How to Spend One Day in Vancouver, BC: An Ideal 1-Day Itinerary

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Many people know Vancouver, British Columbia for the 2010 Winter Olympics and know it as a place to visit to go skiing, hiking, or other outdoor activities. But besides all the outdoor activities, Vancouver itself is also definitely worth a visit too!

Vancouver is the biggest city in BC and the third-largest city in Canada. It is located on the west coast of Canada, bordered by the Pacific Ocean. Vancouver is a busy urban center with tons to see and do and is famous for its stunning natural beauty surrounding the city. But that’s not all! Around the world, Vancouver is known as one of the most livable cities. With the perfect mix of culture, food, fun activities, and natural wonders it’s really not hard to see why.

Unfortunately, if you are limited on time then you’re going to have to make some tough choices. With so many fun things to do in Vancouver, how could you possibly narrow it down to create a one-day itinerary?! Well if I’m being honest, this isn’t an easy task.

That’s why I’ve written this blog! I’ve hand-selected the absolutely best of the best attractions, places to eat, and more so that you don’t have to. So, whether you are including Vancouver as part of a larger BC itinerary, or just stopping through on a one-day layover, here is the ideal 1-day itinerary for visiting Vancouver, BC.

1 Day in Vancouver Itinerary

Morning at Stanley Park

First things first on our 1 day Vancouver itinerary: coffee. If you’re anything like me, you’ve got to get a cup of coffee before any adventures can be had! Luckily, Vancouver has so many amazing options to choose from. Since the first stop on our itinerary is Stanley Park, you’ll want to choose something close by. I recommend stopping by the local chain JJ Bean (located on Bidwell Street) or Milano Espresso Bar (located on Denman Street) as close-by options that are delicious.

Once you’re fueled up with some coffee and breakfast, head to Stanley Park. This urban park is 405 acres of forest, with walking paths weaving through it. Along the perimeter of the park is a 10 km (6.21 mi) seawall, which you can walk, run, or bike along and have amazing views out over the ocean and Vancouver Harbor. It’s one of the best easy hikes in Vancouver!

Depending on your energy level, there are a few awesome activities in Stanley Park to do on your morning here:

1. Bike or rollerblade around the seawall

While you can definitely walk around the seawall, I think it’s more fun to bike! Rollerblading is also a popular option. If you don’t have your own bike or rollerblades, there are a number of stores right by Stanley Park to rent them, such as Spokes Bicycle Rentals, where you can rent a bike for $8.57 CAD/hour.

The cycle trail around the Stanley Park sea wall is 12 kilometers long (7.5 miles) and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to cycle at a moderate pace. 

You can also just join a bicycle tour in Stanley Park. One of our favorites is this particular bicycle tour that includes cycling around Stanley Park along with going to a few other main attractions such as Gastown, Chinatown, and taking the Aquabus Ferry over to Granville Island!

And the best part? It is a 3-hour guided tour that doesn’t cost much more than you would pay for a bicycle rental! Plus you get all the local insight from the guide, and the bike, helmet, and route. It makes exploring super easy.

Check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews and book this bicycle tour in advance here!

2. Walk through the central park area

A lot of people will walk the seawall but forget about the middle of Stanley Park! The Park has a huge forested area with a ton of different trails and paths to explore. There are hidden, tucked-away ponds, gardens, and totem poles to see. Seriously, head to the middle of Stanley Park and just explore, you can use Google Maps to get you out later!

3. Chill out at the beaches

If you’re just looking to chill, Stanley Park is home to some of Vancouver’s best beaches – Second and Third Beach, which are great to hang out at! Second Beach also has an awesome pool if you want to go for a swim there, too.

Related Read: Visiting in winter? Check out all the best winter activities in Vancouver!

Lunch at Granville Island

After your morning at Stanley Park, it’s time for lunch! Our next stop on this Vancouver itinerary is over at Granville Island, just across the harbor from the park. While you can take public transit or drive there, the best way (and most fun!) to get there is by water taxi.

To get to the water taxi dock, you’ll need to walk (or get a taxi/Uber) from Stanley Park along the coastline to the Aquatic Centre Ferry Dock. It’s about a 30–45-minute walk along English Bay beach. It’s a beautiful walk and is a very popular area with lots to see! Once at the Aquatic Centre Ferry Dock, you can take the Granville Island Ferry across to Granville Island – it’s a short trip (~10 minutes) and costs around $5 CAD. It’s such a fun way to travel get a new perspective of the city!

Once at Granville Island, you’ll likely head straight to the Granville Island Public Market to get something to eat. There are so many unique stalls selling fresh produce, cheese, bread, amazing desserts, and fresh-cut flowers… definitely spend some time exploring the market!

There are also a ton of amazing restaurants and food stands to get something to eat. Anything from fish and chips to German bratwurst to homemade pie is available here! Grab something to eat and then go sit outside near the harbor to relax and enjoy watching the boats come and go.

Other things to do on Granville Island include shopping, watching street performers, going to the Kid’s Markets, or even checking out the brewery. Yep, that’s right, Granville Island Brewing is waiting for you with an ice-cold beer on tap!

Afternoon Exploring Vancouver

After getting a bit to eat and taking some time to relax, it’s time for your next adventure! There are so many things to do in Vancouver, depending on what your interests are. Here are some of the most popular tours in Vancouver and experiences that you can check out in the afternoon:

1. Whale watching tour

Did you know some of the best whale watching spots in the world are right around Vancouver? This has got to be one of the most fun and unique experiences you can have while visiting British Columbia.

This whale watching tour will take you from downtown Vancouver and take a cruise on a catamaran with beautiful views of the Gulf Islands and Howe Sound. An expert guide will bring you to areas where you can see whales, birds, and other marine life. Plus, the views from the water are absolutely stunning. Even if I don’t see wildlife, I still love these tours just to be out on the water!

It’s the perfect way to spend a day out on the water along the coast. The cost for this tour is $226 CAD, offers complimentary drinks and has a 90% whale sighting success rate! The best part is they have a tour leaving at 2:30 pm so it fits perfectly in your Vancouver 1 day itinerary.

Plus with more than 3,000 5-star reviews, this is certainly a can’t-miss experience. They also offer free cancellation 24 hours before departure, so if the weather looks a bit grim, you can easily reschedule.

Check availability and book this top-rated tour with FREE cancellation here!

2. Seaplane tour

If you’re looking for a new perspective of Vancouver, this seaplane tour is the way to go! You will soar high up above the city of Vancouver, with scenic, panoramic views of the city and surrounding area. It’s a small group tour, with just 14 people, and will take 30 minutes. The tour costs $18 CAD and will depart from the Canada Place harbor at multiple times of the day (2:30 pm included!)

We did this for the first time recently and we were shocked at how thrilling it turned out to be (and if you’ve read about some of our other travels we’ve tried a lot of adventure activities)! The takeoff and landing were the scariest yet most exciting parts because it seemed like we were going to run out of lake! No need to worry though, the pilots are highly skilled.

You can also use a seaplane as a mode of transport – especially if you’re interested in a day tour to Whistler from Vancouver. Instead of driving from Vancouver to Whistler, you can take this flight which will drop you off in Whistler. There are tons of awesome things to do in Whistler too, so it’s well worth visiting for a couple of days.

Book this seaplane tour with buy now, pay later options here.

3. Go hiking

Vancouver is known for being an outdoorsy city, and it makes sense why! Vancouver is beautiful and there are tons of places to go for hiking, biking, and everything else outdoors-related. If you’re up for a hike, there are a few short-day hikes that are close by downtown Vancouver. Some good options are Pacific Spirit Park near the University of British Columbia, or Twin Falls in North Vancouver, or Dog Mountain on Mount Seymour.

Related Read: If you do want to get in a few hikes, plan to stay a bit longer, and check out our 4-day Vancouver itinerary for more ideas!

4. Visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is probably one of the most iconic Vancouver attractions, so should definitely be on your list of places to check out. The Capilano Suspension Bridge has so much to see and do. Besides the epic 137-meter (449 ft) suspension bridge, there is a tree-top canopy walk, cliff walk, story center, history talks, and coffee shop!

This is located in North Vancouver and accessible by public transit, or when you book this admission ticket in advance, you can use the free shuttle from Capilano to downtown Van!

We can easily spend a few hours here taking in the best of the best of the local rainforest. It’s a great way to take a break from the bustling city, without having to travel too far Admission is $80 CAD per person and there are timed entry slots, to ensure it doesn’t get too busy. This is also a great activity to do if you’re on a honeymoon in Vancouver!

Grab your Capilano Suspension Bridge ticket here to secure your preferred time slot!

5. Head up to Grouse Mountain

Vancouver is surrounded by numerous mountains, many of which are popular ski and snowboard hills. Grouse Mountain is called the “Peak of Vancouver” and has the most epic view of the city and surrounding areas. To get up to the top of the mountain, you can either hike the Grouse Grind (a very intense hike!) or take the Gondola up to the top.

Admission and the gondola costs $86 CAD. In the winter there are activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. In the summertime, you can go hiking, visit the resident bears, and listen to nature talks. There is an awesome restaurant and café at the top of the mountain, so you can grab a snack or drink while soaking in the amazing view of Vancouver, the ocean, and the surrounding mountains.

If you plan to do both the Capilano Suspension Bridge (previous activity) and the Grouse Mountain Gondola you can actually purchase a combo ticket for both activities that includes round-trip transport from central Vancouver. It’s a great way to save some time and avoid public transit. This is $245 CAD to see both iconic places and learn about both with your local guide!

Either of these options offers FREE cancellation options 24 hours before you go. We love that flexibility!

Purchase your Grouse Mountain Admission tickets here or get the Capilano and Grouse Mountain combo tickets here!

6. Go Shopping on Robson Street

Vancouver is home to some pretty good shopping districts, and Robson Street is one of the best places to go! Robson Street is located right in downtown Vancouver and has a ton of great shops, from luxury brands (Gucci) to Canadian brands (Roots) to popular favorites (Zara). After a day of shopping, you can also stop into one of the many coffee shops or restaurants for a drink and snack!

7. Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery

This art gallery is home to some of the most creative and innovative art exhibits. It hosts works by the famous Canadian painter, Emily Carr, in addition to rotating exhibits that fit different themes and perspectives. Admission to the Vancouver Art Gallery is under $30 CAD.

After exploring the gallery, you can sit outside in the plaza and watch the frequent demonstrations, protests, or street performers that gather on the art gallery steps! There are even food trucks nearby, so you can enjoy a snack with your people-watching.

Related Read: Visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery is one of the most popular things to do in Vancouver when it rains – find out about other great rainy day activities!

8. Go for craft beer and ice cream in Mount Pleasant

Main Street is home to Mount Pleasant, a quirky and trendy neighborhood just outside of Downtown Vancouver. It’s a great area to explore and go shopping at the numerous vintage, record, or consignment stores. But, the absolute best thing to do is go for a beer and then some ice cream!

Mount Pleasant has multiple breweries, including 33 Acres and Main Street Brewing Co. And for ice cream, you’ve got to try Earnest Ice Cream – it is so good!

Related Read: If you have a bit more time than just one day, check out our itinerary for two days in Vancouver and ideas for spending three days in Vancouver!

Dinner in Gastown

Gastown is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and has a lot of character and charm. The cobblestone streets and unique architecture make it a really enjoyable place to go for an evening stroll. It also has a ton of amazing Vancouver restaurants and bars, so it’s perfect to go out for dinner or cocktails.

Gastown is located near Waterfront SkyTrain station and is easy to walk through the entire area. Make sure you check out the famous steam clock in the middle of Gastown – you won’t miss it because there are usually crowds around taking pictures. It’s pretty cool to see this antique-style steam clock, that chimes and steams to tell the time!

After you spend some time walking around, perhaps popping in and out of some of the shops, you’ll be hungry for dinner. There are a lot of great places to eat in Gastown, but here are a few recommendations of restaurants and bars to check out:

• MeeT in Gastown: This is an amazing local chain that serves plant-based meals that both vegans and meat lovers will enjoy! It’s easily one of the best restaurants in Gastown.
• Nuba: This restaurant is the place to go and get some delicious Lebanese food in a charming, eclectic environment.
• L’Abattoir: French-inspired West Coast food in an upscale restaurant – perfect for date night!
• Guilt & Co.: They serve super creative and delicious cocktails in a cool basement setting with live music.
• The Diamond: Treat yourself to something fancy at this specialty craft cocktail lounge!
• Blarney Stone: Great for a night out at the longest-running Irish pub in Vancouver! Live music, a dance floor, and lots of great beers!

I actually did this food tour in Gastown once and loved it. The food here comes from all over the world and it’s all top quality! You get 7 food and 3 alcohol tastings on this walking tour, so the $135 CAD price tag is well worth it.

We had delicious dishes and there were lots of great stories about the history of the area, so we came away not only stuffed full of delicious food but also with a newfound appreciation for this iconic part of Vancouver.

The tour takes off at 2 or 3 pm and lasts for around 3 hours. I recommend booking it in advance, it’s popular! Just make sure to show up hungry because you’ll want to eat a lot!

Check availability, read the hundreds of positive reviews, and book this tour before you go here.

Watch the sunset

It’s been a busy day of exploring Vancouver, but hopefully, you have some energy for the final activity: watching an epic sunset by the beach. The best place to see a sunset for free in Vancouver is either Sunset Beach (makes sense) or English Bay Beach, which are right next to each other.

These expansive beaches are always busy with people coming out to watch the views. I definitely recommend picking up an ice cream, taking a seat on a log, and then just soaking it all in! These beaches are across the city from Gastown – where you hopefully enjoyed an awesome dinner! So you may want to catch a taxi or an Uber across town.

You can also see a good sunset from the Vancouver Convention Centre, which is within walking distance from Gastown. If you have a car with you and are serious sunset-seekers, you can also head to Queen Elizabeth Park, Burnaby Mountain, or Lighthouse Park to catch some epic sunsets!

My favorite place though is from “The Lookout”. Go up into the clouds 169 m (554 m) above Vancouver and enjoy the panoramic views during the day, night, or at sunset! To get to the top, you’ll jump into a glass elevator and take a 40-second ride up to the top viewing deck where you can see Vancouver from up above!

The Lookout is open from 11 am to 6 pm 7 days a week and the last elevator that will take guests up is at 5:30 pm. Because of their hours, you would only be able to see the sunset during the winter months when the sun sets earlier. It costs $18.25 CAD for an adult. If you’re planning a special event you can also rent the space for weddings or events.

If you’re looking for a really magical way to see the sunset and the city in that stunning golden light, head out on the water. We’ve done this sunset dinner cruise in Vancouver twice and honestly, I would do this weekly if I could! The food is stellar and the views are incredible.

Related Read: Have more time? Check out our guide on how to spend a weekend in Vancouver!

Vancouver Full and Half-day Sightseeing Tours

Not everyone will want to navigate a city like Vancouver on their own. Don’t worry, I get it. The city is huge and it can be tiring trying to work everything out yourself – especially in one day! So, I’ve picked my favorite full and half-day Vancouver sightseeing tours for you to check out. This takes the stress work out of your Vancouver itinerary!

Vancouver Highlights (by bike)

This 5-hour sightseeing tour takes you all over Vancouver with a local guide to explore places such as Gastown, Olympic Village, English Bay, Stanley Park, Granville Island, and more. Best of all, you’ll ride a bicycle to see it all! You’ll learn all about the city and culture without the need to plan a thing.

This tour is really the perfect one for those of you who want to stay active on vacation and/or enjoy being outside. But the areas that you will be cycling in are mostly flat so it won’t be overly strenuous even for those who don’t bike often. I like that this allows you to see more of the city than you would by walking. The cost of this tour is $117 CAD per adult.

Don’t miss out – book this popular sightseeing tour here.

Vancouver City Tour

At only 3.5 hours this sightseeing tour gives you plenty of time to enjoy other activities. With that said, the tour visits attractions such as Stanley Park to learn about the totem poles of the First Nations People, Granville Island (it’s a top Granville Island tour if you want to visit there!) to explore the massive public market, Chinatown to see part of Vancouver’s cultural diversity, and Gastown for lots of history.

The best part is, the tour costs less than $100 CAD and as you ride in a comfortable coach you will learn the history of each area and about the First Nation’s People.

Check availability and book this half-day tour in advance here!

Vancouver Sightseeing and Photography

Those with more time can enjoy this epic 9-hour sightseeing and photography tour around Vancouver. You’ll visit Lynn Canyon Park and Suspension Bridge, English Bay and Stanley Park, Granville Island, and Gastown, all while learning about photography!

You don’t need any specific type of camera to join this tour – even a smartphone is acceptable. Plus, you will have the option to customize the stops on your tour, for $197 CAD this tour is really great value! I think this is a great way to get into photography if you’ve always wanted to, and a fun way to experience Vancouver.

Book this unique photography and sightseeing tour with FREE cancellation options.

Vancouver Highlights Private Tour

Want a more personal experience? Then this 4-hour private tour is the way to go. Show your guide this itinerary and let them do the driving for you. On top of that, you’ll get even more local knowledge and be taken around in a Mercedes Benz! This is by far the best option to cut out places that you may have already seen but that are included inside of other mainstream tours.

We love private tours because we can move at our own pace and ask all sorts of questions. Pick-up and drop-off back to your hotel are included, and prices vary by group size. For two people, this is $509 CAD per person, but when it’s up to 6 people, it’s only $169 CAD per person. I’d recommend this if you’re traveling with a group!

Dates are limited – check availability and book your private tour here.

Where to Stay in Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver is one of the most popular cities in Canada. The fact is that in the summer and winter, the city books up in advance very fast! Booking your hotel or hostel well in advance is the only way to secure the best place to stay for you!

Some great hotels and hostels in Vancouver that we love are:

Hyatt Regency Vancouver – $$$

Can’t decide whether you’d prefer to stay near Stanley Park or Gastown? Well, the Hyatt Regency might just be right for you, as it’s located right between them! Rooms here enjoy gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows that help to bring in light and there is a small fridge, work desk, and toiletries in the bathroom too.

You can also conveniently enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at their beautiful Mosaic Bar and Grill just off the lobby. As you can imagine, it’s a luxury stay in a large hotel chain that is highly reviewed! So if you’re looking to celebrate something special, or just fancy taking your vacation to a whole new level, then staying here will definitely do the trick.

I’ve seen a one-night stay at the Hyatt Regency going as low as $232 CAD per night, although the rooms here on average are more around the $300-$500 CAD mark. So, for the best price, don’t forget to reserve your room in advance.

Times Square Suites – $$

For a beautiful hotel close to Stanley Park, the Times Square Hotel is a fantastic choice! It’s very hard to fault this hotel, and the location really is perfect. The fully equipped kitchens and gas fireplaces are a nice touch in all of the rooms, plus the suites have living rooms and a washer and dryer.

For being pretty affordable, it has a lot of amenities, which is just one of the reasons we love staying here! You can book a room here from $232 CAD per night, but as this is a popular stay, I recommend checking your dates and booking ahead of time to secure your preferred room type!

The Cambie Hostel Gastown – $

The Cambie Hostel is a great budget-friendly hostel that’s located right in the heart of Gastown and close to lots of bars and restaurants and attached to the hostel is a very lively bar too. The rooms are clean, although the bathrooms are a little on the small side (part of the fun when you’re staying cheap, though!).

It’s perfect for backpackers on a budget and is considerably cheaper than others offering comparable quality. A bed in a dorm here starts at around $50 CAD, and you can book a stay here through Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

Didn’t find exactly what you’re looking for? Click here to browse all hotels in Vancouver!

For more info on the best areas and hotels, check out my complete guide on where to stay in Vancouver. It breaks down everything you need to know before choosing the right hotel!

Getting Around Vancouver 

Transportation and ease of navigating a new city are super important to consider when planning a trip. It will help you determine where to stay and what you’ll be able to visit while in the city. In Vancouver, there are a few different options for transportation in and around the city.

Driving

This is probably the best form of transportation if you want to explore anywhere outside of downtown Vancouver and participate in activities like hiking or skiing, which require getting a bit further away. Traffic in downtown Vancouver can be fairly busy, just like any city center.

There is ample parking available both on the streets and in parkades, though it can be expensive. Some hotels provide parking, so check ahead of time. 

If you can rent a car so you can explore Vancouver with ease! Just be prepared to pay for parking unless your hotel includes it.

Car share

A great option besides renting a car is using a car share service like Modo or Evo. These services allow you to rent a car and pay based on the time it’s used (i.e., pay for 30 minutes, two hours, or the full day, depending on how long you drive for).

You can pick up and drop off the car at specific checkpoints around the city and the best part is they get lots of free parking. This makes it super easy to use a car for just the time that you need it. 

Public transportation

Vancouver’s public transit system is not as extensive as many other major cities, but it is still a good way to get around to main attractions. The SkyTrain provides excellent access to some of the neighboring cities, such as Burnaby, New Westminster, or Surrey, so it offers a good option if you plan on exploring outside of downtown. It also runs from the airport, so again, a good option to get into the city from the airport. 

There are also many buses in the city that run frequently. Note that public transportation options are extremely limited overnight, with only a couple of night buses and no SkyTrian options after around 1:00 am. All public transportation is run by the company TransLink and is fairly affordable; a single trip costs $3.10 CAD, and a day pass costs $11 CAD.

Taxis and rideshares

Taxis are available throughout the city, as are Uber and Lyft. These are good options in the downtown core but can get pricey if you are going further outside of that region. For example, the taxi cost from YVR to Vancouver is about $30-50.

Aquabus

The Aquabus is one of the more unique ways to get around Vancouver. These small boats visit 8 locations in the harbor all the way from The Village to Granville Island. The Aquabus costs $17 for a full day pass or round trip tickets start at $3.85 but prices vary depending on the route you take. You can check out all their routes and prices here.

Walking and biking

Vancouver is a very walkable city, and it is possible to walk just about anywhere in the downtown core.

Biking is also a good option, as there are dedicated bike lanes throughout most of the city. You can rent bikes all over the city and pretty much ride everywhere you want to downtown. I love doing this, especially on a beautiful day!

Related Read: Heading to Vancouver Island next? Check out all of the fun things to do in Courtenay, BC!

Renting a Car in British Columbia

If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!

Thanks for reading!

So, there you have it! The perfect 1-day itinerary in Vancouver, BC. Whether you are just there for a 1-day layover, or it’s part of a larger BC trip, there are so many awesome things to do in Vancouver. This itinerary gives you the best of the best! We hope you enjoy your stay in Vancouver.

Thanks so much for reading! We really hope this has helped inspire your visit here. We really love Vancouver and are sure you will too!

If you have any questions just leave a comment below and we will get back to you! Also, if you loved this travel guide jump over and check out all our other Canada travel guides or these related articles below!

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