Vancouver 3 Day Itinerary [Car Optional]

Path to small island in front of Vancouver skyline

One of the biggest revelations on my first trip to Vancouver, BC, was how easy it is to get around the city without a car. I think it’s less hassle than driving, at least as a tourist. No traffic, no parking fees, and no parking angst. The neighborhoods and attractions downtown are walkable. Other destinations are accessible by public transit, which I found convenient and easy to navigate. My other, less unexpected, discovery is that Vancouver is a blast. Even if you only have a few days to visit, you can hit the highlights, from beautiful parks and gardens to fantastic restaurants and nightlife. Here’s how to spend an unforgettable three days in Vancouver.

Colorful flowers in formal garden in Vancouver — *Rose Garden at Stanley Park*

Itinerary

Day one: Stanley Park, English Bay, Aquabus, and Main Street
Day two: Capilano Suspension Bridge and downtown neighborhoods
Day three: Gardens, Granville Island, and False Creek waterfront

Feel encouraged to change the order of the days based on the weather or your interests. If you have fewer than three days to spend in Vancouver, I've listed them loosely in order of priority, although I’d recommend making time for Granville Island.

Day one

Stanley Park

Totem poles in front of forest — *Totem poles in Stanley Park*

Stanley Park covers the bulbous peninsula north of downtown Vancouver. It’s the best kind of urban park, one that blends the amenities of the city with the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. If you’re spending three days in Vancouver, I’d devote at least a half-day to seeing it. Almost everywhere in Stanley Park is free to visit. The few exceptions are the developed attractions like the Vancouver Aquarium. A 10-minute bus ride from downtown Vancouver will drop you at the south end of the park, which is a good starting point. From here, it’s easy to reach the seawall around the peninsula. You can explore Stanley Park on foot, or head to one of the bike rental shops near the bus stop before setting out.

Vancouver skyline behind Brockton Point Lighthouse — *Brockton Point Lighthouse*

Since Stanley Park is so large, it’s a good idea to stop by one of the park maps to plan your route when you arrive. Paved and separated walking and biking trails along the seawall will take you to many of the coolest sights, like the totem poles, Brockton Point Lighthouse, Girl in the Wetsuit statue, and Fox’s Den play area and fountains. As you walk, look for birds and harbor seals out in the water.

Harbor seal with pup on boat dock — *Harbor seals by Stanley Park*

You can make a circle around the perimeter of Stanley Park by following the seawall, which is easier if you rent a bike. The 10-km (6-mile) loop will take you past multiple viewpoints and beaches, including the Prospect Point viewpoint overlooking Lion’s Gate Bridge. The trail network across the park makes it easy to choose your distance. I took the trail heading inland from the seawall back to my starting point via the Rose Garden, which was about 4 km.

English Bay

Enclosed restaurant patio overlooks water — *CRAFT Beer Market*

It would be easy to spend a whole day in Stanley Park. Since I only had three days in Vancouver, I was curious to explore more of the city. Instead of heading to Prospect Point at the far end of Stanley Park, I followed the walking path east back into town. This route will bring you to Vancouver’s West End neighborhood and many restaurant options for lunch. My sister and I stopped at CRAFT Beer Market, where the open-air second floor overlooks English Bay.

Statues of large laughing men in park — *A-Maze-Zing Laughter*

After lunch, we took a walk along English Bay. Vancouver’s public infrastructure impressed me throughout my three-day trip, but these trails were next level. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: walking, biking, and rollerblading lanes! And, no, nobody was rollerblading. In my home city of Portland, it’s a big deal to get a protected bike lane, and we’re known as a bike-friendly city. Where I lived in Nashville, my neighborhood didn’t even have sidewalks. When I lived in North Carolina, there was a debate about connecting a town to running water. Anyway. Moving on. The trails along English Bay take you past a couple of sandy beaches and lots of cool public art. The highlights were the A-Maze-ing Laughter sculpture and the giant stone inuksuk.

Aquabus

A little past the beaches is the first of several Aquabus stops. These colorful pontoon boats make a bumbling course back and forth across False Creek, with stops on either side. The ride is as much of the point as the destination. Just wait at the stop until a boat arrives. You tell the captain where you’re going and pay with a credit card. We’re heading to Main Street, so take the Aquabus to the last stop at The Village.

Main Street

Craft cocktails on patio table outside bar — *The Cascade Room on Main St*

From the Aquabus stop, head to Main St and walk south. We’ll explore downtown tomorrow. For the first of our three nights in Vancouver, we’re having dinner and drinks in one of the city’s best nightlife spots. Main St is not so much touristy as a local favorite that happens to draw some tourists. The heart of the action is from around 10th to 30th Ave. It’s more laidback than downtown while still coming through with great food and drinks, like the excellent cocktails at The Cascade Room.

Restaurant with colorful decorations around entrance — *The General Public Sushi Lodge*

For dinner, my friends and I had a great time at The General Public Sushi Lodge. The sushi was delicious, but the ambiance is at least as much of a draw. The gold streamers and random kitsch hanging from the awning outside set the tone. Inside, piñata-sized art pieces hang from the ceiling with mostly sci-fi themes, like the large Millennium Falcon made from many smaller Star Wars toys.

Day two

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Cliff walk platform with Capilano suspension bridge behind — *Cliff walk and suspension bridge*

The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park was on every travel guide I read while planning my Vancouver trip itinerary. So, of course, I had to check it out for myself. It was a pleasant surprise to discover I could take the bus there. From downtown, it’s a 30-minute ride. There’s also a free shuttle from Canada Place and the Hyatt Regency Hotel. I expected the park to be like the national forests near my home in Oregon. The only resemblance was the vegetation. It’s more like a forest-themed amusement park. The main attraction is the 137-meter (450-foot) suspension bridge across the Capliano River. At busy times, you wait in line to cross. The bridge is pretty cool. It bobs and sways 70 meters (230 feet) above the cascading river, with towering Doug fir and cedar trees on either side of a deep canyon. Other park highlights are the Cliff Walk, a 30-story catwalk above the Capilano River Canyon, and Treetop Adventures, a series of suspended platforms and walkways between tree trunks.

At $78 CAD for adult admission, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is the priciest suggestion on my three-day itinerary, and it’s a fair question as to whether the cost is worth it. I’d say it depends on your budget and your interests. I enjoyed my visit. I’m glad I went once. I’m not sure I’d go again for the price. If you’re familiar with Pacific Northwest forests, the scenery is lovely but not unusual. The main appeal is that it’s easy to navigate, with something for everyone and fun novelties like the suspension bridge and cliff walk. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, check out the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. It’s free with metered parking. You can reach it on a 1 hr 15-minute bus ride from downtown Vancouver.

Gastown

Steam rises from clock on Vancouver street corner — *Gastown Steam Clock*

A free shuttle brings you from the Capilano Suspension Bridge back to downtown Vancouver. From here, it’s easy to start a walking tour of the different neighborhoods. Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest and, I’d say, most charming neighborhood. Unlike the uniform glass and steel around the waterfront, the buildings are brick with ornate stonework. The most eye-catching is the Hotel Europe, which is only one room wide but six stories tall. Restaurant patios and boutique shops line the cobblestone streets.

Gastown is also where you’ll find one of Vancouver’s most famous and unlikely attractions, the Steam Clock. I went to see it expecting to be underwhelmed. It is, after all, a clock on a street corner. But wow, there’s something about it. Perhaps it’s the steam rising from the top or the little song it plays with steam whistles to signal the time every 15 minutes. Even if you only have three days in Vancouver, I’d recommend swinging by to have a look. Then, have lunch. Gastown is known for its great food scene, and it’s hard to go wrong with a restaurant pick. You can see the Steam Clock from the Water St Cafe. On a nice day, Local Public Eatery has a great patio. Look for a good lunch special at Pourhouse or try the handmade pasta at Ask for Luigi.

Chinatown

Only a few blocks away from Gastown, Vancouver’s Chinatown is an easy next stop on a walking tour. On Pender Street, you’ll pass under the three-story Millennium Gate where the historic neighborhood begins. A block away is the “world’s skinniest building” on the corner of Carrall Street. Turn right here and head down one more block to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the first of its kind to be built outside of China. This peaceful garden fills most of a city block. Walls separate it from the noise and bustle of the streets. Walking paths meander around a lotus-filled pond to elegant pavilions in the style of Ming Dynasty scholars’ gardens.

Next, head back to Pender Street to check out the shops and restaurants, where you can find a mix of offerings like traditional medicine, trendy clothes, souvenirs, and excellent dim sum. As a heads up, Chinatown is also where you’ll see most of Vancouver’s homeless population. It’s nothing unusual or unfamiliar compared to other large cities. I didn’t feel unsafe walking around. I just mention it so you’re not surprised. Also, it’s very hard to find a public restroom in this part of town.

Downtown and Yaletown

Cocktail in dimly lit stylish bar — *The Morrissey*

To finish the neighborhood walking tour, we’ll head back to downtown and nearby Yaletown. This area is packed with bars and restaurants, and it’s easy to walk around until you see somewhere interesting to stop for dinner and drinks, which is how I ended up at the funky and brooding cocktail bar, The Morrissey.

Day three

Queen Elizabeth Park

Parrots perch in front of tropical plants — *Bloedel Conservatory*

To finish out the 3-day Vancouver itinerary, I’m moving to the south side of False Creek. About 5 km south of downtown are two lovely gardens. While still well known, they’re a little less overtly touristy than Vancouver’s most popular attractions. The first is Queen Anne Park. If you’re staying downtown, you can get there in 15-20 minutes on public transit. Walking paths take you through flower gardens, the arboretum, the Dancing Waters fountain, and a viewpoint overlooking downtown Vancouver from the highest point in the city. Most trails are stroller and wheelchair-friendly. The highlight of the park is the Bloedel Conservatory, where lush tropical plants, koi ponds, and colorful rescue parrots fill a Victorian-style greenhouse. Adult admission to the conservatory is $9 CAD. You can save $1 if you book online. The other attractions in Queen Anne Park are free.

VanDusen Botanical Garden

Lunch at table by large window overlooking greenery — *My biriyani and mocktail at the Shaughnessy Restaurant*

The VanDusen Botanical Garden is a 15-minute walk from Queen Anne Park. If you’re driving, it also has free but limited parking. Besides having over 7,500 plant species in the 55-acre botanical garden, it’s a great lunch stop. Two restaurants, the Shaughnessy Restaurant and the Garden Cafe, have tables by large windows and a patio overlooking the garden. I’d suggest starting with lunch, making a quick tour of the lotus-shaped visitor center, then setting off on one of the garden paths.

Patio tables by pond and garden — *VanDusen Botanical Garden*

Gentle walking trails connect areas with different garden styles, like the camellia garden, pollinator garden, Japanese maple grove, and Elizabethan hedge maze. The meandering paths make it a great place to wander without a destination in mind. Depending on when you visit, look for seasonal events like Harvest Days in the fall or the winter Festival of Lights. Adult admission to VanDusen Botanical Garden is around $15 CAD. You can save $1 if you book online.

Granville Island Public Market

Boxes of cherries at indoor produce stand — *Produce at Granville Island Market*

Granville Island is about a 10-minute bus ride from the VanDusen Botanical Garden. Once a derelict industrial space, this island in False Creek is now home to the Granville Island Public Market, a must-see on a three-day trip to Vancouver. The waterfront market has art galleries, shops highlighting local designers, restaurants overlooking the marina, and a large, open food vendor area offering everything from fresh produce to grab-and-go snacks. If you visit on a typical drizzly Pacific Northwest day, it’s a great indoor destination that will get you out of the rain. Wander around, browse the shops, pick up some fresh berries, and have a drink next to the water. The market is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM. It has limited metered parking. If you’re staying in downtown Vancouver, you can get there on the Aquabus.

False Creek Waterfront

One of the best parts of my three days in Vancouver was exploring the waterfront along False Creek. From Granville Island, look for the paved walking trail heading east. It will bring you to the seawall, where the roads and buildings are set back from the water, leaving it for pedestrians and bikers (rollerbladers will have to share with the bikes this time). Across False Creek is the downtown Vancouver skyline. Mallards and cormorants float among the boats. The Aquabus chugs along between stops. Small parks and viewing platforms pop up from time to time along the trail, like Habitat Island Park, a bird sanctuary that you can reach by land bridge at low tide. Bae Side is a great dinner stop on the water. On nice nights, you can watch the sunset from the patio overlooking False Creek and downtown Vancouver.

Restaurant with lit patio looks onto downtown Vancouver skyline at night — *False Creek*

Enjoy your trip to Vancouver!

With love,

Emma

Explore nearby

Patio overlooking Howe Soung — Drive north from Vancouver to explore the **Sea to Sky Highway**.

Gondola with mountain backdrop — Check out my step-by-step guide to Whistler’s **Peak 2 Peak Gondola**.