Pinterest Pin featuring the Vancouver skyline over calm waters, titled 'How to Spend 4 Days in Vancouver Itinerary' by TravelingFranklins.com.

Are you looking for a 4 days in Vancouver itinerary? Whether you’re itching to explore the great outdoors, indulge in local eats, or simply soak up the city there are plenty of things to do in Vancouver.

We spent 4 days in Vancouver before embarking on a cruise to Alaska and we had the best time. There’s so much to do that it can be difficult to decide what to add to your itinerary to this beautiful city!

That’s why I’ve put together this 4 day Vancouver itinerary. You’ll get a taste of the sights and must-do activities, plus I’ve got ideas for some fun day trips. So get ready to explore Vancouver!

And if you’re looking for tips on how to save money on travel check out these posts on how to plan a weekend trip on a budget and 11 ways to save money on your next vacation.

Overcast view of a dense urban skyline with various high-rises and a glimpse of the waterfront in the distance.
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4 Days in Vancouver Itinerary

We spent 4 days in Vancouver before embarking on an Alaskan cruise! If you need cruise ideas check out this post on the best cruises for couples on a budget. If you’re planning to take a cruise out of Vancouver, I highly recommend that you take some time to explore the city.

It’s the perfect way to relax before embarking on your cruise. Plus, you always want to get to the cruise departure city at least one day before your cruise in case the unexpected happens!

Is 4 days enough to see Vancouver?

Yes! 4 days can provide you with a decent amount of time to explore many of Vancouver’s highlights. In 4 days you’ll get a good taste of Vancouver’s culture, nature, and urban experiences. There are also plenty of opportunities for day trips from Vancouver which we’ll outline later in this post.

Intricately carved totem pole with a raven design, representing indigenous art in Stanley Park, against a backdrop of green trees

Day 1: Stanley Park and English Bay Beach

You can’t visit Vancouver without enjoying the natural splendor of Stanley Park. There are plenty of leisurely nature walks amidst towering trees and hidden pathways that lead to scenic viewpoints. It’s the perfect opportunity to rent a bike and cruise along the famous Seawall.

Don’t forget to check out the Totem Poles and explore Prospect Point providing panoramic vistas of the Lions Gate Bridge and Burrard Inlet. Perfect for Instagram pics! Then head to English Bay Beach to enjoy the sunset before dinner in downtown Vancouver.

A charming red trolley from The Vancouver Trolley Company on a busy street, offering a quaint way to explore the city.

Day 2: Granville Island and Gastown

Granville Island is a public market where you’ll find shops, eateries, galleries, and plenty of activities for you and your travel buddies! You can spend a couple of hours, half a day, a full day or more so it’s totally up to you.

After you’re done at Granville Island you can head over to Gastown and explore the cobblestone streets, historic charm, and gastropubs. It’s said to be one of the most Instagrammable neighborhoods.

A boat passing under the historic Burrard Bridge in Vancouver, with the city's marina and high-rises in the backdrop.

Day 3: Grouse Mountain

Don’t miss the peak of Vancouver – Grouse Mountain! Grouse Mountain is just outside of Vancouver and offers a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year. Depending on the season, there are activities such as zip-lining, paragliding, mountain biking, and winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. There are even opportunities to see wildlife up close!

Day 4: Vancouver Attractions

Vancouver has a rich cultural scene with a ton of museums, aquariums, and activities. You should spend at least one day exploring these attractions.

Vancouver Art Gallery: The Vancouver Art Gallery is located in the heart of downtown. It is home to an extensive collection of Canadian and Indigenous art and showcases everything from contemporary masterpieces to historical treasures.

Science World at TELUS World of Science: Science World is an interactive museum that is perfect for families or anyone who considers themself a science enthusiast. There are hands-on exhibits, an IMAX theatre, and live science demonstrations.

Vancouver Aquarium: Nestled in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium has exhibits featuring sea otters, jellyfish, and majestic sea turtles. The aquarium also focuses on conservation efforts and marine education.

Museum of Anthropology at UBC: If you’re interested in the cultural history of British Columbia then the Museum of Anthropology is the place to visit as you’ll find Indigenous art and artifacts.

Vancouver Maritime Museum: The Maritime Museum explores the maritime history of Vancouver and the Pacific Northwest. You’ll find historical vessels to maritime art.

H.R. MacMillan Space Centre: If you love a cosmic journey, then check out the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. In this space-themed museum and planetarium, you’ll explore the universe’s wonders!

Museum of Vancouver: The Museum of Vancouver exhibits will give you a look into the social, cultural, and economic evolution of Vancouver.

What’s the best way to get around Vancouver?


Vancouver offers several transportation options for getting around the city, making it relatively easy to navigate and explore its neighborhoods.

Public Transit (TransLink): Vancouver’s public transit system is comprehensive and includes buses, SkyTrain (rapid transit), SeaBus (ferry), and the West Coast Express (commuter rail). The SkyTrain is useful for traveling between downtown Vancouver and surrounding areas.

Walking: Vancouver is a pedestrian-friendly walking city! Especially in the downtown core area. You can walk to explore neighborhoods like Gastown, Yaletown, and the West End.

Cycling: Vancouver is a bike-friendly city with designated bike lanes and paths. You can rent bicycles from various shops and bike-sharing services.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft operate in Vancouver.

Aquabus and False Creek Ferries: These small passenger ferries operate along False Creek and provide a unique and scenic way to travel between neighborhoods.

Hop-On Hop-Off Tour Buses: If you’re looking for a guided tour of Vancouver’s main attractions, I love the hop-on hop-off tour buses. It’s great to have the combination of transportation and narrated tours whenever I visit a new city and you can go at your own pace!

View of the Vancouver Convention Center and surrounding skyscrapers from across the water on a cloudy day."

Day Trips from Vancouver

You can take day trips to places like Whistler (about 2 hours away) for outdoor activities, Victoria on Vancouver Island (about 4 hours away) for its charming vibe, and the Fraser Valley (about 2 hours away) for wine tasting and exploring local farms.

Between Vancouver and Whistler is the town of Squamish which is also a great destination for outdoor activities and breathtaking scenery. Harrison Hot Springs (about 2 hours) has natural hot springs and a village adorned with some shops and restaurants.

There are so many options for day trips from Vancouver if you’re looking to see the beautiful scenery that the region has to offer.

A serene marina in Vancouver with boats docked and modern high-rises in the background, framed by lush trees

4 Days in Vancouver Itinerary FAQs

What is the best time of year to visit Vancouver?

The best time to visit Vancouver is during the summer months of June to August, but springtime (April to May) and fall (September to October) will have nice weather and fewer crowds.

How do I get from the Vancouver airport to downtown?

The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is well-connected to downtown Vancouver via the Canada Line SkyTrain. It’s a convenient and affordable option, taking about 25-30 minutes to the city center. There are also taxis, ride-sharing, shuttle buses, and car rental options from the airport.

Before booking your flight check out this post 5 big mistakes to avoid when booking flights.

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What are some local dishes or foods to try in Vancouver?

The Pacific Northwest culinary scene offers specialties like seafood (salmon, crab, oysters), poutine (fries with cheese curds and gravy), sushi, and many more dishes that highlight the multicultural influences of the region.

Pacific Northwest Seafood: Vancouver is known for its fresh seafood like wild salmon, Dungeness crab, spot prawns, and locally sourced oysters.

Sushi and Sashimi: Vancouver has a high-quality sushi and sashimi scene.

Japadog: Try the Japanese-style hot dogs with a variety of unique toppings like seaweed, teriyaki sauce, and wasabi mayo. Yum!

Poutine: While originally from Quebec, poutine is a popular Canadian comfort food with fries, cheese curds, and gravy!

Bannock: Bannock is a type of flatbread that’s usually served with various toppings or as a side dish.

BeaverTails: BeaverTails are deep-fried dough pastries stretched to look like a beaver’s tail. They can have different types of sweet toppings like cinnamon sugar, chocolate, and fruit.

Pacific Salmon: Wild Pacific salmon prepared on a cedar-plank, smoked, or grilled with local herbs.

Salmon Candy: Salmon candy is smoked salmon that’s been sweetened and sometimes paired with cream cheese and crackers.

Want to Travel More for Less?

Become a Budget Traveler! Head over to my start here page and grab my free budget travel cheat sheet  – it’s packed with valuable tips to help you create your own winning budget travel strategy.

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