13 day itinerary for Vancouver

Itinerary

A 13-day adventure in and around Vancouver, with visits to Banff and Jasper, sounds like a fantastic journey! Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances city exploration, stunning natural parks, and a bit of road tripping. Buckle up, because this is going to be an unforgettable trip!

## Day 1: Arrival in Vancouver

• Morning: Arrive in Vancouver. Check into your hotel or Airbnb.
• Afternoon: Head to Stanley Park. Rent a bike and ride along the Seawall, taking in views of the city skyline and the ocean.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant in Coal Harbour. Try some fresh seafood!

## Day 2: Explore Vancouver

• Morning: Visit Granville Island. Explore the public market, artisan shops, and grab a coffee at one of the local cafes.
• Afternoon: Head to the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park. Spend some time with the marine life!
• Evening: Stroll through Gastown, check out the Steam Clock, and have dinner at one of the trendy restaurants.

## Day 3: More of Vancouver

• Morning: Take the Skyride up to Grouse Mountain. Enjoy the views and maybe even see some grizzly bears at the refuge.
• Afternoon: Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Walk across the bridge and explore the treetop walkways.
• Evening: Return to the city and enjoy a casual dinner in the West End.

## Day 4: Vancouver to Banff

• Morning: Start your road trip to Banff (about 8-9 hours). Pack snacks and enjoy the scenic drive through the Canadian Rockies.
• Afternoon: Stop at Yoho National Park along the way. Visit Emerald Lake and take a short hike.
• Evening: Arrive in Banff. Check into your accommodation and have dinner in town.

## Day 5: Explore Banff National Park

• Morning: Take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking views.
• Afternoon: Visit Lake Minnewanka. Consider a boat tour or a hike around the lake.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant in Banff. Try some local game meat!

## Day 6: More Banff Adventures

• Morning: Head to Moraine Lake (if accessible) for stunning views and hiking opportunities.
• Afternoon: Explore the town of Banff, visit the Banff Park Museum, and check out local shops.
• Evening: Relax at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Soak in the warm waters with mountain views!

## Day 7: Banff to Jasper

• Morning: Drive along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper (about 3-4 hours). Stop at the Columbia Icefield and take a tour onto the Athabasca Glacier.
• Afternoon: Continue to Jasper, stopping at stunning viewpoints like Bow Lake and Peyto Lake.
• Evening: Arrive in Jasper, check into your accommodation, and enjoy dinner in town.

## Day 8: Explore Jasper National Park

• Morning: Visit Maligne Lake. Consider a boat tour to Spirit Island or hike around the lake.
• Afternoon: Explore Maligne Canyon. Walk along the trails and marvel at the waterfalls.
• Evening: Have dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy the starry night sky—Jasper is a Dark Sky Preserve!

## Day 9: More Jasper Adventures

• Morning: Take a scenic drive to Athabasca Falls and explore the area.
• Afternoon: Visit the Jasper SkyTram for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
• Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner and maybe catch a local event or live music.

## Day 10: Jasper to Vancouver

• Morning: Start your drive back to Vancouver (about 8-9 hours). Take your time and enjoy the scenery.
• Afternoon: Stop at any spots you missed on the way to Jasper, like Athabasca Falls or the Icefields Parkway viewpoints.
• Evening: Arrive back in Vancouver. Have a casual dinner and unwind.

## Day 11: Vancouver Island Day Trip

• Morning: Take an early ferry to Vancouver Island. Head to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.
• Afternoon: Visit the Royal BC Museum and stroll through the beautiful Butchart Gardens.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in Victoria before taking the ferry back to Vancouver.

## Day 12: Explore More of Vancouver

• Morning: Visit the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. Learn about Indigenous cultures and enjoy the beautiful campus.
• Afternoon: Spend some time at Queen Elizabeth Park. Enjoy the gardens and the view of the city.
• Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant in Yaletown.

## Day 13: Departure

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or a walk along the waterfront.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

And there you have it! A well-rounded itinerary that captures the essence of Vancouver, Banff, and Jasper, with plenty of parks, green spaces, and city highlights. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! 🌲🏔️📸