36 Hours in Vancouver: Business Travel Edition

For business travellers visiting Vancouver, this guide is designed to help you maximize your time in the city. Whether you're squeezing in some leisure between meetings or looking for ways to unwind after a long conference day, this itinerary offers a mix of dining, culture, and outdoor activities. Feel free to swap in or out depending on your schedule—you’ll have plenty of options to enjoy the best of Vancouver.

Day 1: Friday Evening

5:00 p.m. – Check-in at Your Hotel

After a day of travel or meetings, check into one of Vancouver’s centrally located hotels. Downtown Vancouver is home to several excellent business-friendly accommodations, including the Fairmont Waterfront, which offers views of the harbour, or the sleek and modern JW Marriott Parq Vancouver near Yaletown.

6:30 p.m. – Dinner at Miku

Just steps from the Vancouver Convention Centre, Miku is the perfect spot to enjoy some of Vancouver’s renowned sushi. Known for its signature aburi (flame-seared) sushi, Miku blends traditional Japanese flavours with West Coast ingredients. Enjoy a quick but refined meal while taking in the waterfront views of the harbour.

8:00 p.m. – Sunset Stroll Along the Seawall

Before calling it a night, take a walk along the Stanley Park Seawall, starting from Coal Harbour. The seawall offers stunning views of the water and the North Shore mountains, making it the perfect way to unwind after dinner. The evening light reflecting off the harbour sets a peaceful tone, ideal for clearing your head after a busy day.

Day 2: Saturday Morning

8:00 a.m. – Breakfast at Medina Café

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Medina Café, known for its Mediterranean-inspired dishes and legendary Belgian waffles. Located near Vancouver's financial district, it's an ideal spot for business travellers to fuel up for the day ahead. Be sure to try the lavender latte and choose from a variety of waffle toppings—perfect for a quick but indulgent breakfast before your meetings or activities.

9:30 a.m. – Meeting or Work Session

If your Saturday includes some morning meetings, the Vancouver Convention Centre or the nearby WeWork spaces provide ideal venues. Alternatively, if you're free, head to Science World for a short but inspiring visit. Its exhibits are interactive and informative—perfect for a quick cultural detour before getting back to business.

Day 2: Saturday Afternoon

12:30 p.m. – Lunch at L’Abattoir

For a business lunch or a mid-day break, L’Abattoir in Gastown offers a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. With its French-inspired Pacific Northwest cuisine, it’s a great spot for an impressive meal in one of Vancouver’s most historic neighbourhoods. If your time is tight, the bar offers an express lunch menu that delivers quality and speed.

2:00 p.m. – Explore Gastown

After lunch, take a stroll through Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, known for its cobblestone streets and historic architecture. If you have a break between meetings, check out the famous Gastown Steam Clock or pop into one of the many local boutiques and art galleries that line the streets. Gastown is also home to some excellent coffee shops like Revolver, perfect for a quick pick-me-up.

3:00 p.m. – Meeting or Free Time

If you're attending a conference or wrapping up a workday, use this time to get back to your business commitments. If you have a free afternoon, consider visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery, located in the heart of downtown. The gallery often features thought-provoking exhibitions of both local and international artists, and it’s an easy way to get a cultural fix in a limited timeframe.

Day 2: Saturday Evening

6:00 p.m. – Dinner at Hawksworth

Located in the elegant Rosewood Hotel Georgia, Hawksworth is one of Vancouver’s premier fine dining destinations. Offering contemporary Canadian cuisine, Hawksworth is perfect for a business dinner or a refined evening meal. The service is impeccable, and the seasonal menu showcases the best of local ingredients.

8:00 p.m. – Evening Drinks at The Keefer Bar

Wind down with a nightcap at The Keefer Bar in Chinatown. Known for its creative cocktails inspired by traditional Chinese medicine, The Keefer Bar offers a unique setting to end your evening on a high note. If you have more work to do or need a quieter spot, the hotel bar at the Fairmont Pacific Rim is another excellent option, offering both drinks and a cozy environment for catching up on emails.

Day 3: Sunday Morning

8:00 a.m. – Breakfast at Café Kitsuné

Before heading out of town, stop by Café Kitsuné for a quick breakfast and some of the best coffee in the city. Located near Kitsilano Beach, this café offers a stylish, minimalist setting and is perfect for a morning stroll along the water before your departure.

9:00 a.m. – Walk or Bike the Seawall

For your final morning, take advantage of Vancouver’s natural beauty by walking or biking along the False Creek Seawall. You can rent a bike at Spokes Bicycle Rentals near Stanley Park or simply enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront. The views of the city, ocean, and mountains are unbeatable, and it’s a refreshing way to end your time in Vancouver.

11:00 a.m. – Departure

With 36 hours in Vancouver under your belt, it’s time to head back to the airport or onto your next destination. Whether you’ve squeezed in some sightseeing or just managed to relax between meetings, Vancouver’s combination of urban charm and natural beauty ensures that your short stay is both productive and memorable.

36 Hours Well Spent

Even with a packed schedule, Vancouver’s blend of natural beauty, vibrant neighbourhoods, and world-class dining offers business travellers the chance to unwind and explore in between meetings. Whether you took a scenic stroll along the seawall, dined at one of the city’s top restaurants, or squeezed in some cultural highlights, your 36 hours in Vancouver will leave you with lasting impressions of a city that effortlessly combines work and play. With so many options, your next trip will undoubtedly hold even more to discover. Safe travels!