Are you thinking about spending 5 days in Vancouver, Canada? Let me turn that “maybe” into a YES! After exploring this stunning city in the British Columbia in September, I can confidently say it’s a must-visit—especially if you love scenic views and incredible food!
Vancouver is often called one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and after experiencing it for myself, I totally get why.
During my trip, I checked out some of Vancouver‘s most iconic spots, like Stanley Park, Chinatown, and the waterfront at Granville Island. I’m not exaggerating when I say every corner of this city felt like a postcard. I couldn’t stop snapping photos—my camera roll basically doubled in size!
Oh, and if you’re trying to escape the summer heat that takes over most of North America, Vancouver is the perfect Pacific Northwest getaway. With its beautiful mountain backdrops and endless summer water activities, it’s no surprise Vancouver is one of the most popular places to visit in Canada!
Now, if you’re not sure where to start, you’re at the right place. This 5 day Vancouver itinerary will take you to some of the coolest neighborhoods- Gastown, Downtown, West End, Kitsilano, and even Richmond-so you’ll get a little taste of everything Vancouver offers.
Ready? Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Where to Stay in Vancouver
I highly recommend staying in the city center, as that is the central spot to explore the city. You will have plenty of attractions and things to do in all four directions.
Hostels & Budget Hotels:
YWCA Hotel – Budget private rooms in downtown Vancouver
Blue Horizon Hotel – Indoor pool with hot hub, steam room
Mid-Luxury Hotel Stays:
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver – near the Burrad station
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver – Luxurious 5-star hotel with in-house spa
Rosewood Hotel Georgia – Luxury stay right around the corner from the Granville metro station. It got heated bathroom floors!
5 Days in Vancouver Itinerary Overview
Day 1 | Granville Island
Arrive in Vancouver, BC.
After setting up base, head to Granville Island. It’s a nice small island that you can stroll around for hours.
Browse the many creative shops on Granville Island. Admire indigenous art pieces in the Eagle Spirit Gallery. If you like stationeries, Paper-Ya is for you.
Enjoy a seafood meal or cheap delicious eats at the Granville Island Public Market. The pot pies at A La Mode are m-mmm (though I do prefer it being a little warmer). If you’re not sure what to eat, leave the decisions to the expert on this food walking tour around Granville Island Public Market.

Wanna bike on the water? That’s right! You heard me correctly. Walk to the BC Water Bikes for some fun water activity in the False Creek while taking in the sunset. Water bike rental season is only during the summer months, from June to September. Make sure to book in advance.
Have dinner at the nearby Kitsilano neighborhood. If you like Indian food, check out Indian Oven.
Day 2 | Stanley Park and Gastown
Wear your most comfortable shoes because there’s going to be a lot of walking!
Grab breakfast at Pappa Roti and try their fresh soft buns. Their bestseller is the Pistachio bun! For the adventurous, you can also order their mystery stuff buns.

If you want a snack, get some Korean hotdogs on the way to the Stanley Park at Chung Chin Rice Hot Dog. Go crazy topping up their Korean hotdogs with the sauces to make it extra special!
Stanley Park & Vancouver Seawall
One of the main activities in Stanley park is going around the Vancouver Seawall.
Biking is the most popular option and you’ll find plenty of bike rental shops right before entering Stanley park. If you want to learn about its history on a guided tour check out the Stanley Park bike tour.
Of course, taking a leisure walk around the Vancouver Seawall is another great option. Though keep in mind, not counting the time it will take for photos, just walking the whole Seawall path will take at least 2 hours!

Honestly, there’s so much here that you can easily spend an entire day exploring the park. Some not-to-miss spots along the Vancouver Seawall are the totem poles, Brockton Point Lighthouse, and Nine O’clock gun.
The Nine O’clock gun might seem pretty boring at first (it’s also locked inside a cage). However, if you’re lucky, you might come across a staff loading gunpowder into the cannon for the daily 9pm show. The cannon will go off automatically at 9pm, so don’t be surprised to hear a loud bang!
For a beautiful backdrop for a photoshoot, head to the Stanley Park Pavilion.
If you love aquariums, don’t forget to put down the Vancouver Aquarium in your Stanley Park walk. It is open everyday from 10am-5pm. Last entry at 3:15pm.

For those of you craving a swim, there are plenty of beaches in Stanley Park; Second Beach & Third Beach. Nearby in the West End, you also have the English Bay Beach. If you’re here in late July, don’t miss the fireworks at English Bay for the annual Celebration of Lights event.
Canada Place & Gastown
Make your way to Gastown, the original settlement that became what is Vancouver BC today.
Go on a walking tour and discover Prohibition Vancouver or feast on a Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour.
For the fearless and the curious, check out the Vancouver Lost Souls of Gastown Walking Tour.
If the weather is warmer, you can enjoy the public performances of singing musicians.
Experience the unique flavor of dry noodles at Kokoro Tokyo Mazesoba by indulging in their specialty dish, the mazesoba.
Caution. Avoid walking on E Hastings St (especially the area between Gastown and Chinatown). The area is flooded with homeless people.
Day 3 | Photo Spots around Vancouver BC
Dress your best since day 3 is all about photo ops!
Start off the day with a hearty brunch from Cafe Medina. This place is packed, so make your reservations ahead of time.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Walk toward Chinatown and visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. It’s a Ming dynasty style garden home, one of the first of its kind to be built outside China. This place is perfect for a photoshoot.
Visit on the weekends if you’re interested in the traditional Chinese tea ceremonies. There are three ceremonies on each day with limited spaces, so book your tickets ahead of time.
Vancouver’s Chinatown is one of the oldest Chinatowns in Canada as well as the largest. So if you’re more interested in food, then you’re in the right place. Join this walking tour led by a chef around Chinatown!
VanDusen Botanical Garden
Next, let’s go to the VanDusen Botanical Garden, which is easily accessible by bus. My favorite photo shoot spots are the giant red chair and the bridge by the water.
Have fun getting lost in the maze!

Next to the visitor center, there’s also a gallery full of purchasable art pieces by very talented artists. Do check it out even if you’re not thinking of buying, because the art there is amazing!
Queen Elizabeth Park
Last (for the day!), a short walk away from the VanDusen Botanical Garden is the Queen Elizabeth Park. It is on a hill, so there’s your workout for the day.
Being a public park, the Queen Elizabeth Park definitely exceeded my expectations.

If you’re here before 3pm, check out the Bloedel Conservatory (grab tickets here) for exotic birds and plants. Otherwise, take some golden hour pictures and enjoy the sunset.
There are tons of restaurants near Queen Elizabeth Park on Main St.
Day 4 | UBC Area & Richmond
Start the day at UBC (University of British Columbia).
Museum of Anthropology
Visit the Museum of Anthropology. I love walking through the multiversity galleries, where it showcases thousands of artifacts from around the world. Don’t forget to pull open the drawers to see more!
When you’re done exploring indoors, walk outside and find their outdoor exhibits and totem poles.

UBC Area
For a small fee, you can enter the Nitobe Memorial Garden, a traditional Japanese stroll garden and teahouse.
Looking for some adrenaline rush? Check out the UBC Botanical Garden and their Greenheart Treewalk where you walk across suspended walkways between treetops.
If you want to see a skeleton of Canada’s largest blue whale, head to the Beaty Biodiversity Museum.
Richmond
For dinner, we’re heading out of Vancouver to Richmond for some Asian food. Known for its Asian popularity, there are plenty of Asian restaurants to choose from.
If you like Vietnamese food, I highly recommend Banh Mi Tres Bon. Try their mini savory crepes!
The Richmond Night Market is one of the best things to do in Vancouver during the summer!

Day 5 | Shopping & Museums
Sadly, today’s the last day in Vancouver.
Time to check out of your hotel. If you’re exploring or shopping nearby, you can leave your luggage in your hotel’s storage room. Otherwise, use a storage facility to hold your bags until your flight!
Do some souvenir shopping on Robson Street while exploring downtown Vancouver before leaving for the airport.
- On Robson Street, there are two souvenir stores: Grand Maple Gifts and Canadian Crafts.
- OOMOMO Japan Living is all you need to buy affordable Japanese houseware and goodies.
- Aritzia is one of my favorites if you’re looking for great quality and fashionable women’s apparels.
If you prefer outlets, there’s one right by the Vancouver International Airport. Happy shopping!
Or you can spend the rest of the time visiting these museums close to downtown Vancouver if your flight home is in the evening (or you simply want to save your wallet from a shopping spree).
Vancouver Art Gallery
- Open 10am-5pm (except closed on Tuesday & Friday 10pm-8pm)
- Free entry if you come on the first Friday of every month from 4-8pm!
Roedde House Museum
A restored late-Victorian house turned museum for Victorian enthusiasts, depicting life in the Victoria era.
- Open Wed-Fri & Sun 1-4pm
Science World
Interactive science museum with an IMAX theater. Great for kids.
- Open 10am-5pm daily

You can’t travel to Canada and not try poutine right? Take a last detour to Fritz European Fry House and order their poutine (top it up with pulled pork or any other topping of your choice)!
Grab your luggages (and shopping bags) and head to the airport.
Allocate extra time before your flight if you’re heading to the US. Because not only do you have to go through security checks, you also have to clear the US customs and immigration.
Have a safe flight!
Extra Days More Activities in Vancouver
You can go on a road trip crossing the Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver.
Or pay a visit to Vancouver’s North Shore. There are many markets and shops in the area. Places to visit include The Shipyards, Waterfront Park, and Lonsdale Quay Market. Walk around for a beautiful view of the city skyline.
Another great option is taking the BC ferry and visit the Vancouver Island.
Getting Around Vancouver
From the Airport to the City
From the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), you can take the SkyTrain’s Canada Line and get to downtown Vancouver in just 30 minutes. The train is accessible from both domestic and international terminals.
Note: On top of the regular fare ticket, there is an additional $5 surcharge to leave from the airport.
Navigating Public Transportation in Vancouver
Not only is Vancouver’s city center super walkable, you can also get to most of the attractions in Vancouver by public transportation.
Here’s where it can get a little confusing. The ticket cost for public transportation in Metro Vancouver area is separated into three fare zones. Luckily, majority of the attractions in this itinerary are within 1-zone.
Each fare is valid for 90 minutes and you can simply use Tap to Pay with a contactless credit card.
However, I highly recommend getting a Compass card (even though it requires a $6 refundable deposit) to save on public transportation! You can buy the Compass cards at the Compass Vending Machines in all the SkyTrain and SeaBus stations.
These are the prices as of July 2024.
Payment Type | 1-Zone | 2-Zone | 3-Zone |
---|---|---|---|
Cash or credit card | $3.20 | $4.65 | $6.35 |
Compass Card | $2.60 | $3.85 | $4.90 |
If you have mobility issues, check out handyDART, which is their door-to-door ride share service. This service cost 1-zone fare at all times.
Renting a car in Vancouver
You won’t need a car moving around downtown. However if you want to go on day trips outside of Vancouver, then the fastest way is by getting a rental car. Driving or taking an Uber will take you to most of the attractions outside Vancouver in less than 30 minutes!
Final Thoughts
While the itinerary includes some food recommendations, check out my full list of places to eat in Vancouver (plus what to order)!
Feel free to switch around the days as you see fit. Day 4 and 5 are mainly indoor activities so it’s great for rainy days.
Some attraction sites are not open on certain days, so keep in mind the opening hours when planning.
Are you ready to visit?
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