3-Day Local Family Adventure: Sightseeing and Shopping in Vancouver

Vancouver, British Columbia

3 days

Skyline
The Kennedy River at the Pacific Rim National Park
Hiking Trail Through Forest in Lynn Canyon Park
Science World
Mountain landscape with wooden totem pole

About Vancouver, British Columbia

Experience the vibrant city of Vancouver, British Columbia, a perfect blend of urban sophistication and breathtaking outdoor scenery. Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the historic charm of Gastown to the unique shopping district of Granville Island. Immerse yourself in the rich cultural scene with world-class museums, galleries, and live music venues. Enjoy the stunning natural beauty with a visit to Stanley Park, Grouse Mountain, or take a scenic drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Indulge in the city's culinary delights, featuring fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Vancouver is also a gateway to outdoor adventures, including skiing, hiking, and whale watching. Whether you're seeking a city break or an outdoor adventure, Vancouver offers an unforgettable travel experience.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring Stanley Park and Granville Island

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium located in Stanley Park. It's a great place for families to learn about marine life and conservation efforts.

Lunch

Enjoy a picnic lunch in Stanley Park. There are plenty of picnic areas with beautiful views of the surrounding nature.

Afternoon

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll around the Seawall, a scenic 28 km path that loops around Stanley Park. It offers stunning views of the city, mountains, and ocean.

Dinner

Head to the Granville Island Public Market for dinner. It's a bustling area with a variety of food stalls offering a wide range of cuisines.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the Kids Market, also located on Granville Island. It's a fun place for children with plenty of shops and activities.

Morning

Start your second day with a visit to the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. It's a great place to learn about the indigenous cultures of British Columbia.

Lunch

Have lunch at one of the many eateries in the UBC area. There's a wide variety of options to choose from.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the UBC Botanical Garden. It's a beautiful place to explore and learn about different plant species.

Dinner

For dinner, head to the Kitsilano area. It's known for its diverse food scene, with plenty of options for every palate.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the Kitsilano Beach. It's a popular spot for locals and offers stunning views of the city skyline.

Morning

Start your final day with a visit to the Vancouver Art Gallery. It's a great place to explore contemporary art.

Lunch

Have lunch in the downtown area. There are plenty of eateries offering a wide range of cuisines.

Afternoon

After lunch, head to the Vancouver Lookout for a panoramic view of the city. It's a great way to see Vancouver from a different perspective.

Dinner

For dinner, head to the Gastown area. It's known for its vibrant food scene and historic charm.

Evening

End your day with a stroll around the historic Gastown area. Don't forget to check out the famous Steam Clock.

Attractions in Itinerary (10)

Vancouver Aquarium

1
Vancouver Aquarium

A public aquarium located in Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Attractions
Museums
Stanley Park

2
Stanley Park

A 405-hectare public park that borders the downtown of Vancouver.

Parks
Attractions
Landmarks
Seawall

3
Seawall

A scenic 28 km path that lines Vancouver's waterfront. Perfect for walking, cycling, and inline skating.

Attractions
Parks
Sports
Kids Market

4
Kids Market

The Kids Market, located on Granville Island, is a unique shopping destination specifically designed for children. It features over 25 shops and services, including toy stores, clothing boutiques, and a play area.

Attractions
Shopping
Entertainment
Museum of Anthropology at UBC

5
Museum of Anthropology at UBC

The Museum of Anthropology at UBC is a world-renowned museum showcasing indigenous art and cultures from around the world. It features a vast collection of artifacts, including totem poles and other works of art.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
UBC Botanical Garden

6
UBC Botanical Garden

The UBC Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden located at the University of British Columbia. It features a variety of plant species, including rare and endangered plants, and offers educational programs.

Parks
Gardens
Kitsilano Beach

7
Kitsilano Beach

A popular beach offering stunning views of the mountains and downtown Vancouver.

Beaches
Attractions
Vancouver Art Gallery

A public art museum in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Vancouver Lookout

9
Vancouver Lookout

A 553.16 ft high observation deck in the Harbour Centre.

Attractions
Landmarks
Steam Clock

10
Steam Clock

One of the few functioning steam clocks in the world, located in the historic Gastown district.

Attractions
Landmarks

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Poutine

Poutine

A classic Canadian dish made from fries, cheese curds, and gravy. It's a must-try when visiting Vancouver.

Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo Bars

A no-bake dessert bar named after the city of Nanaimo, British Columbia. It consists of a wafer crumb-based layer, custard flavoured butter icing, and a layer of chocolate ganache.

Salmon

Salmon

Vancouver is known for its fresh, locally sourced seafood, especially its salmon which can be prepared in various ways.

Spot Prawns

Spot Prawns

A local delicacy, these prawns are sweet and delicate in flavor. They are usually available fresh during the prawn season in Vancouver.

Japadog

Japadog

A fusion of Japanese and American cuisine, it's a hot dog topped with ingredients like teriyaki sauce, seaweed, and Japanese mayo.

West Coast Oysters

Fresh oysters from the West Coast are a must-try in Vancouver. They are often served raw with a variety of accompaniments.

BC Roll

A sushi roll that originated in Vancouver. It typically contains grilled salmon skin, cucumber, and sweet sauce.

Tourtière

Tourtière

A traditional French-Canadian meat pie that is often enjoyed during the holiday season.

Butter Tart

A classic Canadian dessert, it's a small, sweet pastry filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, and eggs.

Caesar

Caesar

A cocktail invented in Canada, it's made from vodka, Clamato juice, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, served with ice in a large, celery salt-rimmed glass.

Ice Wine

Ice Wine

A type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine. British Columbia is known for its ice wine production.

Craft Beer

Craft Beer

Vancouver has a thriving craft beer scene, with many local breweries offering a wide range of styles and flavors.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Vancouver, British Columbia is from April to October. During these months, the city experiences mild weather and less rain, making it perfect for outdoor activities. The summer months, July and August, are particularly popular as they offer the warmest weather. However, if you're interested in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, late November to March is the ideal time to visit.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 2

Tue

Day After New Year’s Day (Quebec)

February 19

Mon

Family Day (regional holiday)

February 19

Mon

Islander Day (Prince Edward Island)

February 19

Mon

Nova Scotia Heritage Day (Nova Scotia)

February 19

Mon

Louis Riel Day (Manitoba)

February 23

Fri

Yukon Heritage Day (Yukon)

March 18

Mon

St. Patrick's Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday (regional holiday)

April 22

Mon

St. George's Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)

May 20

Mon

National Patriots' Day (Quebec)

May 20

Mon

Victoria Day (regional holiday)

June 24

Mon

St. Jean Baptiste Day (Quebec)

June 24

Mon

June Holiday (Newfoundland and Labrador)

July 1

Mon

Canada Day

July 1

Mon

Memorial Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)

July 9

Tue

Nunavut Day (Nunavut)

July 15

Mon

Orangemen's Day (Newfoundland and Labrador)

August 5

Mon

New Brunswick Day (New Brunswick)

August 5

Mon

Saskatchewan Day (Saskatchewan)

August 5

Mon

Natal Day (Nova Scotia)

August 5

Mon

Civic/Provincial Day (regional holiday)

August 5

Mon

British Columbia Day (British Columbia)

August 7

Wed

The Royal St John's Regatta (Regatta Day) (Newfoundland and Labrador)

August 16

Fri

Gold Cup Parade (Prince Edward Island)

August 19

Mon

Discovery Day (Yukon)

September 2

Mon

Labour Day

September 30

Mon

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (regional holiday)

October 14

Mon

Thanksgiving Day (regional holiday)

December 24

Tue

Christmas Eve (New Brunswick)

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

Boxing Day (regional holiday)

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Vancouver's SkyTrain is a fully automated light rapid transit system offering fast, efficient service between downtown and Metro Vancouver's suburbs. There are three lines: the Expo Line, the Millennium Line, and the Canada Line.

TransLink, Vancouver's regional transportation authority, operates a comprehensive bus service throughout the city and the surrounding areas. Buses are frequent, reliable, and many routes operate 24 hours a day.

The SeaBus is a passenger-only ferry service in Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It crosses the Burrard Inlet to connect the cities of Vancouver and North Vancouver.

The West Coast Express is a commuter rail service operating during peak morning and evening hours between downtown Vancouver and the eastern suburbs.

Vancouver is a bike-friendly city with numerous bike lanes and paths, including the popular Stanley Park Seawall. The city's public bike share program, Mobi by Shaw Go, offers 24/7 access to bikes at stations across the city.

There are numerous car rental companies in Vancouver, offering a range of vehicles from compact cars to SUVs. Remember that you'll need a valid driver's license and credit card to rent a car.

Ridesharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in Vancouver. These can be a convenient way to get around, especially if you're traveling in a group or have a lot of luggage.

Taxis are plentiful in Vancouver and can be hailed on the street, picked up at designated taxi stands, or booked in advance.

Many of Vancouver's attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the downtown area. The city is known for its walkability, and exploring on foot can be a pleasant way to see the sights.

Car sharing services like Evo and Car2Go are available in Vancouver. These allow you to rent a car for short periods of time, often by the minute, and are a good option for quick trips around the city.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency$ CAD

Time zoneUTC -7, -6, -5, -4, -3 going from West to East

Driving sideRight

Emergency phone911

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type APower socket type B

Voltage120 V

Things to know about Vancouver, British Columbia as a first time visitor

1

Vancouver is a very walkable city, and public transportation is also widely available. Consider using these modes of transportation instead of renting a car.

2

The city is known for its rainy weather, especially from November to March. Always carry an umbrella or raincoat.

3

Vancouver is a multicultural city, and this is reflected in its food. Be sure to try a variety of cuisines.

4

Tipping is customary in Vancouver. It's standard to tip 15-20% on the pre-tax total of your bill at restaurants.

5

Vancouver is in the Pacific Time Zone (PST).

6

The city is very eco-conscious. Many places, including hotels and restaurants, have recycling programs in place.

7

The legal drinking age in Vancouver is 19.

8

Vancouver is a safe city, but like any major city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

9

The city is known for its outdoor activities. Pack accordingly if you plan to hike, bike, or engage in other outdoor activities.

10

Sales tax in British Columbia is 12%. This will be added to most of your purchases.

11

The currency used in Vancouver is the Canadian Dollar (CAD).

12

Vancouver is a bike-friendly city. Consider renting a bike to explore the city.

13

If you're visiting in the winter, temperatures can drop to 32°F (0°C). In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 72°F (22°C).

14

English is the primary language spoken in Vancouver, but many residents also speak other languages due to the city's multiculturalism.

15

Vancouver has a large LGBTQ+ community and is generally very accepting and progressive.

16

The city has strict smoking laws. Smoking (including vaping) is prohibited in all public parks, beaches, and playgrounds.

17

Vancouver's tap water is safe to drink and is some of the highest quality in the world.

18

The city is very health-conscious. You'll find plenty of options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets.

19

Vancouver has a high cost of living. Be prepared for higher prices, especially for accommodation and dining.

20

If you're planning to visit the surrounding mountains, be aware that weather conditions can change rapidly. Always check the forecast and be prepared.

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Underwear (3 pairs)

  • Socks (3 pairs)

  • T-shirts (3)

  • Pants/Jeans (2 pairs)

  • Sweater or Jacket

  • Sleepwear

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Swimsuit

  • Rain jacket or umbrella

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Deodorant

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Makeup and makeup remover

  • Sunscreen

  • Prescription medications

  • First aid kit

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport or ID

  • Boarding passes

  • Hotel reservation confirmations

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash (in Canadian dollars)

  • Guidebook or map

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Power adapter (if traveling from a different country)

  • Portable power bank

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks

  • Water bottle

  • Travel pillow

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Books or e-reader for entertainment

  • Travel-sized laundry detergent

  • Reusable shopping bag

Weather Conditions

Vancouver, British Columbia, is known for its mild climate, but it's always wise to be prepared for varying weather conditions. In general, Vancouver experiences warm and dry summers, with temperatures typically ranging from 68°F to 81°F (20°C to 27°C). It's a great time to explore the city's outdoor attractions like Stanley Park or the Capilano Suspension Bridge. However, don't forget to pack sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. Autumn in Vancouver is usually mild but can be quite rainy, especially in November. Temperatures during this season can range from 46°F to 59°F (8°C to 15°C). It's advisable to pack a good raincoat or umbrella if you're planning to visit during this time. Winter temperatures in Vancouver are usually mild by Canadian standards, with daytime temperatures often above freezing, around 32°F to 41°F (0°C to 5°C). However, it can occasionally experience snowfall, so it's a good idea to pack warm clothing and waterproof shoes if you're visiting in winter. Spring is a beautiful time to visit Vancouver, with temperatures ranging from 46°F to 64°F (8°C to 18°C). The city comes alive with blooming flowers, but there can still be occasional rain showers, so don't forget your umbrella. Regardless of when you visit, Vancouver's weather can be unpredictable, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack layers to accommodate changing conditions. Enjoy your visit to this beautiful city!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

7° / -1°

January is the coldest month in Vancouver, with occasional snowfall. Dress warmly and enjoy indoor activities.

February

8° / 1°

February is still chilly, but less snowfall. It's a great time for winter sports in nearby mountains.

March

12° / 3°

March sees the start of spring with more sunshine and slightly warmer temperatures. It's a good time to explore outdoor attractions.

April

16° / 6°

April is a pleasant month with more sunshine and blooming flowers. Perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

May

19° / 9°

May is a beautiful month with warm weather and less rainfall. It's a great time to visit parks and gardens.

June

22° / 12°

June marks the start of summer with long days and comfortable temperatures. Ideal for hiking and exploring the city.

July

24° / 14°

July is the warmest month with lots of sunshine. It's perfect for beach activities and outdoor festivals.

August

24° / 14°

August continues the warm, sunny weather. It's a great time for water sports and exploring the coastline.

September

21° / 11°

September is a pleasant month with mild temperatures. It's a good time for sightseeing and enjoying the fall colors.

October

17° / 7°

October sees the start of fall with cooler temperatures and more rainfall. It's a good time to visit museums and indoor attractions.

November

12° / 3°

November is a rainy month with cooler temperatures. Pack a raincoat and enjoy the indoor activities.

December

7° / 0°

December is a cold and rainy month. It's a good time to enjoy indoor activities and holiday festivities.

Did you know?

Did you know that Vancouver, British Columbia is home to Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America?

1 of 10

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