Top 15 Must-Try Tours in Vancouver

Located on the west coast of Canada, just north of the United States border, Vancouver has emerged as one of the country’s most sought-after tourist destinations. Its unique geographical position facilitates an array of natural landscapes; one day you might find yourself along the coast searching for orcas, another day skiing at Whistler, and yet another exploring the Rocky Mountains, possibly catching a glimpse of a bear.

Moreover, Vancouver is not solely a haven for nature enthusiasts; it is a vibrant urban center regularly listed among the top five most livable cities globally. Visitors can enjoy a diverse array of activities year-round, including numerous festivals and events, a tantalizing food scene, and a lively nightlife.

This article presents a thoughtfully curated list of the 15 most remarkable tours for ensuring your visit to Vancouver is memorable.

1. Sea to Sky Gondola and Whistler Day Trip

This ten-hour excursion provides an excellent introduction to Vancouver’s natural surroundings. Your day begins with convenient hotel pick-up from your accommodation in the city, followed by a transfer to the renowned Sea to Sky Highway.

Enjoy breathtaking views of Howe Sound before stopping at Habrich Ridge, where you will have 1½ hours to appreciate the majestic mountains and inlets below.

The tour culminates in Whistler village, host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, offering ample opportunity to explore charming artisanal shops and cafes.

2. Victoria & Butchard Gardens Private Tour from Vancouver

A full-day private tour provides an ideal way to unwind. The day commences with pick-up from your accommodation, followed by a 1½-hour ferry ride through the scenic Gulf Islands.

With the guidance of a knowledgeable and amiable escort, you will visit the picturesque 55-acre Butchard Gardens, featuring a sunken garden and a rose garden amidst a variety of pathways, flora, and fauna.

You conclude the trip with a leisurely luxurious ride in a Mercedes minivan, showcasing a scenic ocean tour to downtown Victoria, where you can capture photos of numerous historic buildings before returning to your Vancouver hotel.

3. Vancouver and Capilano Suspension Bridge Holiday Lights

This is an ideal tour if you are visiting during the holiday season. Experience the enchanting Capilano Suspension Bridge Light Show, complemented by a tour of downtown Vancouver’s festive decorations, ensuring you embrace the holiday spirit.

This five-hour experience includes pickup and drop-off from any downtown hotel. You will be guided through the city, stopping at several renowned landmarks.

Moreover, enjoy shopping for gifts at Granville Island Market before visiting the remarkable 140-meter-long Capilano Suspension Bridge. There’s no need to worry about fear of heights, as the 70-meter drop remains concealed in the darkness.

4. Classic Vancouver Panorama Tour by Seaplane

This brief yet exhilarating tour offers one of the most favored methods to view Vancouver and the North Shore mountains from an aerial perspective. Departure from downtown’s Coal Harbour takes place in one of North America’s first carbon-neutral airplanes.

Experience stunning vistas of the city as the flight traverses over various landmarks, culminating in a water spray landing at the city’s convention center. Flexibility is a key benefit of this tour, allowing you to schedule the flight at a time that best fits your itinerary.

5. Victoria Fly n’ Drive: Full Day Sightseeing Trip

This offers another thrilling opportunity to experience a sea-plane flight. This day trip lets you not only ascend to the skies but also explore the capital of British Columbia, Victoria.

After a 35-minute flight from Coal Harbour, enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf Islands from above courtesy of North America’s first carbon-neutral airline. Once you land in Victoria, you have an entire day to decide how to explore the city.

Your return to Vancouver is provided via a coach by BC Ferries, sailing out of Victoria’s distinguished harbor.

6. Vancouver City Highlights: 4-hour Tour

If your time in Vancouver is limited, this tour is well-suited for you. Experience the city’s most iconic attractions in a luxurious, air-conditioned vehicle, where each seat is positioned next to a window. Your experienced and knowledgeable guide will provide insights about the landmarks throughout the journey.

Prepare to see historical landmarks, vibrant shopping areas, and cultural centers such as Chinatown, Granville Island, and Stanley Park. The tour includes a stop at the Harbour Centre Tower, where admission to the Vancouver Lookout observation deck is incorporated. Enjoy stunning 360-degree views of the city from above, ensuring you capture unforgettable photographs.

7. Vancouver: 2.5 hour Little Italy Walking Tour

If you aim to delight a culinary enthusiast, this 2.5-hour tour through Little Italy is an exceptional choice. Sample an array of enticing sweet and savory dishes from the city’s renowned Italian food scene.

Led by a passionate local guide, you will stop at nine distinct locations for tastings, including pizza, pasta, and various desserts. This tour not only guarantees a gastronomic delight but also offers interactions with the owners of family businesses that have graced Little Italy for decades. It is an unmissable experience for Italian food lovers.

8. Seattle Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver

Merely a 2½-hour journey across the border from Vancouver, visiting Seattle is an excellent opportunity to add an extra stamp to your passport, especially since it is known for its grunge music and the original Starbucks.

Deluxe bus transportation is arranged for the entire trip. An experienced guide will not only share valuable information but will also assist with the border crossing.

Upon arrival in Seattle, you will embark on a guided tour of the city, visiting the first Starbucks Coffee shop and Pike Place Market, while learning about Seattle’s iconic music scene. There will be free time in the afternoon to explore before returning to Vancouver in the evening.

9. Victoria Helicopter Tour in a Hurry

This tour is uniquely designed for those with limited time. Following pick-up from any Vancouver hotel, you will board a helicopter that quickly transports you to Victoria while enjoying breathtaking views of the striking Gulf Islands below.

You will have five hours to explore at your leisure in Victoria, where you can appreciate the British Colonial architecture or stroll through the exquisitely landscaped gardens. If you choose to take a break from your busy itinerary, consider finding a coffee shop to relax and indulge in people-watching.

After your five hours, your return to Vancouver will be made via a thrilling seaplane journey before you are dropped off at your accommodation.

10. Private Full-Day Best of Vancouver’s City and Distillery Tour

Designed exclusively for adults, this nine-hour tour grants you the chance to not only explore the city’s highlights but also to visit and enjoy tastings at three recently-established craft distilleries.

Your day commences with pick-up from your accommodation, followed by sightseeing of Stanley Park, complete with native totem poles, Chinatown, Granville Island, and Queen Elizabeth Park. After lunch, guided tastings at all three distilleries will commence, much to your delight, and you will surely contemplate recreating the cocktails at home on your way back.

11. Vancouver Whale Watching Safari

This safari delivers superior wildlife viewing compared to facilities like Sea World, presenting a high probability of observing captivating orcas in their natural habitat. Enjoy pick-up from your accommodation and proceed to the covered speedboat for a three to six-hour excursion focused on wildlife spotting.

In addition to orcas, maintain vigilance for sea lions, eagles, dolphins, and grey whales among other marine animals, ensuring an unforgettable maritime adventure. This trip also includes a visit to Granville Island, a favored shopping destination in Vancouver.

12. The Gulf Islands: Kayak Outing with Seaplane Experience

After savoring the diverse culinary scene of the city, participating in a kayak tour provides a refreshing way to engage in physical activity. This excursion offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the Pacific coastline and observe native wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and otters.

Your journey begins with hotel pick-up from any Vancouver accommodation, followed by the exhilaration of a seaplane flight over the Gulf Islands. Following the aerial adventure, you will kayak through some of the world’s most diverse coastal waters, guided by an experienced instructor, making it accessible for beginners.

Conclude this remarkable experience with a picnic on a secluded beach.

13. From Vancouver: Banff National Park Rocky Mountain Tour

This remarkable multi-day excursion might be somewhat costly, yet it is truly invaluable. Best experienced when you have ample time, the journey extends over three days, including travel to and from Banff National Park.

Throughout your three incredible days in the park, visit the Vermillion Lakes, traverse a glacier in an ice explorer truck, and enjoy the panorama from the Skytram Gondola in Jasper.

The package includes travel, a skilled driver, a knowledgeable guide, and entrance fees to national parks, making it an essential choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

14. From Vancouver: 4-Day Rockies Summer Adventure Tour

This four-day Rockies tour caters to individuals who prefer a more leisurely travel pace. The itinerary is designed to allow extended time at each location, fostering a deeper connection to each area.

The package includes deluxe coach transportation, three nights of accommodations, the guidance of an experienced tour guide, wine tasting sessions, and the highlight of a delightful campfire with marshmallow roasting.

Experience the spectacular, electric blue hues of one of Canada’s most renowned lakes, Lake Louise, from an elevated gondola perspective. This summer tour of the Rockies is an incredible value.

15. Vancouver Nature Hike and Bike including lunch

This active day is suitable for cyclists of all skill levels. Begin your journey with a bus ride 50 kilometers south of Vancouver’s downtown, followed by an exhilarating adventure in Lynn Canyon Park forest and Pitt Meadows.

This tour combines five kilometers of hiking with 20 kilometers of cycling; your guide will lead you over a 50-meter suspension bridge, suitable even for the faint-hearted, while navigating the best vantage points for panoramic views of the canyon and through a 1,000-year-old forest.

Enjoy a complimentary picnic lunch and a complimentary bottle of water during the excursion, perhaps in one of the picturesque meadows or under the shadows of the Golden Ears and Pinecone Provincial Park mountains.