Creating an itinerary for a weekend in Vancouver means you’re on a tight schedule and have to plan strategically. It doesn’t help that there’s so much to see in Vancouver either – from the beautiful skylines to incredible museums and architecture. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you organize the best Vancouver trip for three days of sightseeing, eating, and partying!
If you’re planning a weekend trip, our guide will help you make the most of every minute.
Where to Stay for a Weekend in Vancouver
Every trip planning begins with the perfect location. You want to stay close to the center of the city and its attractions but also avoid the bustling streets. Here are some excellent locations you should consider:
Downtown Vancouver
Downtown is the ideal spot for visitors. Here, you’ll find many of the city’s best hotels, along with easy access to top attractions, shops, and restaurants. Staying downtown means you can walk to famous spots like Stanley Park and Granville Island, which are filled with iconic landmarks.
Gastown
Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood and a popular commercial district. It’s adjacent to downtown, so you won’t be far off from the hottest attractions while being right in the heart of historic Vancouver. Staying here lets you explore trendy boutiques, art galleries, and top restaurants right outside your door.
Yaletown
Yaletown is a beautiful waterfront neighbourhood in Vancouver and one of the most desirable areas for tourists. It’s very modern and offers great spots for eating and shopping, along with a beautiful scenic walk down False Creek.
West End
West End is the best area for tourists who want to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown and enjoy nature while not straying off to the outskirts. The area is west of Downtown and easily accessible by foot, bike, and public transportation.
Best Time to Visit Vancouver
Vancouver is beautiful year-round, but the best months for pleasant weather are from March to May and then September to November. Spring and fall offer the best temperatures for a weekend in Vancouver since it’s not too cold or hot.
Winters in Vancouver are beautiful as well, but tend to get very rainy. However, the weather doesn’t get too cold at any point of the year, with the lowest temperatures ranging between 0 and 5 Celsius.
How to Spend a Weekend in Vancouver
There are plenty of Vancouver weekend activities you should include in your itinerary. Let’s see what the perfect weekend in Vancouver looks like:
Day 1: Go Downtown and Walk Around Stanley Park
- Morning: Start your day with delicious waffles at Medina Café and then head to Stanley Park. You can walk or bike along the seawall and check out landmarks like the Totem Poles and the Vancouver Aquarium.
- Afternoon: Go on a food tour at the Granville Island Public Market. You can spend this time picking up souvenirs and checking out museums since they close around 5 pm. Science World and Vancouver Art Gallery are a must-see.
- Evening: Enjoy a steak at The Flying Pig in Yaletown and then take a sunset stroll along the False Creek waterfront.
Day 2: Visit the Granville Island and Explore Gastown
- Morning: Grab some pancakes with maple syrup at Jam Café, and then head to Granville Island. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can do whale watching or a panorama tour by seaplane.
- Afternoon: Explore Gastown and stop at iconic landmarks like the Steam Clock. Then, eat some delicious tacos at Tacofino.
- Evening: Dinner at Miku for sushi with a view. Afterward, take a stroll along the waterfront by Canada Place – the city lights are beautiful at night.
Day 3: Walk Down the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Visit Kitsilano Beach
- Morning: Enjoy breakfast at a local spot near your accommodation and then head to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Walk down the bridge and take in the mountain views for an unforgettable experience.
- Afternoon: If you’re going when the weather’s hotter, you can stop by Kitsilano Beach and have lunch nearby.
- Evening: Wrap up your weekend with a nice Canadian dinner and go for one last walk around the city.
How Butlers Can Make Your Weekend in Vancouver Better
Everyone knows that a weekend in Vancouver would be incomplete without exploring the downtown Vancouver BC nightlife. And what better way to do it than having fun with some hunky butlers?
The butlers are waiting to serve you!
Hiring a butler in Canada means you’re getting a DJ, hype man, and bartender all in one. So, if you have an important life event coming up, such as a bachelorette party or a baby shower, our naked butlers in Vancouver will make it unforgettable.
We want to help you plan the best party ever, which is why we let you choose from a classic butler uniform to beach-vibe attire. Contact us for a free customized butler quote with the best entertainment.
Where and What to Eat in Vancouver
When you think of Canada, you probably think of maple syrup. But there’s so much more delicious food you can eat during your stay in Vancouver.
As a city on the Pacific Coast, Vancouver is known for fresh seafood, which you can find at local markets and restaurants. We highly recommend trying some good Canadian salmon – it’s going to melt in your mouth like butter! Don’t miss out on some West Coast oysters either, which are not as salty and have a nice sweetness to them.
Next, you must try poutine – a classic Canadian comfort food consisting of French fries topped with cheese curd and drizzled with gravy.
Finally, don’t miss the food trucks in Vancouver, where you can try Japanese fusion hot dogs, chicken wraps, rice bowls, and so much more. You’ll find some of the best street food within the Granville Island Public Market, with an option for an organized food tour.
However, if you prefer sitting down at a nice restaurant, here are some great options:
Breakfast
Before heading downtown, you’ll need a large, nourishing breakfast to keep you walking:
- Jam Café – Known for its classic breakfast menu, including pancakes, waffles, and eggs benny.
- Medina Café – The best waffles in Vancouver with finger-licking toppings, as well as delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
The butlers are waiting to serve you!
Lunch
Gastown undeniably has some of the best lunch spots after a long day shopping downtown:
- Nuba Gastown – Here, you’ll try some of the best Lebanese lunch plates rich in seasoning and flavor.
- MeeT – A Vancouver restaurant chain with a diverse selection of dishes, from tacos to burgers.
Dinner
For dinner, don’t miss out on these two amazing Vancouver restaurants:
- The Flying Pig – The best West Coast food and amazing meat dishes.
- Miku – Perfect for sushi lovers, Miku offers delicious flame-seared sushi and a waterfront view.
How to Stay Safe When in Vancouver
No matter where you go, you should be aware of your surroundings and possible dangers. When in Vancouver, avoid dodgy areas like East Hastings Street, which are known for criminal activities. Instead, stick to denser areas and don’t go out alone at night. West and North Vancouver are very safe, so you shouldn’t have a problem enjoying a nice walk.
When it comes to accommodation, make sure to keep your belongings protected and remember always to lock up. Other than that, Vancouver is a very safe city.
Final Words
A weekend in Vancouver is enough to explore the city’s most famous landmarks. However, we recommend a tighter itinerary so that you’re able to fit in lots of different activities in three days.
If you’re more of a leisure type, you can still enjoy Vancouver by taking in the waterfront views and enjoying delicious seafood by the water. You’ll still have enough time to attend the best Vancouver weekend events.
FAQs
Can you do Vancouver in a weekend?
Yes, you can absolutely explore Vancouver in a weekend if you’re agile. However, it wouldn’t hurt to come back for a week-long stay to get a true feel of the local food and culture.
Is Vancouver a walkable city?
Vancouver has an 82 walk score, making it very walkable. However, it’s even better if you rent a bike, as the city is designed with cycling in mind.
