SPEND 3 DAYS IN VANCOUVER BC
Photo Courtesy: Destination Vancouver
Three Days in Vancouver, Canada: A coastal gem known for its mix of city life and nature.
If you’re looking for the ideal three days in Vancouver, we’ve curated it all below! Less than three hours from Seattle lies the vibrant Canadian city of Vancouver, British Columbia. Despite being located in Canada, Vancouver is easily accessible with a passport or NEXUS card. Be sure to check out Canada’s border reminder checklist before heading out for your three days in Vancouver.
Ready for three days of hiking, Canadian cuisine, and sightseeing? Continue reading to discover our three-day Vancouver, BC itinerary with our favorite recommendations for city and outdoor activities.
Friday: Comfort Food, Biking & Farm-to-Table Dining
Begin your 3-day trip to Vancouver, BC, by departing Seattle early Friday morning so you can make it to the border before the crowds. Have your documents (passport or NEXUS card) ready for a seamless process. Once you pass border security, drive an hour to downtown Vancouver to stop for lunch at Burgoo. This relaxed bistro serves traditional comfort food, something we enjoy after a long drive. We recommend trying the soup and sandwich combo.
After lunch, head over to English Bay and rent a bike. Take the bikes to Stanley Park – Vancouver’s largest urban park featuring beaches, trails, a seawall, and more. The Stanley Park Seawall Loop takes about an hour to ride. If you have extra time, stop by the Vancouver Aquarium to learn about marine life conservation and rehabilitation. The park has many beautiful views, gardens, and memorials, so check those out too. If you’re visiting the park in the summer, head to Third Beach. It’s so sandy that it’ll feel like you’re on a beach vacation surrounded by Pacific Northwest scenery!
Head back to the city for dinner and drinks at Forage Restaurant. The owners have an uncompromising commitment to local ingredients, and they connect diners to local fishers, foragers, and farmers. This restaurant is known for its famous “Bison Board,” which includes many preparations of Canadian bison and other local items that can be shared amongst your group. While much of the menu includes seafood and meat, Forage also has vegan options and will gladly accommodate your party if needed.
Drive south to City Blueberry Farm, a Hipcamp with sites for RVs and camper vans. If you stay from July to August, you can harvest your own blueberries on the property. A farm market on an adjacent property also sells fruits, vegetables, jams, and honey.
Saturday: Seafood Crêpes, Hiking & Stargazing
Get up early Saturday morning – you have a long day of adventuring! Head north and stop at OEB Breakfast Company for a hearty meal – we recommend trying the Canadian lobster & shrimp crêpe or breakfast poutine. You can also stop by another breakfast favorite, Cafe Medina, known for its waffles topped with unique sauces (rosewater and white chocolate).
After breakfast, drive 40 minutes to Cypress Mountain. This area offers year-round recreational activities, including winter skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, and hiking and coaster rides in the summer. We highly recommend riding on the Eagle Coaster if you visit in the summer; it takes off from the top of Black Mountain. Riders can control their speed and enjoy the panoramic views on the way down.
Saint Marks Summit is a popular trail in the area that we recommend hiking. It is 6.5 miles long and has an elevation gain of 1,925 feet. It can be done in hiking boots during the summer, but snowshoes or microspikes are needed during the colder months. Make sure to check the trail conditions before departing. If you’d prefer a shorter hike, try Black Mountain and Cabin Lake trail – only 3.7 miles long. This trail is also open year-round, with different gear needed depending on the season.
After a long day of skiing or hiking, enjoy a good meal. Head down to The Shed, a beachside eatery serving wood-fired pizzas, gourmet coffees, and craft cocktails. If you’re dining there during powder season, comfort food snacks and cozy fire pits will be available.
One of the most beautiful drives in the province is Highway 99, also known as the Sea-to-Sky Highway Route. Head 25 minutes north to Porteau Cove Marine Park, a breathtaking waterfront recreation area. Enjoy the sounds of sea lions and views of the Canadian fjords. This is also where you’ll be staying for the night. The Porteau Cove Campground is popular, so we recommend making reservations in advance. Oceanfront sites are available. This campground is known for its fantastic stargazing and scuba diving park.
Sunday: Public Market, Suspension Bridge & Kayaking
Begin your day by heading to the famous Granville Island Public Market. Home to over 300 businesses, this market includes boutiques, art stands, day vendors, food shops, and more. Grab a toffee nut latte from Blue Parrot Espresso Bar before strolling the market. Vancouver is known for its candied salmon, heavily smoked salmon cured in sugar and salt, then brushed with maple syrup. If you’re a seafood lover, you can’t leave without it – head to Longliner Seafoods to stock up on one of our favorite camping snacks.
Next, you’ll head to one of the most iconic spots in British Columbia – the Capilano Suspension Bridge. You’ll pay a fee to enter the park and walk across the bridge and other trails. The views are breathtaking; you’ll wander through a rainforest above the Capilano River. The park decorates the bridge for holidays, so check it out around Halloween, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day. We recommend arriving early in the day or the late afternoon to avoid crowds.
Suppose you have extra time, head east to Deep Cove, a small bay town outside the city. Rent a canoe or kayak from Deep Cove Kayak Centre and enjoy some peaceful time on the water. Stop by Deep Cove Brewing on your way back to Vancouver. This location is known for its fun events nearly every night of the week – check them out here. From trivia to date nights, there is sure to be an activity that catches your eye. The food menu is also great; we recommend the West Coast Pasta paired with your favorite brew.
After enjoying a nice meal at Deep Cove Brewing, hop in your van and enjoy the drive back to Seattle.
Ready for an epic three days in Vancouver, BC?
Check out our fleet of rental vans or Mercedes Metris camper vans for sale! Our reliable campers are the perfect choice for long weekend getaways. If you love our three days in Vancouver Canada itinerary, check out our Favorite PNW Lakes & Rivers or our Hood Canal & Whidbey Island road trip itinerary!