The Best 3 Day Itinerary in Vancouver that Will Blow Your Mind (2024)

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Are you looking for the best 3 day itinerary in Vancouver? We’ve got you covered! Being from Vancouver and having lived there for many years, we know every nooks and crannies of the city and the surrounding areas. Vancouver is probably one of our favourite places in North America Canada, not just because it’s home, but for its beauty and stunning mix of nature and city like landscapes. From dating in Vancouver to exploring outdoor areas as a travel couple, we’ve really gotten to explore this beauty!

From the North Shore Mountains to Granville Island Public Market, there are so many areas that are worth a visit but for three perfect days Vancouver style, it can be difficult to decide which are the best ones!

In that context, our detailed Vancouver three day itinerary will equip you with everything you need to know to have three perfect days in Vancouver, including the best things to do in Vancouver, where to eat, where to stay, the best time to go to Vancouver and more! As Eric is from Vancouver, we have also included some insider tips throughout this guide to make your trip even more memorable!

With this 3 day Vancouver itinerary, we hope to simplify your planning and save you time so you can fully enjoy your trip and not wonder if you’ve missed out on anything!

You can literally print this 3 days Vancouver itinerary out and not look at it until you get there!

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change the fact that we only recommend products, stays, activities and attractions we are satisfied with and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Why Vancouver is the perfect destination for couples on a budget

Vancouver has it all

As a couple, we generally align on our travel style and activities we want to do at our destinations. That said, we also have personal preferences and love to be able to have options when it comes to places to visit and activities. Vancouver is one of those destinations that has everything! Some celebrities even said so in the best quotes about Canada!

Whether you are adventurous, want to chill, are looking for romantic activities, want to immerse yourself in the city or spend lots of time outdoors looking at nature, Vancouver offers it all. As Eric grew up there, I have been able to discover Vancouver both from a tourist point of view (mine) and from a local’s point of view (his). And Vancouver truly is the perfect mix between the outdoors and the city. it is also the perfect mix between the American style and the European style. If you are looking to spend 3 days in Vancouver with your partner, there is no doubt that you will find activities and visits that satisfy you both! 

Vancouver is romantic

We also love that Vancouver is surrounded by nature, whether that’d be trails, mountains, lakes, beaches. Spending time in nature helps us disconnect from the world and connect with each other. It helps us reflect on our relationship and spend actual quality time together. Vancouver is a great place to do that. On top of that, Vancouver has such amazing views and sunsets, and creates the perfect terrain for a romantic time at the beach or anywhere else! In our Vancouver 3 day itinerary, we made sure to include what to do in Vancouver in 3 days for romantic times!

Currency

The currency exchange from the euro to the Canadian dollar is usually in our favour meaning we get more dollars than euros! That’s really helpful when traveling and we recommend visiting countries where your currency is strong to make the most of your budget!

Vancouver 3 day itinerary Budget

Vancouver offers so many free or low cost activities that it makes it an amazing place to visit if you are on a budget! Considering that flights to Vancouver are rarely cheap, except during the rainy season, it is helpful that visiting the city and surrounding areas is actually quite cheap. 

Best time to go to Vancouver

To be fully honest, Vancouver is always beautiful, no matter the season! We have visited Vancouver in both summer and winter and loved each season for different reasons. Since it is Eric’s home, he is completely biased and says it is the best place in the world regardless of the season! But there are definitely pros and cons to each season which we have detailed below:

Spend 3 days in Vancouver in the summer

The Pros

Vancouver in the summer is IN-CRE-DI-BLE. Vancouver gets a real long summer with hot temperatures up to 30 degrees, and lots of sunshine, which makes the outdoors so much more enjoyable! 

• There are more hikes are accessible since the snow is melting;
• You can also spend some time swimming at the lakes, or reading at the beach. The water can be a bit cold especially if it’s coming straight from the mountains peaks but it’s honestly not as bad as Ireland;
• The roads are also fine whereas they can be icy or covered in snow in the winter;
• The days are also longer making it the perfect time to go on road trips in British Columbia; 
• There are more flights especially from Europe.

The Cons

• Flights tend to be more expensive;
• Fires are quite common in the summer and the smoke becomes thick covering the mountains and views;

Visit Vancouver in 3 days in the winter

The Pros

• Vancouver in 3 days winter style is absolutely beautiful to see the mountains covered in snow;
• Sunny days in the winter just hit different;
• Vancouver in the winter often feels like you’re in the Twilight movies;
• There are lots to do outdoors if you don’t mind the cold;
• There are lots to do indoors such as markets and museums;
• Vancouver is a lot less cold than the East coast of Canada.

The Cons

• Vancouver can be rainy as it is located in the Rain forest. If you decide to visit during the winter but it’s raining a lot, we have a full guide with 47 things to do in Vancouver in the rain.
• The snow can make it difficult to keep up with your itinerary;
• Roads can be icy so you’ll need a good car or winter tyres which can be more expensive;
• The days are shorter. In December, it is dark at around 4pm.

3 days in Vancouver itinerary for in the shoulder seasons (fall or spring)

The Pros

• Cheaper in most cases;
• Mid-range temperatures perfect for exploring;
• Beautiful landscapes with the colours changing.

The Cons

• Unpredictable rain.

How many days in Vancouver

This itinerary is tailored for 3 days in Vancouver and covers must-see spots, hidden gems and locals’ recommendations in the city and Greater Vancouver. For example, it is the perfect 3 days to incorporate to your road trip through British Columbia. Those 3 days can also easily be split up if you are coming from the USA and want to do day trips to Vancouver.

That said, you could spend a lot longer in the Vancouver area. There is so much to explore and discover around Vancouver that you could easily fill up a whole week. And that’s not talking about mesmerising Vancouver Island and the road trip to Tofino which we completely fell in love with! Though you could spend 3 days in Vancouver and Victoria in Vancouver Island, you can also easily spend another week there! There, we recommend spending some time in Tofino and hiking to the secret lookout above Cox Bay Beach.

All together, if you are limited in holiday time, we would not recommend staying more than 3 days in Vancouver Canada and 7 days in Vancouver should be the maximum especially if you want to visit more of British Columbia, Alberta or Vancouver Island. Note that a Vancouver itinerary 2 days of length is possible but might be a bit too short to make the most of it. This itinerary for 3 days in Vancouver covers everything you need to see of the city and surrounding areas and provides for opportunities to purchase Canadian souvenirs as well to bring back with you!

If you are inspired to stay longer, have a look at some of the best views of Vancouver and the best beaches in Vancouver to add to your plan. We also included a section at the end of the post for some alternative and additional visits. 

Would you like to extend your trip to Vancouver but are struggling to save enough to do so? Check out our travel savings tips and our budgeting guide for beginners which have helped us travel more and, more importantly, the way we want (meaning without having to travel super cheap)! Here is a also a list of 10 things I no longer buy to save more money to travel.

How to get to Vancouver

Flights

Vancouver is quite easily accessible with regular flights from Europe and the USA. The Vancouver International airport is called “YVR” and is located only 15km from Downtown Vancouver. The YVR airport is a mid-size airport and really easy to navigate. Don’t hesitate to ask someone for help if needed as everyone is quite nice and welcoming. When arriving into the airport, make sure you have a look at the beautiful aboriginal sculptures and carvings in the hall.

At arrival you will have to go through border control which is divided in two lines, one for Canadian citizens and one for everyone else. 

First, you will need to use one of the machines to declare anything you are bringing into the country. For example, if you are bringing in sandwiches or food, even if it is just for your own use, you will have to declare it. That said, it will probably be taken away from you anyway. Our advice? Eat everything before you arrive. If you are bringing food for your friends or family as a present, make sure it is sealed and in line with what is accepted by Canada.

Ferry for your Vancouver three day itinerary

Vancouver being surrounded by water, you can, of course, arrive by ferry from the surrounding islands. The two main terminals are Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay. 

Spend 3 days in Vancouver by Train

Vancouver also has a train station, the Pacific Central Station, located at 1150 Station St. For example, there is a route departing Toronto and stopping in Edmonton, Jasper and arriving to Vancouver. The full route takes about 4 days. You can find more information on ViaRailCanada. 

Vancouver in 3 days by the road

If you are coming from the USA, you can, of course, drive through the border. The Seattle to Vancouver drive is only 230km and takes 2 and a half hours. If you don’t want to drive, you can also take the bus from Seattle to Vancouver.

You can check availability for rental cars here

How to get around Vancouver for 3 days

The type of transportation you will need will heavily rely on what parts of Vancouver you are staying in. 

Vancouver Public transportation

In the city centre, the Translink public transportation system, along with taxis, Uber and Lyft will definitely help you get around without a car. The Vancouver Skytrain is also a good way to get around Vancouver without a car.

Vancouver Sea bus and boat shuttles

Vancouver is also equipped with a SeaBus which connects the North Shore to Downtown Vancouver and boat shuttles such as the ones connecting Downtown Vancouver to Granville Island. 

Renting a car to visit Vancouver in 3 days

If you are going to explore outside of Downtown Vancouver, then renting a car is essential. Driving in Vancouver is relatively easy. That said, traffic has built up these past few years and can start as early as 2pm! Imagine taking an hour to drive 20km across the city…I know, it’s not fun. This is why we have built this itinerary in a way that:

• allows you to not have to drive around too much when in the city
• has you driving outside of peak hours

Car sharing services

You can easily rent a car through the usual route such as with Booking, which is usually what we would do. That said, Vancouver is also home to the Evo car sharing service. Using their app, you can rent a car up to 30minutes in advance or just walk up to one on the street if it’s available. Cars are spread out in the city making it easy for you to find one near you. Gas, insurance and parking is included. Rates are calculated either by the minute or for all day. 

This is the equivalent of GoCar in Ireland, which is a service we used to go to the Wicklow Mountains from Dublin. We loved it and thought it was very practical and easy. The service was also cheaper than renting through the usual companies so it is worth having a look!

Where to stay for your Vancouver 3 days itinerary

We always stay with family when we visit. That said there are lots of accommodations available whether that be downtown or in the surrounding districts. We’d definitely recommend looking at North Vancouver or Kitsilano for some cool accommodations. We recommend using our favorite hotel booking platform which is what we’ve linked below.

Here are some budget-friendly options (no hostels) for your Vancouver itinerary 3 days stay: 

• Option 1:One bedroom Queen Suite with a balcony and private kitchen, €96/Can$137 per night in Downtown Vancouver near English Bay. The hotel has an outdoor rooftop pool perfect for a couple looking to relax after a long day exploring, and an on-site restaurant. 
• Option 2:Queen Room with refrigerator, right by Lions Gate Bridge in North Vancouver. The Lodge offers a seasonal outdoor pool and an outdoor hot tub. €80/Can$114 per night. 
• Option 3: Double room with shared bathroom in Downtown Vancouver with kitchen facilities, €58/Can$82 per night. 

You’ll notice those feature access to a kitchen which is usually our personal preference when we are traveling! It helps us save money by preparing our own lunch or breakfast and not having to rely 100% on eating out!

Day 1 of your 3 days in Vancouver

The first day of your 3 perfect days in Vancouver BC is organised to be focused on Downtown Vancouver. If you need to visit Vancouver in a day, this is the day you’ll want to look at.

There is very little driving involved as the attractions and interest points are close to each other. A car would be ideal but it is possible to go through Day 1 with using a mix of public transportation and taxis or ubers. There is however a bit of walking involved. 

1. Lions Gate bridge, first step of your 3 day itinerary Vancouver BC

Lions Gates Bridge is one of the two bridges that connect the North Shore (West Vancouver and North Vancouver) to Downtown Vancouver. Although that’s its main function, Lions Gates Bridge is also a tourist attraction that is worth checking out! At the beginning of the bridge, you will notice the two lions heads and then, the beautiful view you get on the North Shore while crossing over to Stanley Park. 

• Time recommended: the time to cross over.
• Budget: Free

2. Stanley Park, a highlight of your three days in vancouver

Stanley Park is to Vancouver, what Central Park is to New York City or Phoenix Park to Dublin: a statement!

Beautiful Stanley Park is a large park located between Downtown Vancouver and the North Shore. There are lots of things to do in Stanley Park but it is essentially Vancouver’s green heaven. Highlights include walking along the Sea Wall and checking out Third beach with views on Ambleside and the Burrard Inlet.

When in Stanley Park, we recommend parking at Third beach and walking to the Siwash Rock and then to Prospect Point. From there, you will have an incredible view on Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore. 

Expert tip: One thing to be mindful of is the coyotes! In 2021, there was a few coyotes attacks in Stanley Park. Although quite rare, if you see a couple shiny eyes looking at you from the trees, get out of there!

Christmas Tip: If visiting around Christmas, the Stanley Parks Lights are on and are very beautiful! There is an entrance fee but it’s worth it. Don’t forget to hop on the Christmas train as well!

🍁 If you’d like you could rent bikes to explore the park but exploring by foot is great! 🍁

• Time recommended: 2 hours
• Budget: Free with a small fee for parking

3. English Bay

English Bay is a beach located just outside Stanley Park. It is worth stopping at as it offers beautiful views on the Park and the shore. 

From Stanley Park, you can walk to English Bay beach in about 20minutes along the Sea Wall. If you would prefer spending more time at English Bay, I would suggest driving and parking closer.

• Time recommended: 30 minutes
• Budget: Free

4. Vancouver Waterfront & Canada Place

The Vancouver Waterfront is one of my favourite places in Downtown Vancouver! It is a long promenade that takes you from the SeaBus terminal to Coal Harbour through Vancouver Harbour. On a nice day, it is a lovely walk which offers unbeatable views of the North Shore. While you are there, keep your eyes open for sea planes taking off and landing! It’s quite fun to see how they work.  You can also check out Canada Place and their FlyOver activity! 

• Time recommended: about 1 hour as it’s truly beautiful there
• Budget: Free

5. Lunch at Cardero’s in Coal Harbour

After walking the waterfront promenade, you will most likely be hungry. Cardero’s is a lovely restaurant for lunch. 

Tip: If the weather is nice, ask to be fitted outside so you can eat with a view on the harbour!

• Budget: $$

6. Gastown

Gastown is one of Vancouver’s neighbourhood and is located only a 15 minutes walk from Vancouver’s waterfront. 

The main attraction in Gastown is the Gastown Steam Clock which surely you will have seen on so many photos! You can watch the Steam Clock go off every 15 minutes. 

But Gastown also features cute cobblestone streets and shops. You might even see some buskers on the sidewalk! 

Tip: If you have a bit of time to spare, we recommend also checking out the Waterfront Train Station for some cool architecture!

• Time recommended: 1 hour to walk around 
• Budget: Free

7. Cambie Bridge (optional)

We have noted this step as optional but, in our view, if you can, we highly recommend stopping by at least a few minutes. The Cambie bridge is only a 20 minutes walk from Gastown and offers a beautiful view on False Creek and Granville Island on one side and on Science world on the other side. 

• Time recommended: time to spare – max 30 minutes
• Budget: Free

8. Vancouver Lookout, for a unique view on your 3 day itinerary in Vancouver

To finish the day strong, head to the Vancouver Lookout which offers a 360° view of the city. 

• Time recommended: At least one hour to enjoy the view, take photos, etc
• Budget: about $19 for adults, bring your student cards for a discount!

9. Dinner

Since you will already be in the area, we highly recommend a romantic dinner at Jules in Gastown. Although it is a French restaurant and therefore not exactly local, we really loved the food and the subdued atmosphere. Jules is perfect for couples!

• Budget: $$

Day 2 of your 3 day itinerary in Vancouver

Day 2 of your Vancouver itinerary is mainly focused on the North Shore. 

Although you could get around with the public transportation system, the SeaBus and Uber, the easiest and most cost/time efficient transportation for Day 2 is renting a car.

1. Kitsilano beach

Kitsilano is one of the coolest and nicest neighbourhoods in Vancouver although also the priciest. Kitsilano beach is perfect to start your second day on the right foot! Go for a romantic morning stroll and take in the amazing views on Stanley Park and the North Shore.

• Time recommended: 1 hour
• Budget: Free

2. Granville Island

Granville Island, although not exactly an island, is located in the centre of Vancouver. It is a popular place and for good reasons! The vibe is laid back, views are beautiful and you can visit Granville Public Market to buy fresh food and specialties.

Tip: As it is a popular place and traffic can get crazy, we recommend visiting early in the morning. There is parking available on site. However, traffic can make it hard to get there. Although you should be fine in the morning, if you see that traffic is bad, try parking at Granville Sea Wall or close to David Lam Dock. From there you will be able to catch the shuttle boat to Granville Island. 

• Time recommended: 2 hour
• Budget: Free

3. Lunch at Granville Public Market

Once at the market, you will find plenty of food options. We love to get Hawaiian pizza from Pzazz but that’s just our preference! You can eat inside or outside which is nice in case the weather isn’t great.

• Budget: $

Tip: If you decide to eat outside, be careful of seagulls as they will steal your food even if you are hanging on to it. Also don’t feed them, it’s not good for them.

4. Capilano suspension Bridge

Your next step is heading to the North Shore and visiting Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The main attraction of the Park is Capilano Suspension Bridge. The Bridge is 137 long and hangs 70m above Capilano River. Alongside the suspension bridge, there are lots of smaller tree bridges that are also worth exploring! It is one of the best suspension bridges in Vancouver.

The Park offers lots of other activities as well

• Time recommended: 2 hours
• Budget: Can$56 with discounts for students

Tip: Around Christmas, the Park turns on the Canyon lights which turns the place into a magical land! Definitely worth doing at least once. 

Free Alternative: The Lynn Valley suspension Bridge in North Vancouver is one of our favourite places! although much smaller than Capilano suspension bridge, it is still impressive.

5. Cleveland Dam with view on the Lions

The Cleveland Dam in North Vancouver is located on Capilano lake and offers one of the best view on the Lions mountains. The view there is quite impressive and romantic! 

• Time recommended: 30 – 40minutes
• Budget: Free

6. Trestle Bridge in West Vancouver, a hidden gem on your Vancouver in 3 days trip

The new West Vancouver Trestle Bridge was one of the highlights of our recent trip to Vancouver! Finalised in 2021, it’s for sure one of the best things to do in Vancouver in 2022. We loved it so much, we wrote a full guide on this new Cypress Trestle Bridge. You can see our video of the new Cypress trestle bridge here.

• Time recommended: 1 hour
• Budget: Free activity

7. Dinner in West Vancouver

Since you will be in the area, we recommend the Salmon House for dinner. The view on the Vancouver skyline and area from the restaurant is unbeatable.

Tip: When booking, ask for a table by the window!

• Budget: $$

Day 3 of your 3 day itinerary Vancouver

Day 3 of your Vancouver itinerary is focused on Vancouver’s surrounding areas and especially, the Sea to Sky Highway. This is one of our favourite trips to take from Vancouver and the amount of beauty you’ll encounter on the way will definitely blow your mind. This part of your Vancouver itinerary is part of the beautiful Vancouver to Whistler Drive.

For Day 3, a car is essential.

1. Sea To Sky highway, a highlight of your Vancouver 3 day itinerary

The Sea To Sky highway is the name of Highway 99 and connects West Vancouver to Lillooet passing through Squamish and Whistler. To start Day 3, we recommend you hop on the Sea To Sky Highway and drive all the way to the Sea To Sky Gondola near Squamish. The drive takes about 1 hour. 

The Sea To Sky Gondola elevates you to a platform sitting at 885m above Howe Sound, the body of water surrounding Vancouver. From that platform, you have access to the suspension bridge and beautiful views on the Chief and the mountains. There are also some trails you can take to explore more.

This is an absolute must-do while in Vancouver! 

If you are staying longer than three days in Vancouver, you could turn this step into a 3 day trip from Vancouver and push all the way to Whistler. You can see the last section of this post for more details. 

• Time recommended: 3 hours + 1 hour drive
• Budget: Can$ 56 per adult. We recommend booking online as it is more expensive to buy the tickets on site. 

Tip: Check the weather for your 3 days in Vancouver when you arrive. The Gondola and Sea to Sky Highway is best experienced on a clear day. Don’t hesitate to move the 3 days around to accommodate so you can make the best out of your experience. For example, if day 2 is the only clear day, switch Day 2 with Day 3.

2. Have lunch at the top

The Summit Platform at the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola offers such great views, it would be a shame to eat in your car on your way back to Vancouver! Instead, stay up there and order some Poutine at the Lodge. The Lodge has an outdoor space where you can eat. If it is too cold, the indoor space has wide windows allowing you to enjoy the view without compromising your comfort!

• Budget: $

3. Porteau Cove and the Porteau Cove cabins

After visiting the Sea To Sky Gondola, head back towards Vancouver. Your first stop will be Porteau Cove. Porteau Cove is a great place to experience whether it be summer in Canada or winter. Between the pier, the beach, the view on Anvil Island and on snow-capped mountains, it is truly beautiful there. 

If you are looking for a 3 day getaway from Vancouver, you can stay at the Porteau Cove Cabins which are located right on the oceanfront. The cabins were built for the 2010 Winter Olympics. As they are quite isolated, they are perfect for a romantic getaway! At peak season, the cabins rent for Can$259 per night. You can find more information on the Porteau Cove Cabins Website.

• Time recommended: 40 min
• Budget: Free

4. Horseshoe Bay Lookout

Your next stop is the Horseshoe Bay Lookout. This lookout was kept secret for a while but is starting to be a bit more known. That said, when we visited in the winter, it was just us there! We have a full guide on how to find the Horseshoe Bay secret sunset platform which will tell you everything there is to know about it including where to park. 

• Time recommended:  30 min
• Budget: Free

5. Horseshoe Bay 

Horseshoe Bay is only a few minutes drive from the lookout and is worth a visit. Shaped as a horseshoe, the Bay gives on the mountains and the Howe Sound. The view and vibes are just very peaceful and it’s the perfect place to bring your lover!

• Time recommended: 45 min
• Budget: Free and free parking on the streets

6. Whytecliff Park (optional)

At this stage, I’m not sure how much energy you’ll have left so this step is optional. We truly love Whytecliff Park and it’s a place that is often ignored by tourists. However, it is a beautiful, peaceful park surrounded by nature. If you keep your eyes open, you might also spot sea lions! Whytecliff Park is one of the top West Van beaches for relaxing and hanging out.

• Time recommended: 30 min
• Budget: Free

7. Lighthouse park

Lighthouse Park is, in our opinion, not to be ignored! The park is amazing! From the lighthouse to the view on Vancouver’s skyline, this place is heaven! On top of it, on a clear day you will be able to see Mount Baker in the USA! How crazy!

• Time recommended: 1hour 30 minutes
• Budget: Free

8. Park Royal, for shopping on your 3 day itinerary in Vancouver

After this long filled up with good stuff day, you’ll for sure want to have dinner and relax. Drive to Park Royal for some last minute shopping and grab dinner at White Spot. 

• Time recommended: 1 hour
• Budget: Really depend son how much shopping you do!

9. Ambleside beach

Before going to bed, we recommend taking a walk on Ambleside beach behind Park Royal. From there, you will see the Lions Gate Bridge lit up with the city. A beautiful view to end up a beautiful 3 day itinerary in Vancouver. 

• Time recommended: 15 minutes
• Budget: Free

Alternative and longer Vancouver itineraries

We know not everyone is like us and that’s why we have added some alternative activities below! Feel free to switch some of the activities with some that fit your couple and your budget better. These activities are also perfect if you are looking at making your Vancouver itinerary 4 days long or making your Vancouver itinerary 5 days long. 

Main Street

Main Street, which is filled with hipster cafes, bars and shops, is perfect if you need a break in a cool neighbourhood.

Charleson Park 

Charleson park offers panoramic views on the city and Granville Island.

Grouse Mountain

In the winter and at Christmas, Grouse Mountain is a great visit if you like skiing, or just want to see the winter lights path in the snow (snowshoes recommended). In the summer, Grouse Mountain is great for trails and romantic hikes. If you decide to spend 4 days in Vancouver, we would highly recommend going up Grouse Mountain on that extra day!

Budget: $61 for adults with lots of options depending on what you are doing up there.

Check availability for admission tickets here

Grouse Grind

The Grouse Grind is a one way 3 km hike with an 850m elevation gain and is called the “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster” due to the 2,830 steps you have to climb up. 

Budget: Free to enter with a$20 fee at the top to ride the Skyride back down.

Deep Cove and Quarry Rock

Deep Cove, located in North Vancouver, is home to Quarry Rock, a moderate 4km hike with a 100m elevation gain. Of course, beautiful views awaits you at the top!

Cypress Resort

Featuring lots of activities including night skiing and the Christmas lights snowshoeing experience, the Cypress resort is a great place to add to your Winter Vancouver itinerary. 

In the summer, activities at Cypress Resort include geocaching, hiking, and riding the Eagle Coaster. 

Although this all sounds like a lot of fun, tickets to go up to the summit are not cheap!

Budget: Lift rides are about Can$100

Best views of Vancouver 

Activities we love are often activities that offer some of the best views of the place we are visiting. You will have already seen lots of breathtaking views with this Vancouver BC itinerary but if you are specifically interested in more skyline views or in whale watching, check our guide on the best views of Vancouver.

Dundarave beach, a gem to add to your 3 day itinerary in Vancouver

Dundarave beach is probably my favourite beach in Vancouver. It’s just wow. Summer is a lovely season to visit Vancouver and the weather gets really hot! If you want to spend more time at the beach, check out Dundarave beach and the 15 best beaches in Vancouver.

You can see us on Dundarave Beach in the below video:

@berightbackdating

If travel was that easy, where would you go? #travelcouple #francetravels #vancouverbc #dundaravebeach

♬ original sound – Be Right Back | Date Ideas

Budget: Free

VanDusen botanical Gardens

If you are interesting in learning more about nature and flowers, the VanDusen botanical Gardens could be a great fit. However, note that the Gardens close in case of heavy snow. 

Budget: about $10

Vancouver Chinatown

Located by the Rogers Arena, Chinatown features the Jack Chow Building, which is said to be the narrowest building in the world with a 2m height and the traditional Chinese style garden, Dr Sun-Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

Day Trip to Whistler, a nice addition to your 3 day itinerary in Vancouver

Being only a 2 hours drive from Vancouver, a day trip to Whistler is always in the books! Whistler features a lot fo different activities such as the 360° Gondola, winter sports and escape games! Whistler can be the perfect 3 day trip from Vancouver if you are planning to stay longer than three days in Vancouver. 

3 days in Vancouver Island

The Greater Vancouver area is absolutely stunning, we can’t deny that. But if you’re looking to be in immersion in nature with the absolute best West Coast surfing vibes, then we highly recommend heading for 3 days on Vancouver Island. It’s one of the most spectacular trip to do and is perfect for a 3 day road trip from Vancouver and getting a break from the city.

A few things we recommend doing on Vancouver Island is road tripping to Tofino and checking out the Cox Bay Lookout.

Vancouver in the rain

Although the Vancouver area is beautiful, it can be difficult to do outdoor activities when the rainy season is full on. That said there are lots of lovely activities you can still do in Vancouver when it rains such as visiting the Vancouver aquarium or Lonsdale Quay Market. Check out our guide on all the things you can do in Vancouver in the rain for more information.

Vancouver tour for food

Being French, I am completely biased and think French cuisine tops most other cuisines in the world (although I am a foodie, and therefore eat and love pretty much any type of food!). That said, there are a few things you should definitely try when visiting Vancouver for 3 days, as listed below:

• Poutine: this is literally fries with gravy and cheese! You can not not like that! Poutine can easily be found. One of our go-to place for a quick poutine trip is A&W;
• Wild salmon: choose a local salmon;
• Beaver tails: are like a crepe shaped as the tail of a beaver with sugar and cinnamon;
• Canadian breakfast with bacon and hash brown;
• Dairy Queen: who doesn’t like ice cream?;
• Pancakes and Maple syrup: a statement;
• Nanaimo bars: a three layer chocolate dessert named after the city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. 

Here are some tours we recommend for discovering food in Vancouver:

• TOP PICK: A 3.5 hours long food tour in stunning Gastown: With raving reviews, this is our top pick for a delicious taste of Vancouver. See what previous visitors have to say about it:

“Our tour guide Jason was amazing and very knowledgeable! When we first booked this experience I was a bit sceptical because of the price but after the tour I was amazed and I will definitely be recommending this tour to friends and family. It wasn’t just a food tasting tour it was an interesting informative experience about the whole of Vancouver not just Gastown. Coming from New Zealand we were quite unsure about the history of the place and left with an abundance of facts. It’s a must do while visiting the city!!” (More reviews here)

Check the availability here

• ALTERNATIVE: This 3 hours long food tour in the city: With excellent reviews, this tour takes you taste maple syrup and local delicious treats in the city. See what previous visitors have to say about it:

“Had a nice time, exploring Gastown and some cool spots. Food was good and Houston was a great guide. Was an intimate and personalized tour, gave me great ideas about where to explore the city and some cool spots to visit again for some great food experience.” (More reviews here)

Check the next tour dates here

Want to explore more of Canada? Read our guides about Canada to make the most out of your trip!

3 day itinerary in Vancouver FAQs

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Any questions on your 3 days in Vancouver itinerary? Drop them in the comments or on insta  @twolostexplorers and we will get back to you asap.

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