48 Hours In Vancouver | #604Guide

I absolutely love Vancouver. I grew up here (well, in the suburbs, minor detail), and have now lived on the East side of Vancouver for a decade. Exploring around this city is one of my favourite things to do. There’s so much amazing food, art, coffee, shopping, and scenery. We have incredible hiking trails, skiing/snowboarding, and are a generally active bunch. Yet, we also have the hustle and bustle of urban life in our downtown core and beyond. There’s adorable neighbourhoods like Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, Olympic Village, Fairview, etc. The weather here is mild, but seasonally accurate (for the most part) which makes it ideal to visit at any time of year! And yes, there are moments when it rains and rains, but don’t let that stop you. Bring some rain boots and an umbrella, I promise you it’s worth it!

I have been meaning to compile my Vancouver recommendations for years. Thanks to some encouragement from the lovely team at Vancouver Tourism, it’s finally time to reveal my secret gems around this place. Though I’m sure this is the start of many posts about this wonderful city, I have compiled a comprehensive 48 hour itinerary. It was really tough to narrow down what to see in only 2 short days, but whether you’re here for a quick visit or on a staycation here, below are a few of my favourite Vancouver things (oh yes, I just went there in song). Hope you enjoy!

STAY

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver – 900 W. Georgia Street

The Fairmont is perfect because it is centrally located in the downtown corridor and close proximity to almost everything on the itinerary. For our staycation in particular, it was such a bonus to be able to bring our dog!  Reggie was treated like an absolute king.  When we arrived, they had a dog bed, his own bottled water and dish, treats, and a little toy waiting for him.  And an entire carpeted room?  He was in heaven.  From the streets of California to a life of luxury!

DAY ONE

STANLEY PARK – DOWNTOWN – GASTOWN

I don’t know about you, but I sometimes find it difficult to shake that travel exhaustion and the first morning in a new place can be the toughest to adjust. Well, my friends, I have come up with the perfect solution. A morning at the spa! An early wake up call doesn’t seem so bad when you’re able to start the day at Willow Stream Spa in the Fairmont Pacific Rim, with fruit infused water, soaking in a hot tub while admiring incredible Vancouver views. If you have enough time, their spa services are incredible, I recommend their signature de-stress restore massage, it was quite honestly, the best massage service I’ve ever had. They have a fully stocked change room, so showering and getting ready for the day was a breeze as well. And, if you don’t have time to squeeze in the spa, not to worry, there’s a jam packed few days ahead!

If you’re only in Vancouver for a couple of days, I really do think that you need to see Stanley Park. It’s a quintessentially West Coast park at the edge of Vancouver. The Sea Wall along the perimeter provides spectacular, iconic views, rich in this city’s history.

PHOTO OP: If you’re looking for that perfect instagrammable shot (though, there will be many), walking across the Lion’s Gate Bridge is breathtaking. There is pedestrian access to the bridge at Prospect Point and I recommend walking across one side and then immediately back the other. Completely different vantage points, but both just stunning. Especially at sunrise or sunset!

Once you’re done touring the park, make your way over to Gastown. Lined with brick buildings, and rich in history, the Gastown area is so much fun to explore! My studio/office building is in the area, along with many other Vancouver creatives. I spend a lot of time here and think that you probably should too! Below are some of my favourite places to eat and shop!

LUNCH

Tacofino – 15 W. Cordova Street
Grab a burrito to-go (that’s exactly what I do, more often than I’d like to admit) or sit down for some seriously delicious tacos and perhaps a marg!

SHOPPING

L’Atelier Home – 452 W. Cordova Street
I don’t know what it is, but I LOVE browsing home decor while on vacation. L’Atelier has some gorgeous, well curated items that are a must see!

Meadow Gifts – 104 Water Street
Cute gifty things, cards, and a unique selection of stuff for littles. This store is adorable, you’ll love it.

The Latest Scoop – 159 Water Street
This is one of my all time favourite Vancouver boutiques! They have such a gorgeous collection of women’s apparel and home decor.

Bailey Nelson – 303 Cambie Street
I’m sure you’ve seen my tortoise glasses and sunglasses that I wear constantly. Well, this is where they’re from! An Australian brand of eyewear, I love stopping by here and trying on some frames.

Park & Fifth – #303 – 207 W. Hastings Street
As you saw in this post, Park & Fifth is a collection of locally designed and made pieces. If you’re looking for a unique dress, this is it!

Liberal Arts – 419 Abbott Street
Every time I walk past here, I have to go in. They have a wonderful assortment of minimal, trendy women’s apparel.

Old Faithful Shop – 320 W. Cordova Street
A minimalist’s dream! This store has a well curated selection of quality home and gift worthy goods. Oh, and great customer service.

COFFEE BREAK

Revolver – 325 Cambie Street
They have great coffee and THE best hot chocolate in the city.

The Birds and The Beets – 55 Powell Street
Fresh local flowers and a mean Americano.

PHOTO OP: My favourite spot to take Gastown photos is right in front of Chill Winston. One side has a lovely view of the flat building and the other way has a perfect view of the gorgeous tree lined Water Street. Alex and I often take our outfit photos around here and on Alexander Street.

After such a packed first day, I suggest heading back towards the hotel for a mini rest. If you’re still feeling energetic, this is a great time to take a walk around downtown Vancouver. Robson Street has plenty of shopping, or the Art Gallery exhibits would be fun to check out, and both are right near the Fairmont Hotel. For dinner, I would head back to the Gastown/Railtown area!

DINNER

Nicli Antica Pizzeria – 62 E. Cordova Street
Absolutely delicious Neopolitan pizza. Need I say more?

Meet Gastown – 12 Water Street
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, this is a hip little spot to try. Casual, veg friendly comfort food.

Cuchillo – 261 Powell Street
What can I say, I love Mexican food. This place has a great vibe and great tacos.

Belgard Kitchen – 55 Dunlevy Ave
Nestled in the Railtown neighbourhood, I love taking people to Belgard. It’s a cozy space with really yummy appetizer style share plates.

Kissa Tanto – 263 E. Pender Street
A hip new must-try restaurant in Chinatown.  You’ll go crazy for their interior decor (inspired by 1960’s Tokyo jazz cafes) and their fresh, well-made dishes that somehow fuse Italian with Japanese.

DAY TWO

CROSSTOWN – MOUNT PLEASANT – OLYMPIC VILLAGE – FAIRVIEW – FRASERHOOD

As I mentioned above, I live in East Vancouver. There’s so much to see over here, that I figure you should probably spend a whole day here! First, we start with brunch in Crosstown at Chambar.

BRUNCH

Chambar – 568 Beatty Street
Fresh and well-made brunch with a fine dining quality, but an inviting atmosphere. It’s always good.

Next, make your way over to Main Street.  An area that was once ‘up and coming’ I’m sure, it now boasts a variety of local restaurants, boutiques, artisans, cafes, and art. Just this past summer, the city had a Mural Fest where tons of local artists painted large, permanent murals on buildings along Main, including my cousin James! I would start on Main Street around 30th, 25th, or 18th (depending on your time, the higher number taking the longest) and make your way down the hill stopping in at all the little shops along the way.

SHOPPING

Little Mountain Shop – 4386 Main Street
This one’s unique because it’s a space for pop up shops and always has something different to offer!

Front and Company – 3772 Main Street
A really fun consignment/gift shop.  Carries merchandise for both men and women.

Barefoot Contessa – 3715 Main Street
There’s so much pretty in this place!  Women’s clothing and accessories, and the cutest little gifts.

COFFEE

Liberty Bakery – 3699 Main Street
A bright and funky little spot with delicious baked goods and coffee!

We’re going to veer off Main Street slightly over to 8th and Ontario for a beer or another coffee, depending on how your day is going, of course.

DRINK

33 Acres – 15 W. 8th Avenue
Absolutely LOVE this place!  This was the starting point of our bikes and brews self guided tour this past summer.  They have great beers, but also a delicious brunch menu if you’re there on a weekend!

Keep walking down Quebec Street to Glory Juice Co. and get a #3 Green Juice if you need to load up on some nutrients.  Or perhaps, an ice cream at Earnest, en route to the other side of the Sea Wall!

Start at Science World and go West (left if you’re facing the water) down the Sea Wall.  There’s a bike rental station right there if you’d like, or it’s a great stroll.  Whether you walk or cycle, be sure to pay attention to pedestrian/bike paths, for your own safety.  This walk starts at Olympic Village which was constructed when we hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics!

PHOTO OP: You’ll hit the Cambie Bridge and you’ll see a winding staircase entrance to the left of the path.  Climb those stairs for a gorgeous view of Science World and False Creek.  The other side of the bridge has stunning views as well, and is best at sunset/golden hour.

Go back down the stairs (or, cross the bridge into downtown, this whole thing is really a choose your own adventure kind of deal) to stay on the Sea Wall until you hit Granville Island.  The island has tons of quirky shops, local artisans, and a market packed with deliciousness (Chau is one of my favourites). There’s so much to see on Granville Island and there’s even a ferry to take you across the water back downtown!

DINNER

Savio Volpe – 615 Kingsway
I’m partial because I live right in the Fraserhood area, but Savio Volpe is hands down my favourite restaurant in the city right now.  The service is spectacular (I HIGHLY recommend making a reservation, they book up weeks in advance) and the atmosphere is open and yet so cozy.  The perfect set up for an incredible Italian meal, you really can’t go wrong with any of their dishes.  I’m already trying to go back as soon as possible!

After a delicious feast, there’s a couple cool spots to grab a night cap!

DRINKS

The Narrow – Main Street and 3rd
This place is pretty rad because there’s no sign or visible entrance.  There’s a side door with a red light over it and usually a bouncer out front.

The Diamond – 6 Powell Street
A trendy spot to enjoy a cocktail in the heart of Gastown

The Distillery – 1131 Mainland Street
A great way to see Yaletown if you haven’t already.  This place has a prohibition vibe and great drinks!

 

Below is your Pinterest friendly image too! Just hover over it and PIN away, so it’s saved for your next visit.

Phew!  That’s it for a whirlwind 48 hours in this beautiful city.  We didn’t even get to include any mountain adventures, Whistler, Victoria, the sunshine coast, wine country, etc.  You’ll just have to come back!  Now, let’s hope you get to see some sunshine, this place is especially majestic with the sun shining on it!

If you have any specific questions, email me aliciafashionista@gmail.com, and as always would love to know your thoughts in the comments below.