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How to Spend 2 Days in Vancouver – By a Local!

How to Spend 2 Days in Vancouver – By a Local!

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So, the good news is you have two days to spend in the gorgeous city of Vancouver. And considering the largest city in British Columbia has so many incredible activities on offer, I bet you’re struggling to narrow down what to include in your 2-day itinerary. Well, that’s where I come in – as a Vancouver local, I know exactly the best things to do with your limited time here.

Of course, I’ve included the must-visit Vancouver attractions like Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge, but I’ve also included some hidden gems like a quiet little beach known for its epic sunsets and a bucket-list-worthy whale-watching tour

For the majority of tourists, two days in Vancouver is ideal. This is perfect for experiencing the city’s best attractions, from Grouse Mountain to Yaletown, but if you feel like you may need a little longer, we’ve also written a guide to 3 days in Vancouver or 4 days in Vancouver filled with more ideas! 

This is the only 2-day Vancouver itinerary you need to read to ensure you have an awesome time in this naturally stunning city, as we’ve not only included the best activities but the top restaurants in Van, cafes, and instructions on how to get between each activity. 

So, let’s dive into how to have a memorable two days in Vancouver! 

Day 1 in Vancouver – Vancouver City

Breakfast – Jam Cafe

Eggs benedict at Jam Cafe in Vancouver
Eggs Benedict!
Eggs benedict at Jam Cafe, Vancouver
Jam Cafe is one of my happy places in Vancouver!

It’s best to have a full belly for all the awesome activities we have in store for you on your first day in Vancouver! And to be honest, one of the best (and our favorite) breakfast spots in Vancouver is Jam Cafe on Beatty Street in Yaletown. They also have another branch in Kitsilano, but we prefer the Yaletown location. 

Specializing in southern-style brunch dishes like pancakes smothered in peanut butter, fried chicken french toast, and pulled pork pancakes, this spot is heaven for foodies! I ordered the Buffalo Blue Eggs Benedict when we visited, and it was ace. I also highly recommend their Lavender Latte. 

Jam Cafe is open from 8 am until 2:30 pm on weekdays and until 3 pm on weekends. But we advise getting here early as it’s super-popular and plus because it’s walk-in only you want to avoid queueing for a long time!

Morning – Granville Island

View of the city from Granville Island!
Stalls in the Granville Island Public Market
Granville Island Market!

After all that awesome food, you’ll be itching to burn off the calories, so we suggest walking around the famed Granville Island. This “island” is, in fact, a peninsula and is easily reached from downtown via the Aquabus ferry or an 8-minute taxi/Uber ride. And, it goes without saying that this is one of the best things to do in Vancouver in any season!

Granville Island is best known for its indoor market (aka the Granville Island Public Market), which sells every type of food imaginable, has fun street performers, an awesome craft brewery, and many excellent restaurants. So, we recommend spending a few hours here – it’s a popular spot with local Vancouverites, too, so here, you’ll get a real feel for this cool city and its people.  

In our opinion, the Aquabus is the best way to get to Granville Island, as it’s a unique experience and offers stunning views of Vancouver along the way. Plus, the Aquabus ferry terminal is just 2 km (1.2 mi) from your breakfast spot – Jam Cafe!

The Aquabus operates every 5 minutes from 7:05 am until 8:55 pm. You can buy tickets on the day for $8 CAD roundtrip or $6.50 CAD if you book online. Booking online does save you money, but you don’t need to worry about availability. You can rock up on the same day, and rest assured there will be tickets!

If you’re more of a guided tour guy or gal, then you must take a tour of Granville Island. We did this 2-hour walking tour when we visited, and we learned so much about the island and the public market. We got to chat with the vendors and sample lots of awesome food – so much so, in fact, that we recommend doing this tour on an empty stomach!

This VIP tour costs just $129 CAD, which we reckon is great value as it includes all your food samples and a knowledgeable local guide. The tour starts at the Granville Market at 10:30 am, so you’ll need to make your own way there. This particular tour can typically be booked from Thursday through Monday, but you can check availability and book your tour online here!

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

Lunch 

Close up of Lobster Roll from The Lobster Man, Granville Island
Lobster roll from The Lobster Man!
Bailey drinks a beer at Granville Island Brewing
Craft beer at Granville Island Brewing is so good!

As I mentioned, there’s so much to do on Granville Island that you’ll need a few hours here. So, when you start to feel hungry again, you’re in the right place – there are tons of incredible options here, from food stalls to restaurants. 

If you’re a seafood fan, you’re in luck, as there’s so much fresh seafood on offer here. One of our favorite spots is The Lobster Man, a short walking distance from the market. As the name suggests, they’ve developed a loyal fanbase for their fresh lobster roll served in a brioche bun. This local-favorite place is open every day from 9 am – 6 pm.

If you’d prefer something less casual, check out The Sandbar. Their lunch menu includes poké, sushi, and seared scallops. And it’s conveniently located on Johnston St., a couple of steps from the market. 

Not forgetting Granville Island Brewing Co, which is one of our favorite breweries in Vancouver. It’s super famous and delicious and can be bought in liquor stores and supermarkets all over Canada, but what better place to drink one of their beers than at its birthplace? 

Here, they serve up all their classics (like their Island Lager and Juice Box Hazy IPA) and some limited-edition creations. Or why not try a tasting flight consisting of four small beers for $12 CAD, or a full flight of 10 for $24 CAD – a great idea if you can’t decide what beer to order! Granville Island Brewing is open daily from 12 pm – 8 pm, so it makes a great lunchtime or late afternoon activity on your first day in Vancouver!

Related Read: If you’re a craft beer lover (like me) you’ll love the many craft brewery tours that happen daily in Vancouver!

Afternoon – Stanley Park

Daniel and Bailey pose for a photo with Vancouver in the background in Stanley Park
One of the awesome views along the Seawall in Stanley Park!

After that incredible breakfast, seafood lunch, and craft beer, you’ll certainly want to stretch your legs and get out amongst the natural beauty that Vancouver is known for. That’s why your next stop should be Stanley Park, the huge park truly is Vancouver’s crowning glory! It’s to Vancouver what Central Park is to New York (and it’s bigger than Central Park too)!

It’s best to hop in an Uber from Granville Island to Stanley Park, which should take around 15 minutes. Spending a full afternoon here is our recommendation because there are so many things to see and do in Stanley Park, from cycling or walking the famous Seawall to visiting the Vancouver Aquarium. Because you’ll want to fit as much as possible into your afternoon here, we recommend renting a bike from one of the bike rental stores at the park’s entrance – trust us, it’s much quicker and more fun than walking. A bike rental will set you back around $20 CAD for 1.5 hours. 

When you cycle the 12 km (7.5 mi) Seawall trail, which is aptly named because it hugs the coast, you’ll get to take in stunning ocean views, as well as mountain views and views of the city skyline. To complete the whole trail by bike will take between 1.5-2 hours. 

If you’re keen to join a guided tour here, luckily, there are plenty of Stanley Park tours to choose from. This small group cycling tour is 3 hours long and includes stops at Third Beach and the Brockton Point Totem Poles

It costs $89 CAD for adults or $72 CAD for kids aged 10-17, and you can make things easier by upgrading to an e-bike for an extra $30 CAD. Tours begin at 9 am or 2 pm – but the afternoon options are limited, so check availability and book this tour online here!

If you want to maximize your time on your first day in Vancouver, why not join this tour of both Granville Island and Stanley Park? It combines two of Vancouver’s top attractions and also passes by Chinatown and Gastown. It’s a very convenient option as it includes all your transport (so no need to pay extra for taxis/Uber). They can pick you up from your hotel or meet at the Georgian Court Hotel 30 minutes before your scheduled tour. Tours depart at 10 am, 2 pm, and 3 pm, and since it costs just $79 CAD for adults and $47 CAD for kids, we think booking this tour is a great option! But keep in mind the afternoon options sell out quickly, so book your spot in advance!

Related Read: You can read about the other awesome Vancouver city tours here!

Optional add-on: Vancouver Aquarium

Seals during a show at the Vancouver Aquarium
The seal show is fantastic to watch!
Penguins at the Vancouver Aquarium
Penguins at the Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium is located within Stanley Park, so if you have time, be sure to stop into this family-friendly attraction. 

The best thing about this aquarium is, of course, the many awesome marine creatures it houses (65,000 to be exact!). It’s widely regarded as one of the best aquariums in Canada, so if you love sea life, you should definitely try to squeeze this into your first day in Vancouver. The aquarium has put a ban on dolphins and whales, which is great to see! But you can still see a lot of amazing animals, such as otters, octopuses, reef sharks, frogs, and so much more.

It’s important to note that you need to book this attraction in advance, as it can get very busy and it’s possible to be turned away if you don’t pre-purchase tickets. So, book your tickets online and reserve a time slot. Prices vary depending on the date and time you select but start at $42 CAD per person.

Vancouver Aquarium is open every day from 10 am – 5 pm, and it should take about 1-2 hours to explore. If possible, get here before 2 pm to see the feedings – so do the aquarium first and cycle Stanley Park after! 

Sunset

Sunset at the beach as seen from the deck at The Boathouse Restaurant at Kitsilano, Vancouver
Sunset at Kitsilano Beach as seen from The Boathouse Restaurant

And now, for my favorite part of the day – sunset o’clock! And there’s arguably no better city in Canada to watch the sky turn a myriad of colors than the coastal city of Vancouver!

So, head to one of the beaches in Vancouver before dinner to end your first day on a high. Personally, we love to watch the sunset at Sunset Beach – there’s a reason it’s named so! Located at the mouth of False Creek, along the Seawall, and just a 20-minute walk (or 5-minute Uber) from the entrance to Stanley Park, it’s a quieter beach, so it’s ideal for a romantic evening in Vancouver.

Second Beach is on the southwestern coast of Stanley Park. It’s small, but there’s a heated outdoor pool here which opens seasonally and only costs $7 CAD. But if you don’t feel like swimming, you can still chill on the golden sand and watch the sunset for free! 

English Bay Beach is one of the busiest beaches in Vancouver, and it can be found in the southernmost section of Stanley Park. It’s a popular place for locals to hang out and is a great spot to play volleyball, so if you’re looking for a more lively sunset-watching spot, this is the place for you! 

The Cactus Club, which overlooks English Bay Beach, is a great place to have a sundowner, as it offers a wide variety of cocktails (we love their frozen cosmos) and a huge food menu. They’re open from 11:30 am-midnight, and prices here are very affordable. 

Last but not least, we think that Kitsilano Beach offers the best atmosphere – it’s super-relaxed here. Located around 4.3 km (2.7 mi) from Stanley Park, you will need to take a 15-minute drive to get here. But it’s worth the trek across the city as you can watch the city skyline all lit up with the mountains in the background. There’s also an open-air saltwater pool if you fancy a swim! 

If you do head to Kitsilano, there are many delicious restaurants here! After the sunset, I would definitely hit up Danbo Ramen – it’s widely regarded as Vancouver’s best ramen and one of the cheapest, too, at $12-$18 CAD for a bowl. Open every day from 11 am – 11 pm, but no matter what time you arrive, you’ll likely need to wait for a table as it’s always busy. But trust us. It’s worth the wait! 

Optional – Sunset Whale Watching Tour

Pod of orca swim near a whale watching boat on a tour from Vancouver
A pod of Orcas spotted near Vancouver!

Another great option for your pre-dinner plans on your first day is this whale-watching sunset tour that departs from Granville Island and takes you out to explore the Howe Sound and Georgia Strait in search of whales and other marine life. FYI, you will need to choose between this tour and watching the sunset from one of Vancouver’s beaches, as you won’t have time for both!

This highly-rated tour takes place on a large, high-speed catamaran with open-air decks and floor-to-ceiling windows (so you can enjoy the views from inside, too!). Your expert crew of 3-4 guides will be on hand to point out any marine life and, of course, whales along the way. And the great thing about this tour is that if you don’t see whales on this trip, they’ll give you a complimentary tour from any of their locations until you see a whale! 

The tour is 5 hours long and costs $205 CAD per person. Complementary tea, coffee and hot chocolate are available on-board. And a nice touch for the little ones is the free coloring books and educational guides they hand out! You will need to check in 30 minutes before departure at 1666 Duranleau St on Granville Island (behind Bridges restaurant).

Dinner

Prawns at Minami in Yaletown, Vancouver
Prawns at Minami in Yaletown, Vancouver
cauliflower bites at MeeT in Gastown, Vancouver
Cauliflower bites at MeeT!

Choosing where to have dinner on your first night is no easy feat in a city known for its foodie scene. I mean, you can eat every cuisine imaginable in Vancouver, and with upmarket eateries to fast-food-style restaurants on offer, it all comes down to your preference. Luckily, as a Vancouver local, I’ve eaten at a ton of restaurants in the city, and I’ve listed my favorites below.

If you’re in the mood for Japanese food, head to Minami, one of our favorite sushi joints in Vancouver. Traditionally trained Japanese chefs will cook your meal, so you can rest assured you’re getting the real deal here. You can reserve a table online, which we strongly advise since this eatery is super-popular! Minami is open from Sunday to Thursday from 12 pm – 9:30 pm and Friday/Saturday from 12 pm – 10 pm.

A unique concept – MeeT is a socially conscious Yaletown restaurant serving plant-based comfort food. Yep, with interesting dishes like vegan poutine on their menu (which tastes incredible, by the way!), vegans and even non-vegans can enjoy some healthy goodness. MeeT is open from 11 am – 11 pm most days, but it stays open from 10 am until midnight on Friday and Saturday. 

In contrast, DownLow Chicken offers yummy crispy fried chicken, and it’s one of our go-to spots when we’re in the mood for fast food. They have two locations in Vancouver, one close to UBC and another east of downtown, both of which are open every day from 11 am – 9:30 pm. But note they close at 4:30 pm on Sundays.

And if you’re after a fun atmosphere with your dinner, Score on Davie; yep, you guessed right, it’s located on Davie St. is the place to be. It’s a sports pub serving burgers, tacos, and Asian fusion, but their Caesars are the big drawcard. In case you didn’t know, a Caesar is THE quintessential Canadian cocktail. It’s essentially a Bloody Mary, but with Clamato juice, which is a mixture of tomato juice and clam broth (it sounds unusual, but trust us, it tastes great!).

If you’re keen to try a Caesar while you’re in Vancouver, then you’ve got to do it at Score on Davie. They take it to the next level with their toppings, which include sliders, deep-fried mac and cheese balls, and even chicken wings! And for the princely sum of $60 CAD, you can order a Big Caesar, which is served with a burger, a hot dog, a slider, a brownie, and an entire game hen on top. That’s like several meals in one!

Score on Davie is also open till 1 or 2 am, so it’s a great option if you want a late night!

Day 2 in Vancouver – North Vancouver area

Breakfast – Cafe Medina

A coffee at Cafe Medina, Vancouver, BC
The coffee is also fantastic at Cafe Medina!
Two breakfast meals at Cafe Medina, Vancouver, BC
How good does that look?

We’ll start Day 2 the same way as Day 1 of your Vancouver itinerary with an awesome breakfast – but this time, it’s time for a meal with a European twist. Cafe Medina offers plenty of fresh dishes with options for both vegetarians and meat-eaters and because they don’t open until 9 am, it’s a good excuse for a lie-in on your second day in Vancouver. FYI, we loved their frittata with braised beef, and peppers served with a side of roasted potatoes and grilled focaccia! 

Located on Richards Street, Medina Cafe is very popular, so it’s best to book a table in advance. You can book your table up to two weeks in advance, but they do hold a few tables for walk-ins, so if you don’t manage to get a reservation get there as soon as they open to nab one of these walk-in-only tables. 

It’s important to note: there’s a $10 CAD per person deposit on weekends and public holidays.

Morning – Lynn Canyon or Capilano Suspension Bridge

After breakfast, it’s time to head out of the city and explore more of the natural scenery this region is known for. You have two choices – Lynn Canyon or Capilano Suspension Bridge. And although both are similar, if we were forced to pick one, we think Capilano has the slight edge. In saying that, entrance to Lynn Canyon is free, so this may be a better option for you if you’re on a budget! 

Lynn Canyon

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, Vancouver, Canada
How gorgeous!

Lynn Canyon is located in North Vancouver and is a great choice for your second morning in Vancouver as it’s home to plenty of well-maintained hiking trails as well as the famed suspension bridge, which is so photogenic and hangs 50-meters (164-feet) over the canyon. On your morning here, you’ll also be able to explore the pretty 30 Foot Pool and the breathtaking Twin Falls. 

The trails here make up some of the best hikes in Vancouver, and they’re all relatively easy. However, it’s worth noting that if you’re traveling with kids, the trails aren’t stroller-friendly. 

Although it’s possible to catch an Uber to Lynn Canyon, we don’t recommend it as the traffic can be really heavy. Therefore, your best bet is to catch the SeaBus from the Waterfront Station in Gastown to Lonsdale Quay. It’s very reliable and runs every 10 minutes at peak times and every 15-30 minutes at non-peak times. Ferries operate Monday to Saturday from about 6 am – 1 am and Sundays from 8 am – 11 pm, and you can check the full Seabus schedule online here. It’s only $4.45 CAD for a ticket, or you can grab a day pass (which covers all public transport) for just $11 CAD, making this a fantastic wallet-friendly option. 

From Lonsdale Quay, you will need to get the #228 bus as far as the Lynn Valley Rd Stop. You can also use the TransLink trip planner to determine the best route and times. From the Lynn Valley Rd Stop, it’s a 10-minute walk to Lynn Canyon!

Capilano Suspension Bridge

People walk accross the Capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver
Capilano is one of the most iconic attractions in Vancouver!
Two Totum Poles at capilano Suspension Bridge in Vancouver
Two totum poles at Capilano Suspension Bridge

Your second option this morning is the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge. This area is more than just a wow-worthy suspension bridge as there are heaps of forested hiking trails here, including the epic Cliffwalk – which is essentially a boardwalk that winds through the forest high above the ground! You gotta see it to believe it! 

Entry to Capilano Suspension Bridge costs $73 CAD per adult, $42 CAD per teenager, and $31 CAD per kid (aged between 6-12). The park is open daily from 9 am – 6 pm, with the last entry at 5 pm. However, we highly advise booking your tickets in advance!

Yes, the admission is a tad expensive, but we think it’s worth it as it’s so beautiful here. Plus, it’s just 9 km (5.6 mi) from downtown, and you can catch the Capilano Suspension Bridge Shuttle from either Canada Place, the Hyatt Regency, or the Blue Horizon Hotel downtown for free. The shuttle operates all year, but the schedule changes slightly according to the season. You can check out the schedule on their website.

Related Read: If bad weather puts a damper on your plans, not to worry, we’ve written a guide on the best things to do in Vancouver when it rains!

Lunch

The Cliff House Restaurant
The Cliff House Restaurant! Photo credit: Capilano Suspension Bridge

If you’ve opted to check out Capilano Suspension Bridge over Lynn Canyon, then we really recommend having lunch at the Cliff House Restaurant & Bar. Set atop a cliff, hence its name, this bucket-list-worthy restaurant offers great food and even better views. And because it’s only open from 10 am – 6:30 pm, lunch truly is the best time to visit! 

Another good option that ties in with our next stop (it’s Grouse Mountain, by the way!) is Altitudes Bistro, conveniently located at the top of Grouse Mountain. Boasting a casual, relaxed atmosphere and a varied menu specializing in Canadian pub classics like sandwiches, burgers, and waffles. Plus, if you’re vegetarian or gluten-free, you’ll have plenty of choices too! 

To top it off, the views are spectacular, and it’s reasonably priced, with main dishes costing from $24 CAD. 

Afternoon – Grouse Mountain

The Skyride heads up Grouse Mountain, Vancouver at sunset
The Skyride heads up Grouse Mountain at sunset!
Taking in the view at the top of Grouse Mountain!

We’ve already named our next stop, so now let’s explain why it’s a must-add to your Day 2 Vancouver itinerary!

Your afternoon activity is, of course, the famous Grouse Mountain, and with so much to do here, you’ll find the hours pass by quickly – just be sure to take a breather for a moment to take in the awe-inspiring views of the city!

To get to Grouse Mountain, you’ll need to hop on the Skyride gondola, which is a famous Vancouver attraction! Seeing as the gondola station is just 3.8 km (2.3 mi) from Capilano Suspension Bridge (our recommended morning activity), it’s easy to get to too. With both the #232 and #236 buses running between the two, the journey should take about 7 minutes. You can check out the bus schedule and plan your route on the TransLink website.

Skyride tickets to Grouse Mountain cost $81 CAD for adults, $70 for seniors (ages 65+), $59 for teens (ages 13-17), and $42 for kids (ages 5-12). And, yes, it may sound a bit expensive at first – but your ticket gives you access to heaps of entertaining attractions at the top. Such as The Eye of the Wind, a glass-viewing pod inside a wind turbine with fantastic views over Vancouver! As well as that, you can check out the wildlife sanctuary for free, which houses grizzly bears, owls, and more. You can also enjoy several hiking trails, ziplining, or play a game of disc golf up here if you have the time. 

If you plan to visit Vancouver in the winter, you can go skiing here, as well as snowshoeing, ice skating, and sledding. 

On the other hand, if you plan to visit Vancouver during the summer, be sure to head up Grouse Mountain to catch the fun shows, such as the Lumberjack Show, which features Canada’s best fallers throwing axes and rolling logs (the shows are held at 11:15 am, 2 pm, and 4:30 pm).

Or, if you’re an animal lover, the Birds in Motion show features majestic birds of prey, including Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, and Peregrine Falcons. These shows run at 12:45 pm, 3:15 pm, or 5:30 pm. 

Before you go, check out our guide on how to get to Grouse Mountain from Vancouver to see if the free shuttle is an option for you!

But if you don’t want to arrange all the logistics, I recommend taking this Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain Tour. It includes hotel pickup (at approx. 10:30 am), all other transportation, and entrance to both Capilano and Grouse Mountain. The tour is 5.5 hours long and allows 1.5 hours at each destination, which is plenty of time. 

The price per person is $224 CAD, but this tour does sell out quickly, so check availability and book your ticket online here.

Related Read: If you’re on a budget, then you’ll find our guide to the best FREE things to do in Vancouver really helpful!

Night

Bailey and Daniel on a sunset cruise in Vancouver, BC
Us on our sunset cruise in Vancouver!
Lions Gate Bridge as seen from our sunset cruise in Vancouver
The Lions Gate Bridge as seen on the cruise!

What better way to top off an epic day than with a sunset cruise that includes live music and a delicious dinner?!

Vancouver has many fun boat tours, but this Harbor Sunset Cruise is definitely the best option! It’s so much fun, whether you’re having a romantic evening or traveling with family or friends!

When we went on the cruise, we took in views of Vancouver’s top sights from the boat – such as the famed Lions Gate Bridge (which we cruised under) and Kitsilano Beach (one of our favorite beaches in Vancouver!) Plus, the live entertainment was great, and the food was abundant and delicious! What a perfect evening!

The buffet-style food includes roast beef, salmon, salads, and plenty of indulgent desserts. 

You’ll need to get to the Coal Harbour wharf before 7 pm, which is the time the boat departs at. This sunset cruise is 2.5 hours long and costs $209 CAD, which isn’t bad when you think the price includes dinner and entertainment. But note that drinks cost extra. 

It makes for a memorable ending to your time in Vancouver, so check availability and book your tour! And if you want to learn ALL the details of this sunset cruise, you can read more about it on our blog here!

Late Night – Keefer Bar

The Keefer Bar Vancouver
How cool does the bar look? Photo credit: The Keefer Bar Vancouver

If you’re looking to continue on the party atmosphere, i.e., you’re not quite ready for bed yet! Then, we suggest you pay a visit to The Keefer Bar in the cool Chinatown neighborhood.

While Vancouver plays host to many excellent cocktail bars, none are as memorable as “The Keefer,” in our opinion. In fact, this bar was recently voted as one of the top three bars in Canada! People travel from all over the country and internationally to enjoy a drink at this dark and moody establishment.

The Keefer Bar serves over 25 unique cocktails, including the Chinatown Sour and Fantasy Island. And it’s a bit of a hidden gem, as that’s how the locals want to keep it – so, shhh, don’t tell them we sent you! 

Keefer Bar’s location is easy to remember – yep, it’s on Keefer St! It’s open every night from 4 pm – 1 or 2 am. You can enjoy live music, DJs, and Happy Hour from 4 pm – 6 pm, Friday to Sunday. Check out their menu and event schedule online here.

Hot Tip: Reservations are highly recommended to visit the Keefer Bar. Plan in advance and book a table a few days ahead of time!

Have more time?

If you have a few hours to spare before your flight home, we highly recommend a seaplane tour as it’s a quick way to see the city’s best sights. And this bucket list experience will surely be the “cherry on top” of your two days in Vancouver. 

If you don’t know, a seaplane (aka a floatplane) is a fixed-wing aircraft designed to take off and land on water. And taking a seaplane tour is a very popular Vancouver activity because the city is surrounded by water and is one of the most beautiful cities in the world to see from the air! 

You can choose from one of two short and sweet Vancouver seaplane tours for your final morning in the city. The first option is this budget-friendly 20-minute seaplane tour which costs $168 CAD and departs from Coal Harbour. The second, slightly longer option is this 45-minute tour which offers the chance to see even more of this beautiful city as well as the chance to fly over Howe Sound. This tour is still relatively reasonable price-wise at $245 CAD per person. It also departs from Coal Harbour.

Where to Stay in Vancouver, Canada

Hyatt Regency Vancouver
Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the most popular cities in Canada! If you’re only coming for two days, you’ll want to stay somewhere central to maximize your time.

Regardless of what time of year you visit, accommodations can fill up fast. So check out our full blog on where to stay in Vancouver or some of our favorite places below and make sure to book your stay well in advance.

Hyatt Regency Vancouver – $$$

The Hyatt Regency is situated right in the middle of all of the activities on this list. Rooms are spacious, super clean, and have floor-to-ceiling windows with awesome views of downtown Vancouver. The hotel has everything you could need on-site including a gym, business center, heated pool and hot tub, bar, restaurant, and even a Starbucks to start your mornings! There are suites and rooms of all types with prices starting around $300 CAD. To book this top-notch luxury stay, check availability online here!

Times Square Suites – $$

Times Square Suites is a beautiful hotel close to both Stanley Park and the Seaplane Terminal – two stops on our itinerary! There’s a free gym nearby and a rooftop patio with great views of the surrounding area. We stayed in their one-bedroom suite, and had a super restful sleep thanks to their plush beds! Rooms start as low as $202 CAD when booked in advance online.

The Cambie Hostel Gastown – $

The Cambie Hostel is a great budget choice for backpackers and travelers looking to stay in the heart of Gastown. It’s close to many of Gastown’s best restaurants, and there’s also a great bar attached to the hostel. The bathrooms are a bit cramped, but the rooms are clean, there’s free Wi-Fi, and the staff is really friendly and helpful. Beds in dorm rooms start at $50 CAD and private rooms are also available more around the $110 CAD mark, so book ahead on either Hostelworld.com or Booking.com to snag this deal!

Renting a Car in British Columbia

A rural road with Mt Currie in the background
Road trips are the best way to explore Canada!

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!

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Daniel and Bailey try beer from Steamworks Brew Pub on a Vancouver brewery Tour
Thanks for reading!

You may have already guessed after reading this, but Vancouver is one of my favorite cities in the world – it offers everything from natural beauty to excellent restaurants and an abundance of fun activities! I’ve included the best of the best in this 2-day Vancouver guide, and I hope you’ll fall in love with all the cool spots I’ve suggested!

If you enjoyed this blog, check out my other articles about Canada. I cover everything from location guides to the best road trips across the country. Below is a sampling of just some of the topics I write about. Thanks for reading and safe travels!

5 BEST Tours to Victoria from Vancouver

How to Get from Vancouver to Victoria

Guide to Deep Cove, Vancouver +Best Things To Do in 2023!

The 4 BEST Whistler Tours from Vancouver