3 perfect days in Vancouver

Flying for the first time into Vancouver, you might wonder why outdoors lovers rave about the place. Your first impression is of miles of gleaming glass skyscrapers. But as you get a little closer, you notice the wide swaths of greenery covering the city, the mountains just to the north, and the glittering blue expanse of Vancouver Harbour. Wherever you find yourself in Vancouver, you’re just minutes from some breathtaking natural wonders.

The first is always Stanley Park, a peninsula in the middle of the city that is 100 acres larger than New York’s Central Park. Start here and work your way outward to other highlights like the tree-covered peak at Queen Elizabeth Park. The grand finale is the stunning nature preserves a short drive away in North Vancouver. In between, treat yourself to some world-class meals.

We’ve gotten feedback from Tripadvisor readers, so rest assured we’re sending you to places that are the best of the best.

If there’s one unmissable sight in Vancouver, it’s Stanley Park. One of the largest city parks in North America, this incredibly lush peninsula juts out into Vancouver Harbour. If you have the stamina, you can’t do better than a stroll around the 5.5-mile path that runs around its perimeter, passing through majestic stands of Douglas firs (scan the upper branches for bald eagles) and skirting the coastline where you’ll often spot seals goofing around in Burrard Inlet.

If you have time for one stop in Stanley Park, make it Vancouver Aquarium. Kids love getting up close and personal with these sea-loving creatures from British Columbia. We don’t like to play favorites, but we adore the cephalopod named Ceph Rogen. (Word has it that comedian and actor Seth Rogen, who grew up nearby and spent much time here as a kid, was delighted to have an octopus named for him.)

There are several beaches on the edges of Stanley Park, but our favorite extends along its southernmost edge. English Bay is a wide expanse of sand that’s popular with locals looking to catch a few rays, as well as kayakers and other water sports enthusiasts.

By this point, you’re probably ready for lunch. Don’t worry, you won’t have far to go. Across the street from English Bay Beach you’ll notice an impressive building covered top to bottom with ivy. This is the Sylvia Hotel, home to Sylvia’s Restaurant and Lounge. The wood-paneled dining room is pleasant enough, but you’ll want to get here early to snag a table on the tree-shaded patio. Dine on steamed mussels or crab cakes while you watch the ships navigate English Bay.

Not far from Sylvia’s is the Roedde House Museum, set in a mostly low-rise residential area that’s a joy to explore. This Victorian-era gem has been restored to the way it more-or-less looked back in 1888.

Now head toward Robson Square, one of the prime people-watching spots in Downtown Vancouver. Here you’ll find the Vancouver Art Gallery, one of the finest museums in the region. One of the big draws is the collection of works by Emily Carr, one of Canada’s best-loved painters. Also worth a look is the nearby Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art, showcasing First Nations artists.

If you want to indulge in a little shopping before dinner, you couldn’t be in a better location. The Hudson’s Bay Company, a century-old department store that locals simply call “The Bay,” is nearby. Inside you’ll find boutiques for many of Canada’s hottest designers. But if you ask us, even better is a stroll down nearby Robson Street, where many retailers locate their flagship stores. Just off Robson is John Fluevog, maker of the iconic funky footwear. Everything on the shelves looks like a work of art.

Make dinner reservations for Black + Blue, a steakhouse where the beautifully aged steaks are on display in a glass case like high-end luxury goods. If the weather cooperates, opt for a table on the third-floor patio. Otherwise, the mezzanine offers a great view of the entire dining room. If you’re looking for a more casual (or less meat-y) night out, join the line at Ramen Danbo, a spot that’s a favorite with locals for the steaming bowls of noodles.

STANLEY PARK AREA TOUR OPTIONS

It’s hard to beat an early morning stroll along Kitsilano Beach—Vancouver residents shorten the name to “Kits Beach”—before the crowds arrive. The view of the skyline framed by the North Shore Mountains makes it worth the trip to the city’s most popular stretch of sand. Check out people doing their daily workout, or join a class at the nearby yoga studio-bistro-boutique called TurF.

The neighborhood of Kitsilano is an appealing spot to hang out, especially along 4th Avenue. Locals head to Fable Kitchen for the farm-to-table breakfasts like sourdough toast topped with smoked salmon, guacamole, and pickled red onion. We also like the comfort food at Sophie’s Cosmic Diner.

It’s not technically an island—a narrow strip of land connects it to the mainland—but Granville Island sure feels like one. If you’re thinking about a whale-watching excursion, Granville is the place to set sail. The cheekily named Prince of Whales offers half-day trips that depart from the docks at Granville Island.

Granville is also where locals and visitors alike go to sample the area’s incomparable seafood. Make sure to check out what just came off the boats that day at the world-famous Granville Island Public Market. It’s not just a seafood shack, however. Stalls are piled high with fruits and vegetables, flowers and plants, and meats and cheeses. If you can’t wait to taste what you bought, there are picnic tables in the back with some jaw-dropping views of the skyscrapers across the water.

If that view is what you came for and you’re ready for a sit-down meal, The Sandbar is your top choice. Occupying a choice piece of real estate next to Granville Island Public Market, this seafood restaurant and sushi bar knows how to prepare the catch of the day. When the weather’s warm, there’s outdoor seating under the bridge from the mainland. If you just need to wet your whistle, you can’t go wrong at Granville Island Brewing.

Ask locals about their favorite spots, and they will probably mention Queen Elizabeth Park. A short drive from Granville Island, this former rock quarry is now a year-round showplace. It sits at the highest point in the city, so the views are sweeping. At its center, under a geodesic dome, you’ll find scarlet macaws and other exotic birds at Bloedel Conservatory.

Main Street, which bisects a huge chunk of Vancouver, runs just east of Queen Elizabeth Park. In the past several years it’s become a foodie destination. Several of the upscale eateries have garnered international reputations, including the award-winning Published on Main. Reservations are tough to get, but check back a few days ahead of time and you might snag seats at the bar. The way to go here is the chef’s tasting menu, which takes advantage of what the team can forage from local farms and forests.

No reservations? Tripadvisor readers heartily recommend Sula, an Indian restaurant that serves street foods from Mumbai and seafood from Mangalore. Order several dishes and share.

GRANVILLE ISLAND AREA TOUR OPTIONS

From Downtown Vancouver, cross Burrard Inlet and you’re in an area called the North Shore. A car is the easiest way to get around outside the city, but you can also opt for a 10-minute ride aboard the Translink Seabus. In addition to being a speedy way across the inlet, the ferry offers great views of the skyline. It drops you off next door to the colorful Lonsdale Quay Market, which is not quite as bustling as the one on Granville Island.

If you don’t have your own car, an Uber is a great way to get around this fairly compact area. Your destination is undoubtedly Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, since it’s been the area’s most popular tourist attraction since it was built in 1889. Back then it was made of hemp rope and cedar planks. Today, it’s constructed of much stronger stuff, but still provides the same views of the old-growth forests. Be sure to leave time to explore the Cliffwalk, a narrower walkway cantilevered from a sheer rock face. Bolted into the rock in only 16 places, it’s an engineering marvel.

Looking for the road less traveled? Or the price tag less astronomical? Head to the nearby Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, which offers an equally thrilling walk as the more famous Capilano Suspension Bridge but is absolutely free.

Not far from Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, the Cliff House Restaurant is a reliable place to rest and relax after a morning of hiking. The food is simple, but delicious. One of the outdoor tables shaded by butter-yellow umbrellas is the place to be.

It’s hard to believe that just a five-minute drive from Capilano Suspension Bridge is Grouse Mountain, the region’s other major attraction. An aerial tram with standing room inside and out whisks you to the top, then you’re free to explore. Watch a falconry demonstration, visit a pair of grizzlies in a nature preserve, or follow the Grouse Grind, a hiking trail up the face of the mountain.

By this point you’re headed back to Vancouver. We’ve saved dinner in Gastown—a neighborhood where the streets are lined with graceful Victorian-era buildings—for your last night since this will most likely be one of your most memorable parts of the city. The streets are illuminated with replicas of century-old gas lamps, with three levels of softly glowing globes. It’s easy to imagine you’re stepping back in time. Get your bearings by finding the Gastown Steam Clock, which lets off a puff of steam every quarter hour.

In the past few years, the foodie scene has expanded to include many other parts of the city, but Gastown still reigns supreme. One of the tried-and-true favorites, L’ Abattoir has won special mention from Michelin, no less. In an atmospheric old building that once served as a city jail, it serves favorites like Fraser Valley duck and pairs it with local produce like golden turnips.

Another award-winner is St. Lawrence, named for the mighty river that runs alongside Montreal and serving dishes from that region. This charmer specializes in hearty Quebecois dishes prepared with the finest French cooking techniques, so you’ll find things like crispy pig’s ears with maple syrup. That sweet staple from the Montreal area also figures into many dishes, especially the desserts.

If you’re looking for a place for a nightcap, you couldn’t do better than Steamworks, a neighborhood pub that’s been a favorite of Tripadvisor readers for years. It serves typical pub grub and a fine selection of beers.

NORTH VANCOUVER AND GASTOWN AREA TOUR OPTIONS