3 Days in Vancouver: A Day-by-Day Itinerary

Get ready for a city where you can sip coffee among heritage brick buildings in the morning, stroll under giant evergreens by lunch and watch the sun sink over the Pacific by dinner. Vancouver packs mountains, rainforest, beaches and a buzzing food scene into one compact, transit-friendly package, and three days is a lovely amount of time to taste all of it.

This plan suits first-time visitors who like a steady but relaxed pace: one big highlight per half-day, lots of walking, and public transit instead of a rental car. Each day is grouped by area so you spend your time exploring, not commuting. Families, couples and solo travellers will all find something to love here.

At a glance

Day	Area	Highlights
1	Gastown, Chinatown, Stanley Park, West End	Heritage streets, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Vancouver Aquarium, English Bay sunset
2	North Shore and the downtown waterfront	Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, SeaBus harbour crossing, Coal Harbour evening
3	Granville Island, UBC, Kitsilano	Public Market, Museum of Anthropology at UBC, beach sunset

Day 1: Old Vancouver and the green heart of the city

Morning

Ease into Vancouver in Gastown, the city’s historic quarter, with cobbled streets, Victorian-era facades and plenty of independent cafés for a slow breakfast. Wander the side streets, snap your photos of the famous steam clock, then walk a few blocks south-east into Chinatown, one of the most atmospheric neighbourhoods in Canada.

Your main stop is the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, a peaceful walled garden of ponds, pavilions and carefully framed views. From 1 October to 30 April it opens 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and it is closed on Mondays from 1 November to 30 April (plus 25 December and 1 January). Admission is CAD 14 for adults, CAD 11 for seniors and CAD 10 for students, with a CAD 28 family ticket. Allow about an hour, then grab lunch at one of Chinatown’s bakeries or noodle spots.

Afternoon

Head to Stanley Park, the huge forested peninsula at the edge of downtown. The easiest transit option is TransLink’s #19 bus, which drops you within about a five-minute walk of the Vancouver Aquarium, according to the city’s tourism board. Bus trips are always a 1-zone fare.

The Vancouver Aquarium is the big draw for families and anyone who loves marine life. Destination Vancouver notes it is open almost every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but confirm your date on the aquarium’s online calendar. Adult tickets (ages 13-64) currently run CAD 41.95 to 57.95 plus tax, with prices varying by day, and you choose a timed entry slot. Book a timed ticket on the official site: the aquarium recommends it because daily capacity is limited and only a small number of tickets are sold at the door. Most guests spend about 90 minutes to two hours inside, and there is no time limit once you are in.

Prefer the outdoors? Skip the aquarium and spend the afternoon walking or cycling part of the Seawall, the waterfront path that loops around the park, with views of the harbour, the North Shore mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge.

Evening

Walk out of the park into the West End, a leafy residential neighbourhood, and make your way to English Bay for sunset. Afterwards, Davie Street and Robson Street are lined with casual restaurants covering just about every cuisine you can think of.

Day 2: Rainforest bridges and harbour views

Morning

Today belongs to the North Shore, and it’s a thrilling one. Head to Canada Place on the downtown waterfront and hop on the free shuttle to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The shuttle runs year round, takes about 20 minutes depending on traffic, and also stops at a couple of downtown hotels. Seats are first-come, first-served and only for park guests, so arrive early. Free same-day luggage storage is available at Canada Place and the park for ticket holders, which is handy on a departure day.

Inside the park you will cross the swaying suspension bridge high above the Capilano River, explore the Treetops Adventure walkways between tall evergreens and edge along the Cliffwalk on the canyon wall. Hours change through the year:

Dates (2026/27 season)	Opening hours
9 October to 1 November	10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (until 9:00 p.m. on 23-25 Oct and 30 Oct to 1 Nov)
2 November to 19 November	10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
20 November 2026 to 10 January 2027	11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Canyon Lights)
25 December	Closed

Guests may stay an hour after the posted closing time. Ticket prices are set online and subject to GST, so check the official site for today’s rate, and buy only on capbridge.com or through its authorised partners (more on this in the Heads-up section below).

Afternoon

Ride the shuttle back to Canada Place, refuel with lunch downtown, then treat yourself to the cheapest harbour cruise in town: the SeaBus. This passenger-only ferry crosses Burrard Inlet between downtown (Waterfront Station) and the North Shore, and it is part of the regular transit network. It needs a 1-zone or 2-zone fare depending on the time and day: weekends and weekday trips after 6:30 p.m. are always 1-zone. Browse the market and waterfront on the North Vancouver side, then sail back for postcard views of the downtown skyline.

Evening

Stroll the Coal Harbour waterfront path from Canada Place towards Stanley Park as the city lights come on, with seaplanes, marinas and the mountains as your backdrop. Visiting between 20 November and 10 January? Consider flipping today around: do the SeaBus in the morning and head to Capilano in the late afternoon for the Canyon Lights festival, which runs until 9:00 p.m.

Day 3: Markets, totem poles and beach time

Morning

Start the day hungry at Granville Island, a former industrial area under the Granville Street Bridge that is now home to artist studios, theatres and the much-loved Granville Island Public Market. The market is open 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., seven days a week, so arrive early for the freshest pastries and the calmest aisles. Graze your way through the stalls for a picnic-style brunch, then wander the artisan studios nearby.

From downtown, the most fun way to arrive is by one of the little passenger ferries that cross False Creek (Aquabus and False Creek Ferries). They are run separately from TransLink, so check their own official sites for current fares and routes. Buses are the alternative: plan it in the TransLink Trip Planner.

Afternoon

Take a bus out to the University of British Columbia for the Museum of Anthropology at UBC (MOA), home to an extraordinary collection of Indigenous Northwest Coast art, including monumental carved poles in a light-filled Great Hall. According to the museum, westbound 25, 33, R4, 44, 49, 84, 99 B-Line and 480 buses arrive at UBC Exchange (the last stop), followed by a walk of about 15 minutes north-west. The 4 and 14 end at University Boulevard, about a 20-minute walk away. You can also change at UBC Exchange to the 68 and get off at NW Marine Dr at West Mall.

Current MOA hours are Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with late opening until 9:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Important: MOA is closed on Mondays from 15 October to 15 May, so do not make Day 3 a Monday in that season. Admission is CAD 26 for adults (19-64), CAD 23 for seniors and students, and CAD 13 for youth aged 6-18, and tickets are sold at the door. Plan at least two hours, and pause at the Cedar Café if you need a coffee.

Evening

Ride back towards the city and hop off in Kitsilano for a relaxed final evening: a walk along Kits Beach with views back across English Bay to downtown, then dinner and dessert along West 4th Avenue. If your Day 3 falls on a Thursday, you could swap the order: beach in the afternoon, MOA in the evening.

Getting there and getting around

Entry first. Depending on your passport, you may need a visitor visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to fly to Canada. Rules differ by nationality, so use the Government of Canada’s official tool, Find out if you need a visa or eTA, well before you book. If you need an eTA, apply on the official Canada.ca page, where it costs CAD 7.

Airport to downtown. The Canada Line SkyTrain links Vancouver International Airport (YVR) with Waterfront Station downtown in about 25 minutes. Every journey starting at YVR-Airport, Sea Island Centre or Templeton stations includes a CAD 6.50 YVR AddFare, on top of the normal zone fare. With tap-to-pay, a 1-zone fare is CAD 3.50 and a 2-zone fare CAD 5.10, so expect to pay roughly CAD 10.00 to 11.60 to reach downtown depending on the zones and time of day. TransLink’s online fare estimator will confirm your exact fare. Taxis and ride-hailing also serve the airport: check the YVR website for current rates.

Fares at a glance (adult, from TransLink):

Fare type	1-Zone	2-Zone	3-Zone
Tap-to-pay card or Compass Ticket (cash rate)	CAD 3.50	CAD 5.10	CAD 6.70
Compass Card Stored Value	CAD 2.85	CAD 4.20	CAD 5.40
DayPass (all zones, bus, SkyTrain, SeaBus)	CAD 12.55

Good to know:

• Tap to pay works at fare gates and on buses with contactless Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Interac Debit, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Tap in and tap out on SkyTrain and SeaBus; on buses you only tap when boarding.
• A Compass Card has a CAD 6 refundable deposit and you can load CAD 5 or more of Stored Value for discounted fares, or add a DayPass.
• A single fare lets you transfer between bus, SkyTrain and SeaBus for 90 minutes.
• All buses are 1-zone. Every trip after 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, and all weekend and BC statutory holiday travel, is 1-zone too.
• Children 12 and under ride free.
• On a busy day (like Day 2 with the SeaBus, or Day 3 with several buses) a DayPass at CAD 12.55 usually beats single fares.

Where to stay

• Downtown and Coal Harbour: best for first-timers. You are close to Waterfront Station (Canada Line from the airport, SeaBus), Canada Place (Capilano shuttle) and the seawall into Stanley Park.
• West End: a leafy, residential feel with English Bay and Stanley Park on your doorstep, and endless casual restaurants on Davie, Denman and Robson streets. Great for walkers and repeat visitors.
• Yaletown: stylish converted warehouses, a lively restaurant scene and the False Creek waterfront, with the Canada Line running through the neighbourhood. Ideal for food lovers and couples.
• Kitsilano: a relaxed beach neighbourhood across False Creek, close to Granville Island and on the way to UBC. Suits travellers who prefer a quieter, local vibe and do not mind taking a bus into downtown.

Budget

These are the verified costs for the sights and transport in this plan, per adult. Accommodation, food, drinks, flights and Capilano admission (variable pricing, check the official site) are not included, as those depend heavily on your dates and style.

Item	Typical cost
Airport to downtown on the Canada Line (zone fare plus AddFare)	CAD 10.00-11.60
TransLink DayPass (all zones, one day)	CAD 12.55
Single tap-to-pay fare, 1-zone	CAD 3.50
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden (adult)	CAD 14
Vancouver Aquarium (adult, varies by day)	CAD 41.95-57.95 plus tax
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park	Check the official site
Capilano shuttle from Canada Place	Free
Granville Island Public Market entry	Free
Museum of Anthropology at UBC (adult)	CAD 26
eTA application, if your passport needs one	CAD 7

Add these up and the transit plus paid sights land roughly between CAD 40 and 90 per day before Capilano, hotel and meals. Stanley Park, the seawall, Gastown, Chinatown’s streets and Kitsilano Beach cost nothing at all, so it is easy to balance a pricier day with a free one.

Practical tips

• Plan around Mondays in the cooler months. MOA is closed on Mondays from 15 October to 15 May, and the Chinese Garden is closed on Mondays from 1 November to 30 April.
• Book ahead for timed entry. Reserve the aquarium online, and buy Capilano tickets on the park’s own website, especially for evening festivals.
• No dress codes to worry about at these sights, but pack layers and a waterproof jacket: the North Shore rainforest and the seawall are breezy, and comfortable walking shoes are a must.
• Accessibility: at Capilano, the suspension bridge, Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk are not wheelchair accessible, and visitors in wheelchairs receive complimentary admission. Guests under 15 must be accompanied by someone 18 or older.
• Money: Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). Contactless cards are widely accepted, including on all TransLink fare gates and buses. Note that some listed prices exclude sales tax (the aquarium shows “plus tax”, and Capilano rates are subject to GST).
• SIM and eSIM: Canadian mobile carriers and international eSIM providers both offer short-term data plans. Compare options before you fly and check that your phone is unlocked.
• Card clash: when you tap for transit, take your card out of your wallet or phone case so a different card is not charged by mistake.

Heads-up

Vancouver is a welcoming, easy-going city, and a little know-how keeps it that way. These points come straight from official sources:

• Fake Capilano ticket sites. The park warns about fraudulent websites and adverts impersonating it. Tickets from unauthorised sellers are not valid for entry, and the park specifically says it does not accept tickets bought through capbridge.ltd or capilanobridge.com. Buy on capbridge.com or through authorised partners, and expect an ID check at the gate.
• Unofficial eTA websites. The Government of Canada states that its official eTA page costs only CAD 7. Avoid look-alike sites that charge extra “service fees”.
• QR code stickers on transit. TransLink does not use QR codes to collect fares. If you spot a QR sticker on a fare gate or card reader, do not scan it, and report it to transit staff.
• Fare checks are real. Transit Police and security run regular checks, and riding without valid proof of payment can mean a CAD 173 fine. Always tap in, and tap out on SkyTrain and SeaBus.
• Petty crime. The UK government advises keeping an eye on your bags, not leaving luggage visible in cars and storing your passport and valuables safely.
• Cannabis and border rules. Recreational cannabis is legal in Canada, but taking it across the Canadian border without authorisation is illegal, and illegal drugs carry severe penalties.
• Nature is wild here. On trails, follow park rules, keep your distance from wildlife and take extra care where bears have been sighted. Wildfires are a particular risk in western Canada’s forests and smoke can affect air quality, so check the Government of Canada’s wildfire smoke and air quality information if you have breathing concerns. The UK government also suggests familiarising yourself with earthquake and tsunami safety procedures.

FAQ

Is three days enough for Vancouver?

Yes, three days covers the essentials: the historic core, Stanley Park, the North Shore rainforest, Granville Island and MOA. With more time, add a longer mountain day or a ferry trip further afield.

Do I need a car?

No. The Canada Line, buses, SeaBus and the free Capilano shuttle cover everything in this plan, and the city’s core is very walkable.

How do I get from YVR airport to downtown?

Take the Canada Line to Waterfront Station, about 25 minutes. Tap your contactless card at the gate. The fare includes a CAD 6.50 YVR AddFare, so expect roughly CAD 10.00 to 11.60 in total.

Which day of the week should I avoid?

In the cooler season, avoid Monday for Day 1 and Day 3: MOA is closed on Mondays from 15 October to 15 May, and the Chinese Garden from 1 November to 30 April. Simply swap the days around.

Should I pre-book anything?

Book a timed aquarium ticket on the official site, and buy Capilano tickets on capbridge.com, especially for Canyon Lights evenings. MOA tickets are available at the door.

Do I need a visa or eTA?

It depends on your passport. Check the Government of Canada’s official entry requirements tool before booking, and apply for an eTA only on Canada.ca.