Start at Granville Island with some bakery and deli treats at the Public Market. If you're hungry for something more substantial, hit the food court or head outside to Railspur Alley. Halfway along, you'll find the Agro Café, which serves an excellent brunch and a great Americano. You'll likely also spot some of the island's artisans getting their java fix before heading back to work.

After you've had your fill, spend an hour or two strolling the island's labyrinthine thoroughfares, nipping into studios and galleries including the Gallery of BC Ceramics. If lunch is required before hitting the road, create a picnic at the Public Market and decamp to the waterfront boardwalk: keep one eye on the view of the art deco Burrard Street Bridge and another on the seagulls jealously regarding your grub.

In the afternoon, drive out to the University of British Columbia. The province's largest school, it's also home to some of the city's best attractions. Head first to the superb and recently expanded Museum of Anthropology, where thousands of years of regional First Nations culture — including a magnificent array of totem poles — are explored in a graceful waterfront setting.

Next, dip into the UBC Botanical Garden and its new canopy walkway, then continue your nature fix at the Japanese-themed Nitobe Memorial Garden. Check to see if there's an evening concert at the campus's Chan Centre or drive back downtown for an evening of culture — consider the popular Vancouver Symphony Orchestra which often plays at the Orpheum Theatre.

Drive through Stanley Park and across the magnificent Lions Gate Bridge to Grouse Mountain. The city's favourite outdoor playground, it's a full-service ski and snowboard facility in winter, while its summer attractions include lumberjack shows a large grizzly beer enclosure and alpine forest walking trails. Grab a window seat in the summit bistro for some spectacular views of downtown Vancouver, shimmering in the water below.

Nip back in the car after lunch and weave back through Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver. Driving south from the city, make for Richmond and the historic fishing village of Steveston. A lovely place to spend the afternoon, you can check out the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site — a fascinating museum exploring the region's historic fish industry — and stroll the pretty, boat-lined boardwalk to the preserved Britannia Heritage Shipyard. Make sure you stop for fish and chips at the legendary Pajo's.

Alternatively, consider saving your appetite for Richmond's Summer Night Market, a 15-minute drive away. It's a raucous Asian bazaar of street hawkers that attracts thousands of weekend visitors. While there are dozens of stalls selling kitschy trinkets here, it's the food stands that lure almost everyone. Wander around tucking into fish balls, grilled octopus and Shanghai noodles and you won't need to eat again for a week.