It’s possible to see Vancouver in three days—but you’ll probably just have time to hit the highlights.
Day 1
Start with Stanley Park. This rain forest has plenty of views, hikes, and activities, all within blocks of the city center. Highlights include the Seawall, a 10-km (6-mile) path that loops around the exterior edge of the park; the totem poles carved by First Nations artists; and Prospect Point, the highest point in the park, with incredible views of the ocean and Lions Gate Bridge. In the afternoon, stroll through some Downtown neighborhoods like Yaletown, Chinatown, and Gastown. You’ll also want to check out Granville Island. You can take the Aquabus across False Creek to this popular tourist destination, which is home to a giant food market, busker entertainment, galleries, one-of-a-kind shops, and more.
Logistics: Bike lanes, slow traffic, and parking costs make bicycles your best option for exploring Stanley Park and many Downtown neighborhoods. There are plenty of bike rental shops in Vancouver’s West End at Denman Street, right before you enter Stanley Park.
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Day 2
On day two, you’ll want to explore the mountains and parks of the North Shore (Capilano, Grouse, or Lynn Canyon). There is a suspension bridge, cliffside walks, and treetop trekking at Capilano, and a free suspension bridge at Lynn Canyon. Popular hikes include the Grouse Grind, Quarry Rock in Deep Cove, Dog Mountain, and more.
Logistics: If you have a car, there’s plenty of parking on the North Shore. In the summer, there’s a free shuttle that runs from Downtown Vancouver to Capilano and Grouse. There are also public transit options from the city center or from Lonsdale Quay, which you get to from the SeaBus.
Day 3
On day three, you’ll want to spend your day on the city’s west side. On the University of British Columbia campus, there’s the Museum of Anthropology, which houses an outstanding collection of First Nations art and cultural artifacts. There are also several beaches with mountain views. Kitsilano, Jericho, and Spanish Banks are popular choices, as is the doggie-beach and clothing-optional Wreck Beach.
Logistics: There is parking on UBC’s campus, as well as at many of the city’s beaches. But it might be difficult to come by on a hot summer day. The 99 bus is a solid choice, as is Mobi, Vancouver’s bike share program, or any of the car sharing services, such as Evo or car2go.