How to Spend 2 Perfect Days in Vancouver this Fall
Here are the Top Things to do in Vancouver this Fall!
In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the highlights of Vancouver, including the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, seaplane tours, a walk through Stanley Park, catching a Canucks game, culinary delights, and an unforgettable ferry ride to Victoria Island. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through this Pacific Northwest paradise.
If you are driving up through the south of Vancouver like from the Seattle area, the drive up is really beautiful with trees and hills and mountains surrounding you. It’s about a three hour drive from Seattle to Vancouver so make sure you have your road trip essentials. We will have a more in depth guide of the Seattle portion of our trip as well. You can check out that guide by clicking HERE
1. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Begin your Vancouver adventure with a visit to the world-renowned Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Located just minutes from downtown, this iconic attraction offers breathtaking views of the surrounding rain forest and the Capilano River below. Walk across the suspension bridge, sway amidst towering trees on the Cliffwalk, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Walk through the trees and read fun facts about the rain forest and how the bridge was constructed as well. See a few animals up close and take in the trees and river below.
Plan to spend at least 2 hours here. You can explore the whole park, check out the gift shop and grab a bite to eat as well. No car? No worries, they have city busses running constantly to the park, they will take you there and back as well which is a great feature that we utilized when coming here.
This is one of the best things to do in Vancouver and you can book your tour here.
2. Seaplane Tour
For a bird’s eye view of Vancouver and its stunning surroundings, embark on a thrilling seaplane tour. Experience the thrill of taking off and landing on water as you soar over the city skyline, Stanley Park, and the majestic North Shore Mountains.
This was by far my favorite part of the experience in Vancouver. The planes took off from the famous Canada Place Convention Center! A strip right along the water with restaurants, bars, docks, stores, hotels etc. We booked a package deal that was the seaplane tour and the Capilano bridge park together. The Seaplane was an experience I will always go ranting and raving about. I can’t wait for the next one. By far one of the best ways to take in the true beauty of a city or a place.
The price for the package was $180, but you can find discount codes online. We found one that brought it down to just over $130 USD and every dollar was well worth it. This was about a 30 minute plane ride that took us over the North Shore Mountains. as shown in the picture below
Everyone had a window seat and I was actually lucky enough to sit in the co-pilot seat as all the seats were full. As we were flying over the Pacific Ocean and the beautiful mountains it truly was breath taking. In a seaplane as well it got my adrenaline pumping as well which was really awesome to feel. Looking down you see all the cargo ships, other sea plane tours, boats and people going about their day. We turned around to then fly over the city of Vancouver which also was really breathtaking
We then had a splash landing down and returned safely back to the port. If you’re going to Vancouver you have to do this sea plane tour. It didn’t break the bank and it was a thrilling experience. If planes aren’t your thing, take a ferry ride around the island as well!
3. Stanley Park
Speaking of must-visit spots in Vancouver, we can’t forget about Stanley Park. A nice park right in the heart of the city, with so much to see and do. First off, you’ve got to rent a bike or take a walk and cruise along the Seawall – a scenic pathway that wraps around the park and offers stunning views of the waterfront and the city skyline
But that’s not all, Stanley Park is also home to some amazing attractions. Make sure to check out the Vancouver Aquarium, where you can get up close and personal with all sorts of marine life, from playful sea otters to majestic sea lions. And if you’re into history, don’t miss the Totem Poles, a collection of Indigenous art that tells the story of the First Nations people of British Columbia.
Oh, and here’s a pro tip – if you’re visiting during the summer months, catch a performance at Theatre Under the Stars. It’s this outdoor theatre festival held in the park, and it’s such a cool experience to watch a show under the stars surrounded by nature.
And of course, no trip to Stanley Park would be complete without a stop at Prospect Point. A lookout point with panoramic views of the Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore Mountains – definitely worth the hike up!
Whether you’re biking along the Seawall, exploring the attractions, or simply enjoying a picnic in the park, Stanley Park is a must-visit destination for any trip to Vancouver.
4. Get Outside of the City
If you’re visiting Vancouver and craving a taste of British Columbia’s wild beauty beyond the city, this Whistler day trip is a perfect pick.
The tour takes you along the stunning Sea to Sky Highway, with breathtaking views of fjords, inlets, and towering mountain ranges. One of the highlights is the ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola, where you’ll float above the coastal rainforest and get sweeping views of Howe Sound. Along the way, you’ll make photo stops, learn about the area from a local guide, and have plenty of free time to explore Whistler Village at your own pace.
Best of all, round-trip transportation from Vancouver is included, making this a stress-free way to see some of BC’s most iconic sights.
To book this tour, check out the link here!
Culinary Delights:
Let’s stay in the beautiful Canada Place for a minute to grab a bite to eat. With a plethora of food options. If you’re looking for something fancier you can go to the “Chop Steakhouse & Bar“, we went a little more casual and dined at Mahoney’s Tavern for some famous fish and chips. I’m a big fish and chips fan and when I tell you these were the best fish and chips i’ve ever had, I mean it. Terrific atmosphere as well as we sat outside to watch the planes take off and the cruise ships depart. Highly recommend checking this place out.
A few others include Gastown: Step back in time as you explore the historic neighborhood of Gastown, known for its charming cobblestone streets and bustling atmosphere. Indulge in a culinary adventure as you sample local delicacies at acclaimed restaurants such as L’Abattoir, Tacofino, and Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie. From there you can grab a drink at one of Gastown’s trendy bars or cozy cafes.
Riley’s Fish & Steak, right across the street from Canada’s Place is also a great option. While a little more upscale, it has options for the meat lovers as well as the pescatarians and is truly what fine dining in Vancouver is all about
Another gem you’ve got to hit up is Yaletown. This trendy neighborhood is packed with hip restaurants and chic cafes. Check out places like Blue Water Cafe for some of the freshest seafood in town, or try Homer Street Cafe for a taste of classic comfort food with a modern twist. And if you’re into brunch, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Provence Marinaside
Victoria Island Excursion:
Hop on the scenic ferry ride from either Tsawwassen or Vancouver, and let me tell you, the views alone are worth the trip. You’ll sail past lush islands, rugged coastlines, and maybe even catch a glimpse of some marine wildlife along the way.
If you took the ferry with no car you will have to take the bus all the way down to the main city center. This can take up to an hour which kind of cost us some time. We were unaware of how long it would take just to get there. You could take an Uber or other ride share which would be a lot faster but also a lot more expensive. If we were to do this again we would plan to at least stay for 1 day in Victoria overnight to give us more time to explore everything Victoria has to offer.
Book your ferry trip ticket with a bus pass and trip to the Butchart Gardens here
There are bars and pubs at almost every corner and you really can’t go wrong wherever you go. “Red Fish Blue Fish” is a VERY popular location in Victoria, just off the water. Basically in a small shack the line is usually wrapped around the dock. If you have time to wait in line, then definitely check this place out for it’s famous fish!
Now, if you’re a garden enthusiast you’ve got to visit Butchart Gardens. It’s this stunning botanical oasis with over 55 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, complete with fountains, ponds, and even a rose carousel. One of the must-see places when visiting Victoria.
The Royal BC Museum is also incredible. From Indigenous artifacts to interactive exhibits, there’s so much to see and learn here.
Right next door take a couple pictures of the beautiful Legislative Building of British Columbia with its divine architecture. You are able to take a tour of this building along with the Butchart Gardens, but unfortunately we were running short on time and weren’t able to take these tours.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not hop on a whale watching tour? Victoria is one of the best places in the world to see orcas in their natural habitat, and it’s an experience you’ll never forget.
Vancouver Nightlife
if you’re into the nightlife scene, Vancouver definetely has a lot of options after dark!
You can find fancy cocktail bars, cool clubs, and chill pubs all around the city.
If you’re into fancy drinks, head to Gastown for classy places like The Diamond and cool spots like Guilt & Co where they often have live music. Yaletown is similar, with fancier places like Bar None and The Caprice.
For live music, check out the Commodore Ballroom in Granville. They host all kinds of concerts. The Roxy is also a good spot for live music and a fun vibe.
Check on the web to see if Stanley Park is hosting any concerts, as I mentioned earlier they had a free concert right in the middle of the park that was very fun to just sit down and take in the entire scene!
If dancing is your thing, clubs like Celebrities and Venue Nightclub are popular. They’ve got DJs and a lively atmosphere. And if you just want to relax with friends, Kitsilano has some cozy pubs where you can grab a drink and hang out.
If you’re a hockey fan, or even if you’re not, hit the Rogers Arena for a Vancouver Canucks game! One of the best home venues in the entire sport and a pumped up crowd cheering and watching some hockey is something that everyone can have fun doing. If you like hockey, then you should definitely try to see a game, even if you don’t, it would be a great first time experience. You can’t experience Canada or Vancouver better than this!
No matter what you’re into, Vancouver’s nightlife has something for you.
If you want to just book a day-tour and have your plans taken care of for you, check out the Vancouver Tour HERE it covers everything that makes Vancouver special!
Conclusion
I definitely want to make a trip back to Vancouver at some point soon. The city and architecture was amazing, clean, and just really beautiful all around. Sitting on the water and watching the planes and boats take off while having some fish and chips was really a moment you had to be present in and love your surroundings.
If I had to add somethings I would add a couple more days to out stay and check out the surroundings parks such as Pinecone Burke Provincial Park as well as Cypress Park. The city is beautiful and the landscapes and scenery surrounding is gorgeous as well.
Whether you’re seeking adventure in the great outdoors or indulging in urban exploration, this Pacific Northwest gem promises an unforgettable journey. So pack your bags, and get ready to discover the beauty of Vancouver.
If you’re looking to live a more fulfilling life like I am, but you’re still stuck in the 9-5 grind, check out one of my newest articles about how to balance the three basics that you need to live a more promising and fulfilling life of wealth, health and travel