Highlights
- Explore Granville Island's Public Market, artisan stalls, and specialized stores
- Step out of the city and into nature by traversing the impressive Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Enjoy the energetic Shipyards Night Market atmosphere
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Vancouver | Vancouver |
| Day 2 | Visit Granville Island | Vancouver |
| Day 3 | Capilano Suspension Bridge Park | Vancouver |
| Day 4 | Experience North Vancouver's Night Market | Vancouver |
| Day 5 | Depart Vancouver |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver
Begin your Canadian journey at the airport, where a driver will warmly welcome you and transport you directly to your hotel. Flanked by the Pacific Ocean and nestled against magnificent coastal mountains, Vancouver earns its reputation as one of the world's most beautiful cities.
After the brief half-hour trip from the airport to downtown, the city center and surrounding neighborhoods are easily navigable on foot or by bicycle. After settling in, take a leisurely walk along the seawall stretching from English Bay to False Creek. This area offers beautiful views and a sense of orientation to the city. Then, take a jaunt through the historically rich and charming cobblestone streets of Gastown and Chinatown.
Celebrating diversity with over 60 different cultures, Vancouver offers a culinary journey of global proportions. Opt for restaurants featuring flavorful Asian cuisine or delightful farm-to-table experiences. When the evening rolls around, a variety of superb dining options await, extending from Downtown and the West End to the North Shore and Kitsilano. Remember, dining out is a beloved pastime for Vancouver residents, so ensure to make reservations at popular establishments to secure a spot.
Day 2: Visit Granville Island
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Continue your exploration by heading into the Net Loft Shops and Railspur District, both of which showcase the creations of Canada's top-notch artists and designers. The Net Loft offers a variety of offbeat artisan clothing and home goods, perfect for those seeking unique gifts. Meanwhile, the Railspur District features specialized stores like Hartman Leather, known for its fine leatherware, and Funk Shui, with its assortment of avant-garde clothing. If you're traveling with kids, a visit to the Kids Market, situated in an old paint factory and train caboose, will provide a fun-filled portion of the day with its variety of shops focusing on magic, art, and science. Nearby, the largest free waterpark in Canada can add to the fun.
Later, visit the Granville Island Brewery. This craft beer center has been a staple of the island since 1984 and provides insights into the brewing process with daily tours along with tastings of local brews. Alternatively, the remarkable Rodgers' Chocolate shop offers a sweet diversion, offering everything from their celebrated "Victoria Cream" to an extensive range of chocolates. To round off your visit to Granville Island, don't forget to try Lee's Donuts, a go-to since 1979. With a selection of more than 30 flavors, including the widely loved Honey Dip, your day will have a delicious ending.
Day 3: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Make your way out of the city for a journey across the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge. Spanning a length of 450 feet and suspended 230 feet over the Capilano River, the bridge takes you from beautifully landscaped gardens, complete with First Nations totem poles, to the serenity of the temperate rainforest. Despite the slightly unsettling sensation of the bridge wobbling, know that it is structurally sound. Its modern steel cables are so strong that the bridge could support the weight of 75 adult elephants!
In the afternoon, continue with the Treetops Adventure. This immersive activity takes you on a journey from the salvaged timber frame Treehouse to towering platforms linked by seven suspension bridges, providing an elevated perspective on the lush forest. From this unique vantage point, observe the myriad of life inhabiting the rainforest.
Before heading back to Vancouver, take on the Cliff Walk. Situated as high as 30 stories above the Capilano River Canyon, this experience comprises narrow walkways, stairs, and viewing platforms affixed to the sheer cliffside. With cantilevers suspended in space, adrenaline seekers and nature lovers will not want to miss this unique opportunity to appreciate the canyon from a different perspective.
Day 4: Experience North Vancouver's Night Market
If your trip falls on a summertime Friday, after some downtime at a café or exploring additional Vancouver neighborhoods, make your way to the lively Shipyards Night Market. Open from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Fridays from May to September, the market fills Shipbuilders' Square with live music performances and a hopping scene.
Enjoy the energetic atmosphere and peruse the offerings of the market. An assortment of food stalls offers diverse local specialties and globally-inspired fare. Once you've sated your appetite, make your way to the beer garden for a variety of locally-brewed drinks.
Post-refreshment, venture into the heart of the market: the artisanal section. Here, you'll discover a variety of stalls boasting homemade goods, from jewelry to jams, handcrafted chocolates to artisanal baked products, and even a small selection of organic produce. Be sure to linger into the evening and enjoy the live music performances.
Day 5: Depart Vancouver
Begin your day with a final leisurely walk around the bustling Downtown area before your driver picks you up for the 30-minute trip to the airport and your flight home.