Vancouver, British Columbia, has many places to see, do, and discover, whether you are staying for a short or long period of time. It’s a bustling city that many people worldwide come to visit. If you are visiting for a weekend, do not worry; there are plenty of things to do on a weekend in Vancouver, and as a local, I can help you out.
Facts About Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver’s location was put on the map as a top tourist destination after hosting the 1986 World Exposition on Transportation and Communication, better known as Expo 86.
It was a world fair held in Vancouver, the second time a Canadian city hosted the fair (Montreal in 1967). And it was also the last fair held in North America.
Due to the high success of bringing in over 22 million people worldwide, the fair doubled Knoxville in 1982 and tripled Louisiana in 1984. Many people since then have put Vancouver as one of Canada’s top destinations.
Vancouver is also known for their seafood. Since the city is on the West Coast, we can access the Pacific Ocean for fishing and crabbing. There are also many freshwater lakes and rivers, which contribute to the abundance of salmon.
The city of Vancouver sits on the traditional unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations.
For more about the area, read:
Weekend in Vancouver, BC Table of Contents
Top 5 Things To Do for a Perfect Weekend in Vancouver
While there are many touristy things to do in Vancouver, here are the top five things everyone should experience at least once when visiting the city.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is one of Vancouver’s most beloved parks, and it is also the largest. There are many things to do within Stanley Park, and that’s why it appears on almost everyone’s Vancouver itinerary. The most notable thing to do is walk along the Seawall (which starts in Coal Habour and ends in Kitsilano).
The Seawall has many points of interest and lookout points. The Nine O’Clock Gun is active every night at 9:00 PM. You can sit and wait by the gun but cover your ears; it is loud.
The Swish Rock, S.S Empress of Japan Figurehead Replica, Girl in A Wetsuit, Prospect Point and more are other popular points of interest along the Seawall that many tourists like to take pictures of.
The Vancouver Aquarium is the top spot that people worldwide like to visit. It is one of the best places to take your children to learn about marine life, other animals and a focus on conservation. It is also a rescue centre where many marine animals have been rehabilitated and freed back into the wild.
There are other recreational things to do in Stanley Park, such as swimming in the Second Beach outdoor pool, tennis courts, and pitch-and-putt. One of the top things to do in Vancouver in winter is Bright Nights, an illuminated Christmas wonderland excellent for young families.
Granville Island
Granville Island is a popular hang-out spot, as well as a local grocery market, eatery, and arts district. Many local artisans and small businesses are located around Granville Island.
There is a section of Granville Island that caters to children as they have what’s called a Kids Market, which is a kid-centric mall. There is a cafe, play area, shopping inside, and more.
While there are places to eat around, the Granville Island Public Market is the place to go. Local retailers and vendors sell all sorts of things, from produce to paintings. Inside, you can find small food vendors to grab a bite. A La Mode Pie Café has pot pies that look incredible, as well as other pastries and drinks.
Explore Downtown
Exploring Downtown during your weekend in Vancouver is something that everyone should do while they are in the city. There are different neighbourhoods to check out.
Yaletown is an area where there are many hip and trendy restaurants with large parks near the water. The Seawall from Stanley Park continues into the False Creek area, which passes by Yaletown.
Gastown is another one of Vancouver’s tourist locations. It is the only place in the city with mixed brick and cobblestone sidewalks and roads. The famous Gastown Steam Clock is located on Water Street. There are also many local businesses, hip and trendy restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops.
North Vancouver
North Vancouver has many outdoor activities, such as hiking and biking. If you are an outdoorsy type of person, North Vancouver would be perfect for you. And even if you are not, there are things to do.
Lonsdale Quay (pronounced KEY) is over the Burrard Inlet and easy to get to using the SeaBus. There is a small market inside Lonsdale Quay, and outside, you can walk towards The Shipyards, where you can find restaurants and, during the summer, The Shipyards Night Market.
You can also plan to visit another popular tourist attraction in Vancouver, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The 137-metre-long suspended bridge hovers over a river surrounded by lush green trees. The park also has tree-top walkways, a cliff walk and more.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Something more relaxing to do while on a weekend in Vancouver is hanging out at Queen Elizabeth Park. Queen Elizabeth Park sits in the heart of Vancouver and is on top of the highest hill. It is a beloved park that many locals around the area love to walk around, have picnics or celebrations.
At the top of the park, you can visit the Blodel Conservatory, a dome aviary and greenhouse. Some rescued birds and parrots live in this dome.
Around the park, you can find gardens such as the Quarry Gardens and Rose Garden, duck pond, disc golf, and more.
If you are looking for somewhere to eat, Seasons in the Park is available for everyone. It has a fantastic view of the mountains and overlooks other parts of the city and the park below.
Where to Eat in Vancouver — Local Suggestions
Vancouver has a variety of cuisine from different cultures, so there will be plenty of options on where to look for somewhere to eat.
While I know people have different pallets regarding food, these are some local favourites by not only me but others I know. There are many places to eat around Vancouver, so you are bound to find something you will enjoy.
Phnom Penh Restaurant
A local favourite, as well as mine, is Phnom Penh Restaurant. It is a Vietnamese-Cambodian fusion restaurant that is well-known in the community. They are known for their butter beef and chicken wings. They will be busy during peak hours, so be prepared for wait times, but it is worth the wait.
It is also recognized as a Bib Gourmand (given to restaurants by Michelin) restaurant in Vancouver for a friendly establishment serving good food at moderate prices.
MeeT
Suppose you are a vegetarian or vegan. A popular and hip location in Vancouver is MeeT. There are three locations around Vancouver — MeeT on Main (Street), MeeT in Yaletown and MeeT in Gastown. Their mac n cheese burger or bowls are an excellent option.
Note: Many of the options on the menu contain nuts.
Michelin Restaurants (One Star)
Suppose you are interested in fine dining or looking for a special location to celebrate while you are on a weekend in Vancouver. In that case, there are eight Michelin one-star restaurants in Vancouver.
You may have to make reservations for a month or months in advance.
- AnnaLena (Contemporary)
- Barbara Restaurant (Contemporary)
- Burdock & Co (Contemporary)
- iDen & QuanJu De Beijing Duck House (Chinese)
- Kissa Tanto (Japanese-Italian fusion)
- Masayoshi (Japanese)
- Published on Main (Contemporary)
- St. Lawrence Restaurant (Quebecois)
While you do not need to eat at a Michelin Star restaurant, there are plenty of other fine dining options in Vancouver all over the city.
Where to Stay for Your Weekend in Vancouver
Staying in Vancouver can be tricky as there are many locations. However, here are a few location suggestions if you are figuring out where to stay in Vancouver for the first time or on a weekend.
Downtown Vancouver
Downtown Vancouver is the obvious easy answer to where you should stay during your weekend in Vancouver. With only a few days in town, you will be in the heart of all the hustle and bustle of the city and close to many retail stores and restaurants.
Coal Harbour
Coal Harbour will be your best option if you are travelling for business on a weekend. You will be near the Vancouver Convention Centre, where many out-of-town conferences occur.
North Vancouver
North Vancouver is out of the way but an excellent option if you want to stay close to Downtown Vancouver but not in the heart of downtown. Do not worry; the SeaBus is the best way to get to and from Downtown Vancouver to North Vancouver.
How to Get Around Vancouver
Getting around during your weekend in Vancouver is easy to do without a car. Local transit is available almost everywhere in the city.
Using the SkyTrain or the Canada Line will get you to high-traffic locations more efficiently. Buses run all over the city. You will only have to Google Maps which bus you need to take.
While only staying for the weekend, purchasing and using Compass Passes will be the easiest way to ride any local transit. Buses accept coins but will not give any change back.
You can purchase a Compass Pass at a Compass machine at any SkyTrain or Canada Line station. Be sure to purchase the correct zones for your pass.
When transferring or staying in a location under 90 minutes, you can use the same pass, but again make sure you purchase your pass for the correct zone; otherwise, the gate will not let you through.
Another thing to note is that you will only need to tap in and out of the gates on the SkyTrain or Canada Line. Buses are tapped going on. The SeaBus also uses the Compass Passes.
As you can see, staying for a weekend in Vancouver has plenty of things to do and see. Whether you are here to explore the great outdoors, a conference, or a relaxing weekend getaway, Vancouver guarantees a fun-filled weekend that will make you want to revisit this beautiful city.
For guest writer Kelena, sharing experiences and information for others to enjoy is what she loves to do through her writing. Her main focus is to help you navigate Vancouver, British Columbia, the rest of Canada and occasionally other locations worldwide.
