Vancouver: What to see. Best guide for traveling to Canada

Do you only have one day in Vancouver? Let yourself be carried away by one of the best urban experiences in Canada. Vancouver is the third largest city in Canada and the largest in the western province of British Columbia. And this bustling city on Canada's west coast is never short of activities.

Even if you can only spend 24 hours in Vancouver, you will have many experiences. You can visit museums and art galleries and eat the best culinary creations in Canada. You will relax in the parks and stroll through its shopping districts. With an expanded Vancouver itinerary, you'll have even more at your fingertips. You can take advantage of the city's spectacular location at the foot of the Rocky Mountains and on the shores of the Pacific Ocean.

Don't know where to start exploring Vancouver in one day? Start planning your trip with this complete 1-day Vancouver itinerary.

Where to go in Vancouver in one day: A complete 1-day itinerary

A day in Vancouver offers enough time to see some of the city's top attractions. Most sites are clustered around Vancouver Harbor and are connected by motorable stretches of road.

Like most of our one-day city itineraries , this Vancouver itinerary includes plenty of hiking. You can get around most places on foot. However, occasional taxi or bus trips can reduce travel time by a few minutes.

The tour will take you through the main parks, gardens, museums and emblematic places of the city. You'll also enjoy several stops for food and shopping. Let us begin!

Grab a coffee and explore the trails of Stanley Park

With only 24 hours in Vancouver, you'll start on the west side of the city and make your way through the center. As soon as you arrive or leave the hotel, head to Stanley Park. The park is located at the northwest end of the peninsula.

You'll likely pass at least two or three Tim Hortons on your way to this massive urban park. Stop inside for a traditional Canadian fast food breakfast with a coffee and donut.

After brushing off the crumbs from the donuts, enter Stanley Park. It is the city's largest park, covering 1,001 acres northwest of the West End. It is mostly covered by dense forests with more than half a million trees.

You can stroll through the extensive park or rent a bicycle and ride along the boardwalk. Bike rentals are located near the entrance. You can also walk part of the boardwalk route. It stretches for about 22 kilometers, so you most likely won't have time to cover it all.

If you're cycling along the Vancouver Boardwalk, look south as you go around the outer edge of the path. You'll see Vancouver Harbor and the downtown skyline.

If you skip the bike ride, Stanley Park still has plenty of other places to explore. You can take a walk near the Lost Lagoon or simply walk along the wooded trails. Wooded trails take you past several monuments, playgrounds and a miniature railway that you can ride.

Examine hundreds of species of marine life at the Vancouver Aquarium

Whether you're strolling along the boardwalk or strolling along the trails, head to the eastern end of Stanley Park to reach the Vancouver Aquarium. The aquarium is within the park and includes several outdoor facilities.

The aquarium visit isn't cheap, but it contains dozens of habitats to explore, including the main aquarium. It occupies about 9,000 square meters and contains more than nine million liters of water.

You will be able to see a wide variety of marine life. Take a trip to Penguin Point to see African penguins. Or visit BC Coastal Treasures with its collection of octopuses, sea urchins and rockfish.

The aquarium also has an Amazon rainforest section. Try to spot the different species of snakes, sloths, birds, fish and other rainforest creatures hiding in their natural habitat.

The aquarium has more than 50,000 creatures. You won't have time to see them all if you travel around Vancouver in 24 hours. Spend an hour or two appreciating the beauty of the animals before moving on.

Shop the boutiques on Robson Street in the West End

After the aquarium, you can hit the streets of Vancouver, starting with the busy Robson Street. It is located in the center of the West End and has the widest selection of boutiques and cafes in the city.

This street is a main road, which runs from Stanley Park to the BC Place stadium. It is one of the oldest shopping streets in the city. Walk east along the street, admiring the skyscrapers and browsing the shops.

As you move towards the east, you notice that the environment begins to change. The western end of Robson Street is chic and bohemian, with its variety of small shops and galleries. As you get closer to downtown Vancouver, you'll find more luxury shops and fewer boutiques.

The entire road also includes many restaurants and dozens of noodle shops. Unless you are hungry, stop eating until you reach your next destination.

Fill up on tasty street food at the Granville Island Public Market

Instead of taking Robson Street toward downtown, skip the downtown area for now. Head south to Granville Island. Take any of the streets south until you reach Pacific Street. Follow the road to the Granville Bridge.

Although Granville Island is not very large, it does contain some attractions, such as the extensive public market and a water park.

If you are planning a longer Canada itinerary, you could spend more time on Granville Island. In fact, you could spend an entire day at the water park. For now, you will only have time to explore the market and find something to eat.

The public market is home to vendors and traders selling produce, seafood, baked goods, and various snacks. It is one of the busiest areas of Vancouver. Many visitors compare it to Seattle's Pike Place Market.

Browse the stalls until you find something that looks appealing to you. If you don't want to walk and eat, you may be lucky enough to find a free seat at one of the snack bars or small restaurants inside the market.

Browse the artwork and interesting exhibits at the Vancouver Art Gallery

When you're done with lunch, travel north on Granville Street into the heart of downtown Vancouver. When you reach Robson Square, cross the street to the Vancouver Art Gallery (VAG).

The VAG is a large art museum with more than 11,000 pieces in its permanent collection. It also presents several traveling exhibitions. You will always find something new.

The collections and exhibitions cover a wide range of media. It houses paintings, sculptures, multimedia installations and a large collection of photographs.

The most viewed collection includes works by Canadian painter Emily Carr. Pieces by indigenous Canadian artists can also be seen.

As with the aquarium, the admission price is a bit expensive compared to museums in other big cities. If you want to get your money's worth, take the guided tour and learn more about the pieces you examine.

Spend two to three hours visiting or wandering around the museum before taking a short detour to the gift shop. You can buy some souvenirs or rest your legs for a moment.

In addition to the art gallery, the city center is home to some of the best things to do in Vancouver . If you return for a longer trip, you could spend an entire day exploring the various galleries, theaters, and public squares.

Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the city from the top of Vancouver Lookout

When you're done admiring the art, it's time to see more of the city from the top of the Vancouver Lookout. Walk north along Hornby Street behind the gallery until you reach West Hastings Street.

Turn right and the Vancouver Overlook is a couple of blocks away. Due to the height of the tower, there is no loss.

You can't visit all the places in Vancouver in one day, but you can see most of the city from the top of the observation deck. The tower is almost 150 meters high.

Take a glass elevator to the top with views of the city as you reach the observation deck. The deck offers a 360-degree view and includes the typical gift shop and an expensive lounge.

If you plan your trip well, you will arrive at the best time to see the city. As the sun sets, the lights from the buildings create a stunning view.

Spend the afternoon strolling through Gastown and Vancouver Harbor

From the Vancouver Lookout, it's a short walk to the Gastown Steam Clock and the dozens of restaurants and bars located near the waterfront. First, check out the Steam Clock.

The watch is no longer technically powered by steam. Due to the noise of the steam engine, it is now powered by an electric motor. It remains a very attractive attraction, producing a puff of steam every hour and whistling a short tune every 15 minutes.

After inspecting the clock, explore the rest of Gastown and the Port of Vancouver. They are the oldest areas of the city, with Victorian-style architecture and rows of brick buildings. Stroll the boardwalk and cobblestone streets of Gastown looking for a place to eat or drink.

End your city trip with dinner or drinks near the boardwalk. If you're not ready to let it all go, travel back to the West End to enjoy its vibrant nightlife.

Where to stay with 24 hours in Vancouver

As the third largest city in Canada, choosing where to stay in Vancouver can sometimes be a challenge. There is a great diversity of neighborhoods in Vancouver, each with its own advantages. For most first-time travelers arriving in Vancouver with a quick stopover, the city center is the best place to stay. Here are some hotel ideas to start your search...

• The Blue Horizon Hotel offers a great location on Robson Street in the heart of the city centre. This hotel is perfectly located to explore the best attractions with pleasure. Book a corner room to relax on your balcony with spectacular city views.
• The BLU Hotel offers spacious rooms and a series of magnificent services. This centrally located 4-star hotel is a comfortable choice in the city centre. The trendy Yaletown neighborhood is just a stone's throw away.
• Hotel L'Hermitage is located near BC Place Stadium and the Vancouver Art Gallery. This elegant hotel is a fantastic option for lovers of food and culture. The outdoor pool and patio are ideal for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

More Vancouver itinerary ideas

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Do you have an extra day in Vancouver? The first thing you should do is go to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Located 15 minutes from downtown in North Vancouver, the park is one of the most pristine pieces of nature in the area.

The park is named after the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The world famous bridge was built in 1889. It spans 137 meters across the Capilano Canyon, suspended 70 meters above the Capilano River. Stroll across the Capilano Suspension Bridge to marvel at spectacular views of the canyon and primeval forest. You will also find the largest private collection of totem poles in the world.

In addition to the bridge itself, make time to visit the park's Treetop Adventure. This series of bridges slides between towering ancient Douglas fir trees. The bridges float 30 meters high above the forest canopy. As you can imagine, the forest views are stunning.

For an even wilder adventure, visit the park's newest addition, the Cliffwalk. The ride takes place over a series of cantilevered bridges and ladders hanging from the edge of the canyon.

Hikers will also love the nearby Capilano River Regional Park. Its easy 1.6-mile trail through the canyon is a great option for hikers of all levels.

Grouse Mountain

Do you want to know the natural side of Vancouver? Cross the Lions Gate Bridge into North Vancouver to see Grouse Mountain. Rising 1,250 meters above the city, this mountain is one of Vancouver's most popular year-round attractions.

In the warmer months, get your adrenaline pumping with one of Grouse Mountain's adventure activities. You can warm up with an 850 meter ascending hike at The Grouse Grind. This challenging trail is one of the best places to hike in Vancouver. You'll get an intense thigh workout while enjoying some of the best scenery in the city. Grouse Mountain also offers other high-octane activities like ziplining and paragliding.

In winter, Grouse Mountain is also bustling with activity. The mountain's slopes are among the most accessible for skiing in Vancouver. It offers slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Elsewhere in the area, you can enjoy snowshoeing, ice skating, and sleigh rides.

Canada Place

Perched on the harbor front, Canada Place is one of Vancouver's most recognizable landmarks. Its characteristic roof, designed like the sails of a ship, is often the first sight of visitors entering the city on a cruise ship. In addition to being a cruise terminal, Canada Place is home to a convention center, a hotel, and a tour bus center.

The real reason to include Canada Place in your travel plan is to check out FlyOver Canada. On this immersive flying attraction, you'll be suspended for an 8-minute journey across Canada. It will take you through the most emblematic settings in the country with all its sights and sounds.

When you finish your FlyOver Canada ride, head to the boardwalk. You'll enjoy incredible views of Coal Harbour, Stanley Park and the North Shore Mountains.

English Bay Beach

Do you want to experience the urban amenities of Vancouver's waterfront? Come to English Bay beach. The beach is located on the eastern shore of the center peninsula. It is a pleasant 30 minute walk from the heart of the city.

Thanks to its accessibility, English Bay beach is one of the most popular beaches in Vancouver. The Stanley Park Seawall Cycling and Hiking Trail passes along the eastern edge of the beach. If you're planning a biking and walking adventure through Vancouver, it's a nice stop.

Is your appetite working up? Be sure to visit the Cactus Club Cafe. The restaurant is a fantastic place to enjoy happy hour drinks with a spectacular sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The modern Canadian cuisine and sommelier-approved wine selection are also a hit with customers.

When to visit Vancouver

The best time to visit Vancouver is between April and October. During these months, Vancouver is at its warmest and sunniest. Unlike other destinations in Canada, Vancouver rarely gets too hot and humid in summer. The breeze from the Pacific Ocean helps regulate summer temperatures. However, the crowds of the summer months can be overwhelming in the more touristy areas of the city. Room prices are also the highest and occupancy is the lowest in summer.

Even if you can't go this time of year, Vancouver is a year-round destination. Along with nearby Victoria, Vancouver is one of Canada's most temperate major cities. The typical cold and snowy Canadian winter does not apply here. Instead, expect gray, rainy days between November and March.

How to get to Vancouver

By air

Vancouver has the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The airport is located in the suburb of Richmond, about 12 kilometers from the city center. Several major Canadian and international airlines fly to YVR, including Air Canada and West Jet. Vancouver International Airport is a major hub for flights from North America to Asia.

By highway

Getting to Vancouver by road offers some of the best road trip experiences in Canada. Vancouver's location, between the ocean and the mountains, means beautiful landscapes unfold at every turn. Nearby destinations and approximate fastest driving times include:

• Banff (9h22m)
• Calgary (10h39m)
• Edmonton (12h9m)
• Jasper (8h22m)
• Kelowna (4h19m)
• Seattle (2h32m)
• Whistler (1h41m)

By ferry

Ferries from Victoria to Vancouver depart from Swartz Bay, 32 kilometers south of Victoria. The ferry from Vancouver Island takes approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes. It arrives in Tsawwassen, 32 kilometers from Vancouver. Between the two city centers, expect about 3.5 to 4 hours of travel time.

From Nanaimo, Tofino or Ucluelet, ferries arrive at Horseshoe Bay. The Horseshoe Bay terminal is 23 kilometers northwest of the city center. The trip between Nanaimo on Vancouver Island and Horseshoe Bay also takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes.

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▷ Conclusion: Go out, travel and live your life to the fullest.

This year, treat yourself to a break from the ordinary and seek an adventure abroad. You'll come back refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to bore all your friends with travel stories.

Any time of year is a good time to travel. Discover the best places to travel by month:

• January
• February
• March
• April
• May
• June
• July
• August
• September
• October
• November
• December

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