Vancouver, Canada

A Perfect Day Trip to Vancouver from Seattle

Vancouver has always been on my list of places to visit, but since we usually head to the Toronto/Niagara side of Canada, I never got around to it—until now! We finally made the trip, taking a day trip from Seattle to Vancouver, and I have to say, it completely lived up to the hype. From breathtaking views to incredible food, here’s everything we did in one amazing day in Vancouver.

The drive from Seattle to Vancouver takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and how long you get stuck at the border. We were mentally prepared for a long wait at immigration, but to our surprise, we got through pretty quickly! I’ve heard horror stories about people waiting for hours, so this was a great start to the trip.

Once we crossed into Canada, the scenery completely changed. We were driving through endless fields with the most beautiful landscapes, and it felt like we were in a totally different world- not like all we did was cross a border 5 minutes ago. The wide open spaces, the fresh air—it was such a refreshing contrast to the city of Seattle.

We were starving by the time we crossed the border, so we randomly stopped at a small Chinese restaurant in a tiny town just past the border. And wow, let me tell you—this was one of those unexpected gems. We weren’t expecting much, but the food was fresh, flavorful, and SO good. Sometimes the best meals come from the most random stops!

First Stop: Vancouver Lookout at Sunset

Since we only had one day in Vancouver, we wanted to start off with an iconic view of the city. Vancouver Lookout was the perfect choice. It’s located at the top of Harbour Centre and stands 553 feet high, offering a full 360-degree view of the city.

We got there around 3 pm, and this next part is going to sound crazy, but we literally watched the sunset at this time! We thought we’d have so much daylight but nope we were completely wrong. I highly recommend coming arounf this time though because watching the city lights come on while the sun sets is absolutely stunning. The elevator ride to the top is super cool—it has glass windows, so you get a sneak peek of the view on the way up.

From the top, you can see Stanley Park, Gastown, the mountains, and the waterfront all in one panoramic view. It was the perfect way to get a feel for the city and appreciate just how beautifully Vancouver blends nature and urban life.

The entry fee is $21 for adults, but for students, it’s $15. I make sure to always carry my student ID around for this reason!

Exploring Vancouver’s Waterfront

After soaking in the views from the Lookout, we walked down to Vancouver’s waterfront, and it was such a vibrant, lively area. There’s a huge, light-up "Vancouver" sign, which of course, makes for the perfect photo op!

Walking along the waterfront, you get the best mix of city vibes and natural beauty. On one side, you have the tall modern buildings, and on the other, you have the ocean, boats, and the stunning Canada Place. This area is especially pretty after sunset because the buildings and signs light up, creating the most magical atmosphere.

Granville Island – A Foodie’s Dream

Next, we headed to Granville Island, which is hands-down one of my favorite places in Vancouver. The area has so much charm, and it’s home to the famous Granville Island Public Market, which is a must-visit if you’re a foodie like me.

We walked through the market, which was filled with fresh produce, bakeries, cheese shops, and so many delicious food options. It smelled amazing inside, and we couldn’t resist trying a few things like clam chowder and a delicious berry tart. Every stall was decorated so nicely, and the variety of foods was incredible. If I lived in Vancouver, I’d probably come here all the time! Outside the market, Granville Island itself is adorable, with cute streets, artsy shops, and some of the best views of the Vancouver skyline.

Dinner at Sula Indian Restaurant – A Foodie’s Paradise

By the time we finished exploring Granville Island, we were ready for dinner, and I was SO excited for this meal. I love Indian food, and Canada has some of the best Indian restaurants ever, so we knew we had to try one while in Vancouver.

We chose Sula Indian Restaurant, and let me tell you—this meal was LIFE-CHANGING.

The restaurant itself is beautifully decorated, with a modern yet cozy vibe. It felt like an upscale dining experience, but the food was the real star of the show. Here’s what we ordered:

Vada Pav – A Mumbai street food classic, featuring a spiced potato fritter in a bun with chutneys. It’s crispy, spicy, and packed with flavor.

Samosa Chaat – A crispy, crumbled samosa topped with chickpeas, yogurt, chutneys, and spices. It’s the perfect mix of crunchy, tangy, and spicy.

Chicken Biryani – Fragrant, spiced rice with tender chicken and the perfect blend of flavors.

Butter Chicken – The creamiest, most flavorful butter chicken ever.

Butter Paneer – If you love paneer, you HAVE to try this. So soft in a delicious sauce.

Assorted Naan – Soft, fluffy, and perfect for scooping up all the delicious sauces.

We also got the coolest drinks—mine had a smoking cinnamon stick on top, and it looked so dramatic and fun! Every dish was so flavorful, and I genuinely think this was one of the best Indian meals I’ve ever had.

Other Things to Do in Vancouver

If you have more time in Vancouver, here are a few other spots worth checking out:

Stanley Park – A massive park with scenic trails, beaches, and beautiful views. The Seawall is a must for walking or biking.

Capilano Suspension Bridge – A huge suspension bridge over a lush forest, offering a fun and slightly thrilling nature experience.

Gastown – One of Vancouver’s most charming areas, known for its historic buildings, cute shops, and the famous Steam Clock.

Grouse Mountain – If you love outdoor adventures, this is the place to go. In the winter, you can ski here, and in the summer, you can hike or take the gondola up for breathtaking views.

Kitsilano Beach – A beautiful beach with stunning views of the city and mountains, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

Final Thoughts on Vancouver

Even though we were only in Vancouver for one day, I fell in love with the city. It has such a unique mix of urban energy and natural beauty, and there’s so much to see and do. From the breathtaking views at Vancouver Lookout to exploring Granville Island and having an unforgettable dinner at Sula, this day trip was absolutely perfect.

If you’re ever in Seattle and have a free day, Vancouver is 100% worth the trip! I know I’ll definitely be back to explore even more, and I’ll do more than a day trip for sure.