Is 3 days enough for Vancouver?

Yes for the core experience. You'll hit Stanley Park, downtown, Granville Island, and one mountain viewpoint. Add Whistler or Victoria if you want day trips, but 3 days covers Vancouver proper well.

Do I need a car in Vancouver?

No. Stay downtown and use transit, walking, and bikes. Parking costs $3-5/hour downtown and traffic is heavy. Only rent a car for day trips outside the city.

What if it rains all 3 days?

Hit indoor attractions: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Vancouver Art Gallery, Science World, and Granville Island market halls. Many restaurants have covered patios. Rain doesn't stop Vancouver life.

How much should I tip?

15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis. Unlike the US, servers earn minimum wage, so tipping reflects service quality more than necessity.

How to spend 3 days in Vancouver as a first-time visitor

Focus your 3 days on downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, and Granville Island for the essential experience. Stay downtown or in Yaletown for easy transit access. Budget around $80-120 CAD per day including food, transit, and attractions.

Pick your base location. Stay downtown (Coal Harbour, West End) or Yaletown. You'll walk to most attractions and the SkyTrain connects you to the airport and suburbs. Avoid staying in Richmond or Burnaby for a first visit—too much commute time.
Get a Compass Card. Buy a 3-day transit pass for $28 CAD at YVR airport or any SkyTrain station. This covers buses, SkyTrain, and SeaBus. You'll use it daily even staying downtown.
Plan around weather. Vancouver changes fast. Pack layers regardless of season. Check weather the morning of outdoor activities—Stanley Park and Grouse Mountain plans shift quickly with rain or fog.

Is 3 days enough for Vancouver?: Yes for the core experience. You'll hit Stanley Park, downtown, Granville Island, and one mountain viewpoint. Add Whistler or Victoria if you want day trips, but 3 days covers Vancouver proper well.
Do I need a car in Vancouver?: No. Stay downtown and use transit, walking, and bikes. Parking costs $3-5/hour downtown and traffic is heavy. Only rent a car for day trips outside the city.
What if it rains all 3 days?: Hit indoor attractions: Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, Vancouver Art Gallery, Science World, and Granville Island market halls. Many restaurants have covered patios. Rain doesn't stop Vancouver life.
How much should I tip?: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis. Unlike the US, servers earn minimum wage, so tipping reflects service quality more than necessity.