Ready for a mixture of city, coast, and nature? Then Vancouver is exactly what you are looking for. My husband and I are taking a 1 month- long roadtrip starting in Canada! We started in Yoho National Park and made our way to Vancouver. Looking for an epic Canadian road trip to complete to make it to Vancouver? Here is the route we took- click on each one to read all about each stop!
In this blog post, you will learn the best things to do while in Vancouver!
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What is Special about Vancouver?
Vancouver, Canada, is a vibrant, multicultural city located on the west coast of British Columbia. Known for its stunning natural beauty, the city is surrounded by mountains and water, offering residents and visitors easy access to beaches, parks, and mountains, all within the city’s limits. Vancouver is celebrated for its diverse neighborhoods, including the historic Gastown, the bustling waterfront area of Coal Harbour, and the colorful Chinatown. It’s also a major cultural hub with world-class museums, galleries, and an active film industry, earning it the nickname “Hollywood North.”
In addition to its urban attractions, Vancouver provides a gateway to various outdoor adventures, from skiing at nearby Whistler in winter to hiking and kayaking around Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. The city is also known for its sustainable initiatives and often ranks among the most livable cities globally due to its quality of life, green spaces, and focus on environmentalism.
How to Get to Vancouver?
The primary airport near Vancouver, Canada, is Vancouver International Airport (YVR). It is located about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) south of downtown Vancouver in Richmond, British Columbia.
How Many Days to Spend in Vancouver?
Vancouver is an area that can easily be expanded to a week or modified to a couple days. I always have to include that answering this question is somewhat biased for my husband and I. We are travelers not vacationers… meaning we are up at the crack of dawn and not setting up camp until late in the night to ensure we do not miss a minute of adventures! To see and experience everything we wanted to while in Vancouver, it took us 1 day. But I would recommend 2-3 full days if you are wanting to truly experience everything fully!
Where to Stay in Vancouver?
There are many options for where to stay while in Vancouver to meet your lodging needs!
Camping in Vancouver:
My husband and I love to car camp. So if there is a campground with an open site, we are there!
- Porteau Cove Campground
- We stayed right on the ocean at Porteau Cove Campground. Where we set up camp, allowed us to wake up to the coast and sounds of the seals.
- Also, this is one of the stops on the Sea-to-Sky Highway!
Hotels in Vancouver:
- Fairmont Waterfront
- This hotel is in downtown giving you easy access to nearby attractions like Stanley Park, Gastown, and other attractions!
AIRBNB/VRBO in Vancouver:
What to Pack for Vancouver?
The specific list will be dependent on the time of year you are visiting and what you plan to do while here. But here are some basics you do not want to forget!
- Hiking Shoes: Wearing appropriate shoes is imperative to having a good experience while hiking. These are my favorite hiking boots that I have owned for over 6 years- and they have had a lot of wear and tear from many hiking trips.
- Jacket: Since you will be traveling north in comparison to America, you will want to make sure you pack layers to prepare for changes in weather.
- Camera: With all the beauty you will be seeing, you will want to bring your camera! I have recently purchased this camera and I LOVE it. I am still learning how to use it, but it is a fun hobby to get in to with so much beauty surrounding you!
- Water Bottle: Whether you are biking, hiking, or driving the scenic route, you will want to make sure to stay hydrated!
- Portable Phone Charger: You will be using your phone a lot to take pictures, navigate, and send many texts to your family/ friends telling them how much of a great time you are having 😉 Make sure you have these battery packs so your phone does not die!
- Hydration Backpack: There will be hikes you will want to take part in while you are visiting here. So make sure you are prepared with this hydration pack that is also a backpack!
- Tent: This will definitely depend on how you choose to lodge for your trip. In case you are planning to tent camp, you will need to make sure you have your camping necessities. This is the exact tent we use. It is quick, easy, and literally takes 2- seconds to pop up!
- Sleeping Bag: Whether you are car camping or tent camping, you will want to bring your sleeping bag! We car camped here in mid- September and this sleeping bag kept us nice and toasty!
- Sleeping Mat: This is the best sleeping mat on the market! No electric pump required, just your foot! AND it rolls/ stores very compact saving room with packing.
- Camping Equipment: I may be biased, but I think everyone should camp while in WLNP to experience the pure beauty of the Lord’s creation of this park. Need to know what equipment you need? Here’s your resource of products!
What to do in Vancouver?
Vancouver covers so much ground so there is lots to do here! Depending on how long you are planning to spend in this city will determine what activities you will be doing each day and how long you will want to spend at each destination!
- Vancouver Downtown – Robinson Street
The first thing that surprised me about Vancouver was how big of a city it is! It can be compared to New York but not as big. But there are very tall skyscrapers and that busy city life feeling that reminded me of New York!
If you are in the shopping and/ or eating mood, downtown Vancouver is the perfect destination. The streets are filled with adorable shops and yummy restaurants. The smells that come from the restaurants are mouth watering in itself!
The street that will give you the best bang for your buck is Robinson Street. You can park on the street and walk up and down to shop and grab a bite to eat. This is also close to the harbor so you can also check that out too while you are in the area!
- Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a must do on your trip to Vancouver! It is huge!! It is comparable to Central Park in NYC- so Vancouver’s version of Central Park!
The park offers signs to help you navigate your way around and maps along the way. Pay to park once and then drive around / park wherever with the onetime pay.
Here are the must do’s while in the park:
- Prospect Point Viewpoint
- One of the most famous landmarks in the park! This is the perfect view of the Lion’s Gate Bridge. There is a cafe where you can grab a souvenir and coffee. Walk behind the cafe to get the best POV for a picture of the famous bridge!
- Totem poles
- The totem poles are located near the water edge walkway. So I would advise parking along the road then accessing the totem poles via the water edge.
- Take time to read the provided informational signs to learn the history behind each of the poles. Plan accordingly to attend an educational session as well that are provided at specific times.
- Hollow tree
- Toward the entrance of the park, you will come up on the Hollow Tree. Take time to stop here to read the informational signs to learn the history of the tree. Also utilize this stop to take a picture inside the tree!
- Lighthouse park
If you love lighthouses, this is a great park to visit while in Vancouver! This will take you to the coast of the city to enjoy the views of the lighthouse and gorgeous, green, and lush trails. The trail to the lighthouse viewpoint is a quick 10 minute walk where you can go high or stay low to get diverse views of the lighthouse.
- Lynn Canyon Park
This was easily my favorite thing we did in Vancouver! Grab your camera because you will be coming to a great photo op! Lynn Canyon is home to a beautiful suspension bridge. Below the suspension bridge is a gorgeous flowing waterfall and river. Take time to walk across the bridge, stop for a picture, and admire the water below. The bridge is a quick and easy access from the parking lot.
After you cross the bridge, there are multiple trail heads that start at the crossing. If you have time, take advantage of these trails to hike in the beautiful park!
Once you are finished hiking, reward yourself with a coffee and souvenir at the cafe!
- Gastown Neighborhood
Gastown Neighborhood is home to high dollar shops and the famous steam clock! The steam clock goes off every 15 minutes releasing steam. We visited the area on a rainy day. When the clock released the steam, it was such a picturesque moment against the rainy day.
Shop and grab a bite to eat while here!
- Granville Island
My second favorite thing we did while in Vancouver had to be Granville Island! This adorable area takes you first under a passage then to a small island that offers quaint shops, market, and restaurants.
When you get to the island, I would first go in the public market. Make sure you go with an appetite because you will be blown away with the many different bakery items, meals, and different snacks to try while there! It is hard to choose when there are so many options!
After getting your belly full, hit the shops. The market has some different options of items for sale. Outside of the market, there are plenty of different shops to find exactly what you are looking for.
- Go to the Beach
After all that driving and shopping, you need some relaxation at the beach! Jericho Beach Park will give you that peace and serenity you are looking for.
Take time to rest and enjoy the sunshine with your toes in the sand! Pack a lunch to enjoy a meal with beautiful views.
- Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park offers beautiful gardens to walk through for another peaceful option in your Vancouver itinerary. Visit the rose garden to vibrant colors. Also visit the botanical garden for more amazing plants and flowers.
- Sea-to-Sky Highway
So this one is technically not in Vancouver for the entire duration. But it starts in Vancouver!! And it is really beautiful. And it leads to more amazing views in Canada. And there is so much to see and do on the way!! Okay have I convinced you yet?! I hope so!!
The Sea-to-Sky Highway is a scenic drive that connects Vancouver (the coast) to Whistler (the mountains). There is so much to do on the drive!
Read this blog to learn more about where to stop on the Sea-to-Sky Highway!
- Ride the Ferry to Vancouver Island
Okay, so this one is also not technically in Vancouver for the entire duration… but while you are here, you have to take advantage! Jump on the ferry to go to Vancouver Island!
These can be compared to San Juan Islands with trying to decide which one to do, but in our opinion, Vancouver Island is so much more worth it!!
I hope you enjoyed this blog post and learned more about the amazing city of Vancouver!
Leave a comment below if you are planning a trip to the coastal city!
