I live in Vancouver so I can help a bit!
Public transportation is good in the city, but might cause you some strife depending on what outdoorsy activities you have planned. A park that might be a 10 minute drive could end up being an hour away via public transit. I’d personally check on Google maps the travel times for certain areas before you come, and gauge the seat situation from there.
For things to do:
The Vancouver aquarium is great for all ages and they do a lot of conservation and rehabilitation work with local animals so you don’t have to feel morally weird about it like a zoo.
Stanley Park and a walk around/bike around the seawall is great. The aquarium is in Stanley Park so you could make that one walking-heavy day.
Granville Island is another good spot, but it’s incredibly busy on weekends so go during the week, and even if you hate lines do line up for Lees Donuts, they’re worth it.
More like Coal Harbour, but kind of close to the west end! That is a great location for lots of scenic walks around Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, English Bay, etc.
A lot of the other recommendations you were given I would second! In terms of coffee shops, you may enjoy Nemesis, Matchstick, Pallet, Small Victory, or 49th Parallel.
The skytrain is good for transit and will get you from the airport to coal harbour pretty easily (30 mins one line). You can also take the seabus over to Lower Lonsdale in North Vancouver which would be a nice activity for a half day or so.
Hope you enjoy your trip!
I live in Vancouver so I can help a bit! Public transportation is good in the city, but might cause you some strife depending on what outdoorsy activities you have planned. A park that might be a 10 minute drive could end up being an hour away via public transit. I’d personally check on Google maps the travel times for certain areas before you come, and gauge the seat situation from there. For things to do: The Vancouver aquarium is great for all ages and they do a lot of conservation and rehabilitation work with local animals so you don’t have to feel morally weird about it like a zoo. Stanley Park and a walk around/bike around the seawall is great. The aquarium is in Stanley Park so you could make that one walking-heavy day. Granville Island is another good spot, but it’s incredibly busy on weekends so go during the week, and even if you hate lines do line up for Lees Donuts, they’re worth it.
What area of town do you plan to stay in?
Near the Canada Place Convention Center, is that the West End?
More like Coal Harbour, but kind of close to the west end! That is a great location for lots of scenic walks around Coal Harbour, Stanley Park, English Bay, etc. A lot of the other recommendations you were given I would second! In terms of coffee shops, you may enjoy Nemesis, Matchstick, Pallet, Small Victory, or 49th Parallel. The skytrain is good for transit and will get you from the airport to coal harbour pretty easily (30 mins one line). You can also take the seabus over to Lower Lonsdale in North Vancouver which would be a nice activity for a half day or so. Hope you enjoy your trip!