Vancouver in 48 Hours: Budget-Friendly Fun

Explore Vancouver on a dime and have the time of your life!

21 June 2023

Traveling to Vancouver on a limited budget is possible with a little bit of planning. Explore the city's stunning natural beauty with a hike at Stanley Park or biking around the seawall. Take advantage of the city's many free attractions such as the Museum of Anthropology or strolling through Granville Island Public Market.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Downtown Vancouver

  • Stay at the Budget Inn Patricia Hotel, a cozy and quirky budget option, with a great location in central Vancouver.
  • Start your day by getting your caffeine fix at Revolver Coffee, known for their excellent espresso.
  • Walk off that coffee by heading to the Vancouver Art Gallery, home to both contemporary and historical art collections.
  • For lunch, head to Meat and Bread, a popular sandwich spot that makes their sandwiches with locally sourced ingredients.
  • After lunch, explore the historic Gastown district, and browse the unique boutiques and galleries.
  • Visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, a stunning oasis in the middle of the city.
  • Finish your day with a sunset stroll along the Seawall, and take in the views of the harbour and city skyline.
Day 2

Nature and Culture

  • Start your day with breakfast at the Red Wagon Cafe, famous for their hearty breakfast dishes and pulled pork pancakes.
  • Take the bus to Stanley Park and explore the natural beauty of the park, with its towering trees, gardens, and beaches.
  • Visit the acclaimed Museum of Anthropology, which houses one of North America's finest collections of Indigenous art.
  • For lunch, hit up the famous food truck scene in Vancouver with a visit to Japadog, a Japanese hot dog stand that serves up unique flavors.
  • In the afternoon, visit Granville Island, a popular spot for markets and quirky stores, with great views of the city skyline.
  • After dinner at The Fish Counter, known for their sustainable seafood and fish and chips, catch a show at the historic Orpheum Theatre.
  • With so much to see and do in Vancouver, you'll be itching to come back to experience even more.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Vancouver, United States by plane is to fly into Portland International Airport (PDX) and then take a 20-minute drive north on I-5 to reach Vancouver.

Car

Driving to Vancouver, United States is relatively straightforward. Simply take I-5 North from Seattle or Portland and you will enter Vancouver. However, be prepared for heavy traffic during peak periods.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no train services that directly travel to Vancouver, United States. However, you could take an Amtrak Train to Portland Union Station and then take a taxi or car rental service to Vancouver.

Boat

Travelling by boat to Vancouver, United States is not possible as there are no available channels or ports that directly connect to this city.

Bus

Taking a Greyhound bus from Seattle to Vancouver is one of the best ways to get there. The bus stops at Vancouver Transit Center which is located in downtown Vancouver.

Destination

Vancouver

Welcome to the city where it's possible to ski in the morning, go for a beach swim in the afternoon, and still make it to happy hour without looking like a sweaty mess. Just don't forget your raincoat, because this city likes to keep things damp and exciting.

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Number of days

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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