As a local Vancouverite, I’m super excited to share with you this 7 day Vancouver itinerary that covers some of the best things to see and do in my beautiful city.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this list of what to do in Vancouver in 7 days should provide you with a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences.
Let’s explore the best of Vancouver in seven days!
What to Do in Vancouver for a Week: 7 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Stanley Park & Gourmet Food
- Start the day with a visit to Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre public park with scenic trails, beaches, and wildlife.
- Take a walk along the Vancouver Seawall, a scenic 22 km paved path that offers stunning views of the city skyline and mountains.
- Visit the Vancouver Aquarium, one of Canada’s largest aquariums with over 50,000 animals including beluga whales, sea otters, and dolphins.
- Finish your day with a meal in Yaletown: many of Vancouver’s best restaurants are here including Tasty Indian Bistro, Cioppino’s and the Blue Water Cafe.
Related: Best Things to Do in Vancouver
Day 2: Discover Granville Island
- Head to Granville Island, a bustling marketplace and artisan stronghold with hundreds vendors selling fresh produce, seafood, and artisanal goods.
- Make sure you grab snacks at Lee’s Donuts and some candied salmon from Longliner Seafoods.
- Consider taking a Granville Island Food Tour to lock in all the local snacks and learn Vancouver
- Go for some of the best shopping in Vancouver at Granville Island’s huge list of artisan shops: Make, Granville Island Hat Shop, and the Wickannanish Gallery are a good start.
- Grab some drinks at Granville Island Brewing: Vancouver’s first craft beer creator
Related: Vancouver’s best food tours
Day 3: Experience Vancouver’s Outdoors
- Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, a popular tourist attraction (I call it an outdoor amusement park) with a 450-foot-long suspension bridge, treetop walk, and cliff walk attractions.
- Head up to Grouse Mountain: Vancouver’s outdoor playground is home to skiing in winter and all sorts of great summer activities to keep you bust
- Looking for an alternative? Go on one of the best Vancouver whale watching tours to see orcas, humpback whales, bald eagles, and more.
- Finish the day off in North Vancouver in the Lonsdale Quay area: tons of shopping and dining options await you at this unique, seaside area that’s a bit off the beaten path.
Related: Best Walking Tours in Vancouver
Related: Vancouver’s best sightseeing tours
Day 4: Visit Vancouver’s Diverse Neighborhoods
- Start the day with a coffee on Commercial Drive: this vibrant neighborhood known as Vancouver’s Little Italy is known for its mix of cafes, restaurants, and thrift shops.
- Head to Main Street between 26th and 16th: this trendy neighborhood is known for boutique/second hand/vintage stores is a great place to find unique treasures.
- End the day with a visit to Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood with a rich history and charming cobblestone streets.
- The Lost Souls of Gastown Tour is a great way to learn about Vancouver’s sketchy history as a vagrant logging town.
Related: Best Areas to Stay in Vancouver
Day 5: Experience Vancouver’s Art, History, & Culture
- Visit the Museum of Anthropology, a museum dedicated to the culture and history of the First Nations people of British Columbia.
- Not wanting to leave downtown? The Bill Reid Gallery is a great alternative.
- Explore the Vancouver Art Gallery, a public art museum that showcases works by local and international artists.
- Sick and tired of museums? Check out the Vancouver Lookout around sunset for the best views of the city.
Related: Vancouver’s Best Museums
Day 6: Relax and Rejuvenate
- Visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, a serene oasis in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown.
- In Vancouver in summer? Take a dip in the warm waters of Canada’s largest swimming pool at Kitsilano Beach, one of Vancouver’s best beaches with stunning city views.
- Head to Queen Elizabeth Park (public park with rose garden, pitch and putt golf course, and amazing views) or Vandusen Gardens (the city’s botanical gardens).
- Indulge in a spa treatment at one of Vancouver’s many luxury spas, such as the Spa at the Wedgewood Hotel or the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Pacific Rim.
Day 7: Explore Beyond Vancouver
- Head to the Sea to Sky Gondola attraction near Squamish BC: this Swiss/style gondola takes you up into old growth forest and unlocks British Columbia nature like little else.
- Visit the Britannia Mine Museum, a former copper mine turned museum that showcases the history of the mining industry in British Columbia.
- Go from Vancouver to Victoria: the capital city of British Columbia is a fantastic place to explore a historic downtown, beautiful gardens, and quaint shops.
- Take a trip from Vancouver to Whistler: one of North America’s premier ski resorts is just 2 hours from the city and its village is home to amazing dining options.
Related: Best Day Trips from Vancouver
7 Days in Vancouver Itinerary FAQ
What to do for a week in Vancouver?
If you’re visiting Vancouver for a week you should see major attractions like the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain, explore exciting neighbourhoods like Gastown, Commercial Drive and Granville Island, and lock in outdoor activities like the city’s beaches & Queen Elizabeth Park.
How much spending money for a week in Vancouver?
Priceoftravel.com’s Vancouver backpacker rating is $107.27 USD (or $144.11 CAD). This basic Vancouver budget means that each day you can get the following:
- A decent hostel bed (shared dorm)
- 3 meals from cheap take away places
- A few rides on Vancouver public transit
- One paid attraction like the Vancouver Art Gallery or Capilano Suspension Bridge.
- Three beers
Of course, if you’re going to be staying at Vancouver’s best hotels (not to mention eating at the city’s best restaurants) you’ll be looking at closer to $250.00 a day.
Spending money for a week in Vancouver thus starts at about $1000 and could go all the way up to about $1800 and beyond.
Can you spend a week in Vancouver?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to spend a week in Vancouver but to do so you’ll need to include all sorts of outdoor excursions and generally spread out the attractions to just one or two a day. if you’re looking to just see the major sights though without living the city and nature, a four day Vancouver itinerary should be enough.
Is a week in Vancouver too long?
Honestly, if you’re using Vancouver as part of a greater trip around the west coast of North America, then three or four days should be enough to check off the major sights. If you’re coming here to really get your hand on the pulse though, a seven day visit to Vancouver is the perfect amount to master the city.
Still Need Help With Your 7 Day Vancouver Itinerary?
I hope this 7 day Vancouver itinerary has given you a taste of what Vancouver has to offer.
From its stunning natural beauty to its vibrant neighborhoods and rich culture, there’s truly something for everyone here.
That said, if there’s something missing please don’t hesitate to write me in the comments below!
Enjoy your week in Vancouver 😊
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