3-Day Vancouver Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide to Canada's Pacific Paradise (2025)
Discover the best of Vancouver in 3 days with our comprehensive guide. From stunning Stanley Park and vibrant neighborhoods to mountains, ocean, and world-class cuisine. Perfect for first-time visitors with budget tips, cultural insights, and must-see attractions.
Quick Vancouver Overview
Best Time to Visit
April-October (dry season) and December-February for winter sports
Budget Range
CAD $100-450 per day ($75-335 USD)
Getting Around
SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus, Mobi bike share, and very walkable downtown
Language Tip
English-speaking with significant Mandarin, Cantonese, and Punjabi communities
Day 1: Stanley Park & Downtown Vancouver
Budget: CAD $70-250 • Walking: 15,000 steps
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Stanley Park Seawall
Start early at one of the world's greatest urban parks. Rent a bike or walk the 9km seawall for stunning views of mountains, ocean, and city skyline. Stop at totem poles and beaches.
Free park entry • Bike rental CAD $8-15/hour • 400+ hectares • Multiple entry points
Totem Poles at Brockton Point
Visit the famous collection of First Nations totem poles, each telling stories of Indigenous cultures. Learn about the rich history and artistry of Pacific Northwest peoples.
Free viewing • Cultural significance • Photo opportunity • Educational plaques
Vancouver Aquarium
World-class aquarium within Stanley Park featuring Pacific marine life, beluga whales, dolphins, and interactive exhibits focused on ocean conservation.
Entry: CAD $44 adults • 3-4 hours • Conservation focus • Inside Stanley Park
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)
Stanley Park & West End Lunch
- • Prospect Point Cafe: Views from highest point in park (CAD $12-25)
- • Teahouse in Stanley Park: Fine dining with ocean views (CAD $25-50)
- • Denman Street: International food court atmosphere (CAD $8-20)
- • Food trucks: Various locations around park (CAD $10-18)
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 6:00 PM)
English Bay Beach
One of Vancouver's most popular beaches with sandy shoreline, beach volleyball courts, and incredible sunset views. Perfect spot to relax and people-watch.
Free access • Swimming in summer • Sunset views • Beach activities
West End Neighborhood Walk
Explore Vancouver's most densely populated and diverse neighborhood with tree-lined streets, heritage buildings, and numerous parks. Very walkable and LGBTQ+ friendly.
Free to explore • Diverse community • Heritage architecture • Local shops
Downtown Vancouver
Walk through the compact downtown core, including the financial district, shopping areas, and architectural highlights. Don't miss the Vancouver Art Gallery and Christ Church Cathedral.
Free to explore • Shopping on Robson Street • Architecture • Urban core
Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
English Bay Sunset
Return to English Bay for one of the world's great urban sunsets. The beach fills with locals and visitors watching the sun disappear behind Vancouver Island.
Free • Daily tradition • Photo opportunity • Social atmosphere
Dinner on Robson Street
Vancouver's main shopping and dining street offers everything from casual to upscale dining. Try Pacific Northwest cuisine featuring local seafood and ingredients.
Budget: CAD $25-100 • International options • Local seafood • Tourist central
Day 2: Granville Island & Diverse Neighborhoods
Budget: CAD $80-350 • Culture and cuisine day
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Granville Island Public Market
Vancouver's most famous attraction featuring fresh produce, artisanal foods, local crafts, and buskers. Sample everything from local cheeses to fresh seafood and international cuisines.
Free to browse • Food sampling • Local artisans • Busker performances
Granville Island Artisan Studios
Watch artists at work in studios creating pottery, jewelry, glassblowing, and textiles. Many studios welcome visitors and offer workshops or demonstrations.
Free to browse • Working studios • Local art purchases • Interactive experiences
Late Morning (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Granville Island Brewing
Canada's first microbrewery offers tours and tastings in their original waterfront location. Learn about craft beer history and sample local brews with harbor views.
Tours: CAD $15 • Tasting included • Historic brewery • Waterfront location
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)
Granville Island Lunch Options
- • Market food vendors: Fresh seafood, sandwiches, international (CAD $10-20)
- • Go Fish: Famous fish and chips in converted shipping container (CAD $12-18)
- • Edible Canada: Canadian cuisine with patio overlooking False Creek (CAD $20-40)
- • Tony's Fish & Oyster Cafe: Fresh local seafood (CAD $25-45)
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 6:00 PM)
Chinatown & Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden
Explore North America's third-largest Chinatown, then visit the peaceful classical Chinese garden - the first authentic Ming Dynasty-style garden built outside China.
Garden entry: CAD $15 • Cultural immersion • Traditional architecture • Historic neighborhood
Chinatown Food & Shopping
Browse traditional markets, herbal medicine shops, and sample authentic dim sum, noodles, and bubble tea. The neighborhood offers some of Vancouver's best authentic Asian cuisine.
Varies by vendor • Authentic cuisine • Cultural shopping • Food adventure
Gastown Historic District
Vancouver's oldest neighborhood with cobblestone streets, Victorian buildings, boutiques, galleries, and the famous steam clock. Perfect for afternoon shopping and coffee.
Free to explore • Historic steam clock • Boutique shopping • Cobblestone streets
Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Yaletown District
Trendy neighborhood built in converted warehouses with upscale restaurants, bars, and shopping. The glass towers and heritage brick create unique urban atmosphere.
Free to explore • Upscale dining • Converted warehouses • Modern architecture
Dinner & Nightlife
Vancouver's food scene is world-class. Try Pacific Northwest cuisine, fresh sushi, or fusion dishes. The city also has excellent craft cocktails and wine bars.
Budget: CAD $30-150 • World-class dining • Local ingredients • Wine culture
Day 3: Mountains, Views & Local Adventures
Budget: CAD $100-400 • Nature and adventure day
Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Grouse Mountain Skyride
Take the scenic aerial tramway to the "Peak of Vancouver" for panoramic views of the city, ocean, and mountains. In winter, enjoy skiing; in summer, hiking and shows.
Entry: CAD $65 adults • Seasonal activities • Spectacular views • 8-minute ride
Grouse Mountain Activities
Visit the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife to see rescued grizzly bears, watch lumberjack shows, or hike nature trails. Winter offers skiing and snowshoeing.
Included with admission • Seasonal shows • Wildlife viewing • Mountain activities
Alternative Morning Option
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
World-famous 137-meter suspension bridge plus treetop walks and cliffwalk.
- • Entry: CAD $56 adults • Historic attraction since 1889
- • Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk included
- • First Nations cultural experiences
- • Very touristy but iconic Vancouver experience
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)
Mountain & North Shore Lunch
- • Grouse Mountain dining: Observatory restaurant with views (CAD $25-50)
- • Capilano Bridge House: Historic restaurant at park (CAD $20-40)
- • Lonsdale Quay Market: Food court with harbor views (CAD $10-20)
- • North Vancouver cafes: Local spots with mountain atmosphere (CAD $12-25)
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 6:00 PM)
SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay
Take the scenic SeaBus ferry across Burrard Inlet for incredible views of Vancouver's skyline and mountains. Lonsdale Quay offers shopping and dining with harbor views.
Included in transit fare • 12-minute scenic ride • Great photos • Market destination
Queen Elizabeth Park
Vancouver's highest point with spectacular 360-degree city views, beautiful gardens, and the Bloedel Conservatory tropical dome. Perfect for afternoon relaxation and photos.
Free park access • Conservatory: CAD $7 • City views • Beautiful gardens
Kitsilano Beach & Neighborhood
Trendy beach neighborhood with volleyball courts, swimming pool, and laid-back atmosphere. Browse local shops and cafes along West 4th Avenue.
Free beach access • Beach volleyball • Local shopping • Young crowd
Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Commercial Drive (The Drive)
Multicultural neighborhood known for Italian heritage, diverse restaurants, independent shops, and bohemian atmosphere. Great for dinner and evening exploration.
Free to explore • Diverse dining • Local culture • Alternative vibe
Live Music & Entertainment
Vancouver has a vibrant music scene with venues throughout the city. Check out shows at The Commodore Ballroom, Orpheum Theatre, or smaller venues in various neighborhoods.
Varies by venue • Strong music scene • Multiple districts • Check schedules
Final Feast: Vancouver Sushi
End your Vancouver adventure with world-class sushi. The city has some of North America's best Japanese restaurants, from casual to high-end omakase experiences.
Budget: CAD $25-200 • World-class sushi • Fresh Pacific seafood • Japanese culture
3-Day Budget Breakdown
Budget Traveler
- Accommodation/night: CAD $50-110
- Meals/day: CAD $30-60
- Transport/day: CAD $12-25
- Activities/day: CAD $20-50
- Total/day: CAD $112-245
- ($84-183 USD)
Mid-Range Traveler
- Accommodation/night: CAD $180-350
- Meals/day: CAD $80-150
- Transport/day: CAD $25-60
- Activities/day: CAD $60-150
- Total/day: CAD $345-710
- ($258-530 USD)
Luxury Traveler
- Accommodation/night: CAD $400-1,000
- Meals/day: CAD $200-500
- Transport/day: CAD $60-200
- Activities/day: CAD $150-400
- Total/day: CAD $810-2,100
- ($605-1,570 USD)
Essential Vancouver Travel Tips
🚇 Transportation
- • TransLink system: SkyTrain, buses, SeaBus integrated (CAD $3.05+ by zone)
- • Compass Card: Rechargeable card for all transit
- • Mobi bike share: 2,000+ bikes at 250+ stations
- • Walking: Downtown and many neighborhoods very walkable
- • Car-free areas: Stanley Park seawall, Granville Island
🌧️ Weather Preparation
- • Rain gear: Essential Oct-Mar, light jacket year-round
- • Layers: Temperature varies with elevation and water proximity
- • Comfortable shoes: Lots of walking and some hills
- • Sun protection: Summer sun can be strong at altitude
- • Umbrella culture: Locals rarely use umbrellas - rain jackets preferred
🍽️ Food Culture
- • Asian cuisine: Some of North America's best, especially sushi and dim sum
- • Pacific Northwest: Fresh seafood, local ingredients, farm-to-table
- • Food trucks: Excellent and diverse mobile food scene
- • Craft beer: Strong brewery culture with many local options
- • Indigenous cuisine: Growing scene featuring First Nations ingredients
💡 Practical Tips
- • Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD), cards widely accepted
- • Taxes: 5% GST + 7% PST (total 12% in BC)
- • Tipping: 15-20% at restaurants, CAD $1-2 per drink
- • Cannabis legal: Licensed stores, but not in public spaces
- • Expensive city: One of Canada's most expensive for accommodation and dining
Seasonal Vancouver Guide
🌞 Summer (Jun-Aug)
Dry season with long days and perfect weather.
- • Temperature: 15-25°C (59-77°F)
- • Very little rain, perfect for outdoor activities
- • Peak tourist season - book accommodations early
- • Beach season and outdoor festivals
🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful colors and mild temperatures before rain season.
- • Temperature: 8-18°C (46-64°F)
- • Fall colors in parks and mountains
- • Rain increases through season
- • Lower prices than summer
🌧️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
Mild but wet with nearby skiing and cozy indoor culture.
- • Temperature: 2-8°C (36-46°F)
- • Lots of rain but rarely freezing
- • Skiing at local mountains (Grouse, Cypress, Seymour)
- • Indoor attractions and cozy restaurant season
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
Cherry blossoms and gradually improving weather.
- • Temperature: 6-18°C (43-64°F)
- • Famous cherry blossom season (March-April)
- • Rain decreases through season
- • Good value before summer prices
Where to Stay in Vancouver
🏙️ Downtown Vancouver (Best for First-timers)
Central location with walking access to major attractions, transit connections, and harbor views.
- • Walking distance to Stanley Park, harbourfront
- • Transit hub with SkyTrain and buses
- • Harbor and mountain views
- • Business and shopping district
- • Most expensive accommodation
- • Urban noise and traffic
- • Can feel impersonal
- • Limited late-night dining
CAD $200-600/night
Best For:First visits, business travelers
🌲 West End (Residential & Close to Stanley Park)
Dense residential neighborhood with tree-lined streets, close to beaches and Stanley Park.
- • Close to Stanley Park and beaches
- • Residential neighborhood feel
- • LGBTQ+ friendly area
- • Diverse dining on Denman/Davie
- • Limited hotel options
- • Mostly high-rise apartments
- • Further from business district
- • Dense urban living
CAD $150-400/night
Best For:Park lovers, local experience
🌊 Yaletown (Trendy & Upscale)
Converted warehouse district with upscale condos, restaurants, and proximity to False Creek.
- • Trendy restaurants and bars
- • Unique converted warehouse architecture
- • Close to SkyTrain stations
- • Upscale boutique shopping
- • Very expensive area
- • Can feel exclusive/elitist
- • Limited budget options
- • Busy on weekends
CAD $250-800/night
Best For:Luxury travelers, foodies
