Vancouver

Youth Experiences

Whether you're travelling solo, or as part of a group, Vancouver has plenty to offer younger travellers. If your travel goals include outdoor adventures, life-enriching experiences or vibrant nightlife, this two-day itinerary will live up to your expectations - and more.
 


GastownDay One:

SCRATCH BELOW THE SURFACE

Vancouver's short-but-lively history is filled to the brim with fascinating stories. Toonie Tours offer free walking tours of Vancouver that help you to see the city through the eyes of a local expert guide. You could find yourself exploring the waterfront area, Gastown, the city's historic Chinatown, or the Granville Street precinct, learning about the history, architecture and street art as you go.

LUNCH LIKE A LOCAL

Once your tour has finished, head to Granville Island, a former industrial wasteland that's been turned into an arts and culture hub. Do as the locals do and grab lunch from one of the many vendors in the Granville Island Public Market.

After eating, spend some time checking out the island's artisan studios, craft workshops and galleries. Or get your heart rate going with a paddle on False Creek with the help of Vancouver Water Adventures, who offer rentals and tours from the island itself.

SAMPLE THE NIGHTLIFE

After dinner it's time to sample some of Vancouver's nightlife. Grab a craft beer in Gastown where the cobbled streets are lined with bars. Then follow the neon lights to Granville Street, hit up Yaletown's trendy bar scene or dance the night away at Celebrities Nightclub, one of Vancouver's best nightclubs in the heart of our LGBTQ2S+ community, Davie Village.

If you're interested in live music, make sure you check the event calendar for venues such as The Commodore Ballroom, Queen Elizabeth Theatre and The Orpheum.

 


Stanley Park Seawall w/ City BackgroundDay Two:

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Start your day with a trip by joining Cycle City Tours for the "Epic Electric" guided ride. You'll see Vancouver's most scenic highlights, like the old-growth forests of Stanley Park, the beach at English Bay, the False Creek waterfront, and historic Chinatown and Gastown.

When you've finished exploring, take a short 10 minute walk to Canada Place and grab lunch from one of the handfuls of food trucks by the waterfront. Check out Tap & Barrel, for B.C. wine and craft beer; or Cactus Club Cafe, known for their healthy takes on traditional Pacific Northwest comfort food.

UP, UP AND AWAY

After lunch, take a walk down the Canadian Trail, running along the west side of Canada Place's iconic white sails, before ending with one of Vancouver's favourite attractions: FlyOver Canada. This 4D flight simulation experience sees you soaring across the country complete with mist, wind and scents.

EAT YOUR WAY AROUND VANCOUVER'S OLDEST NEIGHBOURHOOD

Later this afternoon join Vancouver Foodie Tours for a Gastronomic Gastown tour. This three-hour experience explores the history of the city's oldest hood and includes stops at four locally-owned restaurants where you'll sample classic Canadian cuisine paired with cocktails, craft beer and B.C. wines.
 


INSIDER TIPS:

  • Vancouver is one of North America's most walkable cities, so save time and money like locals do by exploring everything on foot.
     
  • Join a free garden tour while visiting the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Gardens where your guide will take you through a journey of traditional Ming Dynasty family life, philosophy and arts