I don’t wanna give away the ending but Vancouver, Canada: you are 10/10.
I know now why Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s top travel destinations. This is a city that effortlessly combines urban sophistication with breathtaking natural beauty. For our first visit, my husband and I rented a car and made our way up from Seattle. We were captivated by the lush greenery, majestic mountains, and meticulously landscaped parks in Vancouver.
Day 1: Exploring Vancouver's Culinary Delights
11 a.m. – Gastown Walking Food Tour
I’ve always been a big fan of walking food tours, having enjoyed them in cities like Milwaukee, Montreal and Quincy. They’re such a fun way to dive into a city’s culinary scene quickly (and deliciously!).
Our adventure kicked off with a delightful walking food tour in Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood. Known for its charming cobblestone streets and historic architecture, Gastown is a vibrant area filled with trendy boutiques, unique galleries, and some of the best food spots in the city. We stopped by: Meat & Bread, Miku, MeeT, Gringo, Mink Chocolates Cafe and my personal favorite, Purebread Bakery + Cafe.
7 p.m. – Oreo S’mores Bar at Mister
If you thought we couldn’t make time for more culinary stops post-walking tour, you’d be incorrect. We found our way at Mister Artisan Ice Cream in Yaletown. This bustling parlor serves ice cream made in-house with natural, locally sourced ingredients. Using a liquid nitrogen process, Mister rapidly freezes their ice cream at ultra-low temperatures, resulting in a richer, creamier, and denser product.
Their Oreo s’mores bar was incredible. I’ve never tasted anything like it (which, as a self-described ice-cream aficionado, is saying a lot!). This was hands down my favorite dessert stop of our trip.
Day 2: Markets, Whale-Watching, and Mountain Views
9:00 a.m. – Breakfast at Breka Bakery
Let’s kick off day two with some hearty baked goods, eh?
Just a couple blocks from our hotel (Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown), Breka Bakery is regularly voted among Vancouver’s best bakeries and cafes. Plus, it’s open 24/7.
We ordered a hedgehog mocha and a handful of baked goods, including: red velvet cake, almond chocolate croissant, a maple donut, and banoffee pie. All were delicious!
P.S. It’s a popular spot in Vancouver so expect a line. But don’t worry—it moves fast!
Late Morning – Granville Island
While we were at Granville Island, we faced a dilemma: where to indulge in the mouth-watering food options all around us? With no shortage of choices, we settled on a couple of fantastic spots:
Lunch at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar
We enjoyed a tasty lunch at The Keg on Granville Island. The menu features a variety of tempting options, including a juicy burger, crispy cauliflower, and refreshing agua fresca—perfect for recharging after exploring the market.
Sweet treats at Olde World Fudge
Before heading to our whale-watching tour, we couldn’t resist stocking up on some sweet treats from Olde World Fudge. We picked up almond bark and rich, creamy fudge, the perfect pick-me-up to carry us through the day’s adventures!
2:30 p.m. – Half-Day Whale Watching Tour
While in Vancouver, consider taking a few hours to embark on a whale watching tour while in Vancouver. We were lucky enough to witness majestic humpback whales and I will say, watching these gentle giants surface was truly awe-inspiring.
Our Prince of Whales guide took us through the currents of the Strait of Georgia and Howe Sound where in addition to spotting several humpback whales, we also saw playful seals, and even a bald eagle perched on a lighthouse. This may have been the highlight of our Vancouver trip, and I can’t recommend it enough. Definitely worth doing for every adventure seeker out there!
Dinner at Ignite Pizzeria
After your marine adventure, enjoy a relaxing dinner at Ignite Pizzeria. Their wood-fired pizzas are a local favorite, offering a perfect end to an exciting day.
Dessert at Gelato Express
Not ones to skip out on dessert, we decided to finish the day with a visit to Gelato Express for a scoop (or two) of their delicious gelato, a delightful way to wind down. This was Eric’s favorite dessert stop in Vancouver. In fact, we actually made two visits in just three days. 🙂
Day 3: Coffee, Canopies, and Coastal Vistas
9 a.m. – Honey Lavender Latte at Caffè Mira
It’s day 3 in Vancouver! Before embarking on a day outdoors in North Vancouver, I decided to get caffeinated at Caffè Mira, where I ordered a soothing honey lavender latte. The cafe itself is intimate and adorable. Great spot to hunker down if you’re looking to unwind for a bit.
10 a.m. – Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Venture to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for a thrilling walk across the famous suspension bridge. Explore the treetop adventures and get an up-close look at the region’s lush rainforests. It’s pretty busy here, so I definitely recommend trying to visit either early in the day or just before close. And if you’re afraid of heights…skip it!
Our first visit to Vancouver was nothing short of magical. Whether it’s the culinary delights, the stunning landscapes, or the warm and welcoming people, Vancouver has a way of making you feel right at home. If you haven’t visited yet, put it on your list—you won’t be disappointed.
If you’ve been to Vancouver, comment your recommendations below! (I’m already thinking about a return trip…)
