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Vancouver is a diverse city nestled into an idyllic west coast setting featuring water all around, big mountains and huggable trees. The city carries on with that diversity through its collection of contrasting neighbourhoods.
Touring the city takes in all of the best places to see and things to do, with surprisingly natural delights. Driving can be a fast and efficient way to see more in a day and get to places not normally on the tourist itinerary.
Vancouver’s most popular street for visitors and locals is Robson, with it collection of stores and restaurants, and people to watch. Granville Market is the other of the city’s favourite places to explore artist studios, unique Vancouver products and the public market is the ultimate foodies paradise.
Stanley Park is almost as large as the downtown area itself and you’ll feel like you left the city completely as you walk or bike on the sea wall, try and spot seals and otters or walk among the giant trees on easy and secluded trails.
Neighbourhoods like Yaletown, Chinatown and Gastown take us through the evolution of the city from its early days of lumber and railroad, transformed to a mix modern of funky communities and celebrations of the past – cobbled streets and steam clocks.
The side trip to the university campus and Museum of Anthropology is recommended as an opportunity to visit some of Vancouver’s waterfront communities and beaches and to sample stunning First Nations culture and artifacts.
Suggested places to join the loop are Robson St, Stanley Park Drive, or Northbound on Homer St
It is easy to fill a day on this tour. Stanley Park and Granville Island Market deserve at least a couple of hours each
The loop tour is only 15 miles (25km). The recommended UBC sidetrip adds 14 miles (23km)