A Day in Vancouver
A Day in Vancouver
Liza
First time in Vancouver? Only one day to explore? This guide is a great introduction to some of Vancouver's most popular and beloved neighborhoods!
Starting at the historic Gastown, followed by a visit of the busy harbor, a little shopping or just a stroll to explore some (or all) of the beautiful Stanley Park, followed by a visit to the eclectic Granville Island before watching a sunset on the beach, finished off with some late night dinner and drinks in the bustling Yaletown. This see it all and do it all guide is perfect for those looking to get as much as possible out of their visit!
Food/drink recommendations have been visited by yours truly, recommended by some very trustworthy friends that are just as passionate about having a delicious meal and drink(s), or found through online recommendations.
This guide is walking, biking, ride-share service, and public transportation friendly.
Have questions? Want to see and explore more? Need help planning a trip? Check out my other guides or reach out to me to discuss how I can help you plan your next trip
Updated ago
4
Share
Historic Gastown

Gastown
@GoSeeTheWorld
Stroll through the streets of the historic Gastown. Grab a coffee, check out local shops and galleries, and do a little shopping
Add to

Details

Gastown Steam Clock
@GoSeeTheWorld
Antique style steam clock built in 1977. Come by to see it whistle and blow steam on the hour!
Add to

Details
Food/Drinks in Gastown

Nelson the Seagull Cafe
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details

Gringo Gastown
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details

Café Kitsuné Vancouver
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details

Guilt & Co
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details
Canada Place Harbour

Canada Place
@GoSeeTheWorld
Check out the harbour with amazing views of north Vancouver and the mountains
Add to

Details

Digital Orca
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details
Note: if you want to skip the shopping and walking along Robson Street, take the scenic route along the harbour streets to Stanley Park

49th Parallel Café & Lucky's Doughnuts - Thurlow
@GoSeeTheWorld
Delicious coffee and donuts. Need I say more?
Add to

Details
Robson Street
Robson Street
@GoSeeTheWorld
Love a good shopping session? Forgot to pack something? This is the place to go for all your shopping needs
Add to

Details
Food/Drinks on Robson Street

Thierry Alberni
@GoSeeTheWorld
Whether you're a connoisseur of French desserts or just want a delicious treat (you deserve it!), this place will not disappoint.
Tip for chocolate lovers: the Chocolate Marquise is heavenly
Add to

Details

Guu Original Thurlow
@GoSeeTheWorld
Looking for an authentic izakaya experience without the flight to Japan? Found it in Vancouver for you!
A personal hidden gem that I know I'll definitely be returning to! Delicious Japanese food, attentive and amazing service, and a very fun chef.
Tip: sit facing the kitchen for the full dining experience
Add to

Details

Add to

Details

Breka Bakery & Café
@GoSeeTheWorld
Late night cravings got to you? This place is open 24/7
No like it's seriously open 24/7
Add to

Details
Stanley Park

Stanley Park
@GoSeeTheWorld
Tip: this is a very big park and in my opinion best explored by bike. There are plenty of bike rental options throughout the city that will be sure to meet your needs (private and public owned).
Add to

Details

Stanley Park Rose Garden
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details

Totem Poles
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details

Girl in a Wetsuit
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details

Siwash Rock
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details

Vancouver Aquarium
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details
Granville Island

Granville Island
@GoSeeTheWorld
Granville Island is filled with unique local shops, lovely cafes and restaurants, galleries, and so much more. Great place grab a coffee and wander around!
Add to

Details
Food/Drinks on Granville Island

Blue Hat Bakery & Bistro at Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts
@GoSeeTheWorld
While not technically on the island, the Blue Hat Pastry Academy is a great stop for amazing French Style Desserts and Pastries
Add to

Details

Add to

Details

The Vancouver Fish Company
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details

Granville Island Brewing
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details
Kitsilano
Cute neighbourhood located by the ocean. Be sure to wander the streets to see some of the lovely homes. Hit up W 4th Ave for more shopping, drinking, and bars

Kitsilano Beach
@GoSeeTheWorld
Great beach for sunset views, park hangs, volleyball games, and maybe some people watching
Add to

Details

Kitsilano Pool
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details
Food/Drinks in Kitsilano

Patisserie Lebeau
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details

Kits Beach Coffee
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details

Add to

Details

Add to

Details
Yaletown

Yaletown
@GoSeeTheWorld
Bustling neighborhood with great bars, restaurants, and nightlife/entertainment
Add to

Details
Food/Drink in Yaletown

Tacofino Yaletown
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details

Angus T Bakery & Café - Yaletown
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details

Hello Goodbye Bar
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details

Bartholomew
@GoSeeTheWorld
Add to

Details
Enjoy your trip to Vancouver!
* * *
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Liza
Hi there!
I'm Liza, a Canadian based traveler, hiker, and film photographer.
My love for traveling started at a young age and has continued to grow with every trip I take. I love planning trips with the goal of seeing and experiencing as much as possible at my destination(s). I specifically enjoy immersing myself in the culture, nature, and foods that my destinations have to offer. If you share the same travel goals, my guides are for you!
Each guide that I have created is a trip I have personally taken. So you can be sure that you're getting advice from someone who's actually "been there done that".
I also love combining my passion for travel with my hobbies of hiking and film photography. Want to see some of the trips that I've captured? Find me on Instagram @35mm.digital :)
I'm grateful to have had the opportunities to travel around many countries and experience so many beautiful places. I hope to use my knowledge and experiences from previous trips to help others plan their visits to all the destinations that I adore!
I look forward to helping YOU plan your trips to go see the world!
Send A Tip
Support Liza’s work.
Select your tip amount
$5
$10
$20
$50
Or type in other amount
Explore related destinations
Read more about places in this guide
Powered by Thatch
The home for unique & authentic travel
The home for unique & authentic travel
Powered by Thatch: Where great trips are made.
© Liza 2025 • Help • Privacy • Terms • Copyright • Become a Seller • Seller Academy • About • Careers • Blog • Explore Places
Ask ThatchGPT
Ask ThatchGPT
Suggest a local expert to plan my trip
Suggest an unique itinerary for my Vancouver, BC, Canada trip
What foods do Vancouver, BC, Canada locals eat
What are some true hidden gems in Vancouver, BC, Canada
Help me brainstorm trip ideas for Vancouver, BC, Canada
Help me plan a family-friendly trip to Vancouver, BC, Canada