24 hours in Vancouver

THINGS TO DO, VANCOUVER Updated : Mar 27, 2017, 03.19 PM IST

Mariellen Ward

Mariellen Ward is a professional travel writer based in Toronto and Delhi, torn between the natural beauty of Canada and the chaos and colour of India. She writes for many online and offline publications and publishes the award-winning travel blog Breathedreamgo, inspired by her extensive travels in India, Canada and beyond.

Credit: ThinkStock Photos

Vancouver's setting on the west coast of Canada, flanked by mountains on one side, and an ocean strait on the other, offers visitors an astonishing range of outdoor and cultural activities. Within the city's borders you can find ocean beaches, a temperate rainforest and one of the world's largest urban parks. There's an unending variety of things to do in Vancouver, especially if you love the great outdoors. At a moment's notice you can be walking a forest trail, swimming from an ocean beach, sailing or sea kayaking, camping or cycling―just to name a few options.
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HOTELS, VANCOUVER

Fairmont Pacific Rim

Part of the iconic Fairmont chain, Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel is one of the top rated hotels in Vancouver, you can't beat it for luxury, comfort, location, service and stunning views of Vancouver Harbour and Stanley Park...more

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THINGS TO DO, VANCOUVER

Coal Harbour

Take a short walk from Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel to Canada Place―you can't miss it because of the distinctive white ‘sails’ that top the building―and stroll the Coal Harbour waterfront. Stop at De Dutch for a delicious ...more

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THINGS TO DO, VANCOUVER

Seaplane tour

Your next stop is just a short walk along the waterfront to the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre. Take an aerial tour of the Vancouver region with Harbour Air Seaplanes, and see the ocean, mountains, bridges and skyline f...more

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THINGS TO DO, VANCOUVER

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

After your seaplane tour, walk back to Canada Place, where you can catch a free shuttle bus to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, a verdant temperate rain forest only a short distance from downtown Vancouver. Beautifully m...more

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THINGS TO DO, VANCOUVER

Stanley Park 

As you return to Vancouver from Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, get off the free shuttle bus near West Vancouver. Eat lunch on Denman, a leafy street lined with cafes, restaurants and bistros. Then, rent a bicycle and t...more

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SIGHTSEEING, VANCOUVER

English Bay sunset

After returning your rental bike, walk along English Bay and Sunset Beach Park. This is THE best place to watch sunsets in Vancouver. Here, you are almost guaranteed to see the sky light up in glorious hues of gold, rose...more

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SIGHTSEEING, VANCOUVER

Granville Island

Cross the bridge or, better yet, take a ferry from English Bay to Granville Island. It's a lively and popular hot spot, packed with cafes, restaurants, shops, boutiques and a great place to have a pre-dinner drink. There...more

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RESTAURANTS, VANCOUVER

Vij's

After a romantic rooftop patio drink, continue along Granville Street a short distance until you get to Vij's. Chef Vikram Vij's eponymous restaurant is often called the best restaurant in Canada. Serving gourmet, Indian...more

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RESTAURANTS, VANCOUVER

Cloud 9

After one of the most memorable dinners you will ever eat, head back to downtown Vancouver and have a nightcap at Cloud 9 Revolving Lounge at Landmark Empire Hotel. This lounge, on the 42nd floor, has the best views of V...more

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THINGS TO DO, VANCOUVER

Gastown

The following morning, walk about one kilometre from Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel to Gastown for breakfast. Gastown is the city's oldest neighbourhood and a cultural and historic centre. Today, the neighbourhood is conside...more

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