If you only have a few days to spend when you visit Vancouver, here are some of the great things you should definitely do and see.
DISCLAIMER: I am an IT geek, and not a travel writer, nor a travel agent. It is up to you to check that all the info is still up to date. But I love sharing things that bring me joy, in the hope they will bring you some joy too! (again, pictures are mine unless otherwise attributed).
Getting around, and SeaBus trip across the Burrard Inlet
"view" of downtown :)
SeaBus heading south; Image source: Vancouver CityNews
Vancouver's local transportation company "Translink" provides bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus transportation across the region, all using the "Compass Card" for payment based on zones traveled.
Taking the SeaBus between downtown Vancouver and the North Shore is like taking a harbour tour at less than $4! Ticket lasts for some time, so you could even go back & forth a few times should you wish :)
Views of the downtown skyline to the south (usually :) ) and the North Shore mountain ranges to the north, a beautiful view of the Lions Gate bridge and Stanley park. Watch the float planes take off on their flight to Nanaimo and Victoria, and enjoy a very smooth 15 minute ride.
view of the North Shore mountains
The SkyTrain is also the easiest way to get to Vancouver from the airport, a quick 30 minute ride from the airport to Waterfront station, right smack downtown and connection to the SeaBus.
Downtown Vancouver & some historic buildings
If you have an hour or so to spare in Downtown Vancouver, check out these two buildings: the art-deco Marine Building from 1930 at 355 Burrard street, which is free to enter and has an amazing overwhelmingly decorated lobby, and the 1914 Waterfront Station, still a transportation hub for SeaBus and SkyTrain. In the Waterfront Station, take a moment to look at the building itself and especially the ceiling.
You could take a quick detour along the convention centre where the cruise ships dock and walk along the Seawall to Coal Harbour seaside park. There is a separated bike path, bikes to rent, and several patios along the way. From here, you can continue on the Sea Wall to get around Stanley Park without getting into traffic.
If you have a moment, take a look at the replica, now on on Jack Poole Plaza, of the Olympic Cauldron used during the 2010 ceremonies inside BC Place.
https://vancurious.ca/2022/07/19/vancouver-historic-marine-building-1930/
The Marine building is free to enter and the lobby is well worth seeing. The phone booths play a short recording about the history of the building.
Waterfront station is the main SeaBus and Skytrain terminal, and of course free until you get to the turn stiles.
https://vancurious.ca/2022/07/19/vancouver-historic-waterfront-station-1914/
Day #1: Vancouver North Shore
Lynn Canyon Suspension bridge
https://vancurious.ca/2022/07/19/lynn-canyon-suspension-bridge/
You could go to the Capilano suspension bridge, which is a paid attraction, OR instead enjoy the free Lynn Canyon suspension bridge. There is paid parking and a coffee shop to enjoy before you get to the bridge - or of course on your return.
Several trails starting on the other side of the bridge run a round-trip through the forest and provide more views of Lynn canyon - there is a small 1km loop available. Some of the trail is covered with wooden walkways but be aware that there are a number of easy but long stairs as well.
For the ambitious, there is the Baden-Powell trail, which runs from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove.
Park & Tilford Gardens
A little hidden gem of a botanical garden at the Park & Tilford shopping centre. It has daylight opening hours, and is free.
https://vancurious.ca/2022/01/22/park-tilford-gardens/
North Vancouver Shipyards and West Vancouver Sea Wall
Pier at Shipyards, North Van
The Shipyards area has a wonderful modern-industrial feel, several restaurants with water/city views, and one block up (on Esplanade) a long string of excellent breweries. I highly recommend Beere brewing!.
The North Shore sea wall has stretches from the Lonsdale Quay and Shipyards, and in West Vancouver from Ambleside to Dundarave.
https://vancurious.ca/2021/10/02/mosaics-and-inuksuk-along-the-ambleside-seawall/
Hikes on Seymour Mountain
It is a bit of a drive up to the top of Seymour mountain, but there are a number of beautiful hikes that start at the upper parking lot, with great views over the city. The level is intermediate, as the path can be steep and rocky, and the average round trip can be 1-3 hours, depending on the route. In the winter, there is a shuttle operated by the ski resort. In the summer, driving or biking up (~40 mins) may be the only option. In the winter, the hiking trails are available for snow shoeing, and are free.
Day # 2: University of British Columbia
Haida Village and totem poles at the Museum of Anthropology
https://vancurious.ca/2022/07/19/haida-village-and-totem-poles-at-the-museum-of-anthropology/
Nitobe Memorial Garden, UBC
https://vancurious.ca/2022/07/19/nitobe-memorial-garden/
UBC Rose Garden
Don't be surprised if there are 3 or so couples getting married and having their picture taken - this is a favourite spot.
Channeling Snape, I would say that the UBC Rose garden "bewitches the mind and ensnares the senses". Stunning views to the North Shore, enough little ledges to sit.
Pick up some food from any of the food court areas and have a picnic! Or try a coffee and cookie from Blue Chip Cafe, run by the alma-mater society and a UBC tradition - IMHO the best cookies in Vancouver!
Photo credits: Jorge Hollman
Day #3: Sechelt and the Sunshine Coast
To get to the Sunshine Coast is a short 40 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale with BC Ferries. If you do a walk-on, the fare is quite reasonable.
Langdale (ferry terminal) is right next to Gibsons, which has some fun shopping with many small artist shops along the main street.
The road to Sechelt is very scenic, and there are some interesting excursions along the way. Persephone Brewing is also along the road, as is Tapworks Brewing in Gibson itself.
Read more in the linked page!
https://vancurious.ca/2022/07/19/sechelt-and-the-sunshine-coast/
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