If you have 48 hours to spare in this vibrant coastal city, here’s our key suggestions to make the most of your time in Vancouver.
Day One
Breakfast
Start the day bright and early with a hearty breakfast at Jam Café, offering delicious homemade fare in a rustic-city atmosphere. Favourites include the sumptuous Farmer’s Breakfast Skillet, Huevos Rancheros with house made corn bread, delicious Red Velvet Pancakes and the classic Brioche French Toast. For a celebration, why not enjoy a breakfast cocktail such as a mimosa or Classic Jam Caesar with Bacon cocktail, made with all the spices and garnished with a house bacon garnish.
Morning
Spend the morning exploring beautiful Stanley Park, Vancouver’s first and largest urban park, covering 400-hectares. Stroll, jog, cycle or skate along the famous Seawall, relax on the beaches, admire the blooming gardens and visit the famous landmarks including Lost Lagoon, Siwash Rock and Prospect Point.
Lunch
For an unforgettable dining experience, head to The Teahouse, situated in Stanley Park with breathtaking views of English Bay. Enjoy fresh local produce in a comfortable, contemporary atmosphere. Alternatively, dine here in the evening to witness what is regarded as the best sunset in the city.
Afternoon
This afternoon, explore Downtown Vancouver and pick up a bargain along Robson Street Shopping, a shopper’s paradise for brand names. Continue your sightseeing at Canada Place, one of the most recognisable buildings in Vancouver and a Canadian icon distinguished by the five white sails sitting atop the building. Take a stroll along Canada Place’s west promenade, The Canadian Trail, a unique walk that takes you from east to west and north to south where you can learn more about each province and its communities.
For art and culture lovers, be sure to visit Vancouver Art Gallery, one of North America’s most respected and innovative visual arts institutions. Showcasing artworks by British Colombia’s finest artists and internationally renowned Vancouver-based artists including Jeff Wall, Stan Douglas and Roy Arden.
Evening
Watch the city’s lights come to life from the Lookout at the Harbour Centre, rising 167-metres above the city. Here you can enjoy a bird’s eye view over Vancouver as the sun sets from the panoramic observation deck. Afterwards, grab a pre-dinner drink in Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood. Lined with cobblestones and circular lamps, Gastown is home to Victorian architecture houses and has some of the liveliest bars and a fabulous food scene.
Whilst you’re in Gastown, you cannot miss the Gastown Steam Clock, the world’s first steam powered clock, built by Canadian horologist Raymond L. Saunders. Positioned at the northeast corner of Water and Cambie Streets, this antique-looking clock whistles the Westminster chimes every quarter hour and gives out a single whistle on the hour.
Dinner
For an upscale dining experience, try Bauhaus Restaurant, recently listed as a restaurant to watch by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ Diner’s Discovery Series. Sourcing only the best quality ingredients, dine from one of the three crafted menus, the six course Chef Tasting menu, A La Carte and the German Classic menu.
Stay
After a busy day of exploration, enjoy a stay at the historic Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, known as the ‘Castle in the City’. Offering timeless luxury, this registered heritage property symbolises grandeur and elegance throughout. Perfectly positioned in the heart of downtown Vancouver, all of the city’s major attractions are on your doorstep including Granville Island, Gastown and Robson Street shopping.