How to Spend THREE DAYS in Vancouver: The Best 3-Day Itinerary

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Heading to Vancouver and looking for the best way to spend your time? Don’t worry—you’ve come to the right place!

Vancouver is an eclectic city, full of trendy neighborhoods and outdoor adventure, it’s filled to the brim with things to do. We love Vancouver so much that we lived there for a while! So we took it upon ourselves to share our insider knowledge and craft the perfect 3-day Vancouver itinerary.

If you’re not sure exactly what to see while in Vancouver, simply follow this itinerary. We’ve included the top tours, restaurants, and can’t-miss experiences to give you the best three days in Van!

Day 1

Morning – Enjoy breakfast on a Granville Island Market food tour

There’s no better way to kick off your first day in Vancouver than with a visit to the iconic Granville Island! This vibrant cultural district is one of the city’s top attractions, and home to one of the most visited spots in all of Canada—the Granville Island Public Market.

Inside this bustling indoor market, you’ll find a foodie paradise: rows of local vendors selling everything from fresh seafood and artisan cheeses to gourmet doughnuts, truffle salami, and hand-crafted chocolates. You could easily spend hours here browsing, sampling, and chatting with vendors.

While you can wander on your own, we highly recommend doing this VIP market brunch tour instead. With so many options, it can feel overwhelming trying to decide what’s worth trying. This tour completely took the guesswork out of it. Our guide led us straight to the hidden gems and best spots in the market—many of which we never would’ve discovered solo!

The tour kicks off at 10:30 am and lasts two hours, making it the perfect brunch activity. You’ll sample 20+ incredible tastings, meet local vendors, and learn all the market’s behind-the-scenes stories. By the end, we had full bellies and truly felt like part of the Granville Island “vendor family.”

It’s no surprise this tour has hundreds of 5-star reviews and is recognized as a Canadian Signature Experience. If you want to explore the market and try some delicious food, this tour is the best way to do it!

Don’t miss out on one of the best attractions in the country—book your morning market tour here!

Early afternoon – Explore Granville Island 

Since you’ll already be on Granville Island after your tasty morning food tour, we recommend taking some time to explore everything else this iconic spot has to offer! You’ll have around two hours of free time before our next recommended activity kicks off (more on that below!), so here are a few of our favorite ways to make the most of your afternoon on Granville Island:

Grab a pint at Granville Island Brewing

Granville Island Brewing Co. is one of my favorite breweries in Vancouver and in all of Canada! Sure, you can find their beer across the country—but nothing beats sipping it fresh from the source. Founded in 1984, it’s one of Canada’s original microbreweries and the perfect spot to enjoy a laid-back afternoon pint.

Watch the Street Performers

It is very common to see street performers around Granville Island! It is a pedestrian-friendly area, with small outdoor plazas and squares where crowds will often gather to watch musicians or circus acts. Some regular performers and buskers perform in designated areas around the island. You can actually find them here, as well as info on each performer and the schedule.

Ride the Aquabus

The Aquabus is a water taxi service that takes you between eight different stops along False Creek—an inlet that goes into the center of downtown Vancouver. The Aquabus has a dock at Granville Island, so you can use it to get to and from the area or simply hop on and go for a ride—the views are pretty spectacular!   

Visit the Kids Market

If you’re traveling with kids, the Kids Market is absolutely worth a stop. It starts with a child-size door to enter through, and then you are in the middle of any kid’s fantasy! There are over 25 stores and activities for families. There are some of the most unique and creative toy stores, in addition to a multi-level play area with an arcade and even bumper cars! 

Check out the art galleries

In addition to the quirky and creative shops, there are plenty of art galleries on Granville Island—nearly 30 of them! There are art galleries of all different kinds of mediums, from painting to sculpture to glassblowing. You can follow the official Granville Island Art Walk, which takes you to 10 art-filled locations. This gives you a true taste of the Granville Island culture and lets you see a more local side of things.

Mid-afternoon – See wildlife on a whale watching tour

Later this afternoon, get ready for one of the most exciting experiences in Vancouver—whale watching! Departing right from Granville Island, this 5-hour whale watching experience is the perfect way to explore Vancouver’s surrounding waters and spot some incredible wildlife.

Once aboard the comfortable catamaran, you’ll cruise through the Gulf and San Juan Islands, scanning the horizon for humpbacks, seals, sea lions, eagles, and—if you’re lucky—Vancouver’s iconic orcas. We saw several whales on our trip, and it was absolutely unforgettable. The best part? This tour includes a whale-sighting guarantee, so if you don’t see any, you’ll get a free voucher to try again another time.

The boat itself is super comfortable and designed for sightseeing, with multiple viewing decks and a cozy heated cabin featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. You can warm up with complimentary tea, coffee, or hot chocolate while taking in the scenery, and don’t worry about missing the moment for a photo. The crew captures professional shots throughout the trip and shares them for free afterward!

The tour offers multiple departure times, but we recommend booking the 2:30 pm departure for this itinerary. This gives you enough time to explore Granville Island and get back around 7:30 pm in time for dinner. Just be sure to book in advance to secure your spot—this is one experience you don’t want to miss!

Read the thousands of 5-star reviews and book this popular whale watching adventure here!

Dinner – Ramen Danbo Kitsilano

After all that excitement out on the water, you’ll definitely have worked up an appetite—and there’s no better place to satisfy it than at Danbo in Kitsilano. This cozy ramen spot is a local favorite and one of our absolute go-tos in Vancouver. Seriously, it’s some of the best ramen we’ve ever had!

Danbo has a few locations across the city, but the Kitsilano spot is super convenient—just a 5-minute drive or a 17-minute walk from Granville Island. Whether you’re craving a rich tonkotsu broth or something a little lighter, you can customize your perfect bowl from noodle firmness to spice level.

It’s also super affordable, with dishes starting around just $13 CAD, making it a great value for such high-quality comfort food. Plus, the service is fast and efficient, so you won’t have to wait long to dig in. After a full day of exploring, nothing hits the spot quite like a hot bowl of ramen!

Day 2

Breakfast – Siegel’s Bagels

Day two kicks off with an early start, so you’ll want to grab a quick bite on your way to the next adventure, which starts at 8:30 am from Granville Island. Since most places on the island aren’t open that early, we recommend grabbing something convenient near your hotel or making a quick stop at Siegel’s Bagels.

This spot is a local favorite and just a 4-minute drive from the morning tour’s meeting point. Even better? It’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week—so no matter how early you’re up, they’ve got you covered!

Whether you’re in the mood for a breakfast sandwich or something sweet, Siegel’s has plenty of options. My personal favorite is the Big Breakfast Bagel—loaded, satisfying, and exactly what you need to fuel up before another epic day of exploring Vancouver!

Morning – Take a Zodiac tour to Granite Falls

If getting deep into nature and seeing things like glacial fjords and incredible waterfalls is your kind of thing, then this zodiac adventure tour is the perfect way to start your second day in Vancouver! 

The 3-hour experience kicks off bright and early at 8:30 am from Granville Island, where you’ll gear up in a full-body survival suit (don’t worry, it’s super warm and kind of fun to wear). Once suited up, you’ll hop aboard a high-speed zodiac boat and head out into the open water for a ride packed with epic views and wild landscapes.

We cruised past Vancouver Harbour and the famous Siwash Rock before heading into Indian Arm—a stunning glacial fjord lined with towering cliffs and lush forests. And since the zodiac is much smaller than typical tour boats, we got to access hidden coves, narrow inlets, and remote waterfalls that most tours can’t reach. It felt like a real off-the-beaten-path adventure!

Our guide, Amy, was amazing. She pointed out wildlife like seals and bald eagles, explained the area’s geology, and shared stories about the Indigenous history of the region.

But the real highlight was reaching the remote and powerful Granite Falls. We also stopped at Silver Falls on the return trip, which was just as beautiful. Bring your camera—you’ll want it!

With over 600 glowing reviews, this is easily one of the top-rated tours in Vancouver. It fills up quickly, so if you’re looking to add a little adventure to your trip, make sure to book it in advance!

Check availability and book this adventure tour here!

Lunch – Cactus Club Cafe

After your zodiac adventure ends around 11:30 am, it’s the perfect time to grab lunch.  We recommend heading downtown to the Cactus Club Cafe in English Bay. Cactus Club is a popular Canadian chain, but the Vancouver waterfront location is something special. With unbeatable views of English Bay and the ocean, it’s one of the most scenic spots to grab a meal in the city!

It’s a bit more upscale than your average lunch spot, but between the atmosphere, the views, and the delicious food, it’s worth it. My go-to is the butternut squash ravioli, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Whether you’re warming up inside or enjoying the patio on a sunny day, this place is the perfect spot to unwind after a busy morning on the water (and maybe enjoy a Bellini or two!). 

Afternoon – Enjoy Stanley Park

​​Did you know Vancouver is home to one of the largest urban green spaces in North America? Just steps from the downtown core lies Stanley Park—a massive 1,000-acre (400 hectares) oasis packed with natural beauty, ocean views, and local history. There is so much to do here, you can easily fill up an entire afternoon. So to help you decide what to do, here are my top recommendations:

Bike the Seawall

One of the best ways to explore the park is by biking the famous seawall. The loop around Stanley Park is about 9 km (5.6 miles) and takes about an hour to complete, though with views this good, you might want to go slower! There are dedicated bike lanes, so it’s super easy to cruise past walkers and soak up the views.

Hike through the Old Growth Forest

If you’re particularly interested in learning about the old-growth forest in Stanley Park, we recommend joining this 3-hour guided forest walk. You’ll learn all about the nearly 1,000-year-old trees that make up Vancouver’s last remaining ancient forest. It’s seriously humbling to stand beneath these giants!

See the Stanley Park Totem Poles

One of Vancouver’s most visited tourist attractions is the First Nations Totem Poles, set at Brockton Point in Stanley Park. There are nine totem poles in total that were brought to the area from Haida Gwaii, on the central coast of BC. Each totem tells a story rooted in the history and mythology of local First Nations. It’s a beautiful and powerful cultural experience!

Relax at the beach

There are two fabulous beaches in Stanley Park where you can hang out and relax. Second Beach is a sandy beach with a concession stand and bathroom facilities. It’s not a huge beach, but it has space to lie out and sunbathe or go for a swim! Third Beach is larger and has the most amazing views of the ocean and West Vancouver!

Grab a pint at Stanley Park Brewing or a tea at the teahouse

Stanley Park Brewing makes some delicious West Coast-inspired craft beers. You can stop by the brewpub and tasting room located right at the entrance of Stanley Park to try them out.

The Teahouse is the premier dining destination in Stanley Park. There are some seriously amazing views from the dining room, providing a beautiful setting to enjoy a meal or some snacks.

Visit the Brockton Point Lighthouse

The Brockton Point Lighthouse is one of the most picturesque spots in Stanley Park. While the current lighthouse was built in 1914, its story dates back to 1890. Today, the lighthouse is a beautiful spot to snap some photos and take in the views over the ocean, city, and north shore mountains. 

Evening – Explore Gastown

Cap off your second day in Vancouver with a visit to one of the city’s most charming and historic downtown neighborhoods—Gastown! This cobblestone-lined district is where Vancouver was born, and it still holds onto its old-world character with Victorian architecture, vintage lampposts, and heritage buildings now filled with trendy shops, cozy cafés, and some of the city’s best restaurants and bars.

Gastown gets its name from “Gassy” Jack Deighton, a talkative Yorkshire seaman who opened a saloon here in 1867. You can still find his statue at Maple Tree Square, one of the neighborhood’s must-see landmarks.

Be sure to stroll down Water Street, home to the iconic Steam Clock—it whistles and releases steam every 15 minutes and is one of the most photographed spots in Vancouver. The street is also lined with galleries, gift shops, and boutique stores worth browsing.

For dinner, grab a table at Di Beppe, a cozy Italian spot serving delicious handmade pastas and Neapolitan-style pizzas—we’re still dreaming about their spaghetti pomodoro.

After dinner, head out for drinks! We love the cozy vibes at Clough Club, the lively atmosphere at The Lamplighter, or the waterfront views at Steamworks Brewpub. No matter where you go, Gastown is magical at night with glowing gas lamps, twinkling lights, and happy locals. It’s easy to see why it’s one of my favorite places in the city! 

Day 3

Breakfast – Jam Cafe

You’re going to need a hearty breakfast for your last day exploring Vancouver, and there’s really no better place for this than our local favorite, Jam Cafe.

This place is basically brunch heaven. Their menu is stacked with Southern-style comfort food like pulled pork pancakes, peanut butter-smothered waffles, and fried chicken French toast. When I went, I ordered the lavender latte and the Buffalo Blue Eggs Benedict—highly recommend if you want to start your day off right!

Jam Cafe opens at 8 am daily and has three locations around Vancouver, but we suggest heading to the Beatty Street location since it’s conveniently close to Canada Place (where your next tour meets). Alternatively, if you’re planning to use the hotel pick-up option for the tour, you may want to grab breakfast somewhere closer to where you’re staying.

Just a heads-up: Jam Cafe is walk-in only and incredibly popular, so we recommend arriving early. Trust us—the early bird gets the jam!

Morning/afternoon – Visit Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

This half-day tour is the perfect way to cross two of Vancouver’s top attractions off your list—without having to worry about driving, parking, or planning a thing. We did this on one of our earlier visits to the city, and honestly, it’s still one of our favorite Vancouver experiences!

The 6.5-hour tour kicks off at 10:30 am with a visit to the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, and wow—is this place ever impressive. The main bridge stretches 450 feet (137 meters) across a canyon and sways 230 feet (70 meters) above the river. It’s equal parts terrifying and breathtaking!

We also explored the Treetops Adventure—a series of mini suspension bridges high in the canopy—and the Cliffwalk, which clings dramatically to the side of a granite cliff. It seriously felt like being in an action movie.

Next up was Grouse Mountain! We hopped on the Skyride gondola and rode up the mountain, taking in epic views of the city, ocean, and surrounding mountains the entire way. We also got to visit the two resident grizzly bears at the top, which was such a fun and unexpected highlight.

With hotel pickup included, this tour makes exploring these iconic spots totally hassle-free. Just bring your camera, wear comfy shoes, and don’t forget a light jacket—it gets breezy up there!

Check pricing and read all of the amazing reviews here! 

Late afternoon – Relax

After a day of exploring Vancouver’s mountains, suspension bridges, and stunning views, it’s time to slow things down for a bit!

Your tour will wrap up around 4 pm, giving you a solid few hours to head back to your hotel, kick off your shoes, and recharge. Whether that means a quick nap, a hot shower, or just putting your feet up with a cup of coffee, we won’t judge. You’ll want to feel refreshed for tonight’s adventure, which kicks off at 7 pm!

Evening – Enjoy a sunset dinner cruise

Doesn’t a sunset cruise in Vancouver just sound fantastic!? Nothing quite says you’re on holiday like dinner, drinks, and a magical Vancouver sunset, all while out on the water.

A cruise on the harbor is fun on its own (and there are many different types of cruises to choose from in Vancouver), but for me, this sunset cruise, complete with dinner and drinks, was my favorite. I loved the cruise so much that I decided to take my mom the last time she visited Vancouver!

The 2.5-hour cruise sets sail from the Coal Harbour wharf at 7 pm. We first headed under the Lions Gate Bridge and out to Kitsilano, and as the sun began to set, we enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner complete with local salmon, roast beef, vegetables, salads, and more. Honestly, it was a fantastic dinner. The chocolate cake and cheesecake for dessert were also the perfect way to finish it all off.

We washed it down with a few too many wines, and by the time the cruise was over, we had made some beautiful memories with even better views. Oh, and did I mention the live music on board?

This cruise is the perfect way to wrap up an unforgettable trip to Vancouver and is one of those activities you’ll be reminiscing about for years to come! 

This sunset cruise does have limited spaces, so be sure to check availability here!

Extra time? Take a day trip!

Day trip to Whistler

Whistler is a gorgeous mountain town just 90 minutes from Vancouver. It’s renowned for winter sports but is stunning year-round. So if you’ve heard of it and always wanted to visit, now is your chance!

Of course, the one tricky thing about visiting Whistler is the transport, but when you go on a tour, this is all taken care of for you!

This full-day Whistler tour is the best option and hits all the top spots along the Sea to Sky Highway connecting Vancouver to Whistler. I loved this tour because I got to explore Shannon Falls Provincial Park, take the Sea to Sky Gondola for an epic view, and also have time to explore the charming Whistler village.

Whistler is bursting with winter activities and is a world-class ski destination. And if you visit Whistler in the summer, it’s an outdoor playground with lots of great hikes, ziplining tours, ATV adventures, and scenic golf courses—the choice is yours!

Plus, the village itself is super cute, with lots of independent boutiques and galleries. And if you love cafe-hopping (like me!), you can check out some of Whistler’s cutest cafes and coffee shops.

I appreciate that this 10-hour tour starts at a reasonable hour (around 9 am) and includes hotel pickup, transportation, the gondola ticket, and your knowledgeable guide, making it totally stress-free.

It’s a really fun and convenient way to see Whistler, especially if you don’t have time to stay overnight. And you’ll be back in Vancouver just in time for a delicious dinner in the city! 

Book this top-rated tour in advance here and access flexible cancellation and payment options!

Day trip to Victoria and the Butchart Gardens

If you don’t have time for a multi-day trip to Vancouver Island, don’t worry—you can still experience its magic on this full-day tour to Victoria! This is hands down the easiest and most stress-free way to visit the island from Vancouver in a day.

Could you do it on your own? Sure—but between booking the ferry, figuring out transportation, and navigating a new city, it’s a lot to juggle. This tour takes care of all the logistics so you can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

The highlight for us was the incredible Butchart Gardens. With over 55 acres of meticulously designed landscapes, 900 plant varieties, and 26 greenhouses, it’s easily one of the most breathtaking gardens we’ve ever visited. It takes a team of 50 full-time gardeners to keep it looking that perfect—and it shows!

You’ll also enjoy a scenic ferry ride, a guided tour of downtown Victoria, and plenty of free time to explore top sights like the Parliament Buildings, Royal BC Museum, the Empress Hotel, and Chinatown.

At 13 hours, it’s a full day—but with friendly guides, smooth transport, and unforgettable stops, it’s absolutely worth it if you’re short on time but don’t want to miss Victoria!

Check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews and book your full-day tour here!

Where to Stay in Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver has no shortage of places to stay, but choosing the right neighborhood and hotel can make a big difference in your trip. To make the most of your time, we recommend staying centrally in the downtown area, where you’ll be close to Vancouver’s best restaurants, shops, and major attractions.

To help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up our top hotel picks for every budget below. You can also check out our full guide on where to stay in Vancouver for even more options—but be sure to book early, as the best spots tend to fill up fast!

Luxury – $$$

Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver is an elegant 5-star property right in the heart of downtown, just a quick stroll from the shops and restaurants along Robson Street. The vibe is classic luxury—think plush rooms with a hint of old-school charm, a full-service spa, a heated indoor pool, and top-notch dining on-site. It’s a great pick if you’re after a comfortable, refined stay in a super central location!

Prices can vary depending on the room category and time of year, but usually range around $300 – $600 CAD per night. Check availability and pricing for your travel dates online here!

Mid-range – $$

EXchange Hotel Vancouver is a sleek and stylish spot right in the heart of downtown—just a short stroll from Canada Place and Gastown. It’s set in the city’s historic stock exchange building, but the rooms are super modern with comfy beds, espresso machines, and rainfall showers. There’s also a great restaurant and bar on-site, so it’s perfect if you want to stay somewhere chic without splurging!

During the summer season, rooms are around $400 CAD, but drop to around $250 during the winter. It’s a very popular spot, so make sure you book online in advance to secure a room at the best possible rate!

Budget – $

If you’re visiting Vancouver on a budget but want to stay right in the heart of downtown, the YWCA Hotel is a fantastic option. It’s just a short walk from BC Place, Rogers Arena, and public transit. There’s a shared kitchen on-site so you can prepare your own meals and cut back on dining costs, plus they offer free coffee in the mornings and water in the lobby. If you’re after a comfortable, convenient stay that won’t break the bank, this is it!

You can choose a room with a private ensuite or opt for a shared bathroom to save some money. Rooms are usually around $250 CAD during the high season and $150 CAD during the low season, but you can check exact prices and reserve for your travel dates online here.

For more options, see all of Vancouver’s hotels listed here!

Renting a Car in British Columbia

If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!

And if you’re planning to visit the Canadian Rockies during your trip, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!

In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!

Thanks for reading!

We hope this 3-day Vancouver itinerary helps you experience the city like a local! From unforgettable whale sightings to cozy brunch spots and sunset cruises, this plan brought together everything we love about Van. It blends iconic landmarks with some of our favorite local gems, and made our time in the city even more memorable. We’re so excited for you to discover it all for yourself.

Still planning your trip? Check out more of our Canada blogs here, or explore our favorite destinations for more travel inspiration!

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