We recently had the opportunity to spend 4 days in Vancouver during our trip to British Columbia this year. There is a lot that draws people out to Canada’s West Coast no matter your trip style. From mountains to trails and restaurants to unique history – the Vancouver area is somewhere you must visit at least once!
There is a lot to see and do in Vancouver that could fill almost any itinerary. If you’re like us then you don’t have unlimited time and want to get the most out of your visit. That’s why we’ve put together this list of what you can do during your 4 day trip to Vancouver.
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Where to Stay in Vancouver
Vancouver and the surrounding area is surprisingly large. When you’re searching for “Hotels in Vancouver” you’ll be given results for everything from Downtown to Burnaby to Richmond. This can be confusing when you’re looking for the best place to stay in Vancouver.
Luckily, Vancouver Public Transit is really good so you can get around the city easily. However, you don’t want to stay too far away and spend most of your time on transit. This is why we recommend staying in Downtown Vancouver. You’ll be close to a lot of great attractions as well as a ton of different transit options.
The Exchange Hotel Vancouver
One option for your 4 days in Vancouver is the EXchange Hotel. Conveniently located near the Waterfront SkyTrain station, this hotel is a great home base for your Vancouver getaway. It’s also a short walk from Coal Harbour and Gastown so you can save on transit costs.
The EXchange Hotel Vancouver is at the site of the old Stock Exchange tower but has been completely renovated. The hotel has a modern chic feel with a restaurant and fitness centre on site. The hotel is quite reasonably priced when you factor in the location and size of rooms.
Speaking of the rooms, we chose their Deluxe King room that ended up being in a corner with wraparound windows. It comes with all the amenities you’ll need including a fridge, desk, coffee maker, and comfortable bed. We would definitely recommend the EXchange Hotel Vancouver if you find yourself in the city.
L'Hermitage Hotel Vancouver
If you’re looking for a hotel that speaks to your boujie side then L’Hermitage Hotel Vancouver is the place for you! We stayed here for our last night in Vancouver (after our tour of Vancouver Island) and we wish we spent more time there. L’Hermitage is located just off of Vancouver’s bustling Robson Street so you’re close to some great shops and restaurants.
The rooms are L’Hermitage are HUGE with a seriously comfy bed. There is a large sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the street but still very quiet. The room was spotless with high-touch items individually wrapped to let you know they’ve been sanitized. Their bath products were so good we just had to take some home with us!
Where to Eat in Vancouver
This city has so much to offer when it comes to food. There is so much to choose from that it makes deciding what to eat during your 4 days in Vancouver seem overwhelming. We’ve broken down our favourites for breakfast, lunch and dinner to help make things easier for you:
Breakfast in Vancouver
6 Degrees Eatery
Sitting on the water near The Westin Bayshore is a great breakfast spot. The 6 Degrees Eatery has a limited number of tables inside but they also have a patio so you can look out over the water. They have a lot of great menu options (both sweet and savoury) and a huge selection of great drinks – Kailey still raves about their London Fog!
Lunch in Vancouver
Aidan's Cafe
We stumbled across Aidan’s Cafe when we first arrived in Vancouver and it was such a great find! The cafe boasts a lot of fresh-made meals that are full of flavour. We arrived just before closing so they were sold out of a lot of things but we were blown away by the roast beef sandwich. You MUST try Aidan’s Cafe if you’re in downtown Vancouver for breakfast or lunch.
Meat & Bread
Meat & Bread delivers exactly what it promises – mouth-watering sandwiches. This is exactly what we needed after our long trek around Stanley Park. Mark was able to score their last meatball sandwich while Kailey opted for a grilled cheese. This should be a go-to for any sandwich lover!
Marulilu Cafe
If you love Japanese food but sushi isn’t your thing then head to Marulilu Cafe for lunch. This adorable little diner serves delicious, hand-crafted drinks to accompany their enticing menu. Marulilu Cafe is your go to spot for things like omurice, pork katsu, and Japanese curry creations.
Dinner in Vancouver
Japadog
Japadog offers a truly unique dining option in Vancouver. Make your way over to one of their carts or brick-in-mortar on Robson Street for a Japanese fusion you never knew you wanted. They serve up pork hotdogs with traditional Japanese flavours. Check out their Okonomiyaki dog if you want to be transported to Hiroshima.
Tokyo in April
It’s no secret that we miss Japan since our trip there in early 2020. Our cravings were so strong that we absolutely had to visit Tokyo in April Vancouver. The food is authentic and so delicious we ate until we were uncomfortably full. You need to try their Bacon Tempura Tamago but be warned it will change your life!
The Flying Pig Gastown
After working up an appetite visiting Gassy Jack and the Gastown Steamclock, head over to The Flying Pig. Their incredible menu has something for everyone that can be paired with a local beer or refreshing cocktail. Our favourites are the charcuterie board and the short rib served with bone marrow.
Alouette Bistro Vancouver
If you’re staying at the EXchange Hotel and are craving some french food then head over to Alouette Bistro Vancouver. This charming little eatery is at the base of Hotel le Soleil on Hornby Street. You really must try their beef tartare (made at your table), bistro filet and duck cassoulet if you want a truly memorable meal.
What to do with 4 Days in Vancouver
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is arguably Vancouver’s most famous attraction. You can easily spend an entire day exploring the entire park including beaches, the totem poles, and the 9 O’Clock Gun just for starters. However, we recommend planning to spend at least a few hours in Stanley Park to see the highlights during your 4 days in Vancouver.
We (kind of accidentally) walked the entire 10km (6.2mi) Stanley Park Seawall Loop to get the full experience. The loop is long but so rewarding! You will experience the natural beauty of Stanley Park while getting amazing views of the city and open water.
Whale Watching from Vancouver
A whale watching tour from Vancouver will take up at least a half-day of your trip but is 100% worth it. Our trip with Prince of Whales is now one of our cherished travel memories that we’ll remember forever. We saw Orcas, Humpbacks, Porpoises, Sea Lions, Seals, and even otters! There’s no guarantee you’ll be as lucky but the staff at Prince of Whales will make sure you have a great time no matter what.
Granville Island
Prince of Whales leaves from and returns to Granville Island so plan to explore the island after your adventure. The island is full of shops and restaurants that highlight local items. Granville Island’s star attraction is the large Farmer’s Market full of fresh produce and stalls selling mouth-watering creations.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
To be completely honest, Capilano Suspension Bridge was low on our list during our Vancouver trip planning. I mean, it’s just a bridge, right? Wrong!
Our last minute decision to visit Vancouver’s famous suspension bridge ended up being a great call. The entire Capliano Suspension Bridge Park is full of local history, tree-top trekking, and unique cliffside platforms. Beware: the bridge and Cliffwalk are not meant for people afraid of heights. On the other hand, if you can overcome your fears you’re in for some picturesque views!
Gastown
Gastown is one of Vancouver’s historic districts. It’s named after Gassy Jack who was one of the first bar owners in the area. You can visit his statue then head over to Gastown’s famous steam-powered clock. Once you’ve soaked up the area’s history and aesthetic you can stop for dinner at one of Gastown’s many restaurants – we recommend The Flying Pig!
Cypress Mountain Eagle Coaster
If you’ve rented a car and are looking for a thrill then head North of the city to Cypress Mountain. Here you’ll find the Eagle Coaster which runs on a 1,700m track hitting speeds of 40km/hr. Make sure you book tickets in advance because there are limited spots and they fill up fast.
Is 4 Days in Vancouver Enough?
This question really depends on how much you want to do but 4 days in Vancouver should be enough time. Our trip to Vancouver was full of activities where we experienced the best of the city. We may have been able to fit a few more things into our Vancouver itinerary but we didn’t want to stretch ourselves too thin.
You don’t need a car in Vancouver but it might help getting to some places like the Capilano Suspension Bridge or Cypress Mountain. We were able to get around fine on public transit and walking most places. No matter what, Vancouver has so much to offer that you’ll want to come back again and again!
Have you been to Vancouver? Let us know your favourite sights in the comments below. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter to be the first to know about hidden gems we found in Vancouver and around the world!
