Stories · Canada
3 days in Vancouver
The story I wish I had read before going.
Vancouver is earned slowly. This story follows a simple logic: the icons early in the morning, the neighbourhoods when the city wakes up, and evenings left to chance. 3 days, one thread, no stress.
Day 1 · With the family
To start, I make my way to VanDusen Botanical Garden. Go late in the afternoon: the heat drops, the light softens and the photos take themselves. Everyone goes; everyone is right. Travellers give it 4.7 out of 5 (13,967 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. Practical: the public-transport route, and if you’d rather skip the queue, book your visit or go through Tiqets.
Around noon, it’s Bloedel Conservatory. The kids will still be talking about it weeks later. So will the adults, though they admit it less. Unmissable, and for good reason. 4.6 out of 5 across 8,977 reviews: few places are this unanimous. To get organised: here is the route by public transport; skip-the-line get your tickets in advance, otherwise also check Tiqets.
For lunch, BC V6M 4H1 is full of options: trust the rooms full of locals rather than the menus translated into six languages.
After lunch, head to Queen Elizabeth Park. The kids will still be talking about it weeks later. So will the adults, though they admit it less. Unmissable, and for good reason. 4.7 out of 5 across 15,366 reviews: few places are this unanimous. Practical: how to get there, and if you’d rather skip the queue, book your tickets or compare on Tiqets.
Keep the evening free. Vancouver is a city that tells itself better at night.
Day 2 · Fresh air
Early in the morning, meet me at Museum of Anthropology at UBC. The audio guides are worth it; otherwise, follow a group and steal three anecdotes on the way. Unmissable, and for good reason. Travellers give it 4.7 out of 5 (6,125 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. Practical: here is the route by public transport, and if you’d rather skip the queue, book your visit or go through Tiqets.
Then, I make my way to Lighthouse Park | West Vancouver. Bring water, shoes that hold, and no watch. Travellers give it 4.7 out of 5 (5,225 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. Practical: how to get there, and if you’d rather skip the queue, book your visit or go through Tiqets.
At lunchtime, stay around BC V6T 1Z2: a noisy room, a dish of the day, and you’ve understood everything.
In the afternoon, head to Stanley Park Seawall. This is the breath of the trip. Even one hour changes the day. Travellers give it 4.9 out of 5 (532 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. Practical: here is the route by public transport, and if you’d rather skip the queue, get your tickets in advance or go through Tiqets.
In the evening, let go: a terrace, a walk, and Vancouver does the rest.
Day 3 · The icons
In the morning, it’s Vancouver Seawall. It’s the kind of place that makes you go quiet for a moment, even when you thought you knew it all. Unmissable, and for good reason. Travellers give it 4.8 out of 5 (3,041 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. To get organised: the public-transport route; skip-the-line get your tickets in advance, otherwise go through Tiqets.
Late morning, head to Vancouver Aquarium. The kids will still be talking about it weeks later. So will the adults, though they admit it less. Everyone goes; everyone is right. 4.5 out of 5 across 13,117 reviews: few places are this unanimous. To get organised: the public-transport route; skip-the-line get your tickets in advance, otherwise compare on Tiqets.
At lunchtime, stay around BC V6G 3E2: a noisy room, a dish of the day, and you’ve understood everything.
Later, it’s Totem Poles. Take the time to walk all the way around it; the best views are rarely at the entrance. Travellers give it 4.5 out of 5 (7,744 reviews) and I won’t argue with them. Practical: the public-transport route, and if you’d rather skip the queue, book your visit or go through Tiqets.
In the evening, let go: a terrace, a walk, and Vancouver does the rest.
If you’re still hungry
I still have a few up my sleeve: Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Canada Place, Granville Island Public Market, Science World and Gastown Steam Clock. Your call.
My advice
Walk. Then take public transport: that is where you see the city live.
Book the busiest places the day before: queues have ruined more than one morning.
Keep a little local cash: the best addresses are often the least equipped.
Safe travels. And get lost at least once; that is where Vancouver begins.
A Triovol story · written by someone who would go back tomorrow
Opening hours, prices and closures change: a quick look at the venue’s website before you go avoids bad surprises.