Luxury things to do in Vancouver
Two omakase counters, Peking duck at iDen, VanDusen garden and the North Shore.
This is Vancouver for people who book the tasting menu first and figure out the rest later. Three days move through downtown waterfront, the Main Street dining corridor, and across the inlet to North Van, with a tasting menu every evening. If your idea of a good trip is aburi sushi at noon and a whole Peking duck at night, this is it.
Day 1: Downtown, Waterfront, Yaletown
Coffee at La Tana, the Pacific Centre shops, aburi sushi at Miku, the Vancouver Art Gallery, then Sushi Hyun's omakase and wine at Bar Tartare.
- 9:30 AM
- 10:30 AM
Pacific Centre Mall
Downtown's main mall, anchored by Holt Renfrew; the luxury flagships are a block away on Alberni Street.
Map - 12:30 PM
Miku Vancouver
Acclaimed Miku is Vancouver's most famous lunch destination, signature aburi flame-seared sushi right on the waterfront.
Map - 2:30 PM
Vancouver Art Gallery
Vancouver's grandest gallery, landmark neoclassical building with a world-class rotating collection.
Map - 7:30 PM
Sushi Hyun Omakase restaurant
Intimate omakase counter in the West End; sit down, let the chef pace the nigiri and say yes to the extras.
Map - 9:30 PM
Bar Tartare
Bar Tartare is a sleek, top-rated wine bar, ideal nightcap with a serious natural wine list.
Map
Day 2: Main Street to South Cambie
A morning among VanDusen's gardens sets a slow pace before a Vietnamese lunch on Main, Queen Elizabeth Park fills the afternoon, and the night belongs to a whole carved Peking duck at iDen and QuanJuDe, closed out with cocktails at June.
- 10:30 AM
VanDusen Botanical Garden
Twenty-two hectares of gardens from around the world, with a hedge maze and lakes; give it the whole morning.
Map - 12:30 PM
Anh and Chi
Vietnamese family cooking in a bright room on Main; share the crispy rice paper rolls and a bowl of bún.
Map - 2:30 PM
Queen Elizabeth Park
Stroll the manicured grounds and quarry garden, Vancouver's most scenic urban park, a short drive south of Main.
Map - 7:30 PM
iDen & QuanJuDe Beijing Duck House
Beijing roast duck carved tableside in three courses; order the whole bird ahead when you book.
Map - 9:30 PM
June
French-leaning cocktail bar in South Cambie, polished drinks to close the night well before midnight.
Map
Day 3: Lonsdale and the North Shore
Cross the inlet to the Polygon Gallery's photography shows, eat schnitzel at Jägerhof, browse Lonsdale Quay in the afternoon, then the trip's last splurge at Sushi Mahana's counter and a craft-tap nightcap on the Shipyards waterfront.
- 10:30 AM
The Polygon Gallery
The Polygon is one of Canada's finest contemporary photography and art galleries, striking waterfront building, free admission, world-class rotating shows.
Map - 12:30 PM
Jägerhof Restaurant
Jägerhof is a beloved neighbourhood institution, hearty German plates and one of the best schnitzel in Greater Vancouver.
Map - 2:30 PM
Lonsdale Quay Market
Lonsdale Quay Market is the city-guide pick for afternoon browsing, artisan vendors, local producers and waterfront views right on the quay.
Map - 7:30 PM
Sushi Mahana
Small omakase-style counter in Lower Lonsdale; book ahead, sit at the bar and let the chef lead.
Map - 9:30 PM
Tap & Barrel • Shipyards
Tap & Barrel Shipyards is the go-to after-dinner waterfront bar, great local craft taps and a lively patio right on the Lonsdale waterfront.
Map
Where to stay
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver is the grandest address in the city, a landmark property that sits a short walk from Pacific Centre, the Art Gallery, and every Day 1 stop.
Fairmont Waterfront
On the harbour across from Canada Place, steps from the SeaBus for Day 3 on the North Shore.
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.
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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