How Many Days In Vancouver Is Enough?

Surrounded by water and mountains, Vancouver has to be one of the most scenic cities in the world.

It is also one of its most cosmopolitan, with influences from all over the globe, and a mecca for foodies who appreciate its high-quality cuisine.

There is an enormous variety of things to see and do, from visiting tranquil parks and beaches to embracing the city’s culture and getting to know its people. 

If you are planning your very first visit, then you might be wondering how many days in Vancouver you need to see the best of what it has to offer.

The answer really depends on the pace you are comfortable with. 

Are you happy to spend every minute on the go, moving quickly from one attraction to another? Then it is possible to get a real feel for Vancouver in just 2 days.

But if you would like a bit more time to linger in the places that interest you most, then plan for a 3 or 4 days.

This will also allow you a little downtime, where you can just relax with a drink and enjoy some people-watching – always a fascinating experience in a new place!

But there are a few other factors you might like to think about when deciding how many days for Vancouver you will need.

How To Choose How Long To Spend In Vancouver

In this guide, I have listed all those little things you might overlook when planning a visit to a new destination, which may influence how long you’ll need to spend there.

I have also given my recommendations for the very best of Vancouver’s attractions, along with a suggested length of time for each.

This should help you put together an enjoyable and realistic itinerary at a pace you are happy with.

To help you figure out exactly how long you’ll need in Vancouver, make a list of the things you want to do in Vancouver and consider the time of arrival and departure.

Then, look at the distance between places to keep it realistic. 

At the end of this exercise, you’ll know how many days in Vancouver you’ll need.

Time Of Arrival, Hotel Check-In Time, And Time Of Departure

Think about how the time you arrive in the city will impact how much sightseeing you can do on the first day. 

A very early arrival would be great and would really allow you to fit in a lot of attractions.

But if you won’t reach Vancouver until later in the afternoon, then you won’t really be able to do a great deal that day. It might mean you would need to add on an extra night to be able to see all the things you have planned.

The same applies on your day of departure. Decide whether you can count that day when it comes to sightseeing – if not, then consider including an extra night in your stay.

If your check-in and check-out times don’t coincide with your arrival and departure times, think about what you will do with your luggage.

The first step should be to check with your hotel or accommodation provider, as many will offer this service.

If yours doesn’t, then you will need a backup plan. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of private companies that offer luggage storage facilities throughout the city. You can book them online, which is not only convenient but also guarantees you a spot.

It is definitely a good idea to book ahead at the height of the season! 

Other options include baggage services at the airport – located at Domestic Terminal Level 2 and International Terminal Level 2 – and at the cruise terminal (although this is for cruise passengers only).

Activities In Vancouver

There are LOTS of adventures to be had in Vancouver – but don’t wait until you are there to decide what to do!

To help you plan how long to stay, you will need to make a list of the things you want to see and work from there!

My list of ‘What to Do in Vancouver’ will help with this, and the suggested times make it easier to work out how many places you can visit in a day.

But don’t forget to also account for the amount of time it will take to travel from one attraction to another. You will also need to allow for time spent queuing!

Many travelers decide to book tours and activities in advance to save time and make the most of their holidays in Vancouver.

Browse Tours In Vancouver

Pace Of Activities

If you over-schedule yourself and try to see too much in a short space of time, you will probably end up feeling quite stressed and not really enjoying any of the places you visit.  

When deciding how many days in Vancouver is enough, be realistic about the timetable you set yourself. If you are a lover of good food, for example, make sure you have allowed time for a leisurely meal or two. 

If, on the other hand, you are someone who thrives at a fast pace and loves to occupy every minute of your time with activity, then you might be happy taking a shorter break.

Transportation

Fortunately, many of Vancouver’s main attractions and popular neighborhoods are located within walking distance of each other. This makes getting around very easy, especially since the streets are aligned in a grid pattern!

But there are plenty of other options too.

You’ll find bike rental shops everywhere. Cycling can be a great way to pick up the pace if your stay in the city is short! 

There are also lots of taxis (although they are hard to hail from the street, so you might want to book ahead).

And there is an efficient public transport system that includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain. All of these are cheap to use and environmentally friendly.

What To Do In Vancouver

Here are my recommendations for the best places to visit in Vancouver and the ideal length of time to spend at each one.

Dine And Shop At Granville Island

Once home to factories and sawmills, this sandspit just south of the downtown peninsula is a favorite with visitors and locals alike. Its Public Market is noisy and fun, offering a great selection of gourmet treats, seafood, and more.

The district has many cultural attractions too, including craft studios, theaters, and artisan workshops. 

Suggested time: 2 hours

Cycle The Seawall At Stanley Park

The third-largest park in North America, Stanley Park is the perfect place for the whole family, with attractions ranging from splash parks to outdoor teahouses.

The views are exceptional in all directions, even at night with the city’s skyline just begging to be photographed!

One of the park’s highlights is its Seawall – a 5.5-mile path running on its perimeter along the water. You’ll also find a nature center here, plus an excellent aquarium. 

Suggested time: 2 to 3 hours

Thrill Your Senses With The FlyOver Canada Experience

Fly right across Canada without even leaving your seat thanks to this ride’s incredible state-of-the-art technology! 

With a 20-meter spherical screen in front of you and your feet dangling, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the country’s spectacular scenery.

To make things feel realistic, there are special effects like mist, winds, and scents to accompany the motion. It all works together for a truly unforgettable experience!

You can book your ticket in advance here.

Suggested time: 1 to 2 hours

Lose Yourself In The VanDusen Botanical Garden

Located right in the heart of the city, this beautiful green oasis boasts more than 7,500 plant species.

There are plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife and the whole family will enjoy trying to find their way out of the Elizabethan hedge maze.

Included in the 55-acre park you’ll also find a mixture of forested areas, natural zones, water features, and stunningly curated gardens. 

Suggested time: 2 to 3 hours

Visit Grouse Mountain

This mountain located just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver is great to visit at any time of year! In the summer, available activities include paragliding, zip-lining, hiking, lumberjack shows, and more.

Winter is time for more snowy pursuits, including sleigh rides, skiing, and snowboarding.

The views are stunning no matter the season and there are lots of different dining options to enjoy during your visit. You can book your entry ticket in advance.

Suggested time:1 to 2 hours

See The Global Artifacts At The Museum of Anthropology

With its emphasis on Northwest Coast First Nations and other global cultures, this incredible museum houses more than 10,000 objects from around the world. 

Located in a modern building overlooking the sea and mountains, it has the most extensive collection of works by Haida artist Bill Reid, and this is where you can see his famous cedar sculpture The Raven and the First Men.

Suggested time: 2 to 3 hours

Enjoy The Views From The Vancouver Lookout

A great way to end your visit is to go to the top of the Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre. 

After a 40-second ride in the glass elevator, you arrive at the observation deck, where you are rewarded with a 360° view of Metro Vancouver, the North Shore Mountains, and (sometimes) Vancouver Island just off the Pacific Coast.

Suggested time: Under an hour

Final Thoughts On Vancouver Getaways

So how many days do you need in Vancouver to see everything you want at a pace you are happy with?

I hope this guide has helped you decide how many days you’ll need and that you enjoy your visit to Vancouver.

Wondering what kind of safety measures you should be taking in Vancouver? Read our guide to find out if Vancouver is safe.

Traveling to Canada soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Best places to live in Canada
• Best hikes around Vancouver
• Best campgrounds in Alberta