How to do Vancouver in 72 Hours

20 Aug How to do Vancouver in 72 Hours

What is it that make Canadians so freakishly nice and trusting? I’ve only been to Vancouver twice, but both times, locals have been genuinely kind. Their public transits don’t even check if you’ve paid for a ticket. Instead, they have a conductor come on board (rarely) for random checks. Not gonna lie, but when my sister and I visited recently, we didn’t pay for our last skytrain ticket — just from one station to the next stop, I’m sorry! I guess that’s what happens when Americans visit Canada, eh. I mean, none of their restrooms (err washroom I should say) — have toilet seat covers. Are they just that trusting?! Ok, so I’ve come to a conclusion. Those dreamy crystal blue lakes, the serene fresh air, the lush emerald forests, and the badass food from all the different cultures they’re surrounded with, is what make the Canadians happy people. Not to mention free healthcare.

It all makes sense right? I can’t find any other explanation to be honest, I rest my case. 

So now that we’ve got that sorted out, here’s to hoping I inspire you to make that bold move and just buy that plane ticket to Canada. Or if you’re planning on moving there, do it. I’ll be jealous, but just do it already (Shia Lebouf voice).

Here’s a list of how to do Vancouver in 72 hours:

1.  Bike around the seawall

I don’t care how overrated this is, do yourself a favor: rent a bike and ride around the seawall. You’ll hit some of Vancouver hot spots along the way like Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge, and a few beaches. They make it so fun and easy to ride bikes with their designated bike lanes all over town! I caught myself smiling from ear to ear, I felt like a kid again. Keep your soul young people! 

2. Shop and eat in Gastown

Gastown has got to be one of the cutest neighborhoods I’ve been in. If the weather is being nice, find a place to eat with seating outside. I don’t know why I love eating outside so much. I blame it on watching too much of Sex and the City, the gals did it all the time! Gastown has plenty of shops with interesting art, cheap souvenirs, and the infamous steam clock is just around the corner.

3. But First, Beach, then Second Beach, and Third Beach.

Vancouver has some “creative” beach names; First, Second, and Third Beach. Third Beach is pretty nice. The waters are so calm you just gotta stop and either get in water or enjoy its beauty on your ride around the seawall.

4. Eat, eat, and eat some more eh!

One of the best things about Vancouver is that it’s so diverse! They’ve got a little bit of every ethnicity. Because of this, they’ve got food from all kinds of cultures and man are they delicious! People say one of their specialties is Chinese Food; better than food from Hong Kong they say. I’ve never been to Hong Kong, but after a few Chinese restaurant stops, I am a firm believer.

5. Take a drive up to Squamish/Whistler/Pendleton

If you’re a nature person, you gotta drive up to at least Squamish (~40 min drive from Vancouver). After Squamish, stop by Whistler (~1.5 hours from Vancouver), and if you have more time visit Joffre Provincial Lakes in Pendleton (45 minutes away from Whistler) — you won’t regret it. Just take the 99 North all the way to these three locations. There are a ton of stops to make along the way like Brandywine Falls Provincial Park and Nairn Falls Provincial Park. I’ll provide a map at the end for you to use. Now, if you’re not a nature person, what’s wrong with you? Jk…but seriously, I think you’ll learn to appreciate nature after visiting these spots.

6. Walk across a bridge

Vancouver is full of bridges! Some famous ones are the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. That is, if you don’t mind paying ~$50, eek! Now there’s another bridge that is free, Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. I haven’t been to this one, but from looking at the pictures, it looks pretty identical to the Capilano.

7. Try a Vancouver local favorite

The Canadian equivalent to Dunkin’ Donuts is Tim Horton’s. This isn’t a mind-blowing cafe or anything, just a local favorite that you gotta try when you’re in Vancouver. No questions asked, just do it and make sure to get tim bits! You’ll thank me later.

I’m aware this isn’t an intensive list, it’s just a list of how to do Vancouver in 72 hours. Here’s a map of the list my sister and I created before our trip.

  Where am I off to next? New Orleans baby!

Follow my adventures on Instagram. Click here.

Now get lost, your destination is out there.

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