Vancouver, British Columbia, is one of Canada’s most visited places. With its beautiful natural mountain ranges, ocean views, and evergreen forests, it is no wonder many people love to visit Vancouver. Considering there are many things to do in Vancouver, it may sound overwhelming. However, you can check off popular tourist destinations while spending just 3 days in Vancouver.
Itinerary For 3 Days In Vancouver
Getting around Vancouver is relatively easy. The best way to get around the city is using the multiple bus loops that travel around the city. In addition, SkyTrain Stations and the Canada Line are conveniently located for easy access.
Day 1 – Exploring Downtown Vancouver
Exploring Downtown Vancouver is the number one thing to do when visiting Vancouver. Robson Street is the most popular street in Downtown Vancouver for retail stores, souvenir shops, and many restaurants.
Suppose you are planning to go to Vancouver for the first time. Staying in Downtown Vancouver is your best option because you will be close to all the necessities and get the whole downtown experience.
Vancouver Art Gallery
One of the highly respected and innovative visual art institutions recognized in North America is the Vancouver Art Gallery. Founded in 1931, the non-profit Gallery focuses on the historical and contemporary art of British Columbia. Many people enjoy visiting the Art Gallery during the rain, or stopping by will be a fantastic experience if you are into art.
The Vancouver Art Gallery is situated on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) nations.
Gastown
Gastown is a historical site and neighbourhood. It is adjacent to Downtown Vancouver and easy to get to by SkyTrain or walking. Gastown is known for its Victorian-style buildings, whistling Steam Clock, souvenir stores, and trendy restaurants and cocktail bars. It is also the only Vancouver location with mixed cobblestone and brick streets and sidewalks.
There is a classic, old-school, quaint soup and sandwich shop hidden in Gastown called Cottage Deli. They have been serving soup and sandwiches for over 42 years. It is an excellent must-try lunch spot. Fresh ingredients and friendly and kind service make it all the better.
Day 2 – Stroll Through Stanely Park
At 400 hectares of land, Stanley Park is one of Vancouver’s most beloved urban parks. It was the first park established in Vancouver in 1887. You can recognize Stanley Park from the sky when you fly into Vancouver.
Seawall
Walking, cycling, running, and rollerblading the stone-built Seawall are the most popular things to do in Stanley Park. The 9-kilometre (5.6 miles) Seawall is on the park’s perimeter and takes approximately two to three hours to complete by walking.
The construction of the Seawall started in 1917. In the late 1920s, a master stone mason named John Cunningham directed the project and dedicated his life’s work to constructing the Seawall until his retirement.
The Vancouver Aquarium
Located inside Stanley Park is The Vancouver Aquarium. It is home to thousands of aquatic and ocean species. In addition, many exhibits are displayed around the aquarium, such as Penguin Point, Canada’s Arctic, B.C.’s Wild Coast and more.
Not only is it an aquarium but also one of Canada’s biggest Marine Mammal Rescue Facilities that helps rehabilitate and release over 150 marine animals every year.
Growing up in Vancouver, as children, we would always appreciate the class field trips to the Vancouver Aquarium because there were so many marine animals to see and interact with.
Day 3 – Granville Island
Granville Island is a shopping district and peninsula located under the Grandville Bridge. It is an artistic and cultural hub where many locals and tourists love to shop, eat, enjoy music, and hang out.
Granville Island Public Market
The biggest attraction in Grandville Island is the Public Market. Inside you can enjoy the large assortment of vendors, from produce to handcrafted products.
An excellent place to eat inside the Public Market is the Market Grill. Made with 100% real beef patties, or if you are not into beef, salmon, chicken, or veggie burgers are also an option.
Kid’s Market
If you are looking for somewhere to take children, take them to Kid’s Market. The market is dedicated to entertaining children with its toy shops, play area, food outlets and much more.
Pit Stop In Kitsilano
Kitsilano is only a couple of bus stops away from Granville Island. The main strip of Kitsilano is along West 4th street, with many retail stores, coffee shops, and restaurants.
If you come during the summer, Khatshlano Day is a popular one-day event in July. It is a 10-block party where almost every store has a booth outside selling their products; musical guests play on stages, games, food trucks and more.
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Other things to do in Vancouver
Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is another iconic tourist and a local spot in Vancouver. It is a beautiful walking park that has many things to do. From the top of the park, you can see a view of North Vancouver and parts of Downtown Vancouver.
Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
In the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown, be enchanted by the peaceful tranquillity of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which replicates an authentic garden of the Ming Dynasty era.
Science World
Science World is another location excellent for children or adults of any age. Learn about science with interactive displays, activities and videos. It is a fun experience for everyone.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Take an adventure to North Vancouver to see the 137-metre-long Capilano Suspension Bridge. You can walk across the suspension bridge over the Capilano River and enjoy attractions like a cliff walk and more on the other side.
Reading from above, you can see and do many things in 3 days in Vancouver. Now, all you have to do is pack your bags and enjoy the adventure in this beautiful city.
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