A local's guide to exploring Vancouver if you only have 24 hours in the city
Mountains, Markets, Martinis.
Things to do in Vancouver only one day.
So, you've just landed in Vancouver with one day to soak it all in. Maybe you're passing through on your way to the Island, or maybe you're just curious as to why everyone's so obsessed with this city and don't have much time — whatever it is, you need to know what the best things to do in Vancouver are.
Despite the city's array of shortcomings (cost of living, brutal rent prices, rain, rain, and more rain) has a lot to offer once you peel back the complaints. The truth? Few places in the world let you dip your toes in the Pacific Ocean, wander a gorgeous public food market, cycle through an old-growth forest, and shop vintage designer — all before dinner.
For any lucky travellers passing through, I've whipped up a local-approved itinerary that'll show you Vancouver's greatest hits in just 24 hours. Squeeze on your Lululemon, grab your film camera, and get ready to fall in love with the city I am so lucky to call home.
Fuel up in Kitsilano
If there's one thing I take seriously, it's coffee. Luckily, the neighbourhood of Kitsilano takes it seriously too. For a mellow start to your one-day adventure, Kits is the perfect place to fuel up and take in the view.
Head to 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters or the iconic Arbutus Coffee (a true neighbourhood institution—support local!), grab a latte, and take it to-go for a stroll along Kits Beach. On a clear day, you’ll catch snow-capped mountains towering over the ocean. On a gloomy day, you'll catch clouds hovering low over the water that'll make you feel like you're in a scene from Twilight. Regardless, it's a win-win.
Kits has a laid-back, quintessential West Coast vibe with yoga studios, brunch spots, and locals walking their dogs along the shoreline. If you have time, I recommend sitting on a beach log and soaking it all in. It's the kind of start that immediately shows you why Vancouverites endure endless rain for moments like this.
Kits has that quintessential West Coast energy, with yoga studios, brunch spots, and locals walking their dogs along the shoreline. If you have time, I recommend parking yourself on a beach log and soaking it all in.
Snack your way through Granville Island
From Kits, it's just a short drive, walk, or — if you're feeling wild — kayak across False Creek to reach Granville Island. Once an industrial hub for loud things like mining, construction, and shipping, it's now a far more user-friendly cultural district packed with food vendors, art studios, and boutique shops.
The Public Market is the main attraction—an indoor maze of colourful stalls selling everything from fresh seafood and artisan cheeses to handmade chocolates and gourmet donuts. My recommendation? Grab a little bit of everything and make yourself a DIY picnic. (And yes, there's a reason there's a ridiculous line-up outside Lee's Donuts. And yes, the fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth rings of happiness are a Vancouver staple that are worth waiting for).
After you've filled up, wander the surrounding shops and galleries, or head outside to the seawall. You'll catch more gorgeous views of the downtown skyline and mountains across the water — another perfect photo-op before your next adventure.
Bike the seawall like a local
No trip to Vancouver is complete without a spin around Stanley Park, and if you only have one day, this is where you'll get the best mix of nature and city. Rent a bike from one of the shops near Coal Harbour or Denman Street, and cruise along the Seawall, (the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path).
The full loop around Stanley Park is about 9 kilometres, but it's flat and easy, so you'll have plenty of energy to stop and take in the sights. Highlights include the totem poles at Brockton Point, Siwash Rock, and the stretch of path that looks out toward the North Shore Mountains. On a sunny afternoon, you'll most likely see a seal pop its head above the waves. My friend claims to have once seen an orca here as well, but I wouldn't hold my breath for that.
If you're feeling ambitious, extend your ride east toward English Bay and False Creek. It's one of the most scenic bike routes ever, and gives you that quintessential Vancouver experience of being surrounded by water, forest, and (small) skyscrapers all at once.
Shop and stroll Main Street
After returning your bike, head east to Main Street. Despite the city's generally awful fashion sense, this is one of our trendier neighbourhoods. This area has a cool vibe with vintage shops, independent boutiques, record stores, and tons of cafés. It's the perfect place to wander without much of an agenda.
Check out shops like Front & Company (a mix of new and consignment fashion), Neptoon Records for vinyl lovers, or The Soap Dispensary for a sustainable refill stop that doubles as a quirky local find.
If you're in need of more caffeine before dinner (I definitely would be), Matchstick Coffee or Foglifter Coffee Roasters will keep you going.
Dinner and cocktails in Gastown
As the sun starts to set, make your way to Gastown, Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood and still generally one of its most charming. With cobblestone streets, twinkling lights, and heritage brick buildings, it's the perfect backdrop for your final stop of the day.
Gastown is packed with some of the city's best restaurants. For dinner, you can't go wrong with L'Abattoir (French-inspired cuisine), Ask for Luigi (authentic Italian comfort food) or Is That French (elevated tapas in Gastown's historic Blood Alley). If you’re craving something more casual, grab some Greek goodness at Skewers.
After dinner, stick around for drinks. Gastown's bar scene is surprisingly charming if you know where to look. Grab a glass of natural wine at Bar Tartare, enjoy a craft cocktail at Clough Club, or catch some live performances at Guilt & Co. for a proper music lounge.
And last but not least, did you even visit Vancouver if you don't post a photo of yourself in front of the Gastown Steam Clock?! Though I've never seen a local do it, it seems to be a tourist rite of passage.
By the end of this whirlwind day, you'll have hit Vancouver's beaches, bites, mountains, and nightlife — all in 24 hours. Of course, the city has way more to offer than what fits into one day (hello, North Shore hikes, craft breweries, Whistler, Richmond night markets, etc...), but I guess that just means you'll have to come back.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.
The views expressed in this Opinion article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Narcity Media.