10 day Vancouver Itinerary: Your Ultimate Guide With Kids
Welcome to Vancouver—where urban sophistication meets Pacific Northwest wilderness. Having visited for the first time this year, we wanted to share our 10 day Vancouver itinerary designed for curious travellers, families, and foodies ready to explore the best of British Columbia. From whale watching and mountain views to vibrant markets and local cuisine, here’s your unforgettable Vancouver adventure, day by day.
10 day Vancouver itinerary: Day 1
Manchester to Vancouver
As is often the case, the biggest expense when planning our 10 day Vancouver itinerary was flights and I strongly recommend booking these as early as possible. If you’re flexible on dates check out Google Flights or Skyscanner where you can search prices for the whole month and get the best deal. Make sure to frequently clear your cookies as these websites have a habit of hiking up the prices the more you search. With us travelling from Manchester we were limited on flights and eventually decided on Lufthansa via Frankfurt.
We took a 6.30am flight to Frankfurt and then a 10 hour flight to Vancouver but, with a time difference of 8 hours, arrived in Vancouver at 11.20am which make for a long day but also gives you that extra time to explore.
Top tip: Take the Canada Line Skytrain from the airport to avoid expensive taxi transfers and long waits in traffic jams. The Skytrain runs every 7 minutes, costs less than $5 and is a fast, scenic and sustainable way to familiarise yourself with Vancouver. If you’re picking up an RV rental the Skytrain will usually take you to most pick up points, and also make sure you get your international sim cards at the airport to avoid any extra roaming costs!
Fairmont Waterfront Hotel
Choosing a hotel can often feel overwhelming when you are unfamiliar with a new city but the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel stood out to us instantly. Located in downtown Vancouver, just steps away from Canada Place, Gastown, Stankley Park and the harbour front, the views are incredible. With floor to ceiling views of the inner harbour, a rooftop garden, heated swimming pool, jacuzzi and health suite, the hotel is consistently ranked among Vancouver’s top luxury hotels.
As a family of 5 we can struggle to find hotel rooms to accommodate us all and yet here we had a luxury suite consisting of two bedrooms, a living area and 3 bathrooms. Our room was spacious, spotless and waking up to the mountain views each day was so special.
Top tip: Ask about the Province-to-Plate menu at ARC Restaurant featuring ingredients from their rooftop garden!
Cactus Club Cafe, Coal Harbour
After a long day of travelling, if you’re looking for a great spot to eat then check out Cactus Club Cafe at Coal Harbour. With views of the Burrard Inlet and the North Shore Mountains, this Canadian chain blends global cuisine with West Coast flair in a stylish, relaxed setting. The service is attentive, warm and unpretentious and we were made to feel so welcome with the children whilst enjoying the most delicious menu. The tacos are a must try!
Vancouver Lookout
A great way to familiarise yourself with the city at the start of your 10 day Vancouver itinerary is to visit the Vancouver Lookout and take a glass elevator up 168 meters to enjoy a 360° view that includes Stanley Park, historic Gastown, the Northshore mountains and the vibrant downtown core.
In 1977, the Harbour Centre complex, including the office tower and Vancouver Lookout, was built over and around the original 1928 Spencer Building. Equivalent to 40 stories, the building was designed by WZMH Architects, the same firm that created the CN Tower in Toronto. It is constructed in the Brutalist/Modernist style that was popular in Vancouver at the time.
American astronaut Neil Armstrong opened the lookout in 1977, at which time it was the tallest building in Vancouver. Now it is the 8th tallest at 168 meters (553 feet). The Lookout at Harbour Centre is equipped with LED color changing lights that have a total output of 2,390 watts that are regularly lit up for holidays, and to support community events and charitable causes.
10 day Vancouver itinerary: Day 2
Granville Island
We walked 40 minutes from Fairmont Waterfront to Granville Island although you can take the number 50 bus from Waterfront Station Bay 2 direct to Granville. As a family we try to walk as much as possible on our travels to fully immerse ourselves into a city. Vancouver is such a walkable city and there is so much to see as you explore on foot.
Granville Island is known as Vancouver’s premier artistic and cultural hub, located in an urban, waterfront location and attracting millions of visitors each year. The famous Public Market, open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, is home to more than 50 independent food sellers and contributes to the Island’s appeal as a renowned culinary destination. In the Net Loft Shops and in the Artisan District, many of Canada’s best artists and designers can be found. Granville Island is home to many cultural venues and hosts numerous performing arts and cultural festivals year-round. There is also a great Kids Market which our three loved!
Top tip: Be sure to check out Lee’s donuts – serving delicious, handmade, quality, classic donuts from scratch since 1979. They are DELICIOUS!
Lunch at The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
When you’re visiting a city such as Vancouver it’s only right to try their West Coast seafood offerings and The Sandbar serves up the freshest Seafood around. Located in a water front location on Granville, you’ll find a in a warm, sophisticated atmosphere with offerings such as their fresh oyster bar, wood burning grill and in house Hoshi Sushi bar.
As well as an extensive fish menu, they also have a delicious kids menu with dishes such as burgers, chicken strips and mac and cheese. We visited on Megan’s 12th birthday and after tipping off the waiter she was treated to a chocolate truffle dessert with birthday candle. It’s such a family friendly restaurant and one we would highly recommend – the sablefish was incredible!
Whale Watching with Prince of Whales
One of our priorities for our 10 day Vancouver itinerary was the hope of seeing the Orcas in the wild and so the Whale Watching tour with Prince of Whales was a real highlight. Departing from Granville Island, we boarded a Prince of Whales Salish Sea class catamaran (95-person capacity), for a 3-5 hour fully guided whale watching adventure and marine wildlife viewing tour. The great thing about Prince of Whales is their Whale Sightings Guarantee, so if you don’t see any whales you are welcome to join another tour for free. Because of this, I would advise you book your tour in at the start of your trip in the unlikely event you don’t see any whales, giving you plenty of time to join another tour later in your stay.
The day itself was incredible, seeing not just one but 8 Orcas, 2 humpback whales, countless sea lions and bald eagles. There are no words to describe seeing whales in the wild against the most magnificent backdrops, it was a real bucket list moment for our family and a memory we will always remember.
Top tip: It gets really cold on the boats so bring layers, windbreaker jackets and closed-toe shoes. Don’t forget your binoculars and cameras, you’re going to want to capture these moments!
10 day Vancouver itinerary: Day 3
Vancouver Public Library
The Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch is known for its unique design that resembles the Roman Colosseum and as such, is so worth adding into your 10 day Vancouver itinerary. The building’s exterior features a large, elliptical structure with arches, reminiscent of the ancient amphitheater. The library’s interior also incorporates elements inspired by the Colosseum, such as a large, light-filled atrium and public spaces that encourage interaction. There’s also a roof top garden with views out across the city and as this is free to enter, it’s a great way to take in aerial views of the city without incurring any costs.
Gastown Steam Clock
Be sure to visit the Gastown Steam Clock, located on the corner of Water Street and Cambie Street, and one of only six functioning ‘steam clocks’ in the world. The Gastown Steam Clock was the 1977 invention of horologist and steam clock pioneer Raymond Saunders. It plays the Westminster chime every 15 minutes and lets off a short puff of steam in a whistle sequence and every hour delivers a full burst, a dramatic whistle and steam release from all five whistles. If you’re visiting Vancouver you can’t miss it!
Family Bike Tour of Stanley Park with Cycle City
The new family bike tour from Cycle City is a great way to experience the magic of Stanley Park with the whole family. It combines trail riding with seawall cruising, is perfect for all ages and includes fun stops such as playground breaks, ice creams at the Totem Poles, iconic landmarks such as Girl in a Wetsuit and Beaver Lake. Plus you get an expert guide to share Indigenous and local history along the way
We absolutely loved the tour and it’s a great way to get your bearings for future bike rides during your stay without a guide. Vancouver is perfect for cyclists with cycle lanes throughout and excellent routes to explore. It’s a real must for your Vancouver bucket list!
Top tip: Return customers to Cycle City receive a discount on future bookings so make sure to ask your guide for your voucher to use later in your stay!
Pizza-Making Party at Rocky Mountain Flatbread
If you’re looking for something a little different check out Rocky Mountain Flatbread for a pizza-making party! Rocky Mountain Flatbread is an award winning pizza and restaurant with locations in Vancouver & Canmore using local and organic produce and supporting over 50 local farmers & suppliers since 2004! They are also proud to be a 100% nut-free restaurant that offers gluten-friendly, vegan, and vegetarian options.
Their pizza-making parties are perfect for families, guiding young chefs in creating their own hand crafted pizzas (rolling out their organic dough & adding their favourite toppings). It was a great experience, the food was delicious and we loved the family-run service and welcoming feel.
10 day Vancouver itinerary: Day 4
Brunch at Honey Salt
Weekend brunch is a big deal in Vancouver and we were keen to check it out. Honey Salt is a true neighbourhood restaurant that combines classic comfort with a relaxed sophistication, Honey Salt delivers a contemporary experience complemented by the warmth and style of its dedicated owners. Serving chef-driven, farm to table cuisine with an emphasis on locally and regionally sourced ingredients that highlight the bounty of British Columbia in an approachable and comfortable setting.
The biggest decision is choosing just one dish from such an incredible menu, for both adults and the kids menu too. The food was delicious, the service was faultless and the atmosphere was perfect for a wholesome family brunch to kick start the day together.
Top tip: Order the Monkey bread, you will not regret it!
Beach day at Stanley Park
We spent a chilled afternoon in Stanley Park exploring the beaches here. There are 3 main beaches to choose from and in the warm weather it’s the perfect way to spend a day –
1. Second Beach
Location: Southwest side of Stanley Park, near the Stanley Park Pitch & Putt and Ceperley Playground.
Best For: Families, swimming, picnics, and relaxing.
Features: Shallow water for swimming, heated outdoor pool, picnic tables, washrooms, sunset views.
2. Third Beach
Location: Western edge of Stanley Park, tucked in a more secluded cove along the Seawall.
Best For: Quiet sunbathing, swimming, and sunset watching.
Features: A favourite among locals for its peaceful vibe, natural forest backdrop, lifeguards in summer, sunset views.
3. English Bay Beach (First Beach)
Location: Just south of the park entrance, along Beach Avenue.
Best For: Lively beach experience with restaurants, volleyball, and people-watching.
Features: Restaurants, cafes, and Cactus Club nearby, Volleyball courts, kayak rentals, washrooms and concession stands, lifeguards in summer, sunset views
Top tip: Walk the sea walls to discover a different beach around each bend as well as lots of hidden hot spots to explore.
10 day Vancouver itinerary: Day 5
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
We took the free shuttle from Canada Place to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park which takes around 20 minutes and leads you direct to the entrance. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is Vancouvers oldest attraction and is suspended 70 metres above and 137 metres across the Capilano River. Located in the temperate rainforest on Vancouver’s North Shore, the park features not only the bridge but Treetops Adventure – a series of seven mini suspension bridges suspended high in the treetops, and the newest addition, Cliffwalk – a cliff-side journey through rainforest vegetation above the Capilano River. Visitors can enjoy a guided eco walk and/or history tour. shopping, dining, and seasonal entertainment and honestly, it was one of our favourite days being fully immersed in nature a world away from city life.
Grouse Mountain
We took an Uber from Capilano to Grouse Mountain (5 minute drive) where the day begins with the iconic Skyride ride up the mountain – Vancouver’s most visited year round attraction and an absolute must for your 10 day Vancouver itinerary. At the top you’ll find a wide variety of thrilling outdoor adventures, cultural activities and educational experiences available all year-round. In summer, choose from an incredible variety of activities including the World Famous Lumberjack Show, Birds in Motion demonstration, visits with their resident Grizzly bears, dining, shopping, Mountain Ropes Adventure and more. In winter, enjoy world class skiing and snowboarding, the stunning light installations on the Light Walk, the slopes at the Sliding Zone, outdoor skating pond, snowshoeing and more.
Grizzly Bears
Meet Grinder And Coola, two bears orphaned as cubs who were rescued separately and brought to live here at Grouse in a 5-acre habitat featuring forested areas, open grass, logs, boulders, and multiple ponds. Each day you can attend the Grizzly Bears talk where you can find out more about them as well as see observe them feeding and interacting with each other.
Lunch at Altitudes Bistro
If you’re wanting lunch with a view look no further than Altitudes Bistro. With panoramic views out across the mountains and Vancouver it’s the most beautiful spot to warm up, spend time together and enjoy a range of incredible dishes. The pulled beef poutine was the best we tried during our entire stay!
Mountain Ropes Adventure
Take part in a series of four aerial ropes courses with 56 elements – bridges, nets, ladders, tunnels, platforms, zip-lines—ranging from beginner to expert. Suspended 10 metres above the ground with the longest zipline at 38 metres, it’s perfect for dare devil kids like ours and grown ups too. The instructors were thorough, supportive and great with the kids and it was such a memorable experience being suspended above the snowy peaks.
Peak Chair Lift
Take the Peak Chair Lift to climb 142 metres in elevation to the summit taking in expansive 360° views of Vancouver, the Pacific Ocean, Gulf Islands, and the surrounding mountains. Each chair lift carries four passengers and it takes around 14 minutes to reach the top and is so worth it for the views.
Top tip: Bring all the layers. It gets REALLY cold at the top!
10 day Vancouver itinerary: Day 6
Stanley Park bike hire
We used our Cycle City tours voucher to get discounted bike hire for half a day (5 hours) to explore Stanley Park as a family. It’s really easy to access the sea walls and with a one-way system you can literally follow it the whole way around stopping at your leisure. If you veer off into the centre of the park you can enjoy countless trails and off-road cycling which was a great way to seek some shade in the warm weather. We stopped off at various playgrounds and concession stands for fresh lemonades and really enjoyed a chilled out day together. Making sure we added time to relax into our 10 day Vancouver itinerary was really important and although we were very active throughout, cycling through the park at our own pace was a great way to slow things down.
Awaken Canada Flyover
Located at Canada Place, just a stones throw from Fairmont Waterfront hotel, we booked in for Flyover where they ignite your senses and transport you through breathtaking landscapes, captivating stories, and rich cultures. You can fully immerse yourself in the power of unique perspectives, the sensations of flight, and complete sensory engagement as you soar over, around, and through the world’s most epic places.
Picture yourself with your feet dangling before a massive spherical screen, being transported over iconic locations and natural wonders. The combination of sights, scents, sounds, and precisely programmed motion captures the unmistakable feeling of flight, leaving you with an unforgettable sense of wonder and awe. As you can imagine, it was a huge hit with the kids too and we would definitely recommend fitting it into your 10 day Vancouver itinerary.
Take in a baseball at Nat Bailey Stadium
Whenever we visit somewhere new we like to take in a local sports game be that football, boxing or in this case, baseball. We bought our tickets just a day in advance via the Vancouver Canadians website and at less than £8 a ticket it was a relatively inexpensive experience for us all to enjoy. As newcomers to the game it was still enjoyable to watch and the kids loved trying all of the snacks from the various food stands including the iconic 3 foot long hot dogs!
Top tip: Take sunglasses! We found ourselves positioned directly facing the sun and with only one pair of sunglasses between us, it was a long game of pass the parcel until the sun finally went down!
10 day Vancouver itinerary: Day 7
A day in Whistler
We took the YVR Skylynx to Whistler which you can get on at the entrance to Hyatt Regency on Melville Street and it takes just under 2 hours to reach Whistler Gateway Loop via the famous Sea-to-Sky highway. The journey itself is one of the most beautiful in the world passing through coastal views, waterfalls, forests and glaciers and I would advise sitting on the left hand side of the coach for the view best views.
Whistler Mountain Sightseeing
On arrival in Whistler we took the gondola to the top of Whistler Mountain where you can enjoy a range of alpine activities all year round, enjoy wonderful views of Whistler Village, mountain peaks, lakes, glaciers and forests and the potential to spot a hoary marmot whose whistling sound Whistler Mountain is named after. We were lucky enough to spot several!
PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola: Weekends only until June 13th
Snow Walls Take an easy 60–90 min round trip hike from Roundhouse Lodge
Dining: Roundhouse Lodge Cappuccino Bar, Umbrella Bar.
Top tip: Whistler Blackcomb is cashless so be sure to take bank cards.
Explore Whistler Village
There is so much to do in Whistler Village that it would be impossible to see and do it all in one day. Ideally you would be wanting to book a much longer stay in Whistler itself but for those on a tight time schedule it’s still worth visiting just for the day as part of your 10 day Vancouver itinerary.
Whistler Village highlights include:
200+ shops, art galleries, live music
Cultural Connector Pathway linking major sites
Audain Art Museum
Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre
Lost Lake PassivHaus
Maury Young Arts Centre
Whistler Public Library
Whistler Museum
Enjoy Lunch at Table Nineteen, Nicklaus North Golf Course
Take a cab to Nicklaus North Golf Course where you can grab some lunch at Table Nineteen in a scenic lakeside location. With main and share plates, ethically and locally sourced ingredients as well as clever house-made twists, it’s a great place to sample local craft ales and thought-provoking cocktails in a sophisticated but family-friendly setting.
Harbour Air Spectacular Glacier Floatplane Tour
There is no better way to take in Whistler than by air and Harbour Air offer float plane tours to do exactly that. During a 30 minute flight the pilot took us beyond the valley to explore the mountains we had just stepped foot on, breathtaking views of Garibaldi Lake, glaciers and alpine meadows and it was hands down one of the best experiences we have ever shared as a family.
As someone who is terrified of flying I am beyond grateful that I pushed aside my fears because the look on the children’s faces as we soared above the snowy mountains was just priceless. It was one of those moments where it’s so beautiful you almost have to pinch yourself it is real and as we landed down on the lake I knew it was an experience we will be talking about for the rest of our lives.
Top tip: Don’t forget to visit Olympic Park and take a photo in front of the Olympic rings! Whistler is so proud of their association the Olympics and it’s such an iconic spot.
10 day Vancouver itinerary: Day 8
Science World
Science World is a charitable non-profit and science centre based in Vancouver which can easily be recognised by the iconic geodesic dome at False Creek. Inside you’ll find interactive, hands-on exhibits and galleries as well as live shows, experiments and audience participation. It’s a great place to spend a rainy day or in the Summer heat as a place to cool down and our children absolutely loved it. We especially loved the hands on approach and the children particularly loved the gift shop at the end selling a whole range of products from Science World memorabilia to LEGO sets.
False Creek
We spent the rest of the day walking the False Creek loop which is a 5K route that begins at Sunset Bech/Burrard Street, runs past the Plaza of Nations, Science World, the Olympic Village ad continues through Granville Island. It’s a beautiful area to walk, jog or cycle and you can take the False Creek ferry over to Granville Island to end your day. We loved spending time at Granville Island in the early evenings sampling all of the different food stalls before heading back to the hotel for evenings in the pool.
Top tip: If you’re planning on using the False Creek Ferries throughout your stay, buy a weekly pass at the start of your trip for unlimited journeys.
10 day Vancouver itinerary: Day 9
Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tour
We spent the morning enjoying a Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tour in an old-fashioned horse-drawn vehicle like a throw-back in time. The tour lasts around an hour and takes you through the park highlighting Deadman’s Island, Vancouver’s Harbour, Lions Gate Bridge, a Coastal Red Cedar Forest, and includes stops at the Totem Poles, the Girl in a Wet Suit Statue, the S.S. Empress of Japan Figurehead, and the Rose Garden. Our guide was really interesting, sharing lots about modern day life and history, and it was lovely to enjoy a slower pace of life to take in the views.
Top tip: Sit to the right of the cart for the best views out across the harbour.
Vancouver Aquarium
Discover Canada’s largest Aquarium in the heart of Stanley Park boasting over 65,000 animals including the famous sea otters and sea lions and over 120 world-class indoor and outdoor exhibits. You’ll find a 4D Theatre Experience, a hands on Wet-Lab, interactive animal enrichment programmes and various talks and feeding times throughout the day. We have visited a lot of aquariums over the years with the kids but Vancouver Aquarium is up there as one of our favourites.
VIP Sea Otter Experience
If you’re wanting to do something extra special during your visit you can book a VIP Sea Otter Experience where you can get up close and personal with the famous sea otters. With it being Harry and Megan’s birthdays during our stay this was such a lovely way to celebrate and gave us time to observe the otters just a few feet away, hand feed them (through a safety panel) and learn more about them away from the crowds. It was an amazing add-on to the day and one I would recommend for a really memorable experience.
Downtown Vancouver
We took the rest of the day to explore Downtown Vancouver including Robson Street where you’ll find all of the big fashion stores, restaurants, cafes and dessert shops as well as street performers and live music. It’s definitely an area to explore and grab some food, the Korean corn dogs were a personal favourite for our kids!
Top Tip: Be sure to check out Breka Bakery & Cafe on Denman Street, you will not be disappointed!
Relax at the pool
The pool at Fairmont Waterfront Hotel is open every evening until 10pm which meant that after a long day exploring, we could end our days with a swim. Alongside the pool there’s an indoor jacuzzi with views out across the city landscape and in the evening the way the sun hits the buildings is just beautiful. As much as we packed so much into our 10 day Vancouver itinerary, having that time to chill out each day is so needed!
10 day Vancouver itinerary: Day 10
Bottomless Brunch at ARC Restaurant
We started our day at ARC Restaurant situated at Fairmont Waterfront Hotel where they offer a weekend unlimited brunch consisting of small plates from chocolate pancakes to lobster mac and cheese. It was hands down the best brunch we have ever experienced, the food was incredible and the service was second to none. Alongside the food you get unlimited tea, coffee and juices or you can add on brunch cocktails and alcoholic drinks to really add to the celebration! It was the perfect way to end our stay at Fairmont Waterfront hotel and one of those meals we will be thinking about for a long time to come!
Top tip: Order the pulled pork eggs benedict – by that the best breakfast dish I’ve ever tasted. I had three!
Canada Place
Check out from Fairmont Waterfront is 12pm so it’s a great opportunity to leave your cases with concierge and head across the road to Canada Place. Canada Place is one of Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks and features a striking roof of five Teflon‑coated fiberglass “sails” that resemble a ship docked in Burrard Inlet. Here you will find Flyover, the cruise ship terminal, the World Trade Centre and, to the left, countless places to eat, drink, sit back and watch the world go by. It’s a great spot to watch the seaplanes taking off and landing and also admire the mountain views with a gelato. Gelato is a big deal here in Vancouver!
Vancouver to Manchester
And just like that it was time to jump on the Skytrain back to Vancouver, take the long flight back home to Frankfurt and connect back to Manchester. Again we flew Economy with Lufthansa with no real complaints – the inflight entertainment was great, a hot meal and snacks, a decent amount of leg room and other than a delay in Frankfurt, it all ran smoothly. The jet-lag on the other hand was a killer!!
Our overall impression of Vancouver?
Our time in Vancouver was nothing short of magical. This beautiful city completely swept us off our feet with its perfect balance of buzzing urban life and breathtaking natural beauty. From the towering mountains to the sparkling waterfront, every view was picture perfect and exceeded our expectations tenfold. We were blown away by the incredible food scene, the endless family-friendly attractions, and the genuinely kind, welcoming people we met along the way. The weather was perfect during our stay—sunny, fresh, the odd shower of rain, but ideal for exploring. We made memories here that we’ll treasure forever, and we left a little piece of our hearts behind. Vancouver, you’ll always have a special place in our story. Until next time….
You can watch some of our highlights of our stay right here and as always, feel free to ask any questions about our itinerary and I’m happy to help!
