Vancouver itinerary for first-timers
The classic neighborhoods in an order that works, with a 4K street walk for every stop. Watch your trip before you take it.
Day 1: Coal Harbour, Gastown & Chinatown
The harbour seawall and Canada Place, the cobbled streets of Gastown, Chinatown's garden, and downtown in the evening.
- 1
Morning
Coal Harbour & Canada Place
The harbour side of downtown, with marinas, seaplanes landing on the water, the 2010 Olympic Cauldron and the white sails of Canada Place against the North Shore mountains.
- Coal Harbour Seawall
- Olympic Cauldron
- Canada Place
In late March and April the seawall here is lined with cherry blossoms.
Vancouver Evening Walk: Coal Harbour, Gastown & Cherry Blossoms
Video by Prowalk Tours on YouTube
Jump toWalk east along Water Street, about 10 min.
- 2
Late morning
Gastown
Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood, with cobbled streets, brick warehouses turned into shops and cafés, and the famous steam clock that whistles every quarter hour.
- Steam Clock
- Water Street
- Maple Tree Square
Walk south along Carrall Street, about 10 min.
- 3
Afternoon
Chinatown
One of the biggest Chinatowns in North America, entered through the Millennium Gate, with the walled Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden at its heart.
- Millennium Gate
- Sun Yat-Sen Garden
- Pender Street
Vancouver Walking Tour: Stanley Park, Kitsilano, Downtown and Gastown
Video by Prowalk Tours on YouTube
Jump toSkyTrain from Stadium–Chinatown to Granville, about 5 min, or walk 20 min.
- 4
Evening
Robson Street & Granville Street
The busy shopping streets of downtown, with Robson Square, the painted Pink Alley and the lights of Granville Street in the evening.
- Robson Street
- Pink Alley
- Granville Street
Day 2: Stanley Park & English Bay
A morning in Stanley Park, downtown and the Public Library in the afternoon, and sunset at English Bay.
- 1
Morning
Stanley Park & Lost Lagoon
A huge forested park at the tip of the downtown peninsula, ringed by the seawall, with Lost Lagoon at its entrance and views across the harbour.
- Lost Lagoon
- Seawall
- Forest trails
Rent a bike near Denman Street and ride the seawall loop in about an hour.
Walk or bus down Robson Street, about 25 min.
- 2
Afternoon
Downtown & the Public Library
The modern centre of the city, with the Colosseum-shaped Public Library, Robson Square and the Financial District between the towers.
- Public Library
- Robson Square
- Financial District
Vancouver Summer City Walk Through Iconic Landmarks
Video by World Wanderings: 4K Walking Tours on YouTube
Jump toWalk west through the West End to the beach, about 20 min.
- 3
Late afternoon & sunset
English Bay & the West End
The city beach at the edge of the West End, with driftwood logs on the sand, the seawall promenade and some of the best sunsets in Vancouver.
- English Bay Beach
- Seawall
- Denman Street
Day 3: Granville Island & Kitsilano
The public market on Granville Island, an afternoon at Kitsilano Beach, and the False Creek seawall in the evening.
- 1
Morning
Granville Island
A former industrial island under the Granville Bridge, now a big public market, artists' studios and workshops, with little ferries buzzing across False Creek.
- Public Market
- Artists' studios
- False Creek ferries
Walk west along the waterfront through Vanier Park, about 25 min.
- 2
Afternoon
Kitsilano Beach
A relaxed beach neighbourhood across the water from downtown, with volleyball courts, a long saltwater pool and views of the skyline and mountains.
- Kitsilano Beach
- Vanier Park
- Burrard Street Bridge
Vancouver Walking Tour: Stanley Park, Kitsilano, Downtown and Gastown
Video by Prowalk Tours on YouTube
Jump toFalse Creek ferry from Granville Island to Yaletown, then walk the seawall.
- 3
Evening
False Creek & the Olympic Village
The seawall along the inlet past Yaletown's parks to BC Place and the Olympic Village, built for the 2010 Winter Games.
- False Creek seawall
- BC Place
- Olympic Village
Vancouver Walking Tour: Stanley Park, Kitsilano, Downtown and Gastown
Video by Prowalk Tours on YouTube
Jump to
Travelling with someone?
Send them this 3-day Vancouver plan, videos included.
Planning your first trip to Vancouver
How many days?
Three days covers the waterfront and Gastown, Stanley Park and English Bay, and Granville Island with Kitsilano. Two days is enough for the highlights if you keep moving.
Where to stay
Downtown and Coal Harbour are central and walkable; the West End is quieter and close to Stanley Park and English Bay; Yaletown puts you on False Creek near the little ferries.
Getting around
Walk or cycle the seawall, take the SkyTrain and buses for longer trips, and use the small False Creek ferries to hop across to Granville Island and Kitsilano.
Vancouver is a city built along the water, with mountains on the skyline and a seawall path running almost all the way around its downtown peninsula. A first visit falls into three parts: the waterfront, Gastown and Chinatown on the old side of downtown; Stanley Park, English Bay and the West End; and False Creek, with Granville Island and the beaches of Kitsilano across the water.
Every stop comes with a walking video filmed on those streets and paths, so you can see the seawall, the markets and the neighbourhoods before you arrive. Use the buttons under each video to jump to the landmark, or press Preview to watch a whole day in a row.
Vancouver itinerary: common questions
How many days do you need in Vancouver?
Three days is a good first visit: one for the waterfront, Gastown and Chinatown, one for Stanley Park and English Bay, and one for Granville Island, Kitsilano and False Creek. Two days covers the highlights at a faster pace.
Is Vancouver a walkable city?
Very. Downtown is compact, and the seawall gives you a flat waterfront path from Coal Harbour around Stanley Park to English Bay and along False Creek. The SkyTrain, buses and small ferries fill in the gaps.
When is the best time to visit Vancouver?
July to September is the driest and sunniest time. Spring brings the cherry blossoms, while autumn and winter are mild but rainy, so pack a waterproof jacket.
Can you see Stanley Park in a morning?
You can see the main parts in a few hours by walking or cycling the seawall loop, about 9 km. Walking the whole loop takes around two to three hours.
Travel times are approximate. Check opening days and any booking requirements before you go.
Keep exploring Vancouver
More 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Vancouver city guide →