vancouver city sightseeing tour

15 Best Vancouver Sightseeing Tours & City Excursions

Taking the best Vancouver city tours is the best way to learn, understand, and live the city.

Getting immersive, entertaining city information on Vancouver excursions also saves time – and increases the value of each second spent in the city.

Let’s break down the top sightseeing tours in Vancouver to see if we can find the right one for you.

⚠️ Warning ⚠️ – Especially during high season, tickets to the best Vancouver tours sell out quickly. Guarantee your tickets by booking in the Vancouver sightseeing shop at Viator . It also helps us get one step closer to doing Vancouver Planner for a living ?

Best Vancouver Sightseeing Tours & Excursions in 2024

The Lost Souls of Gastown Tour – Best Vancouver City Tour for History

Location:  Gastown | Length: 1.5 hours | Cost:  From $37.80 CAD

Gastown is the most historic neighbourhood in Vancouver, hands down.

Its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways hint at a feisty frontier town, not a cosmopolitan city of millions. The first building there was actually a pub built by loggers who were paid in whiskey.

Loggers, whiskey, you see where I’m going with this – this is the top of our best walking tours of Vancouver .

Throw in the Great Vancouver Fire, some smallpox outbreaks, and tales of revenge and redemption , and we’ve got the makings of a delightfully macabre Vancouver walking tour .

I like this one for groups seeking city tours as it’s arguably the most social Vancouver tour , and it offers lots of hidden gems.

The Stanley Park Bike Tour – Top Stanley Park Tour

Location: Stanley Park | Length:  3 hours | Cost:  From $103.50 CAD

Stanley Park is one of the most fabulous urban parks in the world, and it stands out because it’s not the byproduct of any fancy landscaping. It’s exactly as nature left it – with about half a million trees .

The park has the Vancouver Aquarium , is home to breathtaking First Nations totem poles , and counts some amazing panoramic city views along the Stanley Park Seawall .

This is one of the best bike tours of Vancouver , and you’ll weave through old-growth forest trails ,  learn all about local flora and fauna, and learn the Coastal First Nations history of life before the settlers came.

Wanting to leave the bike aside? Check out our top Stanley Park tours for other methods.

Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour with Stanley Park & Granville Island – Top City Tour for Tourists

Meeting Point: Georgian Court Hotel | Length:  3.5 hours | Cost:  From $78.75 CAD

Here’s a tourist tour for people wanting to check off major sights with the least amount of hassle possible .

The epic food market and artisan stronghold at Granville Island is tough to get to, so sitting back and letting them take you to the action is the highlight of this trip.

The fact it also includes all the highlights of Stanley Park makes this a great one-two punch.

Along the way, you’ll get all the info from First Nations to contemporary culture through a knowledgeable guide – and they even take you to Gastown and Chinatown as well.

Talking Trees Tour – Best Vancouver Walking Tour

Location:  Stanley Park |  Length:  1.5 hours |  Cost:  From $75.00 CAD

This captivating interpretive walking tour in Stanley Park is an ideal way to learn about the history and culture of the First Nations peoples.

This is the real Vancouver local tour.

Accompanied by a knowledgeable cultural ambassador , the tour offers a unique firsthand perspective on how Aboriginal people have preserved and nurtured these lands, forests, and oceans for generations.

As you explore the natural beauty of Stanley Park, you’ll gain valuable insights into the rich heritage of the local First Nations , with the goal of deepening your understanding of their customs.

Vancouver Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour – Best City Tour for Cruisers

Location: Downtown | Length:  2.5 hours | Cost:  From $65.00 CAD

I always recommend Vancouver hop-on hop-off bus tours for anybody on day one of a Vancouver itinerary or for cruisers arriving at the Vancouver cruise terminal .

Since it includes all the major photo landmarks , it’ll look like you were here for weeks! 🙂

Once you’re picked up, you’ll be taken to prime downtown locations like Canada Place, Stanley Park, and Robson Street . It’ll also follow some of Vancouver’s best beaches along English Bay before dropping you off at Queen Elizabeth Park .

The tour in Vancouver finishes up in Chinatown and Gastown (with a stop at the Gastown Steam Clock).

Prince of Whales – Best Vancouver Day Tour on the Water

Location:  Granville Island | Length: 5 hours | Cost:  From $235.99 CAD

This is one of the top Vancouver nature tours, whether you’re grabbing their half-day tours or their full-on  day trips from Vancouver that’ll take you all the way to Victoria .

What I love about their half-day whale-watching tour is that it departs right from Granville Island aboard the Salish Sea Freedom – the biggest, fastest ship in the fleet that’ll have you on whale grounds in a hurry.

The chance to see orcas and humpback whales in the wild on the top Vancouver whale watching tours is true bucket list stuff.

There’s a 90%+ sighting rate, and if they don’t deliver, you’re allowed to come back another day.

Small Group Grouse Mountain & Capilano Bridge Tour – Best Nature Tour in Vancouver

Location:  Hotel Pickup | Length:  5 hours | Cost:  From $289.99 CAD

Vancouver’s crown nature jewels are on full display with this small group (14 or fewer) family-friendly tour .

With convenient hotel pickup , you’ll be shuttled through Stanley Park and over the Lion’s Gate Bridge to North Vancouver: home of the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain .

You’ll get entry to both world-class attractions and around two hours to spend at each. Old-growth forest , epic views, grizzly bears , lumberjack shows, dining, patios, totem poles – it’s all here.

Evening Guided Bus Tour of Vancouver – Best Vancouver Night Tour

Location:  Downtown | Length:  90 minutes | Cost:  From $34.00 CAD

If you’re visiting Vancouver in summer and have limited time but want to squeeze in all the golden hour glory into one quick trip, this is the Vancouver tour for you.

The idea of this seasonal tour is to visit spots like Stanley Park (including Prospect Point), English Bay, and Queen Elizabeth Park under the amazing twilight rays, with much smaller crowds .

The tour winds up in Gastown , which is an ideal nightcap if you’re looking to explore the best bars in Vancouver .

These tours of Vancouver BC run at 19:30 daily between May 20th and October 10th. 

Epic Electric Bike Tour – Best City Tour of Vancouver on Bikes

Location:  Hornby Street | Length:  4 hours | Cost:  From $149.50 CAD

Here’s a top Vancouver tour for people who wanna cover a ton of ground that can’t be done on bus routes – or even traditional bikes, for that matter.

This small group Vancouver city tour (max 8 people) utilizes the city’s bike trails , taking you through Stanley Park and the Vancouver Seawall, + some of downtown’s top neighbourhoods.

This Vancouver city sightseeing tour is led by an entertaining and professional guide to get you up to speed on city lore.

The Grand Bike Tour – Best Sightseeing Tour of Vancouver for Exercise

Location:  Vancouver | Length:  5 hours | Cost:  From $129.00 CAD

I love this one for Vancouver visitors who just want to get after it , consuming real Vancouver culture (and calories!) over an un-rushed ride through the city’s best areas.

This is one of these all-inclusive Vancouver tours that’ll get any true traveller excited. Along the way, you’ll discover four major Vancouver can’t-miss sights , all from the seat of your bike:

• Granville Island Public Market
• Stanley Park

All will be explained by an entertaining, fact-packed tour guide who’ll weave you through old-growth forests, beachside promenades, and cultural hot spots .

Vancouver Instagram Tour – Top Photography of All Best Vancouver Day Tours

Location:  Downtown | Length:  1.5 hours | Cost: From $80.00 CAD

OK, so the name might be a bit deceiving for non-millennials and younger – but this is a legitimate sightseeing tour of Vancouver – with a photography focus .

The best part? It’ll load you up with iconic postcard-like photos with just your mobile phone.

This small group tour is run by a professional photographer. They’ll take you on seasonal and weather-specific tours to city landmarks like the Art Deco Marine Building, the Olympic Cauldron, the Vancouver Art Gallery balcony, Gastown, Chinatown, and more.

All the while, they’ll be giving great photography tips and telling compelling stories about the city.

Vancouver Seaplane Tour – Top Vancouver Sightseeing Tour for Couples

Location:  Downtown | Length: 20 minutes | Cost:  From $167.97 CAD

This small group tour of Vancouver is for those who want to not only get the best city view but for those looking for a true bucket list experience .

I mean, how many people have ever taken off in a seaplane? Departing right from Vancouver Harbour , you’ll be up in the air in 60 seconds with epic views of Grouse Mountain , the skyline, and the BC coast.

The splash landing (don’t get the wrong idea, there’s no danger) is a huge thrill . This is great for couples seeking city tours in Vancouver with a little adventure .

Vancouver Private Tour – Best Private Vancouver City Tour

Location: Vancouver | Length:  3 hours | Cost:  From $312.50 CAD

For those looking for private sightseeing tours in Vancouver, look no further than the private Vancouver Sightseeing Tour – which is the top price-value ratio private Vancouver tour in the city.

Here you’ll get picked up directly at your hotel and taken on a five-star tour of Vancouver’s top attractions with your own professional guide – you’ll learn the history , laugh at jokes, and discover some great secrets to take advantage of during your stay.

The best part? With these private Vancouver Canada city tours, once you’ve booked, they’ll put you in touch with your guide to make a customized Vancouver tour depending on your interests.

FlyOver Canada 4D Video Experience – Cheapest Tour in Vancouver

Location: Downtown | Length: 8 minutes | Cost:  From $30.45 CAD

Tell somebody it’s possible to fly across Canada in 8 minutes and wait for the look on their face – then tell them you did that at FlyOver Canada in downtown Vancouver.

This state-of-the-art flight simulation uses 4D technology to make you feel like you’re really taking a flight across Canada – whether you’re being sprayed with the mist of Niagara Falls or breathing in the scents of an Alberta flowerbed, this is a true 5 sense experience. 

This is one of the cheapest Vancouver BC city tours, and in my opinion, since it’s indoors, it is one of the best things to do in Vancouver in winter .

Victoria Highlights Tour – Top Vancouver Tour to Escape the City

Location: Vancouver & Victoria | Length: 13 hours | Cost:  From $229.00 CAD

OK, so this isn’t a Vancouver day tour, but if you’re looking for Vancouver to Victoria tours , this is the fastest way to do it – and you’ll see a National Historic Site of Canada with over a million bedding plants while you’re at it.

Butchart Gardens is an oasis of fountains , stunning sculptures, and tranquil streams kept prime by over 50 full-time gardeners . You’ll also fit in the Empress Hotel , Canada’s oldest Chinatown, Victoria’s Inner Harbour and more.

This is one of the most romantic city tours on the list – and one of the most romantic things to do in Vancouver , period.

Looking for Vancouver Sightseeing Tours?

That’s Vancouver’s top city tours wrapped. That said, maybe you’re looking for something a little different.

Don’t be afraid to write me in the comments below – we answer every question here about Vancouver city highlights tours or anything else Vancouver-related! Just try us.

Enjoy our list of top Vancouver sightseeing tours ?

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We will come off the ship in the morning but do not fly out until 10 pm. Had thought to leave luggage at airport storage & connect with a four from there. Do you have a suggestion? Assume we’d have to get to the city to get the hop on hop off bus? Appreciate any and all suggestions. Thank you, Claudia

Hi Claudia,

Honestly, it seems like a massive headache to get off the ship downtown, head to the airport (opposite direction to everything) to drop the bags, and then head back to downtown for any of the tours… would be about an hour of travel for no real reason.

Personally, I would simply drop off your luggage at the cruise terminal luggage storage right on the dock… then you can grab the hoho bus from 50 meters away!

You’d have all day to see the city… then grab your luggage at 5 and maybe have an easy dinner nearby before heading to the airport.

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City & Harbour Tour

Fraud notice: new policy.

In an effort to combat fraud, a government-issued photo ID (e.g., Passport, Driver’s License) and the credit card used to book the tour are required at check-in for all bookings. The ID must match the name on the credit card used to purchase the tour. Any bookings where the lead traveller’s name does not match the name on the credit card used for payment will be automatically cancelled. Failure to provide a government-issued ID and the matching credit card at check-in will also result in the cancellation.

City & Harbour Tour Route

Points of Interest

• Granville Island & False Creek
• Siwash Rock
• Coal Harbour
• North Shore
• Lions Gate Bridge
• Kitsilano Beach
• English Bay

What you could see

Departing From

GRANVILLE ISLAND ADVENTURE CENTRE

1666 Duranleau St, Vancouver, BC V6H 352, Canada

Please remember to check in 30 minutes before your adventure.

What to Wear

Dress in layers and wear flat closed-toed shoes for marine travel. We’ll be moving at high speeds (over 30 mph or 55 km/h) on the water, where temperatures are at least 10 degrees C cooler. Bring a windbreaker or jacket to stay comfortable outdoors. Zodiac passengers must wear our red cruiser suits, which keep you warm and act as life preservers. These suits are required by Transport Canada. Lastly, don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen!

What People are Saying

Top 1% of tours worldwide.

BC’s only climate positive Waterfront Tour operator

Cancellation Policy

Need to cancel or reschedule – no problem! Just contact us at least 48 hours prior to your adventure’s departure to reschedule or to cancel (and receive a full refund), no questions asked.

Terms & Conditions

• This adventure has a hassle-free 48-hour cancellation policy. Just contact us at least 48 hours prior to your departure to cancel and receive a full refund.
• For independent travel bookings of 9 passengers or less: 48 hours before scheduled departure, partial or whole cancellations made within 48 hours before departure will be charged 100% of the tour price. Tour amendments cannot be completed within a 48-hour window. There will be no refunds for cancellations within the cancellation period.
• For groups of 10-19: 14 days before scheduled departure, partial or whole cancellations made within 14 days before departure will be charged 100% of the tour price based on the reserved number of passengers, or the final number in attendance, whichever is greater. Tour amendments cannot be guaranteed within a 14-day window.
• For Groups 20+: 21 days before scheduled departure; partial or whole cancellations made within 21 days before departure will be charged 100% of the tour price. Tour amendments cannot be guaranteed within the 21-day window.
• For wholesale, travel trade, and 3rd party bookings, the cancellation and amendment policy can differ. Please refer to your booking contract for details. no questions asked. Groups of 10+ guests are subject to a 72-hour cancellation policy. There will be no refunds for cancellations within the cancellation period.
• Promotional (discounted) bookings are final sale.
• We reserve the right to delay or cancel a departure if there are fewer than 20 guests reserved at the time of departure or in case of events beyond our control (adverse weather conditions, technical or mechanical issues etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

How long are the adventures.

Adventures are 90 – 180 minutes long

How early do we need to arrive before our tour?

We ask that you arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.

What do you see on the tours?

The Zodiacs will cover a route along Coal Harbour, the Northshore, English Bay, False Creek and Stanley Park, with Vancouver’s highlights being talked about along the way. You will get a different perspective of the city skyscrapers, runners on the seawall, get up close and personal to the offshore freighters and wave to sun tanners on Vancouver’s beaches. If you have anything specific you are interested in, please let our skippers know they would be happy to talk about those with you. Vancouver is also home to a variety of birds and sea mammals, with possible sightings of dolphins, harbor seals, bald eagles and other sea birds during our adventures.

Where do I keep my personal belongings?

Our offices have complimentary lockers for dry storage and we recommend using it so purses and handbags are not water damaged.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes, bring your camera and/or video camera. We also recommend that you bring a plastic bag to keep your camera safe and dry during transit. The boat will come to a complete stop for photo opportunities. Don’t forget your batteries!

Are there bathrooms on the boat?

The Zodiacs are open aired, and therefore do not have washrooms on board. We recommend that you use the public washrooms (located next to our office) before your departure.

Are adventures safe?

Of course! The Zodiacs go fast but there will be no 360 degree turns on this tour. The adventures are designed for fast sightseeing and not a thrill park ride.

Do I need to make a reservation?

Reservations are definitely recommended so that we can offer you the best departure time to fit your schedule. Trips often sell out and we don’t want you to be disappointed. However, if you are walking past and want to join an adventure, head to the office 1666 Duranleau Street on Granville Island across from Bridges Restaurant and jump on the next scheduled adventure with availability.

Is there an age limit?

There is a minimum height restriction of 4 feet/120cm. This typically applies to children under the age of 7 years.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour is not suitable for anyone with a history of serious medical conditions including but not limited to back or neck injury, recent surgery, and/or current or suspected pregnancy.

Do you run in all types of weather?

Tours operate rain or shine! Safety is our priority, and in extreme weather conditions or high winds adventures may be cancelled at the discretion of our qualified skippers.

Other useful info

You may get a little wet!