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Twin brothers, born and raised in Vancouver, with a passion for travel and a passion for our city.
With this free Vancouver travel guide we wanna offer one stop shopping for your Vancouver trip planning – if something’s missing, just drop us a line.
Anyway, let’s start planning your visit… I have a feeling we’re going to get to know each other along the way!
Your 2026 Vancouver Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Vancouver? You’re in the right place.
Vancouver Planner is a Vancouver travel guide for first time visitors or returning veterans — created by locals who live, work, and explore this city every day.
Whether you’re looking for expert Vancouver travel tips, custom itineraries, or just a few Vancouver trip ideas to get started, we’ve got you covered.
We make travel to Vancouver smarter, not harder.
Vancouver Travel Blog Trip Ideas
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How to Get a Ferry from Vancouver to Victoria: Prices + 2026 Schedules
The ferry from Vancouver to Victoria is one of the easiest ways to get across to BC’s capital city. Whether you’re taking your own car or boarding the ferry via a bus from downtown Vancouver, it’s also the most common method. That said, you’ve gotta know how to do the Vancouver to Victoria ferry properly, […]
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3 Days in Vancouver: Plan the Perfect 3 Day Itinerary
A 3 day Vancouver itinerary can really capture the essence of the city, but you’ve gotta come prepared. That’s where I come in – ready to guide you through planning your three days in Vancouver. I’ll not only suggest what to do in Vancouver in three days but also share my local insights on how […]
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Best Vancouver Whale Watching Tours: Expert Reviews & Tips
Getting in on the best Vancouver whale watching tours is the easiest way to make our city unforgettable. Where else can you see an orca jump clear out of the water and clap down on the mighty Pacific like a gunshot ringing out in the distance? Let’s break down whale watching in Vancouver and find […]
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Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Visit Guide (2026)
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers a unique blend of adventure and natural beauty. In fact, I’m not completely sure, but this might be the world’s only nature theme park. But is it too shaky for the common visitor? Let’s look at what to see at Capilano Suspension Bridge – and decide if you’re going to […]
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10 Things to Do at Grouse Mountain: Top Activities (2026)
As Vancouver’s premier tourist destination, there’s no shortage of things to do at Grouse Mountain. Situated just 20 minutes away from downtown in North Vancouver, this distinguished alpine playground provides a plethora of outdoor adventures, breathtaking vistas, and exquisite dining experiences. The city may momentarily slip from your mind as you immerse yourself in the […]
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13 Things to Do at Granville Island Vancouver
Granville Island is Vancouver’s vibrant playground where creativity, culture, and cuisine collide. Nestled under the Granville Street Bridge, this urban oasis is a bustling hub of artisanal markets, quirky boutiques, and mouthwatering eateries. Whether you’re here for a leisurely stroll, a shopping spree, or a gourmet adventure, Granville Island promises a unique experience that captures […]
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Vancouver Airport to Tsawwassen: How Far Is It + Visit Tips ⛴️
If you’re standing in YVR arrivals with luggage in hand and a ferry ticket to Vancouver Island, you’re probably wondering: how far is Tsawwassen from Vancouver Airport? It’s a good question – and one that often stumps people. The two aren’t exactly close, and the route isn’t as intuitive as you might expect. Let me […]
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Tsawwassen to Victoria & Swartz Bay Ferry Time Broken Down
If you’re heading from Vancouver to Vancouver Island, it’s normal to ask: How long is the ferry from Tsawwassen to Victoria? Then maybe you see the words Swartz Bay and wonder: Is that the same thing? And how long is that trip? These are common questions. You’re not alone in being confused, especially if it’s […]
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What to Buy in Vancouver: Authentic Local Finds
Visiting the city and wondering what to buy in Vancouver? Whether you’re into locally made gifts or West Coast snacks, there’s plenty to choose from that doesn’t feel like junky souvenir fare. But with customs rules always changing, how do you know what’s worth the suitcase space—and what might get confiscated at the border? Here’s […]
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Shopping on Granville Street: Top Boutiques + Local Gems (2026) 🛍️
Shopping on Granville Street doesn’t feel like a chore. It’s a mashup of indie boutiques, heritage storefronts, and budget-friendly fashion chains – right in downtown Vancouver. But is it worth making Granville your main shopping stop, or should you stick to Robson or Main Street instead? Stick around – I’ll walk you through what makes […]
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Vancouver Fireworks Events: Top Shows + What’s Cancelled 🎆
Vancouver fireworks events used to really light up the sky – though the menu is decidedly smaller these days. After all the chaos and cancellations though, which Vancouver fireworks are worth braving the crowds for? And which did they really shut down? Spoiler – they were the biggest two!! Let’s take a deeper look at […]
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10 Best Things to Do in Whistler in Summer
Whistler in summer feels like someone flipped the switch from skis to shorts and forgot to tell the mountains — they just kept looking epic. If you thought Whistler was only good for snow, you’re about to be pleasantly surprised. So what do you actually do up there once the snow melts? And is it […]
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4 Best Ways to Get to Vancouver Island from Vancouver (2026)
Getting to Vancouver Island from Vancouver isn’t hard, but then again, what exactly do you mean Vancouver Island? There are plenty of ways to get over there, but you should know where you’re going first. Let’s run through all the options on how to get to Vancouver Island. How to Get to Vancouver Island from […]
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Hop On Hop Off Bus Vancouver: Sightseeing Tourist Bus Guide
The Vancouver hop on hop off bus tour is an efficient, affordable, and convenient way for you to discover the city’s most stunning attractions. In this article I’m going to show you what’s included with this sightseeing bus, and how to make the most of your trip. Let’s hop on and see if it’s right […]
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Biking in Stanley Park: Top Routes + Secret Sights (2026) 🚲
You haven’t really seen Vancouver until you’ve gone biking in Stanley Park. This isn’t just a quick cruise through any ordinary park – it’s one of the most scenic rides in North America. But is the hype around the bike trails here really justified? Let’s dive deeper on biking around Stanley Park. Biking in Stanley […]
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30 Best Things to Do in Vancouver: Top Attractions (2026)
I’ve been chasing the best things to do in Vancouver since I was a kid – back when feeding squirrels in Stanley Park and hiking forest trails were the peak of my weekend thrills. These days? I’ve added cocktails, cuisine, and culture to the mix. Whether you’re a first-timer or a local looking for fresh […]
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19 Best Sushi Restaurants in Vancouver in 2026 + AYCE Spots 🍣
Looking for the best sushi restaurants in Vancouver? With over 600 (!) Vancouver sushi restaurants, the decision can be downright confusing. Luckily, with so much quality sushi in Vancouver – it’s almost hard to mess up! Let’s take a deeper look. Where to Eat Sushi in Vancouver: The Best Sushi Restaurants Vancouver’s sushi scene hits […]
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The Top Tours of Butchart Gardens from Vancouver (2026 Reviews)
Butchart Gardens tours from Vancouver offer a great break to quell the noise. That said, this botanical paradise can be tricky to reach from Vancouver – but with a bit of planning, we’ll get there in the end. Here’s how to set up Butchart Gardens day trips from Vancouver. Planning Day Tours to Butchart Gardens […]
Our Vancouver Travel Advice Promise:
We Answer Your Vancouver Tourist Questions
In this section you’ll find deep cut answers to all your tourist questions.
Where to eat near the Capilano Suspension Bridge?
Is it better to visit Grouse Mountain or the Sea to Sky Gondola?
What’s the best local treat to try at Granville Island? We’ve got all the answers.
Why Trust This Vancouver Travel Blog?
Vancouver Planner isn’t run by a content agency or AI tool – it’s a 100% locally written and managed travel blog.
It’s created by real people who live in Vancouver, explore it daily, and share what we genuinely love (and sometimes avoid!) about the city.
Over the past 30+ years, we’ve spent thousands of hours:
- 🚶 Walking the city’s best neighbourhoods
- 🍴 Eating at Vancouver’s best restaurants
- 🎡 Testing out Vancouver’s top attractions
- 🗒️ Building epic Vancouver itineraries
Everything on this travel blog is written from first-hand experience, not repurposed from other sites or scraped from generic travel lists.
Vancouver Travel Tips from the Pros
We’re not afraid to give real advice – whether that means finding Vancouver’s hidden gems, or sharing what food Vancouver is known for (yes, we’re talking about more than just restaurants in Gastown).
This Vancouver travel tips site exists to help you travel to Vancouver smarter — with the same advice we’d give our own visiting friends.
We update this blog regularly, and we walk the talk.
The tips and recommendations you’ll find here aren’t just Googleable — they’re lived, tested, and updated by people who call Vancouver home.
So whether you’re looking for:
- 🙌 A reliable Vancouver travel guide
- 🧠 Expert travel tips from locals
- 💡 Fresh, original Vancouver trip ideas
… we’ve got you covered 🤝
How to Plan a Trip to Vancouver
Planning a trip to Vancouver?
Here’s what you need to know to get it right from the start…
1. Choose the Best Time to Visit
Vancouver shines in every season, but picking the best time to visit Vancouver is an essential first step.
- 🌸 Spring in Vancouver brings cherry blossoms and lighter crowds
- 🌞 Summer in Vancouver is perfect for beach days, open-air concerts, and patio dining
- 🍂 Fall in Vancouver, the city glows with colour and crisp mountain air
- ⛷️ Winter in Vancouver transforms nearby mountains into ski havens while the city stays mild
2. Get to Know the Attractions
There’s a ton of stuff to do in Vancouver, but you’ll probably focus on:
- 🏔️ Grouse Mountain
- ⛩️ Capilano Suspension Bridge
- 🌳 Stanley Park
- 🐳 Whale Watching
- 🍔 Granville Island
- 🏛️ The Museum of Anthropology
3. Build Your Itinerary
With so much to see and do, your Vancouver trip plan should balance the big highlights with a few hidden gems.
Here’s our tailored itineraries depending on how much time you have:
- 🔥 One day in Vancouver
- 🔥 Two days in Vancouver
- 🔥 Three days in Vancouver
- 🔥 Four days in Vancouver
- 🔥 Five days in Vancouver
- 🔥 Seven days in Vancouver
4. Get Around Like a Local
A travel guide to Vancouver wouldn’t be complete without guides on how to get around Vancouver – so you can make every minute count.
This includes:
- 🚌 The Vancouver Hop on Hop Off Bus to maximize time
- ⛴️ A guide on How to Get to Victoria from Vancouver for that perfect day trip escape
- 🎿 A guide on How to Get to Whistler from Vancouver whether it’s winter skiing or summer getaways
- 🚢 All the Vancouver Cruise Terminal info a cruiser could ever need
5. What to Know Before You Go
We wouldn’t be the best Vancouver travel guide around if we didn’t show you some other tricks of the trade:
- 🚸 How to visit Vancouver with kids like a local parent
- 🎉 The best Vancouver festivals for any time of year
- 🛍️ The best shopping in Vancouver whether it’s souvenirs or high-end fashion
- 🏨 All the The best hotels in Vancouver for all budgets
If you’re still stuck — just write us! We get back to everybody.
Planning a trip to Vancouver BC doesn’t have to be hard.
Let’s go! 🤝
Our Vancouver Trip Planner References
We want to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information when planning travel to Vancouver.
That’s why we back up our experiences by fact checking every detail.
We get all our essential history/price/time info from official resources like:
- 🏙️ City of Vancouver Official Website – for city services, local laws, and public amenities
- 🚉 TransLink – for SkyTrain, buses, and SeaBus transit planning
- 🧭 Destination Vancouver – for official tourism updates and events
- 📖 Wikipedia – Vancouver – for history, demographics, and general knowledge
- ⛴️ BC Ferries – for ferry schedules to Victoria, Nanaimo, and the Gulf Islands
- ✈️ Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – for airport details and flight info
These external sites are not affiliated with Vancouver Planner but provide helpful context and logistical info to round out your travel research.
