Start your adventure at Stanley Park, covering 1,000 acres of nature, stunning beaches and views of the North Shore Mountains. Walk along the seawall with amazing views of Vancouver’s skyline. Head to Capilano Suspension Bridge to cross the 140-meter bridge, 70 meters above the Capilano River. Test your fear of heights by walking on the Cliffwalk, a set of bridges and platforms attached to the canyon wall.
Enjoy Grouse Mountain offering various activities to suit everyone’s taste; wildlife viewing, zip-lining, mountain biking or hiking one of the trails. Get a perfect view of Vancouver from the Eye of the Wind, a wind turbine that functions as an observatory deck. Afterward, the kayaking tour in Deep Cove provides a great spot to behold North Vancouver's beauty while paddling on peaceful waters. An ideal spot to snap Instagram worthy photos, relax and soak up the sun.
Experience the rush of whitewater rafting in Squamish. Choose from the Mamquam or Elaho river, both holding different rapids for various experience levels. For those calling for an adrenaline-packed journey, the Elaho river at fear rating 4+ delivers, excluding first-timers. After an adventurous day, witness incredible views on the Squamish Sea-to-Sky Gondola, providing a panoramic view of the Howe Sound, coastal forests, the town of Squamish, glaciers and peaks of the Coast Mountain range.
End your adventure with mountain biking in Whistler, the world-renowned hub for biking. There are different trails for bikers of all calibers, varying in difficulty from beginner to expert level. This 20 km ride down Whistler Mountain is an excellent balance of intermediate level biking and magnificent scenery.
Public transportation in Vancouver is well established and efficient, including its buses, trains, and ferries. It is recommended that visitors purchase a Compass Card in advance to use public transit services across the city freely. Taxi and rental car options are also available. The travel time to each location may vary due to traffic or personal preferences, so plan accordingly.
Estimated total transportation cost: CAD 80. (This includes daily transportation within Vancouver, not including airport transportation.)
If you want to add more adventure to your itinerary, head west and visit Tofino, Vancouver Island's surfing haven. It offers calm waters to ride on paddleboards and kayaks, hiking trails and more; the ideal place to unplug while enjoying nature. Plan for additional days to explore it fully. If you only have three days, hit the highlights like Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, and Grouse Mountain.
If you want to subtract some adventure, you can check out the city's art galleries, shopping centers, and nightlife scenes, including Gastown and Granville Island.
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the primary airport serving Vancouver, and it is located 14 km away from downtown Vancouver. It operates international and domestic flights, accommodating all major airline networks. Visitors can take the Skytrain from YVR to downtown Vancouver, or taxi, shuttle, or car rental services are readily available at both domestic and international terminals.