Robert WebbPlanning a one-day trip to Vancouver can feel like a challenge, but after doing it myself (multiple times, thanks to my out-of-town guests), I’ve cracked the code to squeezing the best of the city into just 24 hours.
From getting brunch at a local café to cycling around Stanley Park and devouring street tacos in Gastown, this itinerary packs in all the essentials without leaving you too exhausted.
If you’re ready for a whirlwind adventure through Vancouver, follow along for a day you won’t forget!
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Vancouver is from March to May and from September to November. During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, which makes for a great experience as you explore the city.
You’ll be able to enjoy sightseeing and shopping without the concern of rain, as you can expect around 13 hours of warm sunshine each day. This way, you’ll make the most of your day in Vancouver with clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
How to Get Around Vancouver
One Day In Vancouver Itinerary
Stop 1: Breka Bakery & Café
Stop 2: Coal Harbour Seawall
Stop 3: Stanley Park
Stop 4: Granville Island Public Market
Stop 5: Vancouver Art Gallery
Stop 6: Robson Street
Stop 7: Gringo in Blood Alley
Stop 8: Gastown
Grab Breakfast at Breka Bakery & Café
Media credit: brekabakery
Suggested Time to Visit: 08:00 am
Average Duration: 1 hour
Address: 812 Bute Street
Phone: +1 604-620-8200
When you’re in Vancouver, starting your day at a local café is a must! They serve up a variety of freshly baked goodies like pastries, cakes, donuts, cookies, and breads, along with some seriously tasty sandwiches, soups, and drinks.
If you want a real treat, grab a hazelnut mocha and one of their breakfast sandwiches – perfect for a hearty, memorable meal. And if you have a sweet tooth, the White Chocolate Raspberry Mocha is a crowd favorite!
Stroll along the Coal Harbour Seawall
Media credit: james_hatheway
Suggested Time to Visit: 09:00 am
Average Duration: 1 hour
Address: Coal Harbour
Phone: +1 604-682-2222
Now that you’re ready to explore, walk to Robson Street and turn left onto W Cordova. Then, turn right to get to your first destination of the day.
After enjoying your breakfast, take a stroll down Bute Street and you’ll soon find yourself at Coal Harbour. This scenic waterfront walkway offers breathtaking views of the harbour, Stanley Park, downtown, and the stunning North Shore Mountains.
It’s the ideal way to soak in the area’s beauty and get a taste of the amazing views the city has to offer. You can take a leisurely walk along the path, relax on the grassy lawns, or sit on one of the many benches and enjoy the surroundings.
If you’re traveling with a dog, they’ll love having space to run around. It’s definitely a spot you don’t want to miss!
Cycle and Explore Stanley Park
Media credit: fastphotos777
Suggested Time to Visit: 10:00 am
Average Duration: 2 hours
Address: Northwestern edge of downtown Vancouver
Phone: +1 604-681-6728
Next up, walk to Bute Street and ride the 019 bus to Stanley Park! Biking in Stanley Park is a fantastic way to explore the area!
It takes about an hour to cycle around the seawall that wraps around the park, but if you want to stop for photos or explore more of the park, plan for a little extra time.
Keep in mind that the seawall bike route is one-way, moving counterclockwise around the peninsula, so be sure to follow the directional signs.
If you need to rent a bike, there are plenty of options nearby, including Yes Cycle Bike Rental, English Bay Bike Rentals, and Freedom Bikes Rentals, to name a few.
Rental prices for a standard bike are typically around $36 for a half-day or $48 for a full day, plus taxes.
Have Lunch at the Granville Island Public Market
Media credit: granvileisland_market
Suggested Time to Visit: 12:00 pm
Average Duration: 2 hours
Address: Public Market, 1689 Johnston Street
Phone: +1 604-666-6655
It’s now time to eat and shop in one of Vancouver’s iconic places. From Stanley Park, ride the 023 bus at Bidwell Street and get off at Thurlow. Then, ride the Aquabus to Granville Island!
This spot is a must-visit for both tourists and locals alike. If you’re spending a day in Vancouver, make sure to add it to your list! From the end of the Stanley Park seawall, it’s about a 30-minute bike ride to here.
The Granville Island Public Market is a foodie’s paradise, filled with groceries and ready-made meals that are perfect for sampling.
One place you can’t miss is Lee’s Granville Island Donuts – they’re famous for having the best donuts around, and the honey dipped donut is a timeless favorite.
Another gem is Longliner Seafoods, where you’ll find a fantastic variety of smoked salmon. If you can’t decide, try a half-and-half order to sample a bit of both.
Also, don’t forget to stop by Oyama Sausage Co., a beloved stall that’s been quietly serving up their house-made pâtés and sausages since 2001. With so many delicious options, you’ll be more than satisfied by the time you’re done exploring the market!
Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery
Media credit: vanartgallery
Suggested Time to Visit: 02:00 pm
Average Duration: 2 hours
Address: 750 Hornby Street
Phone: +1 604-662-4700
From Granville Island, hop on the 004 Bus heading toward downtown and get off at Smithe Street to get to the Vancouver Art Gallery. This gallery is the perfect place to dive into the city’s art culture, showcasing both historical and contemporary works from British Columbia.
One of the highlights here is the stunning 1930s art deco building itself. Inside, you’ll find a diverse collection of local, Canadian, and international art. It feels less like a single story and more like a fascinating mix of artistic reflections, making it an intriguing stop for art lovers and curious visitors.
While it may not be the largest art gallery, it definitely offers a diverse range of artistic styles and perspectives for visitors to appreciate.
Shop at Robson Street
Media credit: robsonstreet
Suggested Time to Visit: 04:00 pm
Average Duration: 2 hours
Address: Robson Street
Phone: 604-669-8132
Just an 11-minute walk from the Vancouver Art Gallery, Robson Street is one of the city’s oldest and most iconic commercial streets.
Known as Vancouver’s main shopping district, it’s lined with over 100 shops offering a wide range of options, from trendy boutiques to popular brands.
This is where locals love to shop, and the prices are pretty reasonable. Whether you’re in the mood for a shopping spree, grabbing a bite at one of the many restaurants, or simply window shopping, Robson Street has a lot to offer.
Even if you’re not planning on making a purchase, Robson Street is a great spot to stroll and take in the vibrant atmosphere. Many people come here just to wander, and that’s perfectly okay too!
Eat Dinner at Gringo in Blood Alley
Media credit: tacoboutgringo
Suggested Time to Visit: 06:00 pm
Average Duration: 1hour
Address: 27 Blood Alley Square
Phone: +1 604-673-0513
Next up is dinner! It’s a 14-minute walk so get ready. Walk to W Georgia Street and keep on it until your reach W Pender. From there, turn left onto Abbot and turn right onto Blood Alley.
Gringo is tucked away in the middle of an alley, but you can’t miss it with all the neon lights drawing you in. This spot is all about good vibes, with a menu full of creative taco variations and a must-try brisket.
If you’re up for mixing and matching your tacos, this is definitely the place to do it. The music is absolutely awesome, with plenty of ’90s dance tracks that’ll have everyone singing along.
From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with friendly hellos, making you feel like you belong right away. It’s a fun and lively spot where the good times never stop!
Explore the Gastown Neighborhood
Media credit: mygastown
Suggested Time to Visit: 07:00 pm
Average Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Address: Gastown
Phone: 604-683-5650
Your final stop should be the historic neighborhood of Gastown. The charm of this area goes beyond its Instagram-worthy cobblestone streets – it’s also home to a vibrant mix of establishments.
As you stroll along Water Street, you’ll come across unique shops lit up by vintage street lamps, plus the iconic steam clock at the corner of Water and Cambie Streets.
Gastown is also a fantastic spot for bar hopping, with plenty of bars and restaurants to explore.
The quaint buildings add to the area’s appeal, making it worthwhile to visit some of the local landmarks, like the Steam Clock, Hudson House Trading Company, and Maple Tree Square.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Vancouver
Transit: get real-time information and updates on bus arrivals, bus capacity predictions, real time vehicle locations, and special service alerts.
Driftscape: suggests thousands of places, events, and self-guided audio tours in Vancouver.
Yelp: free app for access to popular user-generated review sites for bars, restaurants, lounges, hotels.
Groupon: find great deals on all the best stuff to eat, see, and do near you in Vancouver.
