Vancouver in Three Days

One of my most recommended weekend getaways is Vancouver. Its close proximity to the States makes it easy to get to and flights are really reasonable (at the time of writing, I found nonstop flights from Chicago in May for $295 roundtrip). Vancouver is a gateway to some of the best hiking and naturescapes you'll find in the world. Picturesque mountains, scenic hikes, and crystal blue waters are a short drive from the heart of the city. Downtown, you'll find amazing restaurants and cafes, one of the largest city parks, and a vibrant art scene.

If you're looking to maximize a weekend getaway or an extended layover, check out this 3 Day Vancouver itinerary. It'll cover the city essentials, some top restaurants and foodie-approved stops, and includes a day trip complete with a jaw-dropping hike and quaint outdoor shopping. If you're travel plans are taking you to northern Canada for a longer period of time, this is a perfect way to start out your trip before exploring the great beyond.

This trip will require renting a car for the day trip portion. I was able to snag a one-day rental for under $100 using my Marriott Rewards membership, but had to pay a surcharge for being under 25. Trust me, I'm a nervous driver and I did just fine - it's not challenging to drive in Canada! You could take a bus or train from Vancouver to Whistler, you'll just have trouble getting to the hike I've specifically included in this itinerary since it requires a drive off the main road.

PS - no sponsorships or affiliations here, just personal recommendations for these brands!

Breakfast - Tim Horton's

If McDonalds and Starbucks somehow had a Canadian baby that was adored by all, it would be Tim Horton's. You'll find this staple just about everywhere you turn. Start your trip off like a local and pop into the first Timmy's you see for a maple donut and coffee. Make sure to grab plenty of extra napkins! If you're a coffee snob and need something more upscale, here are some coffee shop recommendations (pictured in order - can you tell I like artsy lattes?):

• Olive and Ruby on West Broadway

• Nemesis Coffee on West Hastings Street

• Revolver on Cambie Street

Stanley Park

Work off that breakfast donut by heading to the famed Stanley Park. This is a 1,000 acre public park just a short distance from downtown. You'll find gardens, scenic lookouts, tons of trails, and sculptures throughout so spend some time wandering around. It's easy to spend hours getting lost in this expansive park, so rent a bike to cover the most ground. Vancouver has a general bike share called Mobi, but you have to check the bike in every 30 minutes to avoid additional fees. Your best bet is to rent one. You'll find plenty of shops along the harbor and most rental rates are $10-20/hour or $30-40 for a half day rental. If biking isn't for you, walking through the park is always an option, just know that it's time consuming to do a full loop on foot.

Walking Food Tour

Next up: lunch with a twist. A walking food tour is the best way to A.) learn the layout of the city and B.) sample some of the best food Vancouver has to offer. We took this tour with Vancouver Foodie Tours and it surpassed all of our expectations. Yes, it's a little spendy, but go for it (especially the drink add-on). We were ushered around to a variety of restaurants, getting to try several dishes and cocktails or wine at each one. It's small group so by the end of it our whole little tour was having a grand old time.

Gastown

Spend the rest of your day in Gastown to experience the artsy and eclectic part of town. Here, you'll find tons of unique shops, high-end boutiques, amazing coffeehouses, and a slew of craft breweries and funky eateries. You'll also find the famed Gastown Steam Clock, one of the few steam-powered clocks in the world that whistles every 15 minutes. Spend some time perusing and window shopping and taking in the historical and whimsical atmosphere.

Dinner - The Flying Pig or Tacofino

Stick around Gastown for dinner and hit up either The Flying Pig or Tacofino.

• The Flying Pig Gastown is located on Water Street and serves up modern twists of classic Canadian dishes. Most entrees come in under $30CAD but it's worthwhile for dishes like crab crusted sturgeon. Vegetarians might have a harder time finding something to eat here but the farm/sea to table concept makes for some fresh, inspired meals. Make a reservation!

• If you're not feeling bistro food, try Tacofino on West Cordovo Street. This taco joint puts modern and upscale twists on the Mexican staple - think chickpea and squash or one topped with octopus. The tacos are cheap ($6CAD-ish each) so mix and match and try out a variety. Bonus - it has a fully stocked bar, too.

Breakfast - Nero Waffle

Start your day with a stack of gourmet waffles at Cafe Nero. I had no clue Belgian waffles could be an art until I dined here. You'll get to pick between liege (thick and chewy) and brussels (light and crisp) batter. From there, the waffle stacks are a brunch lover's heaven. Satisfy your sweet tooth with creations like the Mocha (topped with espresso infused whipped cream and vanilla ice cream) or have a twist on avocado toast with the L'Avo (poached eggs and avocado with garlicky tomatoes). You can grab mini waffles to snack on later in a variety of flavors, too!

Granville Island

Granville Island Public Market is what all markets should aspire to be. This bustling district is home to food stalls, artsy shops, and craft brews. You'll need to either take public transport, use a rideshare service, or take a boat taxi (my personal preference) to get here. Walk around the market and make sure you visit the shops in the surrounding area - all within a few blocks of the main market. There's sometimes live music going on and the outdoor area is perfect for taking in the activity. Grab lunch here and don't forget to indulge in some dessert, too!

Suspension Bridge

After the Granville Market, head for some nearby nature. If you've got an adventurous streak, or just want a really amazing photo, the Capilano Suspension Bridge should be your next stop. This incredibly popular bridge is 140 meters long and sits 70 meters over the Capilano River. They offer a complimentary pick-up shuttle from various destinations around Downtown Vancouver, so check out their website so you can score a free ride to the park. It's pricey to enter - about $47CAD - but you'll get access to the entire park which includes various trails, cliffwalks, and more. Plan to spend about 2-3 hours here and pack comfy shoes!

If you aren't a heights person (I HATE heights) or don't want to splash that much cash to walk across an admittedly awesome bridge, spend some time near Robson Street to browse the stores. You'll find a mix of local boutiques, shopping staples, and high-end brands. It's dotted with cafes and coffee shops, too, if you need to unwind and caffeinate up.

Lookout Vancouver

Lastly, regardless of your tolerance for heights, try to hit up the Vancouver Lookout in time to catch the sunset from the observation deck. This is located between downtown and Gastown and gives you a 360 degree view of the harbor and downtown from 550 feet up. The glass elevator ride takes about 40 seconds and as scary as it is, the view is unbeatable. Tickets are just under $20CAD but it's worth it for such a pretty sight.

Dinner – Miku

If there's one thing you take away from this itinerary, have it be this. Miku will forever rank in my top restaurants of all time EVER. What makes this sushi joint so special is its Aburi sushi, which is flame seared rolls. It is the definition of melt in your mouth. You won't be disappointed in the Salmon Oshi roll or the prawn cocktail. Miku is dedicated to sustainable seafood, so you can feel good about the meal you're having. It is upscale and reservations are highly recommended - if you can only splurge on one thing this whole trip, have it be this dinner!

Breakfast – Thierry

One step into Thierry and you'll feel like you've just been transported to a French pastry shop. This cafe serves up luxury chocolates, mouthwatering pastries, and great coffee. Located on Alberni Street, it has a charming outdoor patio that's perfect for people watching. Grab a pastry (the chocolate croissants are to die for) and a coffee to kick start your day.

Day Trip to Whistler

Whistler is less than two hours from downtown Vancouver, but you'll feel like you're in a whole new wonderland here. Nestled in the Coast Mountains, Whistler was home to the 2010 Olympics and has one of the largest ski resorts in North America. Along the way, you'll pass plenty of opportunities to hop on a hiking trail and take in the Canadian outdoors for yourself.

Pick up a rental car (TIP - get an SUV or something that can handle a little off-roading if you stick with the trail I've suggested below as the drive to the entrance is rocky and unpaved) and begin your drive to Whistler - try your best to keep your eyes on the road. You'll drive on the famous Sea to Sky Highway, a stunning and scenic route that that takes you from the harbors of Vancouver through the winding mountains. The drive is easy enough once you get away from the city traffic.

Lake Cheakamus Hike

While you can find endless hikes and trails in the Whistler area, the Lake Cheakamus trail isn't difficult and loops you around some unforgettable views. The lake is so vividly blue it looks like Gatorade. Finding the trail entrance is a little tricky - check out these instructions HERE for some guidance. Again, I would highly encourage you to get some sort of rental vehicle that can handle off-roading - once you leave the main road, you'll wind through 20-30 minutes of loose rock. It's intimidating but I did it in a tiny eco-car without too much trouble, just some white knuckle driving.

The hike itself can take hours, depending on whenever you decide to turn around. Make sure you pack some snacks or a picnic lunch to enjoy along the way. Plan accordingly and wear appropriate footwear. While the trail is clearly marked and groomed, some areas were muddy or had standing water. Words just can't do it justice. It's so worth seeing in person.

Lunch/Shopping at Whistler

Whenever you're done hiking, drive the 20-30 minutes to Whistler Village. This little area sits at the base of Whistler and Backcomb Mountain, making it a picture-perfect place to unwind after your trail adventures. You can wander around and pop into the many stores you'll find. They have everything from high-end luxury goods to cutesy souvenir shops. Dining options are extensive, so pick a place that's calling your name for lunch. You'll find ice cream shops to casual pub-style food to more gourmet dining.

Once you've explored your heart out, head back to your car and take the Sea to Sky route in reverse. Vancouver traffic can really pick up around rush hours, so be prepared. There aren't many gas stations in Downtown Vancouver, so make sure you fill up your rental in one of the smaller towns you pass once you get closer to the Vancouver area.

Dinner - Chambar or Cactus Club Cafe

End your trip to Vancouver with a dinner that can live up to all the adventures you've had so far. Here are some two favorites, depending on your preferences and budget. Make some reservations to avoid a wait.

• If you want to go out with a bang, Chambar serves up modern Belgian dishes in a casual chic vibe-y restaurant. The food is centered on local produce and sustainable seafood and most entrees range from $25-40CAD. The ambiance and the friendly staff really make this place a standout. If you're not sure what to order, know that the mussels are the house specialty.

• The Cactus Club Cafe has a few locations across Vancouver with the Coal Harbor restaurant overlooking the (you guessed it) Vancouver Harbor. You'll find just about everything here since it focuses on casual world cuisine. Menu options change, but the Thai prawns and Baja fish tacos were pretty tasty. The cocktails are the big draw here and most dishes are under $20CAD.

Nightcap – Keefer Bar or Alibi Room

If you're looking for a final stop and a dose of nightlife, the Keefer Bar is the place to go. Located in Chinatown, this eclectic cocktail joint whips up unique, inspired drinks. Drinks are pricey, about $15CAD each, but these aren't the type of cocktails you can just mix up at home.

If brews are more your thing, the Alibi Room has over 50 craft beers on tap, including some local varieties. They call themselves a "modern tavern" - the offerings are curated and hand selected, but the service is friendly and they'll help you narrow down something you'll truly enjoy. Most pours are $5-8CAD.

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Does spending time in Downtown Vancouver sound more your style, or is the day trip to Whistler for hiking more your jam? As much as I love the food the city has to offer, the views on our hikes were unbeatable. Any plans to head to Vancouver soon? It's one of my favorite weekend getaways! You can also check out my packing list HERE and some more of my top food spots HERE!