Things to do in Vancouver
Art, ramen, suspension bridges, and a pub crawl the locals would approve of.
This is Vancouver for people who want to feel like they live here for a few days: good food at honest prices, neighbourhoods that reward walking, and one proper sit-down dinner that earns its place. You'll cross the water twice, eat well every night, and never once feel like you're on a tourist conveyor belt.
Day 1: West End, art and izakaya
Start slow at the Vancouver Art Gallery, walk off lunch along the Vanier Park waterfront, then let the evening build toward Kingyo's izakaya menu and a last drink at the Fountainhead.
- 10:30 AM
Vancouver Art Gallery
Vancouver's landmark gallery, rotating exhibitions worth an hour or two of unhurried browsing.
Map - 12:30 PM
- 2:30 PM
Vanier Park
Wide open waterfront park with city and mountain views, a perfect afternoon walk to clear your head.
Map - 7:30 PM
- 9:30 PM
The Fountainhead Pub
Davie Village pub with a busy street patio; a local pint and people-watching to end the day.
Map
Day 2: West Vancouver, bridge to ramen
Cross to the North Shore for the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a curry lunch at Swad in Ambleside, and a browse through Park Royal before heading back for tonkotsu and a pint at Pumpjack.
- 10:30 AM
Capilano Suspension Bridge
The 140-metre swaying bridge over the Capilano canyon, plus treetop walkways; buy tickets online to skip the queue.
Map - 12:30 PM
- 2:30 PM
Park Royal Shopping Centre
Browse Park Royal Shopping Centre, the neighbourhood mall with a good local mix of shops.
Map - 7:30 PM
Tonkotsu Ramen Tsukiya
Rich pork-bone tonkotsu ramen in the West End; add the soft egg and extra chashu.
Map - 9:30 PM
Pumpjack
Davie Village pub with big windows onto the street; a pint and the neighbourhood going by.
Map
Day 3: Lonsdale Quay and the North Shore
Take the SeaBus over to North Vancouver for contemporary art at the Polygon, a market lunch on the quay, and a standout Korean dinner to close the trip.
- 11:00 AM
The Polygon Gallery
The Polygon Gallery, striking waterfront contemporary art space right on the Lonsdale Quay waterfront.
Map - 12:30 PM
The Gull Bar and Kitchen
The Gull Bar and Kitchen, casual Pacific Northwest spot; locals love it for a relaxed lunch.
Map - 2:30 PM
Lonsdale Quay Market
Lonsdale Quay Market, browse the indoor market stalls, local vendors, and waterfront views right on the harbour.
Map - 7:30 PM
South Castle Korean Restaurant
Family-run Korean in Lower Lonsdale; share the bulgogi and a bubbling pot of soondubu.
Map - 9:15 PM
Tap & Barrel • Shipyards
Tap & Barrel Shipyards, solid pub pour with a lively waterfront patio; a proper drink to close the night.
Map
Where to stay
Loden Hotel
Boutique, mid-range, and well-placed for Day 1's West End itinerary without the corporate-hotel price tag.
Listel Hotel
A few steps closer to the West End and within easy reach of the SeaBus for the North Shore days, with character to spare for the price.
Make Vancouver your trip
Swearby drafts the days from places people swear by. Swap any stop, then invite the crew by text, even friends without the app. Vote on dates, track costs as you go, and everyone gets one number at the end.
Get Swearby on the App StoreBefore you go
Book ahead
- Talaysay Tours: a few days ahead
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: a few days ahead
- Harbour Air Seaplanes: a few days ahead
- Sea to Sky Gondola: a few days ahead
- Peak 2 Peak Gondola: a few days ahead
- Whistler Blackcomb: weeks ahead
Skip these
- Capilano at full price on a cruise ship day, when Lynn Canyon gives a free bridge and better swimming.
- The Gastown Steam Clock as a destination. It is a three minute photo on the way to dinner.
- Granville Island by car. Ferry, bus or walk over the bridge instead.
- Robson Street chain dining. Eat in Yaletown, Gastown, Main Street, Kits or Richmond instead.
The full Vancouver travel guide: when to go, safety, getting around