3 Day Vancouver Itinerary

Visiting Vancouver, British Columbia can be a great experience. With its bustling port, stunning views, and cultural attractions, Vancouver is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in Canada. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a few weeks, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in Vancouver. To help you make the most of your time, here’s an itinerary for three days in Vancouver.

About Vancouver

Vancouver is Canada’s third largest city and one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in the world. Situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver offers stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities year-round. The city is home to over 2.5 million people, with a thriving economy and a bustling port that is one of the busiest in North America.

Vancouver is well-known for its natural beauty, from the snow-capped mountains to the vibrant green forests in Stanley Park. The city is also known for its cultural attractions, from its world-class museums and art galleries to its vibrant music and nightlife scene. Vancouver is a city of contrast, where you can experience everything from a leisurely stroll on the beach to a night out on the town.

Day 1: Explore Downtown Vancouver

Start your first day by exploring downtown Vancouver. Take a stroll along Granville Street, home to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Window shop along Robson Street and check out some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and cafes.

In the afternoon, explore some of Vancouver’s most popular attractions. Take a walk around Stanley Park and admire the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, or take a cruise around False Creek for a unique perspective of the city. Be sure to visit the popular Gastown district and browse through the many vintage shops, boutiques, and galleries.

At night, grab dinner at one of Vancouver’s many award-winning restaurants. Enjoy a delicious meal of fresh seafood or sip on a craft beer at one of the city’s many breweries. Afterwards, explore Vancouver’s vibrant nightlife scene with a night out on Granville Street or head to Chinatown for some late-night eats.

Day 2: Explore North Vancouver

On your second day in Vancouver, take a trip across the Lions Gate Bridge to explore North Vancouver. Visit Grouse Mountain for spectacular views of the city or take a gondola ride up for stunning views of the surrounding area.

Then head to beautiful Deep Cove for a leisurely kayak ride or hike up Quarry Rock for another incredible view. Afterwards, visit Lynn Canyon Park for some great hiking trails and swimming holes or take a stroll around Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to experience the bridge’s amazing views.

In the evening, check out Lonsdale Quay Market for some delicious eats and great souvenirs. Then grab dinner at one of North Vancouver’s many great restaurants or bars before heading back downtown for a night out on Granville Street.

Day 3: Explore West Vancouver

Start your last day in Vancouver by taking a leisurely drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to explore West Vancouver. Stop along the way to admire stunning views of the ocean and mountains, or take a short hike up one of the many trails for an even more spectacular view.

Then explore West Vancouver’s historic towns, from quaint Horseshoe Bay to lively Ambleside Park. Spend some time at Whytecliff Park and go snorkeling or scuba diving, or just relax on one of the park’s many beaches.

In the evening, explore West Vancouver’s vibrant restaurant scene with dinner at one of its many acclaimed eateries. Afterwards, take in some live music at one of West Vancouver’s many bars or enjoy an evening stroll along Ambleside Beach to end your three days in Vancouver.

Popular Tours in Vancouver

While exploring Vancouver, consider booking a few popular tours to get an even more immersive experience of the city. One popular tour is an Inside Vancouver City Tour which offers an insider’s look at some of the city’s most popular landmarks including Gastown, Chinatown, Stanley Park, Granville Island, and more. The tour includes stops at some of the city’s iconic monuments and attractions as well as a stop at English Bay Beach for incredible views of the ocean and mountains. Book this tour here.

Another popular tour is a private whale watching tour that departs from Granville Island Public Market. This tour offers an up-close look at whales in their natural habitat with an experienced guide providing helpful commentary about these beautiful creatures throughout the tour. This tour also includes an optional stop at a popular viewpoint near Stanley Park for spectacular views over English Bay. Book this tour here.

Finally, consider booking a private food walking tour that departs from Stanley Park providing an insider’s look into some of Vancouver’s best restaurants and bars with a knowledgeable guide providing helpful tips about where to eat in the city. This tour includes stops at some of Vancouver’s best restaurants including seafood restaurants near Granville Island Public Market as well as some hidden gems off the beaten path in Chinatown and Gastown. Book this tour here.

This 3-day itinerary offers just a sample of what you can experience in Vancouver. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, culture or nightlife, there’s something for everyone in this dynamic city. Use this itinerary as your starting point to explore all that this beautiful city has to offer!