Downtown: Tours and Guided Visits

Some 130 years ago, Vancouver was just a two-block cluster of buildings known as Granville (now Gastown).

Then, within a decade of Vancouver City’s incorporation in 1886, the town center moved from Water and Cordova Streets up to Georgia and Granville Streets. And today, Downtown is Vancouver’s primary heritage, business and entertainment district.

You can now choose from several guided tours in Downtown Vancouver to discover how the city's developed from modest Granville into Vancouver's thriving business center.

Here's all you need to know about Downtown Vancouver, one of the most exhilarating options for sightseeing tours in Vancouver.

Where is Downtown located?

Downtown is bordered by the Burrard Inlet on the north, and False Creek and Yaletown in the south. To the west it’s bordered by West End and Stanley Park and to the east by the districts of Gastown, Chinatown and Strathcona.

How to get to Downtown Vancouver by bus

Most of the north-south bus routes serve Downtown Vancouver, also suburban routes from the North Shore and Burnaby.

How to get to Downtown Vancouver by SkyTrain

There are six subway stations located in Downtown Vancouver running on the Expo Line and Canada Line.

The Expo Line travels from Waterfront Station through Dunsmuir Tunnel to the east. The Canada Line travels from Waterfront Station under Granville Street and Davie Street.

How to get to Downtown Vancouver by SeaBus

The SeaBus passenger-only ferry connects Waterfront Station to the North Shore (10–12 minutes).

How to get to Downtown Vancouver by taxi

You’ll find popular taxi spots in Downtown Vancouver, such as Granville Street, Gastown, Chinatown or at major hotels with taxi stands.

What are the best things to see in Downtown?

The Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium was officially Canada's first public aquarium and opened in 1956. In 1975, it became the first aquarium accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).

It was accredited by Canada's Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) and designated Canada's Pacific National Aquarium by the Canadian Federal Government in 1987.

The Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre is Canada’s only dedicated rescue facility and one of the largest in the world. The center has rescued and rehabilitated marine animals for more than 60 years.

Lion's Gate Bridge

This suspension bridge connects the Downtown Vancouver peninsula to the North Shore, and was built in 1938. To get a really good view of the bridge, go to Stanley Park and Ambleside Park in West Vancouver.  

In Stanley Park, you can view the Lion's Gate Bridge from the Stanley Park Seawall on the north side (on foot or cycling). By car, you have viewpoints around Prospect Point,  the highest point in Stanley Park.

From Ambleside Park in West Vancouver you will enjoy wide views of the bridge against the backdrop of Stanley Park. Drive over Lion's Gate Bridge going north on West Georgia Street in Downtown Vancouver and stay on that road.

Inukshuk on English Bay

Inukshuks are waymarkers traditionally used by the First Nations Inuit people of Arctic Canada. The word “inukshuk” means “in the likeness of a human”.

The Inuit people have been creating these stirring stone markers on the wide Arctic landscape for many generations. The inukshuk is a symbol of the city of Vancouver and was also a symbol of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

The inukshuk located on English Bay stands on the south-western coast of Downtown Vancouver, between English Bay Beach and Sunset Beach.

This impressive inukshuk was created by the artist Alvin Kanak of Rankin Inlet, Northwest Territories.

What are the best tours to visit Downtown?

The forbidden Downtown and Gastown walking tour

On this intriguing guided walking tour through Vancouver’s Victory Square and Gastown, you will discover the history behind bootlegging and rum-running in the city’s Prohibition past.

Learn how the city transformed from a frontier outpost to a cosmopolitan center. Visit landmark buildings and sites as you share stories with your guide of corrupt politicians and gangster bosses that controlled Vancouver’s shady side.

Meet your guide on Water Street at the entrance to historic Gastown. Your first visit will be the Cambie Bar and Grill, a lively hostel, restaurant and bar. The Cambie’s interesting history dates back to the days of the famous Gold Rush.

Visit the iconic Dominion Building on the edge of Gastown. Built in the Second Empire style, the Dominion was Vancouver's first steel-framed high-rise building.

It stands 53 meters and 13 storeys high, and upon completion in 1910 the tallest commercial building in the British Empire.

Your tour will wrap up in the cobblestoned streets of Gastown, the historic center of Vancouver. It finishes in Maple Tree Square, in the heart of Vancouver's restaurant and bar scene.

This was where barkeeper "Gassy" Jack Deighton opened the area's first saloon way back in 1867. If you want to return to the starting point, it’s an easy 2-minute walk away.

Stanley Park and Downtown morning bike tour

Discover Vancouver’s Downtown landmarks on this delightful 3.5-hour guided bicycle tour. Learn about the city’s historical past, Olympic heritage and the famous Stanley Park.

Admire the First Nations' totem heritage at Totem Park, ride along the Vancouver Seawall and explore Robson Square, the heart of Downtown Vancouver.

Cycle from Vancouver's West End to colorful Davie Street Village, the home of Vancouver's LGBT subculture, and on to the historical Mole Hill district.

Mole Hill is the last remaining block of pre-First World War housing and the most important example of the Victorian and Edwardian age.

Cycle across town and stop in Robson Square to see the Vancouver Art Gallery Plaza. Admire the mixture of modern and historical buildings around the square.

From here, cycle to the Waterfront Convention Centre area and enjoy the lovely views of the North Shore Mountains. Look for highlights such as the Olympic Cauldron and Digital Orca sculpture.

Cruise along the Vancouver Seawall and through beautiful Stanley Park, and learn about the park's special fauna and flora. Discover the history of the local First Nations peoples at Totem Park, and admire the impressive totems created by their Pacific Northwest artists.

Continue your trip along the coast to Beaver Creek Path and look for attractions such as the Lady in a Wetsuit and the Empress of Japan.

Pass underneath the historic Lions Gate Bridge to Siwash Rock and Third Beach and finish your tour at the starting points at English Bay.

What are the prices of Downtown tours?

Downtown tours vary in cost according to type and duration. The 1.5-hour forbidden Downtown and Gastown walking tour with a guide costs around US$30 per person.

The 3.5-hour Stanley Park and Downtown morning bike tour costs around US$60 per person.

It includes the local guide, your bike rental, helmet and water bottle. Downtown tours can include Scavenger hunts, Mystery Games, Donut tours, etc., and usually last about 2 hours and cost around US$30-50.

Where do Downtown tours start?

Downtown tours start from various locations in Downtown Vancouver, such as 356 Water Street and English Bay Bike Rentals near the Best Western Plus Sands Hotel.

When is the best time to visit Downtown?

The best time to visit Downtown Vancouver is early in the morning or later in the afternoon when you can avoid most visitors. For best weather, plan your trip for the months of July and August. For the best deals, winter is the best time.

Travel tips

• Make sure to book your tour of Downtown Vancouver in advance.
• Bring weather appropriate clothing and sunscreen.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes.