Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world. Get the most out of your 48 hours here!
Vancouver, British Columbia is constantly ranked as one of the most livable cities in the world, with a high quality of life and standard of living. Situated on Canada’s west coast, Vancouver is known for its unique blend of the urbane and the natural. The city aims to become the world’s greenest city, and the philosophy behind its urban planning is unique enough to be known as Vancouverism. Travelers looking to get the most out of 48 hours in Vancouver will have their work cut out for them, but it is possible to take in many of the most famed destinations that make Vancouver such an attractive place to visit and live!
Day 1
You’ll definitely want to make the most out of your time in the city – fortunately, Vancouver is nearly as well-known for its coffee culture as its neighbor south of the border, Seattle. So get out of bed early and make your way to Robson Street for a delicious cup of coffee to start your day. Once you’ve woken up a bit, head to the Vancouver Art Gallery and experience one of the greatest gallery collections in all of North America. Next, head to the Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch, one of the biggest public projects in the entire city and an architectural highlight. It should be time for lunch at this point, so why not head to Chinatown for some of the most authentic dim sum this side of the Atlantic.
Once you’ve had your fill, head to the Dr. Sun-Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which was the first traditional Chinese garden built outside of China. Then head to the Gastown District for some shopping and finish your first day with a late dinner in the West End neighborhood, a great residential district chockful of great restaurants loved by locals.
Day 2
Start your second day at Granville Island and the massive public market located there. While the area was once the home of numerous factories and sawmills, now the island is home to galleries, art studios, and workshops! From Granville, take a short ferry ride to Vanier Park, home of the Museum of Vancouver, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, and the Maritime Museum.
After a morning of sightseeing, take a short breather at Kitsilano Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Vancouver and home to the longest pool in Canada. While you’re here, have a meal at the Boathouse Kits Beach and admire the beautiful views of the Burrard Inlet. In the evening, make your way back to Granville Island for some live entertainment – we highly recommend a play performed by one of the local theatre companies. End your short jaunt through Vancouver with drinks at a local brewpub!
Explore the World with AESU!
Are you ready to plan an adventure of a lifetime? AESU offers unique, thrilling travel programs for college students and young professionals at affordable rates. Each trip is action-packed and informal—designed just for people your own age. We are also able to design custom tours just for your group.
Looking to travel next year? Experience our brand-new domestic tours with beautiful destinations such as the California Wine Country, Nashville Music City, The Wild Wild West, and Outdoor Wonderland – British Columbia!
2021 tour dates are now available! If you have any questions or want help booking your next adventure, please contact AESU by calling 800-638-7640, or fill out the contact form found on our website. Follow AESU on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.