4 (or more!) Marvelous Days in Vancouver Without a Car

One could certainly visit Vancouver for a weekend and have fun. But that wouldn’t do it justice.  As a first-time visitor, it takes more than a day or two to get to know Vancouver, and to fall in love.  Vancouver is a big city, but much of it is very walkable.  When it’s not, there are bike rentals, inexpensive ferries, reliable trains & buses, and taxis to get you anywhere you want to go.  So we highly recommend going carless and avoiding the frustrating chaos of driving in the city.

We’ve put together a fun, active, and varied itinerary for four full days in this beautiful, cosmopolitan city. We’ve also included ideas for an additional day, for when you discover you can’t bear to leave! The days can easily be switched around, depending on the weather.  We’re starting each day in the Canada Place area, since it is a large, recognizable, central location with lots of transportation options, and is a short walk from most of the more desirable lodging areas in the city.

Day 1 – Stanley Park

We can’t think of a better first day in Vancouver than to head to Stanley Park.  One of the best ways to see the park is to rent bikes and ride along the seawall.  Aaah, memories of those gorgeous views are washing over me as I write this.

There are numerous bicycle rental companies in the city, but we were pleased with Spokes, and one of their two locations is right by Canada Place.  (The other one is further north, closer to the entrance of the park, and would also be a good option.) They are friendly and knowledgeable, and their bikes come with a combination lock, so you’re free to leave them and go inside attractions and restaurants.  They also have lots of interactive maps to help you make the most of your day.

Blissfully, Vancouver is pretty flat, so biking from Canada Place up to Stanley Park, and then through the immense park doesn’t require too much exertion.  But if that’s not your thing, no worries –  E-bikes are available.

From the shop, it is just a minute or two until you reach the well-maintained bike trail that will take you to Stanley Park (and lots of other places if you wish).  As you head north, alongside the sea, be sure to take some time to stop and turn around.  The views of the city, the bay, and the harbor are spectacular.

Once you arrive in Stanley Park, the bike trail becomes one-way.  The very smart city planners have separate pedestrian trails beside the bike trails in much of Vancouver, including around Stanley Park.  This makes both biking and walking much safer and more pleasant for everyone.

The Seawall Loop is an absolute delight.  It is about 6 miles and goes around the outside of the park with ever-changing scenic views the whole time.  If you’re short on time, this is a rewarding option.

 

If you have the time, though, you can easily spend the whole day in Stanley Park, biking and/or walking from site to site in the interior.  There are so many things to see!  A top site is the awe-inspiring First Nations Totem Pole Park at Brockton Point.

Nearby Brockton Point Lighthouse makes for a great photo point.  The acclaimed Vancouver Aquarium is worthy of an hour or two of your time whether you have kids with you or not.  Gardens are abundant, including the Rose Garden, the Rhododendron Garden, a rock garden, and a Shakespeare arboretum featuring trees mentioned in his writings, and with plaques quoting him.

Stanley Park also features many miles of walking/biking trails, an array of lakes and beaches, a lagoon with a fountain, massive “monument trees”, forests, and statues.  Of course, there are numerous concessions stands, cafes, and full-service restaurants for lunch and for when you need a little break.

When you’ve had your fill of this incredible park, just hop back on the seawall trail and follow it until it becomes two-way again, then pedal back down toward Canada Place.

After returning your bicycles to Spokes, treat yourself to a well-earned dinner at nearby come-as-you-are places such as Cactus Club Cafe (International fare, good views) or Mahony’s Tavern (solid pub fare with views).

 

Day 2 – Granville Island & Yaletown

Today will be focused around charming False Creek (which is more the size of a river than a creek).  You’ll first experience False Creek at the David Lam Ferry Dock in Yaletown.  From Canada Place, it is about 1.5 miles to the ferry stop.  So take your pick: you can walk, take the Canada Line Sky-Train, or get a quick cab or Lyft.

There are two ferry companies that operate on False Creek: the False Creek Ferries and the AquaBus.  Both are inexpensive and fun little boats that run up up and down the waterway all day, stopping at either 8 or 9 docks, depending on the company.  Both stop at each dock every 15 minutes or even more frequently when there is high demand.  No preparation is needed, you just buy your ticket from the friendly boat driver once you’re on board.  You can buy a ticket for one ride, all day, or multiple days, depending on your needs.  The time between docks is just a few minutes, and the views are great.

Granville Island is the biggest stop for both companies.  You will be dropped off just below the huge Public Market building.  Only a few stalls are open before 9 am, but it is enjoyable to go before they open, sipping a cup of coffee and getting a look at everything without the crowds.  Tip: The Blue Parrot opens at 7 am and has great coffee.

This market has almost everything you can imagine!  The freshest of seafood, high-quality meats (including amazing sausages), bakeries galore, fruits and vegetables, cheese shops, tea, chocolates, local honey, herbs & spices, crafts, jewelry, souvenirs, an array of outstanding counter-service restaurants (with plentiful common area seating) and much more.  Once everything is open, it is a bustling place and gets extremely busy on the weekends.

Step outside the market building and explore the rest of the small island where you’ll find boutiques, art galleries, photography studios, whale-watching tours, bars, sit-down restaurants, playgrounds, and an entertaining Kids Market.

Refuel at lunchtime at one of the scores of diverse and enticing food stalls and restaurants.  Once your tummy is full of food and your arms are full of new treasures, hop on the next ferry back to the David Lam Park stop for part two of your day.

When you exit the ferry, you’ll be in famed Yaletown.  It’s one of those neighborhoods that will make you think: “I could live here”.  David Lam Park, where you exit, is a lovely green space on the waterfront.  It is worth some time to wander through the park and take in the views.  If you’re feeling energetic, you can walk along the extensive seawall, or even rent a bike for an hour and take a ride.

 

Just a block or so from the park is the historic Engine 374 Museum at the Roundhouse. This free display memorializes the first transcontinental train to arrive in Vancouver in 1887, changing the city forever.

 

To round out your afternoon, even if you’re not a big fan of shopping, it is a joy to wander through the chic neighborhood streets lined with art, unique shops, and sidewalk cafes.

For either happy hour or dinnertime, we highly recommend finishing your day at Rodney’s Oyster House. If you’re a couple or a small party, consider sliding up to the bar where you can sip a cocktail and watch the entertaining bar staff and oyster shuckers do their thing.  For us, splitting a dozen shucker-selected fresh oysters and an order of their indulgent Lobster Poutine made for a memorable (and filling!) meal.

Day 3 – Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

To be completely honest, we debated about visiting this privately owned park.  We were afraid it was a bit of a tourist trap.  Well, it certainly attracts a lot of tourists but it is far from a trap.  Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is an unbelievable site and should not be missed.

I’m not a fan of heights but wanted to walk across the bridge to gain access to the rainforest.  We went early, and were among the first people to arrive, so there were very few people on the bridge with us and it hardly swung at all.  (The way back was a different story, but I was feeling more confident by then.) The views are breathtaking, and I would still be kicking myself if I’d missed the opportunity to cross it out of fear.

 

Crossing back over the bridge, you arrive at the thrilling Cliffwalk – an engineering work of genius.  The purpose of this Herculean undertaking, which was completed in 2011, was to give visitors a bird’s-eye view of the gorgeous canyon, without having to rappel down it.  It is a narrow pedestrian walkway made of galvanized steel, cantilevered out from the granite canyon walls, around thirty stories above the Capilano River.  From the various lookout points you can see… everything!

Aside from all the features listed above, as well as many displays and activities for children, there is also a full-service restaurant, a counter-service grill, and multiple little snack shops.

When you’re ready to leave the park, there is, as expected, a gift shop.  Jeff isn’t too keen on visiting gift shops, but even he admitted this one was pretty dang impressive.  It is quite large and, in addition to traditional souvenirs, carries a wide variety of local and First Nations products including art, jewelry, crafts, and clothing.

Upon returning to Canada Place on the free shuttle, consider taking a few minutes walk to the east, and spending some time exploring historic and artsy Gastown, finishing up with dinner in one of the abundant foodie-heaven restaurants.  Just follow your nose!

Day 4 – Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens & Bard on the Beach

Today provides a taste of some of the immense culture Vancouver has to offer.  From Canada Place, the Dr. Sun Hat-Sen Garden is just under a mile walk.  For us, the garden was an unexpectedly delightful and underrated discovery! If you’d prefer not to walk, you can find the easiest sky-train route here.

The events leading up to the creation of this garden are a shining example of community involvement and activism at its best.  In the 1960’s Vancouver was growing quickly, and planned an eight-lane freeway that cut right through the middle of Chinatown.  The plan was met with fierce opposition from the community and eventually the City was forced to abandon the freeway altogether.  Chinatown was saved. Interestingly, this led to the focus on public transportation and biking that is prevalent in Vancouver today.

The garden was conceived as a celebration of the community victory, and as a monument to the cultural and historical significance of Chinatown.

The extraordinary Ming Dynasty-styled scholar’s garden is the first of its kind outside China. In 1985 & 1986, 53 master craftsmen came to Vancouver from Suzhou, China to construct the garden, bringing their own materials including rare wood and stones, and hand-made tiles.

In the midst of a busy neighborhood, the garden is a beautiful, tranquil oasis, effectively beckoning its visitors to slow down and take time to ponder and contemplate.  Though it is a fairly small space, is is perfectly manicured, well worth walking through slowly, and appreciating each element. Traditional Chinese tea ceremonies are presented on weekends (reservation and fee required.)

Next door to the garden is a companion free public park.  It is an enchanting space with walking paths, a Chinese garden pavilion, a koi pond, interesting flora, and city views.

Now that you’re completely relaxed and feeling serene, it’s time to go back to the buzzing city streets.  Head back to False Creek, this time going to the Plaza of Nations ferry stop (.6 mile walk).  Be sure to take a False Creek Ferry Company this time, as your second ferry stop will be the Maritime Museum, and they are the only company that goes that far.

You’re probably hungry by now, so your first ferry stop will be a quick return to Granville Island for lunch.  Select your heart’s desire from the plethora of choices, then head back down to the dock to catch a False Creek Ferry to the Maritime Museum dock.  You’ll board the ferry on a different part of the dock – just head left when you’re walking down to the water rather than right.

After seeing the impressive production, the easiest ways to go back are to either take the ferry to the dock nearest your lodgings (you’ll need to do a quick change of ferries at Granville Island), or call a taxi, Lyft, or Uber.

It’s almost dinner time!  If you want to end your four days with an epic meal, consider dining at the exquisite St. Lawrence Restaurant.  Though this French restaurant has a well-deserved Michelin star, it is not remotely snooty, and casual attire is appropriate.  The prix-fixe menu provides some choices, so you and the others in your party can order different dishes and compare and contrast.  (They’ll all be fabulous.) If you enjoy wine, adding wine pairing to your meal makes an extraordinary meal even better.

Otherwise, find an easy dinner (or even takeout) near your lodging, relax, and raise a glass to Vancouver!

Can you carve out a few more days in the area? Consider spending time in nearby Victoria. Here is our post about the charming city: Victoria’s Best Attractions

More Vancouver Experiences

Maybe Vancouver won you over (and you have flexible plane tickets) and you’re going to stay another day or two.  Or maybe some of the things above aren’t your cup of tea.  In any event, these are some additional ways to enjoy the city:

Whale Watching – These tours conveniently leave from Granville Island and range from 90 minutes to all day.

Museum of Anthropology – This top-rated museum is on the beautiful campus of the University of British Columbia, Vancouver.

Food Tour – A great way to get to know the city, particularly early in your trip, and learn a little history.  Choose from multiple areas of town.

Robson Street shopping – This street and the surrounding few blocks are the most iconic upscale shopping streets in Vancouver.

Science World along False Creek.  Science World is aimed at kids, but is a great experience for people of any age.

Grouse Mountain – A ski resort with an array of activities during all seasons, just 20 minutes north of downtown Vancouver.