How to Spend 2 Days in Vancouver as a First-Time Visitor: Best Things to Do!
Only have a couple days in Vancouver and not sure what to do or what to see? Not to worry, we got you covered. We’ll go over some awesome things to do, places to visit and food to eat during your time in Vancouver.
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Things to do with 2 Days in Vancouver
1. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
One of the best things to do just outside of Vancouver is visiting the Capilano Suspension Bridge park. Walk through the trees and over the Capilano River and take in the beautiful nature of the Pacific Northwest.
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.
Nature lover and want to get out of the city for a little bit? Take a trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. You can book your tickets here.
2. Book a Seaplane Tour
Yes, I’m serious…
This was by far my favorite part of the experience in Vancouver and one that needs to be on every Vancouver Itinerary. 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.
I mean come on. Look at that view!
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 only have two days to spend in Vancouver, you have to do this sea plane tour.
Here is the exact package we booked (Seaplane+Capilano Suspension Bridge w/ transportation
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 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.
If you’re visiting during the summer months, catch a performance at “Theatre Under the Stars.” An outdoor theatre festival held in the park, and it’s such a cool experience to watch a show under the stars surrounded by nature.
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. Whistler Village
Take a bus tour up to Whistler Village.
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!
5. Go to a Canucks game
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.
You can’t experience Canada or Vancouver better than this!
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!
Places to Eat in Vancouver
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.
“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 place 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.
“The Flying Pig” is a lively but easygoing restaurant with comfort food like burgers, pasta, and seafood. Good if you want a sit-down meal without anything too formal.
Victoria Island Excursion:
Want to experience Victoria Island? 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.
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.
If we were to do this again we defintely would do the package tour with entry to the gardens and a guided tour of downtown Victoria. Hassle free and super convenient.
Whale Watching
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 definitely 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.
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.
Conclusion: 2 Days in Vancouver
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.
Definitely spend some time around Canada’s Place. That’s a fun spot to hang out, grab some food and drinks and just sit along the water watching the planes and cruise ships.
Whether you enjoy nature or the bustling city. There is always something to do in Vancouver. If you only have two days to spend in Vancouver, this itinerary is for you.
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