5-Day Vancouver Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Vancouver packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — mountains meet ocean in one of the world's most livable cities. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Gastown — historic cobblestone district with restaurants and the steam clock. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to Stanley Park Seawall for your first taste of what makes Vancouver special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Gastown — historic cobblestone district with restaurants and the steam clock area. Try Salmon — wild Pacific salmon grilled, smoked, or in sushi — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Capilano Suspension Bridge. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Vancouver Aquarium. Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the Kitsilano — beach neighborhood with organic cafes and mountain views neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Sushi — Vancouver has the best sushi outside Japan at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Granville Island Public Market — one of Vancouver's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $17 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Commercial Drive — multicultural strip with Italian cafes and indie shops district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Dim Sum — Cantonese brunch with dumplings and buns in Chinatown and Richmond. Expect to spend around $38 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to Wreck Beach — clothing-optional beach below UBC cliffs — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge — free alternative to Capilano with swimming holes. The Chinatown — one of North America's oldest with dim sum and night market area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Vancouver's nightlife scene — Granville Street — clubs and live music strip downtown.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden — tranquil Ming Dynasty garden in Chinatown or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Granville Island Public Market — artisan food and handmade crafts — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: SkyTrain rapid transit connects airport, downtown, and suburbs
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $150 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Pack a rain jacket and layers — even summer mornings can be cool You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Canadians are famously polite — say sorry, please, and thank you often
• Safety: Vancouver is generally safe — exercise standard precautions downtown at night

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$55	$150	$400
5-Day Total	$275	$750	$2000

Final Thoughts

Five days in Vancouver is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

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