Vancouver, with its stunning blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, is the perfect destination for a 4-day getaway. I have heard stories of British Columbia for ages and jumped at the chance to visit. From the towering mountains to the vibrant city streets, this West Coast gem has something for every traveler (even my retired parents looking to avoid lots of hiking). Here’s a perfect itinerary for four days in Vancouver, including some must-see spots: Lynn Canyon Park, Grouse Mountain, Stanley Park and the famous Steam Clock in Gastown.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Lynn Canyon Park
Hit the ground running to stretch those legs from your long travels. After settling in, start your trip in North Vancouver at Lynn Canyon Park. It’s less famous than the other suspension bridge at Capilano but save the $55 ticket entry and head to the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge… for free! It offers a more serene experience without the crowds. The 50-meter-high suspension bridge sways above the forest, providing stunning views of the canyon and river below.
After crossing the bridge, explore the surrounding trails. Lynn Canyon is home to beautiful hikes like the Baden Powell Trail and Twin Falls Trail. Follow trail to the left after the suspension bridge to a beautiful swimming hole, labeled “30 foot pool” on the map, with towering trees and natural beauty. There aren’t any changing rooms at the swimming spot, so be sure to change at the restrooms at the entrance of the park or come prepared.
After enjoying the 30 foot pool, head back toward the suspension bridge and down the trail to the Twin Falls Bridge. You can cross the bridge and come back up to the suspension bridge on the other side (though there are many stairs up). The park offers several spots to stop for a break with benches and sometimes picnic tables, so bring some snacks so you can enjoy the day at your leisure. If you have more time or want to explore further, continue on the Baden Powell Trail for more views. The entire loop is about 20 miles, so you may want to turn back before long.
Tip for getting to Lynn Canyon Park: There are several bus routes that go from downtown Vancouver to North Vancouver. Bus 210 or 227 can go the distance, but my preference was to get on the water. Hop on the Seabus at the Waterfront station to Lonsdale Quay. When you exit the ferry terminal, continue straight to the bus station ahead and take bus 228 from Bay 2. If you want to save yourself from a steep hill, get off the 228 at Burrill Ave and follow the map below down McEwen and then Peters. When you are ready to get back on the bus, you can go down Peters Ave (and the steep hill) and get on the bus at Peters Road stop. Save money by purchasing a TransLink day ticket from Waterfront station before boarding the Sea Bus. While you can tap on and off with your credit or debit card at each transit change, it’s cheaper to buy the day pass since you will have at least 4 rides (2 on ferry and 2 on bus). This means you can continue using the pass for the rest of the day no matter where you go!
When you return to Lonsdale Quay, head to the market for a bite to eat and some shopping. There are several boutique stores inside, as well as many restaurants. I enjoyed a bowl from Wela, but there are empanadas, bakeries and much more. You can also enjoy some views of downtown from the water’s edge. When you are ready, hop on the Sea Bus back to Waterfront station.
Fun (and Cheap) Dining Spot in Vancouver: Make time in your trip for a stop at Japadog. Whether you choose their brick-and-mortar location on Robson for a casual dinner on your first night or stop at one of their food trucks another time, Japadog offers unique Japanese-inspired hotdogs like Chicken Karaage and Kurobuta Terimayo. I can honestly say I’ve never had anything like it!
Day 2: Adventure at Grouse Mountain
Grouse Mountain is often referred to as the “Peak of Vancouver” and one of the highlights of a visit to the city due to panoramic views. If you are feeling adventurous, hike the famous Grouse Grind, known as “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster.” It’s a challenging climb with more than 2,000 steps from the base of Grouse Mountain (at the entrance) to the top viewpoint.
There is much to do at the top of Grouse Mountain, from lumberjack shows to children obstacle courses and an additional chair lift to another viewpoint. We wanted to maximize our time on Grouse Mountain due to the pricey entry ticket, so planned an early morning start (think 9 am). We also discovered a great transport option. If you buy your tickets in advance (here), you can show your ticket in front of Canada Place (by the visitor information center) and hop on a free shuttle that goes direct to Grouse Mountain throughout the summer. Check out the schedule here. You should see a red umbrella near the visitor center and by the road with personnel checking tickets. Once you arrive, just scan your tickets from your phone and hop on the Skyride gondola. Try to get a spot by the back windows to see amazing water and city views as you ascend.
Plan your visit in advance to take advantage of all the wildlife shows. In the summer, there are ranger talks, a Birds in Motion show, lumberjack show (hilarious) and an owl talk. I highly recommend the lumberjack show and ranger talk around the grizzly exhibit. At the top of Grouse Mountain there are two resident grizzly bears – Coola and Grinder. The exhibit offers close up views of the bears when out of hibernation.
Your ticket also includes the peak chairlift, an additional transport soaring to 4,100 feet. The trip takes about 15 minutes each way so plan accordingly. The amazing views are worth the time, so be sure to build it into your visit.
We brought snacks and water, but also indulged in a beaver tail at the top. There is a little food stand by the Birds in Motion Show. If you are looking for a full meal, check out the café or the Altitudes Bistro for a nicer dining experience.
Take in all the sights at the top of Grouse Mountain and enjoy the views. After our day at the top, we cleaned up at our accommodation and then went back to the waterfront for dinner at Cardero’s. This upscale restaurant offers fresh seafood and steaks in a beautiful atmosphere along the waterfront. The Szechuan beans and mussels were crowd favorites. Reservations recommended.
Day 3: Biking Around Stanley Park
Before you head to Stanley Park, start your day with breakfast at Jam Café. This buzzy destination offers big plates, like pork belly benedict, waffle boards and later tater bowls. I loved the green eggs and ham. On the weekends, this spot usually has a line, so go early and be prepared for a wait.
After your belly is full, rent a bike at Jo-E Bike Rentals. They provide locks, helmets and even electric bikes if you prefer. Ride the Seawall – a 10-km paved path that loops around the park. The views are absolutely breathtaking. Without stopping, you can circle Stanley Park in about 2 hours, but I would suggest taking in the views along the way. The first stop should be the Totem Poles near Brockton Point. These intricately carved poles tell the stories of Canada’s First Nations people. Take some time at Lions Gate Bridge, Siwash Rock and Third and Second Beach. If you can brave the cold temps, feel free to do a little swimming! The Vancouver Aquarium is also on the island if you want to see some local and exotic aquatic life.
Enjoy your time at Stanley Park and after returning your bikes to Jo-E, walk down Denman Street to English Bay. End the day relaxing on the beach, as this is the perfect spot for watching the sun set over the water with the mountains in the background. Grab some fish and chips at one of the nearby food stalls for a casual dinner or eat at Cactus Club, which offers great water views and happy hour from 2-5 pm.
Day 4: Granville Island & Gastown
For your last day, let’s hit some highlights around downtown. Tucked beneath the Granville Street Bridge, Granville Island Market is a unique spot of food markets, artisan shops, galleries and even a brewery. The best way to get there depends on your starting point, but one of the most scenic and fun ways is via the Aquabus or False Creek Ferries. These small ferries (which are really pontoon boats) shuttle passengers from various points along False Creak (such as Yaletown, the West End or Olympic Village) and drop you off right at the island. The boat ride offers fantastic views, and while short, it’s an adventure in itself. You can purchase tickets on board or in advance online.
Once you arrive, your first stop should be the Granville Island Public Market. This indoor market is packed with food stalls, gourmet goods and fresh produce. Wander through aisles of artisanal cheese, freshly baked breads, handmade chocolates and fresh seafood. We enjoyed seeing produce rarely found in the states like moon drop grapes and purple dragon fruit. If you have a sweet tooth (like us), stop at Lee’s Donuts for freshly fried donuts that are a favorite among locals. We loved the raspberry fritter and lemon filled donut. After soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the Public Market, explore the numerous art galleries and artisan shops. Granville Island has multiple warehouses filled with artisan studios, a kid’s market with toys and games galore and unique souvenir shops. If you’re a fan of craft beer, stop by the Granville Island Brewing Co., one of Vancouver’s oldest microbreweries. You can spend a couple of hours wandering around the shops and exploring the area. Granville Island is a microcosm of Vancouver’s creativity and culture.
After your visit to Granville Island, head over to Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood. This historic district is full of charm with cafes, trendy boutiques and art galleries. One of Gastown’s most famous landmarks is the Steam Clock, built in 1977 and powered by steam. It whistles and steams every 15 minutes, making it a little piece of Vancouver’s quirky history and a good photo op. There are great souvenir shops lining Water Street, so grab yours here! We stopped at Steamworks Brewpub for a flight of craft beers and some snacks. Their calamari and mozzarella arancini are both great too!
Optional Day Trip: If you have more time (or manage to fit all the above into 3 days), consider taking the Epic Rides bus up to Whistler Village. The Whistler Route bus leaves from Burrard Station and takes 1 hour and 45 minutes nonstop to the Whistler Village Centre. We didn’t have time to go, but locals say summer is still a great time to enjoy the village, which is filled with boutique shops and upscale dining. There is a Peak 2 Peak gondola, hiking trails and spa retreats. If you are looking to get out of the city, consider heading to Whistler Village for some adventure and outdoor fun.
Vancouver is a city that seamlessly blends urban life with the great outdoors, offering a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re biking around Stanley Park, standing on top of Grouse Mountain, or walking across the suspension bridge in Lynn Canyon, the natural beauty will leave you inspired and refreshed.
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