2 DAYS in Vancouver

Day 1

Morning

After a leisurely latte at Revolver (325 Cambie St) and people-watching on Robson Street, head to the lovely Stanley Park. The Seawall here is flat and easily circumnavigated in an hour; you can book an e-bike and a tour guide to cycle it or, if you’re feeling less energetic, board the hop-on-hop-off bus. Don’t miss the totem poles near Brocton Oval or the Vancouver Aquarium, which is worth going to for its mesmerizing jellyfish tank alone. Afterward, head down to False Creek to take an aquabus across to Granville Island ), a small peninsula dominated by a huge food market brimming with fresh produce, fishmongers, cheese makers, butchers and bakers.

Afternoon

 After a hearty lunch at the market, take a 20-minute bus ride from Granville Loop Park to Mount Pleasant, a vibrant neighborhood filled with boutiques, galleries, coffee shops, and craft breweries. Nearby Brassneck Brewery (2148 Main St) is a favorite with thirsty locals sporting hipster beards and plaid shirts. When you’ve had your fill of craft beers, take another short bus ride up to Chinatown and enjoy a stroll around the tranquil Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Evening

Work up an appetite browsing aromatic apothecary and grocery stores on Keefer and East Pender streets before having dinner at Bao Bei. If you have to join a waiting list for a table, enjoy a cocktail at The Keefer Bar (135 Keefer St).

Day 2

 Morning

Take the SeaBus across Burrard Inlet to North Vancouver and bus to Grouse Mountain  for a panoramic view of the city. Take the same bus to the spectacular Capilano Suspension Bridge  and visit the First Nations Cultural Centre, located in the same park, to see demonstrations of weaving, beadwork, and carving. Before jumping back on the SeaBus, check out Lonsdale Quay , a market selling a tempting array of fresh produce and hand-crafted items.

Afternoon

Back in the city centre, splurge on a massage at the Fairmont Pacific Rim’s Willow Stream Spa (1038 Canada Place), just a short walk from the Waterfront Station. Fully recharged, take a stroll around trendy Gastown Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, with its indie art galleries and souvenir shops housed in Victorian buildings. The quirky Police Museum was once a morgue, while the Steam Clock is picture perfect when it toots and puffs every 15 minutes. Wine lovers can head to Salt Tasting Room in Blood Alley for a predinner drink  your server will likely tell you all about the alley’s fascinating history.

Evening

Gastown’s restaurants range from funky to fine dining. Sidle up to the bar at Sardine Can (26 Powell St) for Spanish tapas and a sherry. After dinner, catch a show at the nearby Commodore (868 Granville St). This Art Deco venue is known for its sprung dance floor. If you want to party the night away afterward, Granville Street is definitely the place to be.