here’s a handy Google Map featuring all the attractions, eateries and hotels in this guide:
How to Get Around in Vancouver
The main attractions in Vancouver are all well-served by public transit. While the locals (myself included) complain that transit isn’t the best here, it is a reliable and affordable option for visitors.
You can tap your credit card to access any transit (buses, SkyTrain, and the SeaBus). A one-zone adult fare is $3.35. If you plan to use transit frequently during a short trip to Vancouver, a day pass is a wise option. An all-zone pass will cost $11.95.
If you’re here for longer than 3 days, consider purchasing a refillable Compass Card. There are discounted rates for seniors, students, and children.
Additionally, you can find taxis, Uber, and Lyft everywhere.
Vancouver is a very walkable city and friendly towards cyclists. With safe bike lanes around town, renting a bike is a great option. You can find Mobi bike docking stations every couple of blocks. It’s easy to sign up for a short-term, pay-per-ride pass.
In Vancouver, traffic can be bad and parking is expensive. But having a car is handy if you’d like to take a few day trips. I recommend booking with Discover Cars. It has some great rental options for your time in Vancouver.
👉 Only have a day in Vancouver? See my 1-day itinerary!
FAQs
How many days is enough for Vancouver?
Three to five days is enough to see a lot and get a good feel for Vancouver. Three days will be busy and packed with activities, while five days will allow you to take your time.
When is the best time to visit Vancouver?
The best time to visit Vancouver is June through September. The weather is warm and sunny, the days are long and the city sees less rain! The locals have come out of hibernation, so the city has a fun, energetic vibe.
How can I plan a 7-day itinerary for Vancouver?
You can plan a 7-day itinerary for Vancouver by spending more time at the attractions listed. You could also take one day to leave the city and visit Whistler, Fort Langley, or Steveston. These are fantastic places for a day trip.
Where to Stay in Vancouver
Best Hotels
All of the below hotel recommendations are in Downtown Vancouver. They’re especially ideal for first-time visitors, offering convenient access to big attractions and public transportation.
- 🏆 Best Overall Hotel – Fairmont Pacific Rim
- 📍 Best Location – Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
- 💎 Best Luxury Hotel – Rosewood Hotel Georgia
- 👪 Best for Families – The Westin Bayshore
- 💻 Best for Business – Metropolitan Hotel
- 🔔 Best Boutique – Opus Hotel
- 🛏️ Best Budget Hotel – The YWCA Hotel
- 📜 Best Historic – The Sylvia Hotel
Check out my full guide on where to stay in Vancouver for a comprehensive list of neighbourhoods and accommodations!
Best Neighborhoods & Areas
Vancouver’s neighbourhoods are unique, with lots to see. No matter where you go, you’ll be mixing with the locals. Here are some of my favourites for a good mix of the Vancouver scene:
- The West End (Search apartments in West End) – This residential neighbourhood is home to majestic Stanley Park. It’s full of great beaches, restaurants, and places to walk and cycle. This is the most beautiful area if you love the outdoors.
- Yaletown (Search apartments in Yaletown) – Vancouver’s former warehouse district is one of the city’s hippest neighbourhoods. It’s full of amazing boutiques and great restaurants — perfect for those who love to see and be seen.
- Kitsilano (Search apartments in Kitsilano) – This former hippie enclave is now a beachgoer’s paradise. Kits Beach is one of the best spots in town to chill. There are plenty of shops, museums and places to eat here, too.
- Mount Pleasant (Mount Pleasant) – Vintage shopping reigns in this hip, artsy neighbourhood. See the amazing murals and hang out in the cool coffee shops.
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📄 Want This Vancouver Itinerary For Later? Get the printable version sent to you here!
I hope this itinerary has given you some great ideas for your visit to Vancouver! With breathtaking natural surroundings, great attractions, and amazing food, you’re sure to have a fantastic time.
For more local insights, see my guide on things to do in British Columbia next.
