With rugged mountains, a charming coastline, historic backgrounds and gleaming skylines, Vancouver packs a punch with its eclectic offerings. It’s not possible to cover everything the city has to offer in such a short span of time, but the below itinerary will give you a flavour of the city so that the next time you’re here, you can further explore what suits you best!
07:00AM | Fitness first at Canada Place
Start early and clock in your steps or rent a bike at the scenic Canada Place. Soak in the unbeatable views of North Shore Mountains and Port of Vancouver. Watch seaplanes take off and gigantic cruise ships dock here. Fitness lovers can try free sessions like waterfront yoga and Zumba (subject to weather conditions).
08:30AM | Breakfast of champions at Yolks
An exhilarating morning deserves a hearty breakfast. Yolks specialises in delicious varieties of Eggs Benedict with their signature hollandaise sauce. Chef and owner Steve Ewing insists their poached eggs are the best anywhere. Their Pemberton Valley Braised Beef Short Rib, made with English Stilton, is delicious.
10:30AM | A walk in the (Stanley) park
The lush Stanley Park is dotted by tall cedar and fir trees. Rent a bicycle to go around the scenic Seawall or take a horse-drawn carriage to witness pristine views of the city, mountains, and ocean. It also houses a tranquil lagoon and totem poles, among other attractions, for outdoor enthusiasts.
11:00AM | Marine marvels at Vancouver Aquarium
Nestled within Stanley Park is the Vancouver Aquarium with an impressive display of aquatic life. At this hub of marine conservation and rehabilitation, connect with over 65,000 incredible animals, including coloured fish, playful otters, cute sea turtles, and adorable dolphins. Do buy your tickets online to skip the long queues.
01:30PM | Midday munch at The Sandbar seafood restaurant
Located in the bustling Granville Market, it’s famous for fresh seafood, live music, and stunning waterfront views from the patio. Fancy some lobster or giant, meaty prawns grilled just right? There’s sushi, crab cakes, oysters, and wood-fired pizza too. Don’t leave without trying their classic clam chowder.
03:30PM | Adventure galore at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The park’s eponymous, and popular, suspension bridge stretches nearly 450ft across the Capilano river. Perched at an elevation of around 230ft, it presents mesmerising views of the lush rainforest right below. There’s a lot on offer for thrill-seekers, like exhilarating cliff walks and treetop adventures amid trees as tall as 110ft. Remember to pre-book way in advance for a hassle-free entry.
05:30PM | Down memory lane at Gastown neighbourhood
The famous Gastown Steam Clock is a popular Instagrammable spot in one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods. Explore historical sites and swing by trendy boutiques and eclectic galleries. Gastown has a vibrant nightlife with cosy pubs and chic bars, making it a beautiful confluence of past and present.
08:00PM | Dinner in Yaletown
Yaletown is home to some of the most stylish boutiques, busy bars, and chic restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. Can’t get enough of Indian food? Head to Tasty Indian Bistro, which is one of the best Indian restaurants in Vancouver, with each dish bursting with authentic flavours. How about some rich, creamy butter chicken scooped up with bits of tandoori garlic butter naan? There are great vegetarian options too.
Getting there: Air India flies non-stop to Vancouver from Delhi. Visit www.airindia.com to book your tickets.
Contributed by Vaishali Sabherwal
