Gastown Day Trips: Top 5 Unforgettable City Escapes
Gastown, that little historic heart of Vancouver, is a pretty amazing place to start almost any adventure. With its old-world charm and those iconic cobblestone streets, it’s very tempting to just spend your whole time wandering around there. Yet, that beauty of Gastown is that it’s surprisingly close to tons of cool spots just begging to be explored. What I mean is, you can easily trade that city vibe for some seriously awesome scenery or a peek into another culture, all in just one day.
1. Granville Island: A Market and More
So, Granville Island isn’t just a market; it’s, like, a whole experience. A quick Aquabus ride from Gastown whisks you away to this island, and just imagine, almost instantly, you’re in a completely different atmosphere. This spot’s basically bursting with colors, sounds, and oh, those smells from the Public Market, they’re quite incredible.
At the Public Market, you can discover every kind of food vendor that you can possibly think of. From yummy local produce and gourmet cheeses to that freshly baked bread and those, like, unbelievably delicious seafood options. As a matter of fact, grab yourself a picnic, then find a spot by the water, or what do you know, that will be a great memory. Also, beyond the market, there’s, well, everything like, that artsy vibe, the street performers, the craft shops, actually it’s quite magical. Kids especially just love the Kids Market and, in a way, that allows parents to wander with peace of mind.
Taking a scenic ferry back to Gastown, and just, well, that gives you pretty incredible views of the city skyline. Read our full review: Granville Island Market Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ferry and Market Tour)
2. Stanley Park: Nature’s Playground
Want a quick getaway from those city streets, but not want to actually leave that city? So, Stanley Park is like, totally your answer. You know, you can easily hop on a bus or grab a bike from Gastown and, almost magically, find yourself in this massive urban park.
One thing you really must do is, well, bike or walk the Seawall, and you’ll enjoy some truly spectacular views of the ocean, that mountains, that city skyline – like your postcard-perfect picture. Plus, Stanley Park, in a way, gives you beaches, trails and gardens, too. Check out the totem poles at Brockton Point; it’s just, something you just can’t skip; it’s, like, a really cool look into those First Nations culture. As a matter of fact, if you have that time, the Vancouver Aquarium’s pretty impressive as well.
Spending the day here, you’ll get that nature fix and, similarly to that city experience without having to go very far. Read our full review: Stanley Park Vancouver Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Bike the Seawall)
3. Grouse Mountain: The Peak of Vancouver
For a day trip that’s, very breathtaking, head up Grouse Mountain. From Gastown, it’s, almost a short bus ride to that base of the mountain, followed by what do you know, a pretty thrilling gondola ride to that top. As a matter of fact, on a clear day, those views of Vancouver from up here, they’re quite unbelievable!
At the peak, you can see so much to do. So, there are lumberjack shows, bird demonstrations, and a grizzly bear habitat (it’s, completely safe and ethical, that bears are well looked after). Hiking trails are there if you want them; that’s your chance for that adventure. Or just chill out at the restaurant, you can have a really delicious meal with quite the view. Returning to Gastown as the sun begins to dip, too it’s almost like this magical moment to remember. Read our full review: Grouse Mountain Vancouver Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Grouse Mountain General Admission)
4. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: Walk Among the Treetops
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is just, something totally worth experiencing. A short trip from Gastown, and you’ll soon find yourself, kind of, crossing this amazing suspension bridge that sways so gently above that Capilano River. That height is a bit thrilling for some, but those views, they really are spectacular.
That park has so much to offer. There’s the Cliffwalk, that’s a series of walkways clinging to that granite cliff, as well as that Treetops Adventure, with its smaller suspension bridges going from tree to tree. First Nations culture is highlighted here, so, too it’s almost really something you won’t forget. This makes for what do you know, a really memorable and stunning day out. Read our full review: Capilano Suspension Bridge Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Bridge and Park Tickets)
5. Bowen Island: A Tranquil Escape
Looking for a real escape from those city hassles? Bowen Island, is actually where it’s at. It does require a bit more travel than those other options, there’s, very likely, a bus ride to Horseshoe Bay followed by a ferry, still, what do you know, that’s island’s worth it. Once you get there, things do slow right down; its a different kind of relaxed experience.
The island is good for what do you know, little cafes and shops, there are pretty scenic hikes, and there’s a lovely atmosphere that feels worlds away from the commotion of Vancouver. Snug Cove is worth spending your time and money and you can find art galleries and restaurants, yet the nature will also call. Whether you would like to hike to the top of Mount Gardner for mind-blowing views or go to the beach and relax, actually that choice is all yours. Returning to Gastown after that is great, feeling calm and completely refreshed. Read our full review: Bowen Island British Columbia Full Review and Details. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ferry to Bowen Island)
