There's something special about summer in Vancouver. Between mountains, ocean views, lush gardens and vibrant food markets, there's no shortage of ways to soak up the city's magic.
If you're visiting and short on time or you're a local looking for a thrilling new way to see the city, this guide will show you how to spend 12 hours exploring Vancouver from tip to tail, experiencing all the must-try moments the city has to offer.
On an action-packed day like this, swapping out your glasses every time you step inside or outside is a recipe for frustration (and losing your favourite shades). Enter Transitions Light Intelligent Lenses, which are stylish, UV-protective and light-responsive, adapting with you from dawn coffee to dusk markets — no juggling required.
Available in prescription and non-prescription, they block harmful rays and come in eight neat colours to match your style.
So lace up your walking shoes, slip on your glasses, and get ready for a dreamy day exploring Van City.
Morning brew and Stanley Park Seawall stroll
Start your day with your favourite morning bevvie at Greenhorn Cafe in the West End — a chill cafe nestled in the historic neighbourhood with incredible art and a patio. Grab a latte, then head straight for the Stanley Park Seawall.
The 28-kilometre path wraps around the whole of Stanley Park, but if you join it at Sunset Beach, you can follow it south toward Hornby Street and hop on an Aquabus toward some delicious eats.
Brunch goals at Granville Island Market
After a short jaunt across False Creek on the ferry, head to A La Mode for their legendary pot pie, or check out Sandbar, perched right under the Granville Bridge with gorgeous waterfront views and tasty smoked salmon latkes.
Your Transitions Lenses will effortlessly adapt to Granville Island's indoor/outdoor vibe as you navigate bright patios, shaded nooks and enjoy excellent people-watching.
Beachy bliss at Kitsilano
Kits Beach is a must-visit for locals and visitors alike. Nalidsa Sukprasert | Dreamstime
Time to kick off those shoes and dip your toes in the ocean at Kits Beach. If you're lucky, you might catch a volleyball game or a local pup living its best life at the nearby off-leash dog park.
Even in peak sun, your eyes stay protected thanks to your Transitions Lenses, with 100% UVA and UVB protection built right in — perfect when you're bouncing between full sun and shady trees along the water.
Treasure hunting in Mount Pleasant
Next stop: Mount Pleasant for a little vintage thrifting spree. Start at F as in Frank, then cross over to Mintage Mall and get lost in the maze of quirky, cool finds. Up the street, you'll find C'est La Vie Boutique and the Main Exchange, each offering unique, elevated threads.
The best part? You can try on outfits without ditching your glasses. The lenses automatically adjust to indoor lighting so that you won't miss a beat (or a mirror selfie).
Late lunch on Main Street
All that shopping builds up an appetite. Slide over to Anh and Chi, a family-run, modern Vietnamese spot on Main. The vermicelli bowls? Life-changing. The cocktail list? Even better.
So far, you've soaked up stunning waterside views, felt warm sand on your feet, and perhaps discovered a trendy treasure or two, but there's still more to discover on this whirlwind 12-hour Vancouver adventure.
Garden wandering at VanDusen
Walk off lunch with a serene stroll through VanDusen Botanical Garden, just a short trip from Main via the 25 bus. This sprawling oasis is full of dreamy photo ops — think maze gardens, floral explosions and zen ponds.
Here's where Transitions Lenses shine (literally). Whether you're snapping pics in dappled light or taking refuge in the shade, your eyes will stay comfy and protected, while your style stays on point.
Hop on the Canada Line SkyTrain to Richmond Night Market
VanDusen is super close to the Canada Line, which means you're just a breezy ride away from your grand finale: Richmond Night Market. Open from 7 p.m. until 12 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and until 11 p.m. on Sunday, the markets are a feast for all your senses.
Tuck into viral sensations like loaded ramen or mango sticky rice, take a spin on the zipline or try to win prizes on their 30 pinball machines. 2025 is Richmond Night Market's 25th anniversary, and they're offering all sorts of special deals to celebrate.
And just like that, you've immersed yourself in 12 hours of iconic Vancouver moments that you'll cherish forever — from the sparkling early morning light of Stanley Park to high noon in Mount Pleasant and the beautiful dusk in Richmond.
It's the kind of itinerary Transitions Light Intelligent Lenses were made for, saving you the frustration and inconvenience of carrying around extra pairs of glasses while keeping your eyes protected and looking fly.
They adjust to every light situation and protect against 100% UVA and UVB rays. Plus, they come in a wide range of colour options and styles, whether you need a prescription or not.
To try Transitions Lenses for yourself, visit their website, Facebook and Instagram pages. Discover more ways to explore your city, seamlessly, here.