Itineraries for Your Trip to Vancouver
3 Days in Vancouver for Foodies
Vancouver offers a world of culinary experiences that I have loved exploring with my daughter. I have fond memories of us eating our way through plates of sushi, pad thai, and biryani. As she grew, we found new favorites within the city—classics like New Town Bakery in Chinatown, the warmth of Ethiopian food on Commercial Drive, and bento box specials downtown. It’s easy to work up an appetite in Vancouver when you're out exploring its streets and surrounding mountains and forests. Luckily, you’re sure to find something for every taste. From sleek downtown ramen bars to the bustle of Granville Island Market and world-class fine dining, Vancouver is a city for food lovers.
Always be prepared for rain—layers are key to staying comfortable.
If you only have time for one thing, make it Granville Island Public Market, packed with specialty food shops and stalls.
Start in Chinatown for classics such as steamed pork buns, soup dumplings, and bubble tea. This colorful neighborhood is full of vintage stores and shop fronts piled high with dried fish and red dates. Grab dim sum from New Town Bakery before walking to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden for a traditional tea ceremony.
Lunch can be found at Chinatown BBQ with favorites including the barbecued duck, or dig in at Fat Mao Noodles, which serves hearty bowls of noodles from Thailand, China, and Malaysia. If you crave something refreshing, walk off lunch and enjoy the innovative bubble tea flavors from Boba Run.
Head to the waterfront to spend the day wandering Granville Island—start by fueling up with coffee from Petit Ami and a doughnut from Lee’s Donuts, both in the public market. Explore the island's pottery studios and art galleries before either heading back to the public market to build your own picnic with treats from Benton Brothers Fine Cheese and Oyama Sausage or treating yourself at the Vancouver Fish Company.
Later, discover some of Vancouver’s secrets—Blnd Tger Dumplings hides a 1930s speakeasy (order the No. 7) or try the Narrow Lounge, a discreet cocktail bar marked by a red light.
It’s time to get out of the city to explore—catch the train from Olympic Village and head to Richmond to travel the famous Dumpling Trail. Richmond is home to some of the best Chinese food outside of China, with traditional specialities that are hard to find anywhere else.
Or, spend the day in the Fraser Valley, the winemaking region and discover delicious offerings from several distinct wineries. Pick up fresh veggies from farm stands and local markets, and bask in the pastoral peace for which the region is known. Forget the stress of planning and book a transport-included tour.
