Vancouver First-Timer's Classics
Gastown, Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain on the North Shore. See Vancouver's highlights in three days.
Organized by neighborhood over three days. Day one covers downtown, the harbour and Gastown. Day two is the Stanley Park seawall, then take a small ferry to Granville Island. Day three takes you across the water to the North Shore to walk the Capilano Suspension Bridge and ride up Grouse Mountain. The trip is easy to complete using the SkyTrain, buses and walking, which makes it ideal for a first visit with limited time. It does not include the UBC Museum of Anthropology or day trips from the city.
When clouds are low, the view from Grouse Mountain can be blocked. If it rains, swap it with day two.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival, Harbour and Gastown
Vancouver（Canada Place & Vancouver Harbour、Vancouver Lookout (Harbour Centre)、Gastown）
Take the Canada Line from the airport to downtown, about 25 min. Then walk around the harbour and Gastown.
Stay: Downtown Vancouver
Day 2 · Stanley Park and Granville Island
Vancouver（Stanley Park、English Bay Beach、Granville Island、Yaletown）
Walk or rent a bike to cycle the seawall around the park, 1–3 hr. Take a small ferry across English Bay to Granville Island, then take a ferry to Yaletown.
The Granville Island Public Market is open as usual on Mondays. It's less crowded in the morning.
Stay: Downtown Vancouver
Day 3 · North Shore Bridge and Grouse Mountain
Vancouver（Capilano Suspension Bridge Park、Grouse Mountain）
Take the free shuttle or Bus 236 from downtown to the bridge and to Grouse Mountain, about 30 min each. Head back to the city in the evening for the airport.
Book a late-evening flight to leave half a day for the North Shore.