Vancouver is a city that I’ve visited many times throughout the years and I continue to go back for its outdoorsy vibe, rich blend of cultures, amazing food, and luxurious accommodations. My most recent trip to the city was a special one, as I had the opportunity to experience Vancouver through a fantastic trip that highlighted its local culture, sustainability initiatives, and high-end hospitality. Over the course of 48 hours, my Vancouver itinerary explored some of the city’s best experiences, from an Indigenous-led tour of Stanley Park with Talaysay Tours to a rooftop beekeeping experience at the Fairmont Waterfront. I dined at Vancouver’s only Indigenous-owned restaurant and enjoyed world-class luxury.
If you’re looking for a weekend of both authentic local experiences and luxurious relaxation, this itinerary will be a perfect way to explore Vancouver in 48 hours!
Related: Thinking of roadtripping through BC? Check out our post: Wineries in Kelowna: A Perfect Wine Lovers Getaway
Table of Contents
Day One: Vancouver Itinerary
Morning: Check-in and Scenic Start
On your first morning in Vancouver, head over to your hotel to get settled. The Fairmont Waterfront is located right on the harbour in the middle of downtown Vancouver and it’s definitely my recommendation for this itinerary. I highly recommend upgrading to the Gold Floor experience at this hotel because it really elevates your stay and adds on that little bit of extra elegance to your stay. When you upgrade to Fairmont Gold, you get a reserved reception desk so you don’t have to wait in a long line, personalized service, and my favourite part – access to the Fairmont Gold lounge. I visited the gold lounge many times during my stay here, the morning breakfast was always delicious and I loved the complimentary afternoon canapés. It’s also just a great lounge to work or relax in, with high speed wifi. Plus the service is truly above and beyond!
I always love to take a quick walk around after I’ve settled into my hotel. I find walking is a great way to get to know a new city. Spend the later half of your morning walking around the waterfront or even venture out to the famous Vancouver Seawall! If you don’t have time this morning, make sure you carve out some extra time to check out the seawall, it’s a lovely waterfront pathway and it’s actually the longest uninterrupted waterfront pathway at 28 km long.
Mid-Day and Afternoon: Granville Island
Head over to Granville Island for lunch and to spend the rest of your afternoon. There are several restaurant options to choose from, I recommend Dockside Restaurant or the Sandbar Seafood Restaurant for a more upscale lunch. If you’re looking for something more casual check out the Granville Island Public Market for a variety of food options. After lunch, continue exploring the area. It’s a great place to do some shopping and maybe purchase a unique souvenir. You could also visit Granville Island Brewing if you like to sample craft beers, my boyfriend always loves stopping here when we visit!
Evening: Dinner at Salmon n’ Bannock
When you’ve returned to the Fairmont Waterfront and freshened up after your first day in Vancouver, head over to Salmon n’ Bannock for a traditional Indigenous meal. Not only is this the only Indigenous-owned restaurant in all of Vancouver, it’s quite the popular spot as well. I’d recommend securing a reservation well in advance. The food here is unreal and a great way to experience Indigenous culture. The extra special thing about Salmon n’ Bannock is the incredible life of resilience that restaurant owner, Inez Cook has lived. As a survivor of the Sixties Scoop, a dark chapter in Canadian history where thousands of Indigenous children were taken from their families and placed in foster care or adopted by non-Indigenous families, Cook has turned her personal journey of resilience into something truly meaningful. She has reconnected with her culture, and found a way to share it with others through delicious food. It is truly inspiring.
Day Two: Vancouver Itinerary
Morning: Breakfast and Talaysay Tours
Enjoy the Fairmont Gold Lounge complimentary breakfast to fuel you for another great day. Make sure to wear something comfortable and suited for the weather as you’ll be exploring Stanley Park with an Indigenous guide this morning. Stanley Park is an absolutely amazing park in the heart of Vancouver. Not many cities have a 400-hectare west-coast rainforest in the middle of them. The old growth trees are amazing to see and it’s just a great park to walk around and enjoy the outdoors.
Exploring the park with a tour from Talaysay Tours makes the experience even more special. Beyond their deep knowledge of Stanley Park and the Vancouver area, the guides share the fascinating history of the Coast Salish and Squamish peoples. Their sacred connection to the land is woven into every story, making this an immersive and meaningful way to experience Indigenous culture.
Mid-Day and Afternoon: Bill Reid Gallery and Fairmont Waterfront Apiary Tour
I opted out of lunch for today because your late afternoon and evening will have a lot of great food. But, if you’re hungry you can also visit the Fairmont Gold Lounge to grab a quick bite to eat. Walk over to the Bill Reid Gallery to check out their collection of contemporary Indigenous artwork. It’s the only public gallery in Canada focused on the Northwest Coast so it’s a great opportunity to view an extensive collection of Indigenous artwork.
After you’ve had a chance to enjoy the art, head back to the Fairmont Waterfront where you’ll be spending the rest of your afternoon and evening. Start with a tour of the rooftop bee hives, where you’ll have the chance to see the bees up close and learn about the hotel’s beekeeping initiatives. It’s a really fascinating experience and it’s strangely beautiful to have the opportunity to get so close to the bees. I was able to gently touch the bees, and as someone who is normally scared of bugs, I found the experience surprisingly calming. Watching them work in harmony, learning about their role in pollination, and seeing how the hotel incorporates their honey into cocktails and dishes made me appreciate them in a whole new way.
Evening: Sip & Shuck and ARC Restaurant Pollinator Menu
After touring the apiary, head back down to the hotel lobby where you’ll be enjoying some oysters, cocktails, wine, and a three course pollinator menu. I have to admit before my trip to Vancouver I’d never actually tried oysters. I’ve always been a little freaked out by them. However, the sip and shuck at ARC Restaurant was the perfect time for my first oyster tasting experience. The oysters are shucked right in front of you so they are incredibly fresh and you get to sample a variety of oysters, with all of the fixings. As I tried the oysters they definitely started to grow on me and it won’t be my last time eating oysters that’s for sure.
For the grand finale, enjoy Chef Adam Middleton’s 3-course Pollinator Menu, complimented by a Garden to Glass cocktail. My absolute favourite was the Apiary cocktail, made with the Fairmont Waterfronts Gin. It had the perfect balance of botanical flavours, with just a hint of sweetness from the rooftop honey. It was dangerously easy to sip!
Each course of the Pollinator Menu was thoughtfully crafted to highlight ingredients that rely on pollinators, showcasing the hotel’s commitment to sustainability in the most delicious way possible. From vibrant, honey-drizzled salads to perfectly seared fish with floral-infused sauces, every bite was delectable.
By the end of the dinner, I was completely in awe of how the Fairmont Waterfront was able to seamlessly weave sustainability, local ingredients, and luxury into a dining experience. It was the perfect way to wrap up the past two days of culture and luxury in Vancouver.
Vancouver Itinerary: Final Thoughts
All it takes is one visit to Vancouver to understand why it’s such a beloved place. There are so many amazing activities that showcase the city’s blend of nature, culture, and luxury. Whether you’re enjoying the seawall, immersing yourself in indigenous culture, or sampling world-class cuisine, there’s something special for everyone in Vancouver. No matter how many times I visit, I always find new reasons to come back, and I have no doubt you will too.
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