The Best 4 Day Vancouver Itinerary by a Local
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Located on Canada's West Coast, Vancouver is the largest city in the province of British Columbia and is a popular vacation spot in North America. While you may think that four days in Vancouver is not enough time, don't worry! This 4 day Vancouver itinerary will ensure you see all the city offers.
Vancouver is a diverse and multicultural city made unique by its surrounding scenery of the Pacific Ocean, sandy beaches, snow-capped mountains, and urban rainforest. Once you begin exploring, you can encounter everything this city is known for.
The friendly locals, green space, beautiful and historic architecture, and memorable attractions and experiences all combine to make it one of the most unique cities in North America.
Conveniently, you can get around most of the city on foot or by bike (you can even rent bikes at various locations throughout the city). Shuttles or public transport can connect you to all other attractions. You can pick up a Compass Card at a Skytrain station to use the public transit system, which includes the buses, the SeaBus, and the SkyTrain.
If you have more than a few days in Vancouver, consider also taking a short trip from Vancouver to places like Victoria on Vancouver Island or Whistler. So, don't believe you can see all of Vancouver in four days? Keep reading to find out how you can!
Heading to Vancouver and planning last-minute?
Before traveling to Vancouver, book your accommodations and experiences ahead of time. Below are some top recommendations to get you started.
🏨 Top accommodations in Vancouver
- Auberge Vancouver Hotel (rated highly)
- Blue Horizon Hotel (relax by the pool)
- Hotel BLU (4-star rating)
☂️ Top tours and experiences in Vancouver
- Vancouver Seaplane Tour (likely to sell out)
- Sea to Sky Gondola & Whistler Day Trip (likely to sell out)
- 24 or 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass (likely to sell out)
- Classic Vancouver Panorama Tour by Seaplane
- Vancouver & Capilano Suspension Bridge Sightseeing - Half-Day (rated highly)
4 Days in Vancouver Itinerary
Vancouver 4-Day Itinerary Video
Check out our highlights video of the stops covered in this Vancouver itinerary.
Vancouver 4-Day Itinerary Map
A map of Vancouver. Use the map to explore all the days and stops.
Explore Downtown Vancouver
Your Vancouver travel itinerary starts with you exploring the most popular spots in Downtown Vancouver. Best of all, Vancouver is one of the world's most walkable cities, so you don't need to worry about transport on your first day!
Begin the day at the Vancouver Art Gallery and immerse yourself in the range of artworks. Next, head up the Vancouver Lookout to enjoy 360 views of the city's unique surroundings. After enjoying the views, walk to Gastown to check out the independent shops that line its cobbled streets. Finish the day with dinner and drinks at one of many Gastown bars and eateries.
Vancouver Art Gallery
Housed in the former provincial courthouse, the Vancouver Art Gallery is the largest gallery in Western Canada and the fifth largest in Canada. Inside, you can find a range of contemporary art from Canadian and international artists as well as First Nations and Asian Art.
Along with the permanent exhibits, the gallery features interesting temporary exhibitions. Visit the gallery's website for what is on during your stay.
Once you've completed the gallery tour, stop by the gift shop to get contemporary art-inspired cards and gifts. They also have a great selection of coffee table books to browse through. Booking your Vancouver Art Gallery tickets in advance is recommended.
🏨 Accommodations nearby the Vancouver Art Gallery
- Auberge Vancouver Hotel (highly acclaimed)
- Hotel BLU (4-star rating)
☂️ Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery with an excursion
- Stanley Park Bike Tour (frequently earns a five-star rating)
- Hollywood North Experience Tour in Canada
Vancouver Lookout
Going to the top of the Vancouver Lookout is the perfect way to see the city from one of the best viewpoints. It's also a unique place to go on a date in Vancouver.
Travel to the top in less than a minute to take advantage of the 360-degree view. Vancouver's landscape of city, sea, and snow-capped mountains is unique from the ground, but up high, it's something else!
🏨 Accommodations close to Vancouver Lookout
☂️ Discover Vancouver Lookout on a tour
The Old Spaghetti Factory
If you're in the mood for something to eat, Gastown has many delicious options, but The Old Spaghetti Factory is somewhat of a Gastown icon. With tasty and affordable pasta dishes, it's an obvious stop for a mid-day refuel.
Don't, however, assume a quiet lunch! It's rumored that a host of ghosts haunts the location. Sure, they serve some of the best ravioli in the city, but is it worth having an unexpected plus one? Many say it is! Other great lunch spots include the Water Street Cafe and SteamWorks Brewpub.
🏨 Stay nearby The Old Spaghetti Factory Gastown
- Georgian Court Hotel, WorldHotels Elite (scored highly by guests)
- Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre (relax by the pool)
☂️ Discover The Old Spaghetti Factory Gastown on a tour
- Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour (well-attended)
Gastown and Steam Clock
While Gastown is slightly touristy, it's a highly recommended and popular place to visit in Vancouver! With old-fashioned gas lamps lining the cobbled streets and historic architecture, you'll fall in love with Gastown.
Gastown is also home to the Gastown Steam Clock. As the world's first steam-powered clock, it has been in Gastown since 1977. Be sure to wait for its iconic steam whistle, which goes off every 15 minutes.
Continue to the end of Gastown's Water Street to see Hotel Europe. This heritage building is designed to resemble New York's Flatiron Building and has been in Gastown since the early 1900s.
🏨 Stay near the Gastown Steam Clock
Steamworks Brewing
After exploring the charming cobbled streets of Gastown, you can wander back to the start of the neighborhood to try some locally brewed beer. Steamworks Brewing is a popular spot with both visitors and locals and serves a range of beers with something for all tastes. If you can't decide what to get, they have beer flights. Cider, wine, and craft cocktails are also available.
After drinks, you can stay here to eat or head to one of the bistros in Gastown. Options include Water St. Café, Pourhouse Restaurant, and MeeT in Gastown, a trendy plant-based spot. You could also walk down to Canada Place and Coal Harbour to enjoy the high-end eateries and beautiful views found there.
🏨 Stay in close proximity to Steamworks Brewpub
Gardens, Granville Island, and Gastronomy
Pull out that Compass Card; it's time to leave Downtown! First, hop on the Skytrain to head to the VanDusen Botanical Garden. Then, continue to Queen Elizabeth Park and the Bloedel Conservatory.
Next up on your Vancouver 4 day itinerary is a visit to Granville Island Public Market. Here, you can discover craft and culinary finds, including some of the freshest ingredients in Vancouver, plus artisan jewelry, souvenirs, and more! Lastly, return Downtown and walk through the beautiful David Lam Park to eventually end up in trendy Yaletown.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
This 55-acre botanical oasis is about 30 minutes outside Downtown Vancouver, but you'll feel like you're a million miles away from the city. The Garden is home to over 7,500 plant species, tranquil lakes, and unique architecture.
There's even an Elizabethan hedge maze to explore and garden-side cafes to relax at and enjoy the view. You can see the Garden yourself or take a guided tour. No matter how you explore, after a visit, you will understand why VanDusen Botanical Garden is one of the can't-miss things to see in Vancouver!
🏨 Accommodations close to VanDusen Botanical Garden
- Windsor Guest House (4-star rating)
- Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre Broadway
☂️ Discover VanDusen Botanical Garden on a tour
Bloedel Conservatory and Queen Elizabeth Park
This tropical paradise is located in Queen Elizabeth Park, about a 10 to 15-minute walk from VanDusen Garden. The temperate conservatory is home to various tropical birds, plants, and other exotic creatures.
While in the park, also head to the lookout located atop Vancouver's highest point for sensational city views. You could even grab lunch at the renowned Seasons in the Park restaurant. However, based on your next stop, just visit for a drink or return for dinner.
☂️ Explore Bloedel Conservatory with a tour
Granville Island Public Market
Going to Granville Island is a fun thing to do in Vancouver, Canada, as you can get items here you cannot get anywhere else. This includes souvenirs, First Nations art, unique jewelry, and even witches' brooms!
Begin exploring by wandering around the shops and visiting some of Granville Island's unique attractions, such as the Houseboats and Giants' Silo Mural. Next, head to the Central Public Market. At the large indoor market, you can purchase meals, snacks, and high-quality ingredients from a range of long-time vendors.
Picking up some snacks or ready-to-eat meals for a well-deserved picnic stop is recommended. Settle down in the indoor or outdoor eating areas, or pack up your goodies and take the Aquabus back Downtown. If you're traveling with children, Granville Island also has a Kids' Market with a play area, toy and clothing shops, and an arcade.
If you enjoy this attraction, you could even book accommodation here when you return to the city! What many people don't know is that Granville Island is one of the most unique places to stay in Vancouver as there is a hotel here which offers stunning views of False Creek.
🏨 Nearest accommodations to Granville Island
- Residence Inn by Marriott Vancouver Downtown (relax by the pool)
- L'Hermitage Hotel (4-star rating)
☂️ Visit Granville Island on a tour
- Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour - Granville Island & Stanley Park (usually sold out)
David Lam Park
Directly across from Granville Island Public Market is David Lam Park. Take the Aquabus across False Creek to reach it from the market. Here, you can relax with your picnic and walk around to the end of the Seawall or into Yaletown. While in the park, you can enjoy harbor views, lush green space, and pretty flower gardens.
🏨 Nearest accommodations to David Lam Park
Yaletown
Heritage meets hip and luxurious style in Vancouver's Yaletown. Formerly an industrial area, Yaletown's warehouses and industrial buildings have been transformed into high-end boutiques and trendy restaurants and bars. Exploring this bustling area is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Vancouver, Canada!
Start by visiting any of the fashion and decor shops that catch your eye. Then, choose one of the many bars to stop at for a drink or two. Attending a happy hour is also a fun thing to do, and Yaletown has some of the best deals in the city. From about 3 PM to 5 PM, most Yaletown bars have special deals on drinks and snacks.
🏨 Accommodations close to Yaletown
- Rosedale on Robson Suite Hotel
- Hotel Belmont Vancouver (rated 4-stars)
☂️ Visit Yaletown on a tour
The Flying Pig
This Canadian cuisine restaurant is a local favorite for brunch, lunch, and dinner. While the name may suggest a pork-heavy menu, you can actually get a range of meat, fish, and vegetarian options.
Inspired by the fresh ingredients available on Canada's West Coast, you won't be disappointed by whichever dish you choose. Like most Yaletown bars and restaurants, they have a daily happy hour, but their weekend brunch is Vancouverite recommended if you aren't in the mood for dinner.
🏨 Accommodations nearby The Flying Pig Yaletown
A Day by the Water
The third day of your Vancouver trip itinerary will begin at Canada Place, an iconic sailboat-inspired building near the harbor. Make a quick stop at FlyOver Canada, then walk to Coal Harbour.
After looking around Coal Harbour, continue around the Seawall to Stanley Park (or hop on the bus if you prefer). At Stanley Park, whether you keep walking the Seawall or veer off onto one of the park's trails, you can discover amazing views and cultural Canadian landmarks.
Having walked through the park, you'll end up at the four beaches that run parallel to the park and Downtown. Finally, end the day's activities in quaint Kitsilano, which is a short bus or boat ride across the water.
Canada Place and Coal Harbour
Canada Place, next to the Burrard Inlet, is designed to resemble the ships in the harbor. At Canada Place, you can visit FlyOver Canada, a ten-minute simulation that "flies" you over Canada's most historic locations. To make admission easy, book your FlyOver Canada Immersive VR Ride before you arrive.
Next, walk around the seawall from Canada Place to Coal Harbour. On the way, you'll additionally come across the Digital Orca. This Lego-style killer whale structure was installed in 2009 and is a great photo op. Then, continue walking around the waterfront to Stanley Park or hop on the bus that will take you straight to the park's entrance.
🏨 Stay nearby Canada Place
- Blue Horizon Hotel (well-rated)
- The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver (exceptional rating)
☂️ Visit Canada Place on a tour
- Discover Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour - From Vancouver (often praised)
- Vancouver City Tour Including Capilano Suspension Bridge (popular with most)
Stanley Park and Totem Poles
No Vancouver vacation itinerary would be complete without a trip to Stanley Park - a famous landmark in North America. Vancouver's largest urban park (which is a rainforest) will provide you with forest, ocean, and city views. It's also home to a range of cultural landmarks and wildlife.
You can either follow a variety of trails that will lead you through the park or choose to walk or bike part of the nine-kilometer Seawall that wraps around the park. The First Nations Totem Poles are also a must-see and one of Vancouver's most-visited attractions. Located at Brockton Point, they were added in the 1920s, but some of the poles may have been carved in the 1880s.
Some other sites of interest to see include Brockton Point Lighthouse, the Rose Gardens, Lost Lagoon, Beaver Lake, and Prospect Point. If you're visiting the park with kids, or the weather's bad, the Vancouver Aquarium within the park is a worthwhile stop too.
🏨 Places to stay close to Stanley Park
- EXchange Hotel Vancouver (highly acclaimed)
- Century Plaza Hotel (unwind poolside)
☂️ Visit Stanley Park with a tour
- Whistler Sightseeing Tour See Horseshoe Bay & Shannon Falls (widely acclaimed)
English Bay Beach and Surrounding Beaches
As one of the four main beaches along the Seawall, English Bay Beach is one of the most popular. You can relax and enjoy some of the best views in Vancouver while resting on one of the tree trunks placed along the beach.
Also, check out the A-maze-ing Laughter sculpture close to the beach. The animated bronze statues will be an interesting addition to your vacation photos! Along with English Bay Beach, Sunset Beach, Second Beach, and Third Beach are additional popular spots in this area.
Head to Third Beach for a quieter and more relaxed beach day. That is unless you're visiting on a summertime Tuesday night when Third Beach hosts an impromptu drum circle. Arrive between 6 PM and 9 PM to dance and listen to music provided by the Vancouver residents.
Second Beach features another sandy beach, a public pool, and food outlets. Attending Second Beach's outdoor movies on Tuesday nights is a fun thing to do in Vancouver if you are visiting in July or August.
While the movies start at sundown (around 9 PM), arrive earlier to get a good spot. While you wait, enjoy the sunset and get dinner from one of the on-site food trucks.
Sunset Beach is the closest to Downtown. It's an ideal place to relax with a book, swim, and, as the name suggests, watch the sunset. You can also view the Engagement sculpture here. The two 30-foot-high engagement rings were installed as part of a global series in 2005.
🏨 Accommodations nearby English Bay Beach
- JW Marriott Parq Vancouver (rated highly)
- Paradox Hotel Vancouver (5-star rating)
☂️ Explore English Bay Beach with a tour
Cactus Club Cafe
Vancouver's popular Cactus Club Cafe has a fantastic beachfront location at English Bay for drinks and a meal. This is a busy location, so try to book online before you arrive.
If the weather is good, make sure to ask for a patio spot; enjoying one of their signature cocktails while looking out at the ocean and mountains is well worth the wait! Hook Seabar, across the street from the beach, is another excellent location.
🏨 Places to stay close to Cactus Club Cafe English Bay
- Hotel Belmont Vancouver
- Tropicana Suite Hotel (well-rated)
Kitsilano
Located across the water from Downtown Vancouver, Kitsilano is a peaceful and quirky neighborhood. Kits Beach is a favorite for relaxing, enjoying barbeques, and playing beach games in the summer.
If you aren't in a beach mood, head to West 4th and the surrounding blocks for some retail therapy. Along with interesting independent stores, such as those selling crystals, you'll find more well-known brands like Lululemon and Urban Outfitters.
Another recommended stop for your Vancouver travel itinerary is the Museum of Vancouver, Canada's premier civic history museum. The Vancouver Maritime Museum is also suggested for history enthusiasts.
☂️ See Kitsilano on a tour
- Sailing Experience on a 50' Sailboat (often praised)
🏨 Place to stay close to Kitsilano
- Best Western PLUS Sands (unwind poolside)
Trattoria Kitsilano
Enjoy authentic southern-Italian cuisine at Trattoria Kitsilano. This vibrant and casual spot is a great place to grab some dinner before heading back Downtown. Choose from delicious pizza, antipasto, pasta, and meat and fish dishes.
Prices per dish are affordable, and they also boast a wine list with over 50 local and international wine choices, including those from the best Okanagan wineries. If you are not in the mood for Italian, check out Fable Kitchen, which serves contemporary Canadian cuisine.
🏨 Stay near Trattoria
Thrilling Heights and Magnificent Views
Get ready to explore! Your last day's stops will take you high above Vancouver and will see you encountering adrenaline-inducing experiences, magnificent views, and Canadian bears!
You'll start the day by venturing to North Vancouver for Grouse Mountain. In the summer, you can get a free shuttle from Canada Place to Grouse Mountain.
For the rest of the year, take the Seabus to Lonsdale Quay and then the number 236 bus. Once at Grouse, no matter which way you choose to reach the peak, you're sure to encounter amazing views and local wildlife.
Next, you'll get on the connector shuttle from Grouse to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Experience the thrill of walking across this 450-foot-long bridge, then move on to the Treetops Adventure or Cliff Walk. Finally, head to the Cliff House Restaurant for a relaxing lunch. End the day by heading back Downtown for some shopping and dinner.
Grouse Mountain
Located on Vancouver's North Shore, Grouse Mountain rises 1,250 meters above Vancouver. To get to the peak, take an eight-minute ride on the Skyride gondola. While traveling up the mountain, you'll get a great view of the Burrard Inlet and the surrounding alpine forest. To make your trip easy, purchase Grouse Mountain Skyride tickets before you arrive.
Thrill-seekers may prefer the Skyride Surf Adventure. Available in the summer months, ride on the gondola's roof instead of inside. You'll also be accompanied by a guide who will point out surrounding areas of interest.
Alternatively, get to the top by tackling the Grouse Grind. Nicknamed "Mother Nature's Stairmaster," this intense workout takes about 90 minutes and will see you climb an 850-meter elevation.
You can also follow mountain biking and hiking trails at Grouse, and those after an extra thrill can zipline through the alpine trees! If visiting Vancouver in the late fall, winter, or spring, Grouse is a great place to undertake some snow sports. You can purchase a pass and equipment to ski or snowboard between November and May.
Don't forget to see the mountain's two resident bears at the Grouse Mountain Grizzly Bear Habitat. See if you can spot them in their enclosed area or watch with a snack from the Grizzly Lookout Cafe.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Every Vancouver travel guide will recommend a trip to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, and this one is no different! The Capilano Suspension Bridge allows you to experience breathtaking natural views with a little adrenaline kick. Venturing across the 450-foot-long bridge, suspended at 230 feet above the canyon and river below, you'll be surrounded by fantastic forest views.
With your entrance fee (book your Capilano Suspension Bridge admission ticket before arriving), you'll also have access to the Treetops Adventure and Cliff Walk. If you're brave enough to tackle them, you'll experience even more of the forest scenery from up high.
If visiting between the end of November and the end of January, consider exploring the park at night. During this period, the park hosts the Canyon of Lights event. The bridge and other attractions throughout the park are illuminated by hundreds of festive lights, making them even more magical.
☂️ See Capilano Suspension Bridge Park on a tour
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Ticket (likely to sell out)
🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
- SureStay Hotel by Best Western North Vancouver Capilano (good value rooms)
- North Vancouver Hotel
Cliff House Restaurant and Bar
Overlooking the Capilano Canyon and suspension bridge, this casual spot offers delicious Canadian dishes and great views. The West Coast-inspired dishes use fresh and local ingredients. A vast range of BC craft beers and wines are also available.
During colder periods, they even have a campfire on the patio. Grab a blanket and snuggle up with some hot chocolate or mulled wine.
Robson Street and Pacific Centre
Back Downtown, finish your last day in Vancouver with a relaxing bit of shopping on Robson Street and at the CF Pacific Centre shopping mall.
Robson Street is home to souvenir shops, fashion stores like J.Crew and Vancouver's own Aritzia, and confectionery stores, including Laudree and the highly recommended Rocky Mountain Chocolate Shop.
The Pacific Centre, about a ten-minute walk from the start of the shops on Robson Street, has chain and luxury stores. High-end department stores Nordstrom and Holt Renfrew can be found in the mall, along with Aldo, H&M, Apple, and many more.
🏨 Accommodations close to Robson Street
☂️ Visit Robson Street on a tour
Joe Forte's Seafood & Chop House
This legendary Vancouver dining spot may be a little high in the price range, but it's worth it. At this San Francisco-style seafood grill, you can try the best oysters in Vancouver, luxurious seafood towers, and much more.
Accompany your meal with one of over 300 wine choices from their well-curated wine list. The relaxed and high-class atmosphere, award-winning food, and impeccable service make it the perfect place for your last dinner in the city.
🏨 Stay in close proximity to Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House
- Shangri-La Vancouver (5-star rating)
- Loden Hotel
In Conclusion
You should now have no problem deciding how to spend four days in Vancouver to ensure you see all the city is famous for. You'll go from visiting Downtown hotspots to chilling on Vancouver's many beaches and exploring the renowned Stanley Park. Even if you customize the itinerary a little, this will be one of your best vacations yet!
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