A Fantastic 3-Day Itinerary In Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver, BC, offers a stunning mix of coastal mountains and ocean views, making it a perfect three-day getaway. Whether you’re on a long weekend trip or arriving before a cruise, this itinerary highlights the best of the city.

Vancouver offers low-humidity summers and mild winters, attracting visitors year-round. Summer is peak season, but winter brings world-class skiing just minutes from downtown. Locals love the outdoors, boasting the unique ability to ski and golf on the same day.

As a gateway to Alaska cruises and Vancouver Island, the city is a prime travel hub. While June to September is ideal for sightseeing, there’s plenty to do year-round; just pack for rain in the shoulder season. One thing’s certain: comfy shoes are a must for this action-packed three-day itinerary.

Vancouver is one of Canada’s top cities and its most popular attractions are downtown or within a city’s short distance. Unless you want to spend countless hours commuting, it’s best to stay in the downtown core.

Although expensive, getting around is much easier, and you will spend your valuable time seeing Vancouver’s sites. On a visit, you’ll learn so many fun facts about this west coast city.

Where To Stay In Vancouver, BC

Vancouver has a large selection of grand hotels, some with impressive views of the mountains and waterfront. You can’t go wrong with any of these choices.

The Fairmont Pacific Rim offers both mountain and waterfront views from its five-star rooms. The upscale contemporary rooms exude a touch of elegance and glamour while high-tech conveniences. If time allows, check out the heated rooftop pool.

If you prefer a little nostalgia, the Sylvia Hotel fits the bill. Constructed in 1912, today, its neon sign still shines brightly amongst the more modern high rises in the downtown core. Located in English Bay, the hotel offers a quieter stay away from the high-traffic areas.

With its iconic oxidized copper roof, the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver has been a city landmark for decades. Additionally, the hotel treats its guests to luxurious, classic rooms and impeccable service. Canadian residents have the bonus of free parking, a big plus in the downtown core.

With an ideal downtown location and breakfast included, the St. Regis Hotel appeals to the budget-minded traveler. This century-old boutique hotel is within walking distance to Skytrain, Vancouver’s rapid transit system.

Close to the harborfront is Coal Harbour’s Loden Hotel. The complimentary bikes are a bonus for a scenic tour of the world-famous Stanley Park or peddling in the bike-friendly city. For those that have allergies, the Loden Hotel has an entire floor that is allergy-friendly.

Getting Around In Vancouver

Without a car, travelers can use Uber, buses, or the SkyTrain. SkyTrain’s Canada Line connects Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to downtown’s Waterfront Station, just two blocks from the cruise terminal. From there, the SeaBus ferries passengers to North Vancouver.

Vancouver is bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes and rental options for easy exploration.

• Spokes at Denman and Georgia Streets near Stanley Park.
• Yes Cycle Bike at 1351 Burrard St has excellent prices.
• Van City Bikes at 601 W Cordova St offers tours and self-guided rentals.
• EzeeRiders Bike Rental’s electric bikes make seeing the city a breeze. Find them at 1055 Canada Place, at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
• Cycle City Tours and Bike Rentals at 648 Hornby Street.

Day One Itinerary In Vancouver

Stanley Park

• Location: Downtown Vancouver. Access is via Georgia Street

Step aside Central Park, as Vancouver’s Stanley Park was named the best urban park in the world by TripAdvisor. Located in Vancouver’s West End, the 400 hectare park (1,000 acres) is free to explore, though parking is paid. A local favorite, it offers scenic seawall paths and sandy beaches.

Rent a bike to ride the 9 km waterfront trail, enjoying views of the North Shore mountains. Stop at Prospect Point for views of the Lions Gate Bridge, the Girl in a Wetsuit statue, and Brockton Point’s nine totem poles.

For a less strenuous way to explore Stanley Park, take a one-hour, narrated horse-drawn carriage ride. Available from March to October no reservation is required. For families, the Stanley Park Train offers a scenic ride through the forest on a 20-gauge track.

Lost Lagoon offers chances to spot local wildlife, including swans, eagles, herons, beavers, and raccoons. Although the latter can be feisty.

Vancouver Aquarium

• Location: 845 Avison Way in Stanley Park

Reserve a couple of hours for the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park. Though it no longer keeps large sea mammals, it continues to rescue and rehabilitate dolphins and whales.

Outside, a bronze orca statue by Haida artist Bill Reid greets visitors. Inside, the aquarium showcases 60,000 aquatic creatures, with an educational focus, plus an Amazon gallery featuring rainforests, snakes, frogs, and sloths.

British Columbia boasts a rich marine life of salmon species, giant octopus, and cold-water corals. Learn about Vancouver’s marine ecosystem at the Treasures of the BC Coast exhibit.

My favorite exhibit is the jellyfish. Watching their colorful, translucent forms float in a circular tank feels like an underwater ballet. The aquarium features over thirty species and studies how water and food affect their life cycles. I was surprised to learn that some varieties are a delicacy in China and Japan.

In 2017, the Vancouver Aquarium launched Ocean Wise, a global ocean conservation operation. The organization implements shoreline cleanup, marine research, and promotes a sustainable seafood program called ocean-wise seafood.

The Teahouse In Stanley Park

• Location: Ferguson Point in Stanley Park

On day one of your Vancouver itinerary, we recommend lunch at The Teahouse near Third Beach. Once a WWII garrison, the building now houses a romantic restaurant with ocean views.

Dine on BC Salmon Caesar or Haida Gwaii Halibut, with options for gluten-free, vegan, and ocean-wise seafood. The service is excellent, and the food never disappoints. For dinner, the restaurant offers the “best sunset in the city.”

Gastown

• Location: Starts at W. Cordova Street and Water Street

Gastown, one of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhoods, blends old-world charm with modern touches. Explore the cobblestone streets lined with vintage lamp posts, brick buildings, and art galleries.

There are plenty of unique galleries and boutiques to buy your Canadian souvenirs. The popular choices are First Nations artwork and carvings, maple syrup, Smoked salmon, and BC jade jewelry.

At Cambie and Water Streets, the steam clock, built over a heating vent, whistles to greet visitors. Originally preventing the homeless from sleeping on the grate, it became a tourist attraction, helping revitalize the area.

Today, the steam-powered clock is one of the only functioning ones globally. Every 15 minutes, the clock lets out steam and announces its time with a Westminster chime.

Further down the street, at the intersection of Carrall, Water, and Powell Streets (Maple Tree Square), stands a statue of Gassy Jack. John Deighton, aka Gassy Jack, owned a saloon here in the 1800s. Later, the city named this city to honor him.

Nuba In Gastown

• Location: 207 W. Hastings Street

For dinner, try Lebanese cuisine at Nuba, where locally sourced ingredients and a large gluten-free menu shine. Their Halloumi Cheese, Najib’s Special (crispy cauliflower), and Lamb Kafta are must-tries, especially the cauliflower, which even meat-lovers will enjoy.

Everything is delicious, and after one meal, you’ll want to return. If you’re not too tired, finish day one with a stroll along Coal Harbour, taking in views of Stanley Park, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore.

Day Two Itinerary In Vancouver

Harbour Centre Lookout

• Location: 555 W. Hastings Street

Day two starts near Gastown, at the Harbour Centre Lookout, offering stunning aerial views of Vancouver with an all-day ticket. At 168 m (553 ft), visitors take a glass elevator to the viewing platform.

Like Toronto’s CN Tower and Seattle’s Space Needle, the Vancouver Lookout features a revolving restaurant above the viewing floor, offering 360-degree views of the city, including the mountains to the north and Burrard Inlet.

From the Lookout, view Canada Place’s iconic sails, Gastown to the east, and False Creek with BC Place’s white dome to the south. Plaques around the viewing floor highlight the history of nearby buildings, showcasing a blend of modern and historic architecture.

Yaletown

• Location: The area east of Homer Street and south of Robson Street

From the Harbour Centre, walk southwest on Hamilton Street to Yaletown. Along the way, stop at the Vancouver Public Library at Hamilton and Georgia, an architectural gem resembling the Coliseum.

Yaletown, once an industrial area, is now a vibrant hub with upscale dining, boutiques, and condos along the False Creek waterfront. Remnants of its rail yard past remain, like old brick platforms repurposed into sidewalk eateries.

At Davie Street and Pacific Blvd, Engine 374, which pulled the first passenger train to Vancouver in 1887, sits in its Pavilion. Inside, a free exhibit showcases the history of CPR and the roundtable.

Aquabus Tour

From the CPR roundtable, walk to the waterfront to the Aquabus dock. It’s best to purchase an all-day pass which gives on and off privileges. The colorful little boats offer great city views of BC Place Stadium, Science World (the round golf ball), and the areas that hosted Expo ’86.

The Aquabus is a blessing to Vancouverites because it’s a way to get around without the hassle of rush hour traffic and road congestion. After a tour of False Creek, disembark at Stamps Lamping for a leisurely lunch with a view.

Wicklow Pub

• Location: 610 Stamps Landing

False Creek is best enjoyed from an outdoor rooftop patio, and locals love Wicklow Pub for its cold brews and atmosphere. The pub’s small rooms evoke an English pub feel, but on a sunny day, opt for the outdoor seating. Even in cooler weather, propane heaters and blankets keep things comfy.

Try the Sailing Salad with goat cheese and wild salmon, or opt for gluten-free burgers and sandwiches. For a true BC taste, enjoy the wild halibut and chips, grilled salmon burger, or crab sandwich. After lunch, hop on the Aquabus to Granville Island, where your senses will be delighted.

Granville Island

• Location: Under the southern section of the Granville Street Bridge

Although Granville Island is a tourist destination, it’s valued by locals for its fresh seafood, local produce, and lively vibe. The Public Market is a food lover’s paradise, with pastries, fruits, and teas to sample.

Once an industrial area, its warehouses now house art studios, shops, and restaurants, many with dockside patios. The Railspur District and Net Loft feature shops with silver jewelry, handmade paper goods, and pottery. The Kids’ Market caters to children, with shops, an adventure zone, and water park.

A short walk away, six painted cement silos by the Pandolfo twins nicknamed the smiling giants, add whimsy to the area. With street entertainers and stunning views, Granville Island’s energetic atmosphere is unforgettable.

Dockside Restaurant

• Location: 1252 Johnston Street

Granville Island is a foodie haven, with buzzing restaurants. For a standout experience, we recommend Dockside Restaurant, located away from the market. It offers waterfront views, top-notch service, and delicious food.

The indoor dining room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, while the patio features fireplaces and stunning vistas. The menu offers delights like braised oxtail ragu, Manila clam linguine, and sablefish, complemented by Dockside’s craft brew or BC wine. Gluten-free and vegan options are also available.

After dinner, take the Aquabus to Yaletown or Plaza of Nations, then return to Harbour Centre. Use your all-day ticket to ride the glass elevator back up to the viewing deck, where the city lights shine. Vancouver is as stunning at night as it is by day.

Day Three Itinerary In Vancouver

Put on your comfy shoes as youhead to the treetops and mountaintops. From downtown, catch the complimentary shuttle outside Canada Place, which will take you to Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

• Location: 3735 Capilano Rd

The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is an adventure-lover’s paradise and one of Vancouver’s top attractions. The 450-foot bridge spans the Capilano River, swaying gently, but no bouncing allowed!

Beyond the bridge, head to Treetops Adventure, my favorite part of the park. Starting from a giant treehouse, visitors cross eight suspended platforms among towering Douglas firs. Ingeniously designed, the collars holding the platforms adjust as the trees grow. In summer, Raptor’s Ridge showcases birds of prey.

The newest addition to the park is the Cliffwalk. It features a narrow walkway that hangs from the rock wall over a deep canyon. While I found the walkway exhilarating, I saw many people freak out on seeing it, turn around and walk back out.

Around the park are numerous totem poles and lots of informational plaques on the bridge construction and water conservation.

Grouse Mountain

• Location: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver

From Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, head north on Capilano Road to Grouse Mountain. Parking is available but fills quickly. A year-round destination, Grouse offers skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing in winter, while summer brings hiking and stunning views. Plan for 4 to 5 hours at the summit.

Skyride gondola tickets range from basic access to adventure packages with ziplining, paragliding, and rope courses. The eight-minute ride offers breathtaking views of Vancouver, the Gulf Islands, and the Capilano watershed. For a challenge, tackle the Grouse Grind hiking trail instead.

Grab a meal with a view at Altitudes, where the menu is simple but includes options for vegan and gluten-free. After lunch, explore the mountain’s attractions. The lumberjack show and birds of prey are entertaining, but the highlight is the grizzly bears.

Orphaned in 2001, Coola and Grinder became Grouse Mountain’s beloved residents. With no rehab facilities at the time, they found a permanent home here. In winter, they hibernate in a manmade den, and locals can watch their emergence via a live bear cam.

Watching the webcam, I was amazed to discover the bears’ sleepwalk during hibernation. Imagine that!

Included in a Skyride ticket is the chairlift. It transports visitors higher, for paragliding and to ride the Eye of the Wind. The latter is a wind turbine. While this isn’t the tallest wind turbine in the world, it’s the only one that has a visitors’ viewing platform.

On my last visit to the Peak, Brian and I took a helicopter sightseeing excursion. Blackcomb Helicopters offers three tours. We took the Lions Peak tour to see the legendary Lions Peak, Horseshoe Bay, and distant views of downtown Vancouver.

Cactus Club Café Coal Harbour

• Location: 1085 Canada Place at Jack Poole Plaza

My pick for dinner is the Cactus Club at Jack Poole Plaza, adjacent to the Olympic Cauldron. Cactus Club is renowned for its delicious food, impeccable service, and vibrant ambiance. The Coal Harbour location is second to none.

The extensive menu has plenty to choose from, even for those who require gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian. Favorites on the menu include Butternut Squash Ravioli and Prawns, Salmon Fresca, Cajun Chicken Burger, and the Lettuce Wraps Szechuan Chicken appetizer.

Olympic Cauldron

• Location: 1055 Canada Place at Jack Poole Plaza

Visiting Vancouver wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Olympic Cauldron outside the restaurant. The Unique Cauldron was lit for the 2010 Winter and Paralympic Olympic Games.

While it’s no longer lit, the glass structure is still a marvel to enjoy. Initially, the 33 ft (10 m) cauldron was lit by Wayne Gretzky, while 3.5 billion people watched it globally.

I remember visiting the structure during the Olympics. While the flames gave it an element of grandeur, the views were not so picturesque, surrounded by fencing to prevent vandalism.

With the north shore as a backdrop, the Cauldron is much more photogenic today. Should you visit in the winter, Jack Poole Plaza hosts a German-themed Christmas Market, complete with your favorite German foods and drinks. A short distance away, the Digital Orca delights visitors with its Lego-like construction.

FlyOver Canada

• Location: 201 – 999 Canada Place, Vancouver

Wrap up your Vancouver trip with FlyOver Canada, a virtual journey across the country. From Saskatchewan’s wheat fields to Niagara Falls, this immersive experience showcases Canada’s best sights without leaving the city.

The 25-minute attraction includes Uplift, a 360-degree film about Canadians, before the main eight-minute ride. Suspended seats move in sync with the film, projected onto a massive 20-meter screen. Wind, mist, and scents enhance the sensation of soaring over Iceberg Alley or Mount Assiniboine.

FlyOver Canada also features seasonal films, like a North Pole adventure at Christmas or breathtaking Icelandic landscapes in FlyOver Iceland.

Vancouver’s Other Places Of Interest

Depending on your interests, any of these places can be switched out for something that appeals to you. The Vancouver Art Gallery (750 Hornby St.) is Western Canada’s largest, featuring rotating exhibits.

Robson Street, Vancouver’s answer to Rodeo Drive, boasts designer stores like Armani Exchange, Guess, and Banana Republic, perfect for shopping or people-watching.

For family fun, Science World on False Creek offers interactive exhibits inside its iconic geodesic dome. On rainy days, it’s an ideal indoor escape.

Prefer a slower pace? Relax at English Bay or Kitsilano Beach, both offering stunning waterfront views.

Just outside of Vancouver on the Sea to Sky Highway, the Britannia Mine Museum is a fascinating place allowing visitors to delve deep into a mountain and learn the interesting history of a copper mine.

Lynn Canyon Park offers a no-fee suspension bridge in North Vancouver if you prefer not to pay the admission at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

For the foodies, the Richmond Night Market offers food from popular street markets around the world. Open on Friday to Sunday evenings during the summer, you can sample popular choices like takoyaki, BBQ squid, mochi donuts, and rotatoes.

Final Thoughts On This 3-Day Itinerary In Vancouver

With this 3-day itinerary, Vancouver will delight you with its array of activities. For the active, walking tours and bike routes are plentiful. While three days isn’t enough to see all of Vancouver, prepare for a busy schedule.

Should you have more than three days, consider spreading your wings outside of Vancouver too. Further east, a two-hour drive to Hope offers the opportunity to tour the amazing Othello Tunnels. Carved through a large rock, the old train tunnels allow for picturesque views of the Coquihalla River below.

Like most metropolitan cities, there is much to discover with each returning visit. Should you have a week or two, consider a romantic getaway to Whistler or uncover new gems in the Okanagan or Vancouver Island.