48 Hours in Vancouver – 2 Day Itinerary
I’ve spent a lot of time exploring Vancouver, having lived there for a few months, so I’m more than happy to share my two day itinerary for this amazing city. I’m confident that following it will allow you to see the best of what Vancouver has to offer in just two days. You won’t be disappointed!
It’s important to mention that Vancouver is huge and there is always something new to discover each time you visit, so bear in mind that this itinerary is only scratching the surface. On the other hand, you’ll have plenty of time to check out local attractions, taste local food and enjoy the breathtaking views over the city.
So if you’re planning on travelling to Vancouver soon and want to make sure you get the most out of your 2 day stay – keep reading!
Despite Vancouver being one of Canada’s newer cities, it has gained popularity over the years, especially among outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the stunning natural scenery, diverse culture, and bustling urban atmosphere.
This is why we will be sharing here a 2 Day Itinerary for Vancouver that you can use for your short visit to the city.
Vancouver is one of the places that combines old and new, past and modern times. It is now Canada’s most ethnically diverse and dense city, where over half a million people are crammed in the area.
Primarily, the location of Vancouver is one of the main reasons why it’s a great place to visit. Situated in the vibrant coastal city of British Columbia, Canada, the town is nestled between vast valleys, lush rain forests, mountain ranges, and urban buildings.
This allows visitors to enjoy various outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and water sports. Vancouver has one of the best urban parks, Stanley Park, and the world-renowned Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
In addition to exploring the spectacular views over Vancouver, the city is also known for its vibrant culture and diverse population. You can learn more about these through its many museums, galleries, and cultural festivals and by exploring neighbourhoods and the culinary scene.
If you plan to visit Vancouver, the best time to visit Vancouver is during early autumn (May to October), while the weather is still mild and sunny. Because you are visiting Vancouver to enjoy its many outdoor activities, you want to avoid being stuck in the rain or snow!
Meanwhile, when choosing where to stay in Vancouver, it’s highly recommended that you find a place that is convenient and accessible – by that, I mean Central Vancouver! Central, or the downtown area, is Vancouver’s most thriving, hip, and popular neighbourhood. It is close to tourist destinations and houses main transportation hubs, varieties of hotels and accommodations, and major shopping malls.
In this 48 hours in Vancouver Itinerary article, all the information you will need for your trip to Vancouver will be broken down – from things to do, tours you can join, and what food to try. So, make sure to keep notes as you read through the rest!
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Overview of 2 Days in Vancouver Itinerary
Here’s a glance at what you’ll see and do in two days in Vancouver:
Day 1 in Vancouver
- Bike around Stanley Park Seawall in the morning
- Have Brunch at OEB Breakfast Co.
- Explore Granville Island
- Grab Coffee at River Road Coffee
- Afternoon Stroll at the Capilano Suspension Bridge
- Night Out at Gastown
Day 2 in Vancouver
- Hike at the Lynn Canyon Suspension Park
- Lunch at Black + Blue
- Check out the art at the Vancouver Art Gallery
- Get Dessert at Uno Gelato
- Ride the FlyOver Canada
- Eat Street Food at Richmond Night Market
Day 1 in Vancouver
Bike around Stanley Park Seawall in the morning
Stanley Park Seawall is one of the most famous spots in Vancouver. It stretches around the city’s waterfront for about 9 kilometres (5.5 miles). Here, you’ll see many people doing daily jogging or walking exercises and people on their bikes.
Given that you’re just visiting for just 2 days in Vancouver and have a lot of activities lined up during the day, it’s best to take a bike around Stanley Park rather than just walking. Plus, you can easily rent a bike from one of the many shops at the park’s entrance.
This is best done during the morning when you’re still pumped with energy. This only takes one to two hours, depending on your pace and the stops you make between landmarks.
Have Brunch at OEB Breakfast Co.
After an energetic, driven morning, you should head on to start your day and fuel up your body. Brunch at OEB Breakfast Co is one of the best places to do that!
OEB Breakfast Co. is one of Vancouver’s most famous brunch places situated downtown in the city. It’s a sophisticated, elegant breakfast restaurant headed by a world-renowned chef.
They are most known for preparing farm-to-table products, wherein each dish is carefully produced with original recipes.
So, if you want to start your 2-day vacation in Vancouver officially, you should have it here. Make sure you try their famous Blue Crab Benny and Breakfast Poutines. Remember to book a table beforehand because they’re almost always fully booked.
Explore Granville Island
No matter how many days you plan to stay in Vancouver, you must take time to explore Granville Island.
Granville Island is a popular tourist destination for its bustling public market, street performers, and unique shops. While it’s a separate part of the city that you can explore for a whole day, there are a few stops you can consider incredibly when short in time.
You can wander through Granville’s market, tasting local cuisine and shopping for souvenirs. You can also take a water taxi to False Creek or rent a bike to explore the island’s scenic bike paths.
These are just some things you can do at Granville. But eventually, you’ll need to manage your time, especially if you’re only staying for 48 hours in Vancouver.
Grab Coffee at the Bridge House Cafe
After coming back from Granville Island, you should head on to the next area of your trip. But with all the walking and exploring, you’ll want to enjoy a cup of coffee before doing another activity.
Located near Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Bridge House Cafe is a must-visit if you want a dose of caffeine.
The cosy café serves a variety of coffee blends and pastries and has a welcoming atmosphere perfect for relaxing and people-watching. Plus, since it’s within the park area, you don’t have to spend time travelling again to the suspension bridge.
Afternoon Stroll at the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Another yet famous tourist destination in Vancouver is the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The bridge spans 450 feet across the Capilano River and is suspended 230 feet above the canyon floor, making it the longest suspension bridge in the world.
Because of how exhilarating the experience is when crossing the bridge, many adventure and outdoor enthusiasts visit the place.
But once you’ve made it across, there are also several other attractions to enjoy at the other end of the bridge. You can enjoy the Treetops Adventure, a series of suspension bridges that take you through the rainforest treetops.
There’s also the Cliffwalk, a narrow walkway that clings to the side of a cliff and offers stunning views of the canyon below.
It’s also best to visit in the afternoon to see the sunset over Vancouver’s lush green forests. Although you’ll have to pay a few bucks when entering the park, some tours can take you there without hassle.
Night Out at Gastown
After a long day of exploring and discovering the beauty of Vancouver, it’s time for you to relax and chill at one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods – Gastown. In this area, you’ll see a lot of cobblestone streets, Victorian architecture, and trendy bars and restaurants.
While there are other areas in Vancouver that you can enjoy during the night, Gastown is highly recommended, especially if deciding what to do in Vancouver in 2 days.
At Gastown, you can spend a night with a quiet dinner or a lively pub crawl. But aside from that, there are also places you can check out in the area.
One of the must-see attractions in Gastown is the famous Gastown Steam Clock, which whistles and steams on the hour. Another place you can also visit is the Gastown Museum, which tells the story of the neighbourhood’s history.
But since you’ll be visiting at night, it’s best to wander the streets and take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant part of the city. You might even come across events, festivals, and live performances in the area.
Day 2 in Vancouver
Hike at the Lynn Canyon Suspension Park
Your second day in Vancouver starts with a hike to the Lynn Canyon Suspension Park. Although you have seen the longest suspension bridge already during your first day, it’s still worth visiting another famous suspension bridge in Canada.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Park is where the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is. The place is a great hiking area, especially in the morning when it’s still not crowded. The trail here can range from easy to difficult, so it’s up to you which path you’ll take.
Along the way, you’ll see beautiful waterfalls, old-growth trees, and stunning canyon views.
Lunch at Black + Blue
Following a tiring hike to the beautiful Lynn Canyon Suspension Park, you’ll surely be famished and want to regain some of your energy. This is why you should have lunch at one of Vancouver’s best restaurants, the Black + Blue.
The Black + Blue is an upscale steakhouse in downtown Vancouver’s heart and is known for its delicious food and stylish decor. They also have a rooftop patio that offers stunning views of the city.
The restaurant’s menu features classic steakhouse dishes, seafood, and salads. They focus on serving International cuisine, which you’ll enjoy for lunch.
Check out the art at the Vancouver Art Gallery
After getting full of steak and seafood, head to the Vancouver Art Gallery. This is a must-see for art lovers, as well as those who are interested in experiencing new things.
The Vancouver Art Gallery features a wide range of contemporary and historical art. It’s home to a permanent collection of more than 12,000 works and rotating exhibitions.
The gallery is located in a beautiful neoclassical building in the heart of downtown Vancouver, so it’s easy to get to, especially if you’re staying in the centre.
Get Dessert at Uno Gelato
Of course, it is also a must that you get dessert when in Vancouver. Although it might not look like an essential part of your 2 days in Vancouver itinerary, we’ve ensured that you take advantage of this part, especially if you still want to enjoy the rest of your stay in Vancouver.
Uno Gelato is one place that you can visit for dessert. This is an excellent stop since it is near FlyOver Canada, your next destination.
The dessert shop is a local favourite for artisanal gelato and sorbet, made with fresh, local
ingredients, and the texture is smooth and creamy. Some of their most popular flavours include salted caramel, pistachio, and chocolate hazelnut.
Ride the FlyOver Canada
As mentioned earlier, the next stop of your day 2 itinerary in Vancouver is FlyOver Canada. FlyOver Canada is a popular attraction that allows you to fly over some of Canada’s most beautiful landscapes.
FlyOver Canada uses state-of-the-art technology to create an exhilarating and educational virtual experience.
So if you do not fear heights and want to get a better look at the city, this will be an excellent activity for you, your family or anyone who wants to experience Vancouver from a different perspective.
Eat Street Food at Richmond Night Market
One of the go-to places for locals and tourists is the Richmond Night Market. This vibrant outdoor market features hundreds of vendors selling everything from street food to clothing.
The market is open on weekends during the summer and is a great place to try new foods and experience different cultures.
You can try some of the most popular items here, including bubble tea, grilled squid, and pork belly bao. This is the best place to cap off your 48 hour Vancouver trip!
Tours in Vancouver
Sightseeing Tour
With only two days in Vancouver, it is understandable that you may not have enough time to see every tourist destination in the area. But, there’s an excellent solution for that – a Sightseeing Tour.
A sightseeing tour is a solution for tourists like you who want to see most of what Vancouver offers, even if you only have 48 hours in Vancouver.
During this sightseeing tour in Vancouver, you can explore neighbourhoods such as Gastown, Chinatown, and Granville Island.
Moreover, you will also have a chance to stop at the Vancouver Lookout, Capilano Suspension Bridge, and Brockton Point Totem Pole.
The edge of having a sightseeing tour is you’ll have a ride that will drive you to different stops, a knowledgeable guide to share interesting information, and a great way to meet new people along the way.
Bike Tour
Enjoying Vancouver for only two days can be pretty hectic. But, you still have the chance to enjoy the place compared to other tourists.
In this bike tour around Vancouver, you will join a small bike-group tour that will take you on leisurely rides along different famous destinations.
Although doing all the biking all over Vancouver might seem tiring, this tour is great for outdoor enthusiasts and even beginners.
You’ll still have a lot of time to take rests between stops, and you should be reassured because a guide will lead your way.
Moreover, this Vancouver bike tour package includes all the gear you need and a paid lunch meal during the 5-hour tour duration. So, all you have to do is bring yourself and your energy to finish the course.
Food Tour
What’s a visit to Vancouver without trying several restaurants, cafes, and cuisines during your trip? Although there are many other ways to taste the flavours of Vancouver, during this Gastronomic and Historical Food Tour, you will be taken to local favourites in Gastown.
Gastown is most known for having great food and restaurants, which is why it is only the right thing that you do the food tour here.
Here, you’ll get a taste of Canadian classics like poutine and learn about each dish’s rich historical heritage.
A guide will also assist you so you’ll quickly know what you will eat and munch on throughout the tour.
Recommended tours in Vancouver
- Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure from Vancouver
- Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver
- Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Granville Island & Stanley Park
- Vancouver Highlights Bike Tour – The Grand Tour
- North Shore Day Trip from Vancouver: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Grouse Mtn
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour
- Vancouver Seaplane Tour
- Sea Vancouver City and Harbour Tour
- VIP Access Granville Island Market Tour
- Granite Falls Zodiac Tour by Vancouver Water Adventures
- The Really Gay History Tour in Vancouver, Canada
2-Day Itinerary for Vancouver Wrap-up
With all that said, your two-day Vancouver Itinerary is complete! From what to do from day one to day two and what tours you can join in, this wraps up everything you can enjoy during your visit to Vancouver.
Now, all you have left to do is organize your travel documents, prepare a budget, book your accommodation, pack your bags, and you’re ready to go! Vancouver is worth the visit when in Canada.
Read more:
- Best location in Vancouver to stay
- Things to do in Vancouver
- Best day trips from Vancouver
- Vancouver three day itinerary
- Best Dog Friendly Hotels in Vancouver: A Guide for Every Budget
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