Vancouver In A Day

What’s the first thing that strikes to your mind when you hear the work Vancouver?

Respite from the cold weather of pretty much everywhere else in Canada?

Beaches!!!!

Stanley Park...

The nightlife!!!

The gateway to Vancouver Islands and/ Whistler?

Vancouver offers all this and much more including several day trip options (e.g., Grouse Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Lynn Canyon Park, etc.). So definitely a day in the city may not do the justice. However, I will tell you how you cover the highlights of Vancouver in one day, though, it is definitely going to be a busy day. Again, you can definitely add or drop sights based on your personal preference.

Just for the context, while planning our trip to Western Canada, we decided to spend more time exploring the natural beauty of the region that definitely did not give us enough time for the city.

Major Attractions in Vancouver

Where to start exploring the city is the first question that comes in mind?

Vancouver is a large city, and attractions are scattered across. We decided to begin with the most famous attraction in the city.

Yes, its none other than Stanley Park.

Stanley Park

Recommended Time:  2-3 Hours

Stanley Park is spread over 400-hectare, situated on a peninsula at the northwestern edge of downtown Vancouver. Within the park, there are plenty of options to explore like the aquarium, Brockton Point, Prospect Point, Beaver Lake, Lost Lagoon are few of them.

After reaching Stanley park first head towards the visitor center, here you can grab a map of the park to better understand and learn about things to do. You can either explore the park by riding a bicycle or walking or driving.

Lost lagoon lake is situated on the left side while entering Stanley Park. We were not very impressed by the view of the lake and decided to skip it. It’s a small lake surrounded by the lush greenery and has a walking path around the lake.

It's time to start exploring the Park. We decided to first head towards Brockton point. One of the biggest highlight of the area and you can get great views of Vancouver city.

(On the way to Lighthouse)

(View of  Seawall from Brockton Point)

(View Of Lighthouse)

As you will head towards the Brockton point (Most famous attraction of the park), it has a fantabulous view of the city of Vancouver (often known as Stanley Park seawall).  As you will head to the same path, walking and along the side of the sea viewing the city you will witness Totem Poles, and as you move ahead you will reach Lighthouse, and then you will hit a beach.

(View of city from Brockton Point)

(Another view of city)

Another major highlight of the park is the Prospect point. It is known for the unobstructed view of the Lion Gate Bridge along with Ocean. We did not have time to go ahead and explore that area.

DOWNTOWN

Recommended Time: Varies upon the Interest

After exploring Stanley Park, it was time to head towards the downtown area where you can enjoy a nice lunch and then explore downtown. There are also some theme-based walking tours available that takes you around Granville Street, Gastown and waterfront. The tour lasts for approximately 2 hours, and you can find more information and time slots on their websites.

(Robson Square)

We took part in one of the walking tours, the theme for the day was riots and history of Vancouver. Tour was very informative, the guide informed us about various riots Vancouver witnessed, how Pacific Railways constructed and the city of Vancouver developed. The tour started at Robson Square, and we walked through Granville street, leading us to the Waterfront Center. After enjoying the history and views, we headed to the most famous area of the town Gastown. Gastown has lots of restaurants and cafes around to enjoy the evening.

(Harbor Front)

(While walking towards Granville Street)

(Gastown Square)

(Walking on the streets of Gastown)

(The famous clock at Gastown)

GRANVILLE ISLAND

Recommended Time: 1- 2 Hour

(Seawall From Granville island)

It ’s one of the biggest tourist attraction. It also provides the view of Vancouver Seawall. Although, I enjoyed the Seawall view more from Stanley Park. It’s a spot where you will find the local farmers market, Ice cream shop, local artisans shops, cafes, and restaurants. In the evening you can witness some live performances on the street, and there are pubs where you can spend some hours. You will find yourself wandering between locals and tourist.

(View from Granville Island)

If you have missed the view of Seawall view of Vancouver from Stanley park no worries at all, Granville Island also offers a nice seawall view of the city along with cafes and brewery to enjoy.

 Some View of Islands                       

(Strrets Of Granville Island)

(Park in Granville Island)

BEACHES IN VANCOUVER

Recommended Time: Depends on your love for beaches

How can you forget to hit the beaches of the Pacific Ocean in the city?  It has numerous beaches like Kitsilano Beach, Second Beach, Third beach, Cates Park, English Bay Beach and many more. We chose to visit Kitsilano Beach. It is a very popular beach in summers among the locals, and it looks over English Bay. You can also see some mountains far by depending on the weather condition.

QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK

Recommended Time: ½ -1 ½ hour

I know what you are thinking. Why do I need to spend time visiting a botanical park when there is so much else to do?

Take my word on this!

This park is gorgeous. It has some magnificent views of the city and mountains of the north shore.

I would define this place as a perfect backdrop for the photo shoot. 

(View of City from the Elizabeth park)

(Some other view from park)

(View of Park)

(View of trails in the park)

It also has the dancing fountain, but it was not working on the day we visited, maybe on our next visit.

There are plenty of other options to explore in Vancouver city and around. You can also explore other places including Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, Lynn Canyon Park, Chinatown, Museums, Aquarium etc. depending on your schedule.

NOTE:

Vancouver is known for rains. While planning your trip always keep the weather in mind, it will impact your overall experience.