12 days in Helsinki & Vaasa Itinerary

Finland's largest and most populated metropolis, the maritime town of Helsinki boasts varied architecture, a lively cafe culture, and plethora of picturesque natural delights.

Pack the 6th (Mon) with family-friendly diversions at Linnanmaki Amusement Park. There's much more to do: brush up on your military savvy at Fortress of Suomenlinna, meet the residents at Korkeasaari Zoo, stroll through The Esplanadi Park, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Rock Church.

To see other places to visit, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Helsinki online driving holiday planner .

Vancouver, Canada to Helsinki is an approximately 15.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and ferry. The time zone changes from Pacific Standard Time (PST) to Eastern European Time (EET), which is usually a 10 hour difference. In May, Helsinki is slightly colder than Vancouver - with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 8th (Wed) so you can travel to Vaasa.

Get out of town with these interesting Vaasa side-trips: Kokkola (The Toivonen Animal Park and Peasant Museum & Neristan (Old Wooden Town)) and Duudsonit Activity Park (in Seinajoki). Spend a day of island exploring on the 9th (Thu) at Kvarken Archipelago World Heritage Site.

For reviews, where to stay, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Vaasa trip itinerary site .

Getting from Helsinki to Vaasa by flight takes about 4 hours. Other options: take a train; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 15°C in May, and nighttime lows around 4°C. You'll have a few hours on the 14th (Tue) to wrap things up before traveling home.