Destination Guides

Vancouver And Surroundings Itinerary in 7 Days

As a travel enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share with you my comprehensive guide to exploring Vancouver, one of Canada’s most vibrant cities. This 7-day itinerary will take you on an unforgettable journey through the city’s diverse neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and stunning natural beauty.

Day 1: Exploring Downtown Vancouver

Distance: 5.7 km
Places visited: Stanley Park, Robson Street, Chinatown, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Gastown, Vancouver Lookout
Where to eat: Lunch at JOEY Burrard, Dinner at LOCAL Public Eatery Gastown

Our first day begins in Stanley Park, voted the best park in the world by Tripadvisor. Take a leisurely walk or bike ride through the park’s 404.9 acres of lush greenery and stunning views of the city.

From there, head to Robson Street, Vancouver’s most famous street, lined with skyscrapers and large stores. Stop for lunch at one of the many local restaurants or cafes.

Next, explore Chinatown, the largest Chinese community in North America, with over 100,000 residents. Be sure to visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, a must-see attraction in the neighborhood.

After lunch, head to Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, known for its mix of old and new architecture. Don’t miss the iconic Gastown Steam Clock, which makes a loud noise at every hour!

Finally, end your day with breathtaking views of Downtown from the Vancouver Lookout.

Day 2: Art, Markets, and Culture

Distance: 3.9 km
Places visited: Vancouver Art Gallery, Granville Island, Yaletown
Where to eat: Lunch at Granville Island Market, Dinner at MeeT in Yaletown

Our second day begins with a visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery, one of Canada’s top art galleries, featuring over 10,000 pieces on display.

Next, head to Granville Island, one of Vancouver’s best neighborhoods, known for its street food, local markets, and stunning views of Downtown. Take a ferry ride to Granville Island Public Market for lunch and explore the many shops and restaurants.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at MeeT in Yaletown, a trendy restaurant serving up delicious Asian fusion cuisine.

Day 3: Museums, Beaches, and Science

Distance: 6.5 km
Places visited: Museo di Vancouver, Kitsilano Beach, Science World
Where to eat: Lunch at LOCAL Public Eatery Kitsilano, Dinner at New Town Bakery & Restaurant

Our third day begins with a visit to the Museo di Vancouver, one of the best museums in the city, featuring exhibits on Vancouver’s history and culture.

Next, head to Kitsilano Beach, one of Vancouver’s most popular beaches, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun.

In the afternoon, visit Science World, an interactive science museum with a variety of hands-on exhibits. Don’t miss the Omnimax theater for a thrilling cinematic experience!

Day 4: Suspension Bridges and Mountains

Distance: 24.5 km
Places visited: Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain (with tour from Vancouver)
Where to eat: Lunch at Cliff House Restaurant & Bar, Dinner at Black + Blue

Our fourth day begins with a visit to the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge, a must-see attraction in Vancouver. Take a guided tour that includes transportation from Vancouver.

Next, head to Grouse Mountain, where you’ll enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains. Take a scenic tram ride to the summit for breathtaking views.

Day 5: Parks, Gardens, and Flight Simulators

Distance: 13.9 km
Places visited: Queen Elizabeth Park, VanDusen Botanical Garden, FlyOver Canada, English Bay (with tour from Vancouver)
Where to eat: Lunch at Garden Cafe at VanDusen, Dinner at Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House

Our fifth day begins with a visit to Queen Elizabeth Park, one of the best parks in Vancouver, featuring stunning views and beautiful gardens.

Next, head to VanDusen Botanical Garden, one of Canada’s top botanical gardens, showcasing an incredible variety of plants and flowers.

In the afternoon, experience the thrill of flying over Canada at FlyOver Canada, a state-of-the-art flight simulator that will leave you feeling like you’re soaring through the skies!

Day 6: Vancouver Island Adventure

Distance: 232 km
Places visited: Escursion a Vancouver Island (with tour from Vancouver)
Where to eat: Lunch at Red Fish Blue Fish, Dinner at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews

Our sixth day begins with an exciting adventure on Vancouver Island, featuring stunning natural beauty and outdoor activities. Take a guided tour that includes transportation from Vancouver.

Day 7: Whistler Getaway

Distance: 242 km
Places visited: Escursion a Whistler (with tour from Vancouver)
Where to eat: Lunch on the go, Dinner at Steamworks Brewpub

Our final day begins with an exciting getaway to Whistler, one of Canada’s top ski resorts. Take a guided tour that includes transportation from Vancouver and enjoy stunning views of the mountains.

DEAL 1

Journeys of a Lifetime, Second Edition: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips

Featuring 120 new destinations, this best-selling inspirational travel guide reveals 500 celebrated...
Completely revised and updated for its 10th anniversary
Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's legendary travel writers, this fully...

Costs

The total cost for a week in Vancouver varies depending on your travel style:

Low-cost: $420 per person
Mid-range: $540 per person
Luxury: $900 per person

Tips and Recommendations

To make the most of your trip to Vancouver, follow these tips:

Take a free tour with a local guide or a bus panoramic tour to get an overview of the city.
Stay in Gastown if you want to be in the heart of the action, but it’s expensive. Chinatown is another good option – it’s less expensive.
Use public transportation, such as buses and SkyTrain, to get around the city.
Take a bus tour or taxi ride for longer distances.
Eat at local restaurants or cafes instead of trying street food.
Consider purchasing an insurance package that includes medical coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Vancouver:

Q: What is the best way to get around Vancouver?
A: The best way to get around Vancouver is by using public transportation, such as buses and SkyTrain.

Q: Where should I stay in Vancouver?
A: Gastown and Chinatown are two popular neighborhoods with plenty of accommodation options. However, they can be expensive. Consider staying outside of downtown for a more affordable option.

Q: What are the top attractions to visit in Vancouver?
A: Some of the top attractions include Stanley Park, Granville Island, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, and Science World.

Q: Can I use credit cards everywhere in Vancouver?
A: Most places in Vancouver accept major credit cards. However, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases or street food vendors.

Q: Is Vancouver safe for tourists?
A: Yes, Vancouver is considered one of the safest cities in Canada. However, as with any city, take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Q: Can I visit Vancouver without a car?
A: Absolutely! Vancouver has an excellent public transportation system, including buses and SkyTrain. You can easily get around the city without a car.

Q: Are there any festivals or events happening during my trip?
A: Check our calendar for up-to-date information on festivals and events happening in Vancouver during your visit.

Q: Can I use cashless payment methods everywhere in Vancouver?
A: Most places in Vancouver accept digital payments, such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and contactless credit cards. However, some smaller vendors or street food stalls may only accept cash.

Accommodation Options

Vancouver has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences:

Budget-friendly: Hostels like Pacific Central Hostel or Granville Island Yacht Club
Mid-range: Hotels like Hyatt Regency Vancouver or Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
Luxury: High-end hotels like Fairmont Waterfront or Hotel InterContinental Vancouver

Getting Around

Vancouver has an excellent public transportation system, including:

Buses: A network of buses that cover most areas of the city
SkyTrain: A rapid transit system that connects Downtown to surrounding neighborhoods
Ferries: Connecting Vancouver Island and other nearby islands

You can also use taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.

Weather

Vancouver’s weather is mild and temperate, with:

Spring (March to May): Temperatures range from 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F)
Summer (June to August): Temperatures range from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F)
Autumn (September to November): Temperatures range from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F)
Winter (December to February): Temperatures range from -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F)

Language

The primary language spoken in Vancouver is English, but many locals also speak:

Mandarin Chinese
Cantonese
Punjabi

Currency

The official currency of Canada is the Canadian dollar, which can be exchanged at banks or currency exchange offices.

Safety and Security

Vancouver is considered one of the safest cities in Canada, with low crime rates. However, as with any city, take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings:

Avoid walking alone in isolated areas
Keep valuables secure
Be aware of your surroundings

Healthcare

Vancouver has excellent healthcare facilities, including:

Hospital District Health Services Authority
Vancouver General Hospital
Surrey Memorial Hospital

If you have any medical concerns or require emergency assistance, contact the local hospital or health services authority.

Tourist Information

For more information on visiting Vancouver, visit:

Tourism Vancouver: The official website for tourism in Vancouver
Vancouver Visitor Centre: A helpful resource for planning your trip and getting answers to common questions.

Donation Box

National Traveller: Free for All, Thanks to You

In a world where information often comes with a price tag, we’ve chosen a different path: to stay free, forever. Because we believe in accessible, independent, and trustworthy content for everyone—no barriers, no subscriptions, just great stories, guides, and insights.

But we can’t do it alone. Advertising doesn’t cover our costs anymore, and yet we remain committed to delivering the quality you deserve. Every guide we create, every destination we explore, every piece of advice we share—it’s all made possible by readers like you.

If you value what we do, consider making a voluntary donation. Together, we can keep National Traveller free and thriving for everyone, everywhere. Let’s build a better-informed, better-connected world—starting right here, today. Donate Now

Up Next

Ranking of The 15 Most Beautiful Places in The World

Don't Miss

Holidays in Europe With Children: 12 Cities And Places to Visit With The Family