There’s something special about having family visit, but when it coincides with two big milestones—your graduation and your sister’s birthday—the experience becomes unforgettable. When my sister flew in to celebrate both, I knew I had to plan the perfect mix of celebration, sightseeing, and relaxation. With an itinerary packed full of adventure, iconic BC landmarks, and a sprinkle of luxury, our two weeks together became a whirlwind of laughter, exploration, and discovery.
If you’re planning to host a family member in British Columbia, this guide will help you balance the best of Vancouver and Victoria while keeping an eye on your budget!
Week 1: Arrival, Celebrations & Mountains
Monday – Welcome to Vancouver!
My sister landed in Vancouver on a bright Monday afternoon, and after an airport pickup and some much-needed rest, we eased into her visit with a cosy homemade dinner. Traveling can be exhausting, so we kept this day low-key, allowing her to adjust to the time zone and prepare for the exciting week ahead.
Tuesday – A Birthday Dinner in North Vancouver 🎉
The highlight of the day? A special birthday dinner! We decided to celebrate at The Beach House Restaurant in West Vancouver—an elegant spot with stunning ocean views and a menu that perfectly blends West Coast flavours. We toasted to her birthday with a glass of BC wine and indulged in fresh seafood, with the Chili Garlic Prawns and Wild Sockeye Salmon stealing the show.
💰 Budget Tip: Special occasions deserve a splurge, but if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly birthday dinner, Anatoli Souvlaki in North Van serves amazing Greek food at a reasonable price.
Saturday – Conquering Grouse Mountain
No trip to Vancouver is complete without experiencing Grouse Mountain. Instead of hiking the Grouse Grind, we opted for a general admission ticket ($69 per person), which included the Skyride gondola, scenic views, and the famous grizzly bears—Grinder and Coola. Standing at the top, we soaked in breathtaking panoramic views of Vancouver.
💰 Budget Tip: If you’re planning on multiple visits, consider a season pass—it pays for itself in just two trips!
Week 2: Thrills, Victoria, and Graduation 🎓
Monday – Capilano Suspension Bridge
This was the day for heart-racing heights! Instead of a single visit, we opted for a yearly pass ($69.95 per person) to Capilano Suspension Bridge, which offers unlimited access for a year. From the breathtaking Cliffwalk to the swaying Suspension Bridge, every moment was Instagram-worthy.
💰 Budget Tip: The annual pass costs the same as a single-entry ticket, so always upgrade if you plan to return!
Tuesday & Wednesday – A Magical Getaway to Victoria
For an exciting overnight trip, we hopped on the BC Ferries ($20 per person, one way) and set off for Victoria, a charming city filled with history and beauty.
Day 1 – Downtown Victoria Adventures
🏨 Hotel Zed – A fun, retro-themed hotel that’s budget-friendly and unique.
📸 Fairmont Empress – While we didn’t stay here, we took some iconic photos outside this stunning landmark.
🏛 Royal BC Museum ($18 per person) – A must-visit for history buffs.
For dinner, we indulged in Red Fish Blue Fish, a popular waterfront seafood shack with the best tacones (hand-rolled fish tacos).
💰 Budget Tip: If you’re visiting multiple attractions in Victoria, check for combo passes or discounts online!
Day 2 – Garden Escapes & Castles
We started the day at Beacon Hill Park, a free and beautiful green space with peacocks wandering around. Then, we faced a tough choice—Craigdarroch Castle ($22 per person) or the famous Butchart Gardens ($38 per person). We chose the castle, and it was a great choice!
Lunch was at The Flying Pig, a fantastic spot with hearty Canadian comfort food.
💰 Budget Tip: Pack snacks and water to avoid pricey café stops.
Thursday – Coastal Walks & Sunset Dining
Back in Vancouver, we spent the afternoon at Shipyards District and walked along the West Vancouver Centennial Seawall—a quieter but equally scenic alternative to Stanley Park’s Seawall.
For dinner, we dined at Tap & Barrel Shipyards, a lively spot with craft beers and stunning views.
💰 Budget Tip: Visit during happy hour (3–6 PM) for discounted drinks and snacks!
Friday – Graduation Day at UBC 🎓
The big day had arrived! After the graduation ceremony at UBC, we celebrated with a scenic drive through campus and a quick visit to the UBC Rose Garden, a perfect photo spot.
For a celebratory meal, we splurged at The Keg on Granville Island, treating ourselves to prime rib and a toast to the future.
💰 Budget Tip: For a more budget-friendly celebration, Nuba (a Lebanese eatery) offers delicious dishes at great prices.
Saturday – A Green Escape to Stanley Park & VanDusen Gardens
We wrapped up our adventure with a final day in nature. Stanley Park was our morning pick, with a leisurely bike ride around the Seawall (bike rentals are around $15/hour). In the afternoon, we explored the VanDusen Botanical Garden ($11.75 per person), a peaceful escape with winding trails and stunning floral displays.
💰 Budget Tip: Visit Stanley Park Totem Poles and Beaver Lake—they’re free and iconic!
inal Thoughts & Budget Breakdown 💰
Total Estimated Budget (Per Person):
✈️ Flight: Varies
🚆 Transportation (Ferries, SkyTrain, buses): $80–$100
🏨 Accommodation (Hotel Zed & home stay): ~$150–$200
🍽 Dining Out: $300–$500 (depends on choices)
🎟 Attractions (Grouse, Capilano, Victoria sites, etc.): ~$150–$200
💰 Total Estimated Cost: $700–$1,000 (excluding flights)
Travel Advice for Hosting Family in BC:
1️⃣ Mix Budget & Splurge Activities – Balance expensive attractions with free experiences like parks and beaches.
2️⃣ Plan in Advance – Book ferries, restaurants, and hotels early to get the best deals.
3️⃣ Use Public Transport – Vancouver’s transit system is efficient and much cheaper than renting a car.
4️⃣ Buy Annual Passes – If you’ll visit places like Capilano multiple times, get a yearly pass!
5️⃣ Enjoy the Outdoors – BC’s natural beauty is its biggest (and often free) attraction!
Hosting my sister in Vancouver and Victoria was more than just a vacation—it was a celebration of milestones, family, and the breathtaking beauty of British Columbia. Whether you’re welcoming loved ones or exploring BC solo, this province has something for everyone.
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