Hello - Visiting Vancouver for the first time in my adult life - I'm staying at the Loden Vancouver.  I have 3 full days by myself and no idea where to go/what to do.  (I am NOT renting a car b/c I am a horrible driver as a native new yorker and wouldn't put your fair city through my horrific driving skills... prefer cabs or public transport)  Female in my late 20s... into outdoor activities during the day, really good food (fine dining or just good casual!), and nightlife.  Any suggestions on itineraries?

Is it worth trying to do a day trip in Victoria?  Not necessariy limited by budget - moreso time.  Any suggestions are very appreciated!!!  Excited about Vancouver - anticipating a ton of wonderful scenery, activites and people.

Welcome to our city! The Loden is a beautiful hotel and stink at Voya is a must for locals an travelers alike.

For the outdoors I would recommend a bike ride or walk around the seawall. There are lots of bike rental places on denman near Georgia. Perhaps a hike up cypress, Seymour or grouse.

I think I would avoid a day trip to Victoria as the ferry alone is 1.5 ish hours, ferry terminal is 30 min away from downtown. I usually save Victoria for an overnight trip. But the ferry ride is really beautiful!

For drinks and going out, gastown is awesome for artisan cocktails and lounges within close proximity for optimal bar hopping. The diamond, six acres, pourhouse, Irish heather... All awesome choices.

For food, I love iriashi for Japanese on Georgia ( righ near Loden), twisted fork and the refinery on Granville and cascade room and wallflower on main st.

Can't wait to hear about your adventures!

You'll be right in the heart of things. The big station for the Skytrain (Vancouver's rapid transit) will be within walking distance due east from your hotel (diagonal across the grid in downtown). From there you'll be able to get to most of town in pretty short order.

Since you like the outdoors check out some of our beautiful parks. Stanley Park provides miles of trails, great views of downtown, and the aquarium. Just take the #19 bus east on Pender, it's a short trip from downtown. Queen Elizabeth Park is another gem with Bloedel Floral Conservatory and fantastic views of the city and the North Shore Mountains on clear days at the top of the hill. There's also a dynamic fountain and the only Henry Moore statue I've found in town at the same hilltop. Get there by taking the Canada Line (not the Expo Line) south to King Edward station, then walk south down Cambie a few blocks until you get to the park. While you're nearby head east from the park to Main to enjoy some good restaurants, cool record stores, and a different side of Vancouver than you'll see in downtown and the surrounding area. Kitsilano (the neighbourhood south of English Bay) has several nice beaches and Pacific Spirit Park out by UBC present other options.

If you're up for something more rigorous, the North Shore provides many opportunities for hiking. Like Crystal mentioned, Grouse Mountain is pretty easy to get to option via transit (you'd probably want to take a cab or find a shuttle for the other two) and also look into Lynn Headwater's Regional Park.

Enjoy your stay and I hope you like it here as much as I do.

Avoid the tourist trap of Capilano suspension bridge. It is way overpriced. Lynn Canyon is far superior - and it is free. It is a bit out of the way, so only if you have a day spare or want to get out of the city - accessible via bus tho.
Good idea not to have a car! I have been here for 8 months and not used a car to get to tourist destinations. Transit is so easy.
If you are a foodie, check out Granville island markets (tho I have never seen the appeal). Robson street, Granville street for shopping and people watching - check out whatthe locals get up to. Davie street for the gay community area. Gastown is nice - lots of touristy shops and the tower lookout if you want to overlook the city. Yaletown is like the newly developed rich area - lots of restaurants and cafés.
Stanley park is a must - as other people have suggested - and Canada place, English bay etc that surround it :)
Uuum.. I've run out of ideas - as I said, only been here for 8 months :)

Perhaps this will help - itinerary for 2 days in Vancouver:
tourismvancouver.com/vis…