Weekend getaway from Seattle · #6 of 10
Vancouver, BC
Stanley Park's seawall, Granville Island market and world-class Asian food across the border. Bring your passport - border waits add time.
Think jaw-dropping mountain backdrops, breezy beaches, and a food scene that will absolutely blow your mind. Here is how to conquer the seawall, Granville Island, Gastown, and epic Richmond feasts in one perfect weekend.
Getting there
Grab everyone's passport! Morning queues at the Peace Arch border can easily steal an hour of your weekend, so always peek at the live wait times before hitting the road.
With two round trips daily, this is pure relaxation. You will clear customs at the station (don't forget your passport), skip all highway traffic, and land right next to a SkyTrain station.
Day 1
Stunning seawall rides, foodie markets, and epic night market feasts- 17:30 AMDrive
Drive north and cross the border
Cruise up I-5 to the Peace Arch border, then follow Highway 99 into the city. Pro tip: leaving early helps you beat the worst of the customs rush.
Tip · Keep those passports handy and keep your answers simple: tell them where you are staying and how long you will be in town.
- 211:00 AMActivity
Stanley Park seawall
Grab some rental wheels and cruise the iconic loop. You will get deep forest, sandy beaches, and killer views of the Lions Gate Bridge.
📍 Stanley Park, Vancouver
Tip · Remember, the bike path flows one-way (counter-clockwise). Budget a leisurely two hours so you can stop for photos.
- 31:00 PMFood
Lunch at Granville Island Public Market
Stall-hop through this legendary market for fresh seafood, pastries, and local bites. Grab your haul and head to the docks to eat by the water.
📍 Granville Island Public Market, Vancouver
- 43:00 PMSight
Kitsilano Beach
Soak up the sun at 'Kits' beach, the ultimate local hangout. Once you are done lounging, wander over to West 4th Avenue to check out the boutique shops.
📍 Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver
- 57:00 PMFood
Richmond Night Market
Dive into a massive summer food party! Expect high-energy carnival vibes, endless rows of Asian street food stalls, and great transit access.
📍 Richmond Night Market, Richmond BC
Tip · Open Friday-Sunday from late April to mid-October. Skip the casino garages and park in the official market lot.
- 6Stay
Overnight in downtown Vancouver
Crash in the heart of downtown. You will be within walking distance of Gastown, Canada Place, and the SkyTrain to get anywhere else fast.
Day 2
Historic streets, legendary dim sum, and scenic views before heading home- 79:30 AMSight
Canada Place and the waterfront
Walk along this famous sail-shaped pier for spectacular views of the harbor and mountains. It is the perfect spot to start your morning.
📍 Canada Place, Vancouver
- 810:30 AMSight
Gastown and the steam clock
Explore the historic cobblestone streets of Gastown, and make sure to catch the quirky steam clock puffing away right on the corner.
📍 Gastown Steam Clock, Vancouver
Tip · The historic neighborhood begins right at Waterfront Station, making it a very quick walk from Canada Place.
- 912:30 PMFood
Dim sum in Richmond
Treat yourself to a dim sum feast in Richmond, home of the best Chinese dining in the Northwest. Join the locals at Neptune Seafood Restaurant.
📍 Neptune Seafood Restaurant, Richmond BC
Tip · Richmond is perfectly situated right off Highway 99 on your way south. Aim to arrive before 1 PM to snag a table without a long wait.
- 102:30 PMSight
Queen Elizabeth Park
Squeeze in a stroll through the lush, free gardens here. As the city's highest point, it serves up one last gorgeous skyline panorama.
📍 Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver
- 114:00 PMDrive
Drive back to Seattle
Head back down Highway 99. Sunday afternoon traffic at the Peace Arch border can get backed up, so check the waits and consider the Pacific Highway crossing.
Where to eat
Grazing on fresh seafood, artisan pastries, and local produce right on the docks.
World-class dim sum crafted by top chefs. Neptune Seafood is always buzzing for a reason.
An absolute feast of Asian street eats, open on summer weekends from late April to mid-October.
Water Street's charming brick walkways are packed with great craft breweries, waffle joints, and lively patios.
When to go
Perfect timing for the Richmond Night Market, running Friday through Sunday nights.
Prime beach and seawall weather, though you should expect longer border wait times on sunny weekends.
Classic cozy rainy season in town, but the nearby mountains transform into a snowy playground for skiing.
Good to know
- Don't forget passports or NEXUS cards for everyone in the vehicle. Keep an eye on live border wait times to avoid the dreaded Sunday afternoon rush.
- Everything is in Canadian dollars, but cards are accepted virtually everywhere, so don't sweat carrying cash for just a weekend trip.
- Leave the car parked at your hotel. The SkyTrain's Canada Line is super fast and directly connects downtown with Richmond and the airport.
- Avoid unexpected international fees on your US mobile plan by downloading offline maps before crossing the border.
