Discover 1398 tours and activities in Vancouver
Whale watching boat trips are among the most popular Vancouver tours on offer. There aren’t many places in the world where you can get up close to these majestic marine giants, but Vancouver is one of them! Both half- and full-day whale watching excursions are available.
You’ll head out to sea on a luxury catamaran, with the knowledgeable crew on hand to give insights into local history and geology.
Orcas have the top billing, while humpback whales often make an appearance too. For something extra special, you can even take to the skies and go whale watching by seaplane!
Stanley Park is the 400-hectare green heart of Vancouver. It’s one of the highly anticipated attractions in the city, thanks to its sprawling forests and tranquil beaches. There are several trails that wind through the park, as well as a miniature railway and pool for the kids.
Bike tours and walking excursions are the best ways to explore this part of Vancouver. Many begin in downtown where you will discover the historic Mole Hill Community and visit Robson Square before heading to the Stanley Park waterfront.
Come in summer to see the gardens in bloom and see if you can spot the First National totem poles at Brockton Point.
Pack in a dazzling array of sights in a short space of time on these thrilling two-wheeled Vancouver tours. If you don’t have long in town or just want a different perspective of the city, then bike tours are the way forward. Some excursions use electric bikes to help you up the hills!
There are dedicated cycling lanes for relaxed exploring without worrying about the traffic, with plenty of green spaces to enjoy along the way. You’ll stop at different landmarks where your guide will regale you with tales about the city. Stanley Park and Downtown are popular riding locations.
Over on Vancouver Island, the city of Victoria makes a memorable day trip destination. There’s an intriguing mix of Canadian and British influences, which is represented by both the architecture and the culture. After arriving by ferry or seaplane, it’s time to get exploring.
Butchart Gardens are at the top of the list, with over 900 plant species to discover from around the world. The topiary is epic, and in summer the floral blooms are unrivaled.
Back in the center of Victoria, you can check out the Royal BC Museum, as well as the Inner Harbour. It’s a lovely contrast to the bustle of Vancouver.
If you have a head for heights, then these Vancouver tours will make you giddy with delight. The Capilano Suspension Bridge is nature immersion at its finest, and it’s located just a few minutes from downtown.
On a visit here you’ll stroll through the temperate rainforest before crossing the bridge which is suspended above the Capilano River. Breathe in the scent of cedar and keep an eye out for wildlife as you wobble across.
After conquering the bridge, you can explore the forest trails and take on the Cliffwalk which juts out from the gorge. Look down if you dare!
Much of Vancouver is best explored on foot, which is why walking tours in Gastown are so popular. This lively neighborhood is famed for its indie stores and art galleries, with a buzzing restaurant scene that draws people from near and far.
Some of the excursions have a theme, with food tours and historic walks being the main contenders. Others focus on Vancouver’s gritty past, where haunting stories about disease and gold fever lead the way.
You’ll see the famous Steam Clock and the Gassy Jack Statue as you delve into the heritage of this former frontier outpost.
Gastronomic tours in Vancouver are all the rage, and there’s nowhere better to experience one than here in Chinatown. You’ll wander through the district with a local chef or expert foodie guide, stopping at different establishments to taste the bold Oriental flavors. Go hungry because you’ll be eating a lot!
You’ll begin with a bit of Zen at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden, before heading out into the bustling streets. Discover the importance of Chinese tea culture and browse the unusual produce in a traditional medicine store. Then it’s time for the tasting, which includes everything from crispy duck and dumplings to bao buns and Cantonese snacks.
Known for its ski scene in winter and sweeping mountain vistas in summer, Whistler is a popular day trip from Vancouver. You can reach it via the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, or travel by seaplane for the ultimate adventure.
Once in Whistler, you can enjoy snow sports or alpine hiking, depending on the season. Adrenaline junkies will love visiting Whistler Blackcomb for mountain biking, zip lining and snowmobile trips.
Many of these Vancouver tours stop en route in Squamish. Here you’ll take a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola and enjoy views of Howe Sound and the coastal rainforest.
Escape the city bustle and head to the hills on a day trip to Grouse Mountain. There are great views of the city from here, as well as nature in abundance. Even better, it’s just a 20-minute drive from Vancouver.
The easiest way to reach the summit of Grouse Mountain is on the Skyride, which rewards explorers with eight minutes of sweeping British Columbia panoramas. Hang on tight to that camera!
Once you’ve arrived at the top, you can head to the wildlife refuge, meet the resident grizzly bears and watch a lumberjack show. Snowshoeing and skiing are also available in winter.
The most romantic Vancouver tours take place at sunset, at that magical time when day meets night. Harbour cruises are the ultimate evening out, with boat rides along the illuminated waterfront offering a different perspective of the city.
Book a Vancouver dinner cruise around the Inner Harbour and tuck into gourmet Pacific Coast cuisine with your nearest and dearest. Expect everything from beef bordelaise to British Columbia salmon on the menu. Live music on board adds an extra element of enchantment.
The skyline is particularly impressive at night against the backdrop of the North Shore Mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for Canada Place as you drift by.
The coastal city of Vancouver is one of Canada’s most popular vacation destinations. Surrounded by mountains and sea, the city is the jumping-off point for adventures in British Columbia and the Rocky Mountains.
Vancouver tours are wide-ranging, with everything from island explorations to urban escapades up for grabs. The city enjoys a vibrant cultural scene, with influences from all over the world contributing to a culinary and entertainment offering like no other.
Famed for its unusual blend of urban living and natural sights, Vancouver is the perfect place for a weekend break. The climate is mild, and access is easy with daily international flights from around the globe.
Vancouver is a very walkable city, as the Downtown area is surprisingly compact. Most people only rent a car if they’re heading further afield as parking can be problematic in the center.
If you’re staying several days and plan on using the SeaBus and SkyTrain a lot, it’s worth purchasing a Compass Card for discounted journeys. Hop-on hop-off bus rides make for hassle-free sightseeing, and there are plenty of Vancouver city tours that include transportation.
The West End makes a convenient base for the major sights, and it’s close to the airport SkyTrain too. Gastown is another popular district in Downtown Vancouver – it has a great restaurant and nightlife vibe.
After you’ve ticked off the city highlights, seen some whales and enjoyed a few mountain views, there’s still heaps to do in Vancouver.
Kids will love meeting creatures of the deep in Vancouver Aquarium, while explorers of all ages will enjoy the simulated FlyOver Canada ride. For 360-degree views of the city, head up the Vancouver Lookout and check out the observation deck.
There are lots of free things to do in Vancouver if you’re keeping an eye on your spending. History buffs can visit the Gothic Revival style Christ Church Cathedral while people watching at Canada Place is fun on a sunny afternoon.