How to Spend a Day in Downtown Vancouver

Stay fueled for the day with brunch 

No matter where you’re staying in Vancouver, there is no shortage of delicious breakfast, brunch, pastry, and coffee options. If you’re staying at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, check out Notch8 Restaurant and Bar, located on the ground level of the hotel. Another nearby option is Glowbal, offering tableside omelets, Caesars, and all the classic brunch items.  

Cafe Medina shows off some of the city’s best Belgian waffles (with dipping sauces) and is located just a short walk from Granville Street, nestled between plenty of shopping, accommodations, and dining destinations. If you find yourself in Gastown, check out brunch, high tea, and coffee at the Palate Kitchen or Water St. Cafe. 

Shop along Robson Street 

For a quintessential Vancouver shopping experience, a stroll down Robson Street is a must. This bustling thoroughfare is a vibrant hub of fashion, featuring everything from high-end boutiques and flagship stores to charming independent shops. 

Explore the North Shore  

North Vancouver is just a quick 12-minute Seabus ride from downtown Vancouver. This passenger ferry runs regularly seven days a week and connects Burrard Inlet to the Lonsdale Quay, making it easy to hop over to explore the shops, breweries, and markets on the North shore. 

Explore the 60+ locally-owned and operated shops in the Lonsdale Quay Market, offering a range of sweet treats, artisan wines, delicious meals, and more. Then, enjoy some oceanside seafood and cocktails at PIER 7 Restaurant + Bar or take a seat on the patio at Tap and Barrel.  

The Lower Lonsdale neighborhood is home to a thriving brewery row - take a leisurely walk up 1st St or Esplanade and find your new favourite craft beer, or bring a pack back with you to enjoy at home. The trendy House of Funk, Mexican-inspired La Cerveceria Astilleros, or airy Shaketown are great places to start. 

Check out local art and culture 

Brush up on your local history, art and culture at one of Vancouver’s many museums or galleries. On a hot day, this is also a welcome break from the sun. Art aficionados can check out contemporary exhibitions at the Vancouver Art Gallery, located in the heart of downtown at Robson Square. There is also the nearby and newly-opened Chinese Canadian Museum, honoring the history and heritage of Chinese Canadians in British Columbia.  

Sports - especially hockey - fans can check out the BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum at BC Place for interactive exhibits featuring BC’s most celebrated athletes, teams, and national heroes. Or, visit the Bill Reid Gallery and explore the diverse Indigenous cultures of the Pacific coast.  

Walk or bike the Seawall 

When visiting Vancouver, one of the must-do activities is walking or biking along the seawall. This iconic pathway stretches around Stanley Park, offering breathtaking vistas of the city skyline, mountains, and the sparkling waters of Burrard Inlet. Soak in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest while enjoying a leisurely stroll or invigorating bike ride. 

 Don't forget your camera – the sights along the seawall are picture-perfect at any time of day. 

Experience local flavours at Vancouver’s best restaurants 

From local West Coast dishes to diverse global cuisines, Vancouver boasts one of the best culinary scenes in the world. Fresh seafood, oysters, and sushi are available around every corner, Michelin-starred restaurants are a dime a dozen, and world-class wines and inventive cocktails are offered up across the city.  

If you’re staying at the Westin Bayshore in Coal Harbour, Cardero’s Restaurant is just a short walk away and features spectacular ocean views with an upscale menu of freshly-grilled fish and locally-sourced seafood. Chef David Hawksworth’s famous spot Nightingale is a quick walk from Waterfront Station, or enjoy a timeless steak dinner at Hy’s Steakhouse. 

See the famous Gastown steam clock 

No visit to Vancouver is complete without a stop at the iconic Gastown Steam Clock. This charming landmark not only tells time, but spins a tale of history and engineering. Built in 1977, the steam-powered clock is one of the world's few remaining, emitting steam-powered chimes every quarter-hour.

Nestled in Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, Gastown, the clock adds a touch of Victorian-era charm to the bustling streets. Make sure to snap a photo and perhaps catch one of its melodious performances during your visit to this historic part of the city. Visit the aptly-named Steamworks across the street for a post-picture brew.