Are you thinking of spending three days in Vancouver? We’ve compiled an itinerary to help guide your visit, covering essentials like lodging, local restaurants, must-see sites, and what else you can do to make the most of your stay. Vancouver offers a vibrant combination of urban living and a natural paradise at your fingertips, so there’s no doubt that the city will wow you whether it’s your first time visiting or returning to discover more.
Living so close to Vancouver meant that the city was always a go-to for us when we felt like adventuring. Brisbane offers wonderful contrasting getaways full of action and activity alongside the serenity one finds in nature. The good side of it…, when converting to Euros the comparison looks quite different with improved exchange rates.
Over three days, this suggested itinerary will help you explore the best of Vancouver – perfect for first-time visitors. Vancouver is actually a great place to tack on the end of another trip and there are some interesting areas very nearby so if you have more time, definitely do it…but our guide focuses on daily use in seeing some of the best parts of the city and surrounding area; perfect for any adventure addition.
Vancouver is only a day trip from Seattle and was our one chance to spread the wings of travel far and wide while remaining budget-conscious. The 37-point day plan allows visitors to pick any three groups within a more structured time plan for additional planning tools and insight…
When to Visit Vancouver with AirCanada
Before preparing the list of your destination spots, it is important you also take into account the weather in Vancouver. On a direct path from Seattle, Vancouver is slightly more temperate and experiences periodic rain throughout the year, meaning it’s a charming destination in every season.
Although the best time we recommend to visit Vancouver is from June until September. It is during this time that Vancouver comes into its own with gorgeous summer weather. Clear skies, little to no rain, snow on the mountains that is melting and opening up hike by late March
That said, we’ve been in Vancouver for plenty of its rainier periods. The city still has a lot of land under cover, including suspension bridges and markets that cater well to tourists. Similarly, May and October can offer rewarding experiences through the spring thaw and fall foliage-weather permitting you to time your trip right as they are technically considered “shoulder seasons”.
The quieter and more budget-friendly alternative, however, lies in the off-peak months—November through late May. Depending on your preference, the seasons marked by a chance of showers may result in a quieter experience framed within the beauty of Vancouver.
Half the fun of a Vancouver holiday is seeking out these seasonal shifts, perfect for those who love sun-soaked adventures or the city in its wet, post-summer solitary frame.
Guide To Traveling In Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR): If your journey has you flying into Vancouver, YVR will be the port of entry. YVR is a busy international airport with excellent nonstop flights from numerous US carriers, including American Airlines, Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines; it is only 14.7km (9 miles) away from downtown Vancouver.
Road Accessibility: It is located a 2.5-hour drive from Seattle (USA), so it is a great location for visitors coming by road. With Seattle just around the corner, it is tempting to spend a night or more in the city which makes Washington state one of too many adventures awaiting your exploration.
Discovering Vancouver: Getting About
However, if you are planning to spend a day or two in downtown Vancouver and its surrounding neighborhoods (as mentioned on Day 1 of this Vancouver itinerary), you have lot of mode of transport available for use. Getting around, however, is relatively straightforward as you can walk just about anywhere, the brand new Uber and Lyft services — which are still quite limited at this time — catch a taxi, or take advantage of Vancouver’s exceptional TransLink public transit system. On one of our site visits to the location, we realized just how convenient and efficient the SkyTrain was.
But, you will need to rent a car for Days 2 and 3 of your Vancouver Itinerary. These trails that lead out beyond the city are very diverse, making your choice of bike an easy one.
Vancouver Accommodations
Vancouver downtown is a great choice with all the sightseeing places close by and having various options to accommodate in. You could also head outside to the surrounding Vancouver neighborhoods for a cheaper price with a more laid-back and local feel. For a high-end luxury experience downtown and in the surrounding areas, consider these top choices:
Hotels
The Burrard
Hyatt Regency
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
L’Hermitage Hotel
Each of these options provides a different experience, ensuring there’s something tailored to every traveler’s preference and budget in Vancouver.
Day 1 – Exploring Downtown Vancouver
Start the day with brunch at Jam Cafe. Just be the first through the door because there is only so much space to spread and things can get packed up really quickly.
After that, make a caffeine pitstop at the infamous downtown spot, Revolver Coffee.
Stanley Park bike rentals: Spokes Stanley Park (larger than New York’s Central Park): cityscapes, mountain views, water views, beaches… and much more. The park’s perimeter path of 9 km in circumference will take 1-2 hours to complete, depending on your pace.
For views of North Vancouver and Lions Gate Bridge, head to the viewpoint at Prospect Point. Best Tip: Follow the little trail that ends up at a bridge behind the café for a dock-side walk!
Have a walk or shop for souvenirs on Granville Island – there are plenty of outdoor stands and even a public market. Highlights include:
Visiting the public market, trying some treats from a handful of different vendors. Tip: Sen Pad Thai, Lee’s Donuts, Siegel’s Bagels, Stuart’s Bakery, The Lemon Square, and Kaylin & Hobb’s pickles. Word of Warning: In Some Cases Only Canadian Currency Accepted
For the spirits lover in you. Visit The Liberty Distillery for a tour and tasting
There are many little shops on the island, selling everything from souvenirs and toys to jewelry, paper goods, clothing, and even a broom-making shop!
Relax on Kitsilano Beach and enjoy sweeping city and mountain views on a sunny day.
For dinner, grab some tacos at local favorite La Taqueria Pinche for a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine.
End your night with some dessert at Rain or Shine–there is always room for good ice cream!
Day 2 – Reconnect With Mother Nature In Vancouver
Get your morning started with coffee and breakfast from 49th Parallel. This popular coffee shop in Vancouver does not fall short of its tasty donuts that we never miss out on trying each time we visit the city!
Guess what you’re going to be surrounded by in Vancouver today – Like, Seriously iconic natural places. Start from Lynn Canyon Park (free) where you can explore a cool suspension bridge and some of the beautiful trails in a forest setting. It fills up fast, so get there early to beat the crowds!
Vancouver also have the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, which hosts exciting attractions like the suspension bridge, cliff walk, and treetops adventure Cost: $67 CAD/$49 USD per adult (it’s a mild discount for children and seniors)Impact factor: While the No. 1 selection, keep in mind it is an all-American league. Budget and overcrowding (not us) – Go to Lynn Canyon instead. That said, Capilano has a lot of bridge attractions if you like them.
Hike to St. Mark’s Summit (6.84 miles, 1,509 ft elevation gain) or Bowen Lookout (2.5 miles, 361 ft elevation gain). Bring along a packed lunch to eat at the peak or on the trail; it’s a great way to refuel while enjoying the outdoors.
View of Vancouver from the hiking trails in Lighthouse Park at West Van.
After that, you will make your way back into downtown Vancouver and spend some time wandering through the adorable little neighborhood of Gastown. Here are some highlights:
Fuel up with a coffee from Timbertrain Coffee Roasters
Hear the perennial Steam Clock, which chimes on the quarter hour.
Stroll through the cobblestoned tree-lined lanes and explore the quirky boutiques of the district.
End your day with a delicious dinner at The Flying Pig or Tuc Craft Kitchen, which are both great ways to end a day exploring Vancouver.
Day 3 – Drive the Sea to Sky Highway
Get a morning coffee and brekkie at The Federal Store. We highly recommend their feta & avocado toast — a fresh option to start your morning!
Take a beautiful road trip on the Sea to Sky Highway which provides some of the most diverse views ever to be seen in one area. Check out our full Sea to Sky Highway Guide for advice and highlight stops it is between Vancouver and Whistler. Short half day outing: Visit:
Shannon Falls: Stop in to view British Columbia’s third-tallest waterfall.
Take a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola Purchase your round trip ticket for $68+ CAD/$50+ USD On a great day it’s well worth the price, as you get amazing views of Howe Sound and all of the surrounding mountains. Choose between hiking to the top (4.67 miles, 3,012 ft elevation gain) or treating yourself to a scenic gondola ride. There’s a suspension bridge and shorter trails to various viewpoints at the top.
However, if you would rather avoid paying the hefty gondola fee, the same views can be found on these hikes (for free):
Murrin Provincial Park (Quercus Viewpoint)Trail Length: 1.24 Elevation Gain: 427 ft
Stawamus Chief: 3.6 miles, 2,155 feet of elevation gain
Make a stop at Porteau Cove to stretch your legs, admire Howe Sound from ground level, and take a leisurely stroll on the pier.
Areas that can be reached on the same day in these two cars are how far out in Whistler or Squamish you can explore before heading back for dinner. Visit Fritz European Fry House – where you can enjoy a classic Canadian style of food: Poutine. This one’s snug and quick service provides various kinds of poutine (including some gluten-free choices, thank god). Our top pick? For apex-pleasing pulled pork, add on to your order.
