The Weekender: Vancouver in 48 Hours

Stanley Park Totem Poles

Ah, Vancouver, British Columbia! The city has been named one of the most livable cities in the world. People just seem happy to live here. And why not? The air is crisp, the scenery is gorgeous, and there’s an abundance of good food and drink. If you are in town this week for the TED Conference, go ahead and extend your trip until the weekend. There’s plenty to do, see, and experience.

Granville Island Public Market

What to Do

It’s hard to choose what to do in a city as dynamic as Vancouver particularly if you only have a short amount of time, but for someone who’s never been to the city before, my suggestion will be to spend your free time in one of the city’s major parks. Stanley Park has biking and walking trails, as well as several points of interests like the totem poles and Prospect Point. Pacific Spirit Regional Park sits on the western end of Vancouver and has several beaches, a botanical garden, and a museum dedicated to archeology.

What to See

Foodies and fans of boutique shopping should head over to Granville Island. Conveniently located just across from downtown Vancouver, this once industrial area has transformed itself into a popular local and tourist hangout. Some of its attractions include The Public Market, which is open all week and features fresh produce and local vendors selling unique arts, crafts, and products. There’s also the Granville Brewing Company which offers tours and tastings to beer enthusiasts. Finally, Granville Island also has a number of entertainment venues, from the improvisational group Vancouver Theatresports League to the professional Arts Club Theatre.

Salmon sashimi

What to Eat

Vancouver is a mecca for seafood thanks to its location bordering the Pacific Ocean. Start with its most popular export, the Pacific sockeye salmon. Most restaurants will have it on their menu but try it as a jerky in one of the gourmet food eateries around town. If that’s not to your liking, you can always go with the safer, smoked preparation. Vancouver is also known as the sushi capital of the west and rumor is that there are more sushi restaurants here than any other city outside of Tokyo. The place to try the freshest and cheapest sushi is this unassuming eatery on Robson Street called Sushi Itoga (old Sushi Mart). Their salmon sashimi is just divine!

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for convenience, consider staying at one of the hotels downtown. The St. Regis Hotel on Dunsmuir is a boutique hotel housed in a historic building near the city’s financial district. Nightly rates begin at $169 and include added amenities such as full American breakfast for two, Fuji bottled water, and complimentary WiFi.

If you're planning a longer stay, check out this more comprehensive guide that includes daytrip information to Whistler.