Best Tours and Day Trips in Vancouver

Vancouver, which is surrounded by natural wonders, is one of the most visited destinations in southwestern Canada, so one of the best alternatives to know it thoroughly is to opt for some of the tours and excursions offered by the city. In these experiences you will be able to know not only its natural facet, but also the cultural profile of this place, besides contemplating some of the best panoramic views of the country.

Some of the best things to do in Vancouver include a tour of Grouse Mountain, a bus trip to the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, seeing the city from above on a seaplane ride, a boat tour of Howe Sound Fjord, a tour of Granville Island and a food tour of the historic Gastown district. Are you ready? Here we go!

Grouse Mountain is one of the most beautiful sites around Vancouver and visiting this site on a guided tour is an unforgettable experience that combines the convenience of the cable car with panoramic views of the region. Climbing aboard the Skyride cable car, you will be transported to the top of the mountain, which is 1,200 meters above sea level.

From the top of Grouse Mountain you will enjoy expansive, unobstructed views that span from the ocean to the surrounding mountains. A natural lookout where you will have the opportunity to appreciate the true scenic beauty of the place and which will become a perfect setting to take some of the best pictures of your trip. Whether in summer with its green landscapes or in winter with its blanket of snow, this mountain offers an unparalleled visual experience.

If you plan to visit Vancouver during the winter, you will have the opportunity to see how Grouse Mountain is transformed into a paradise for seasonal sports enthusiasts. There you can combine your visit with skiing and snowboarding activities, taking advantage of the well-groomed slopes and world-class facilities available for all levels of skiing and snowboarding expertise.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 57 euros per person
• Duration of these excursions: about 4 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know one of the most famous natural sites in and around Vancouver.
• Disadvantages of these tours: although the cable car ride is very nice, you will not have enough time to walk the trail that connects the base to the top and offers sweeping views of the region.

If you want to see one of Vancouver's top attractions, you can't miss the Capilano Suspension Bridge on a guided tour. These tours usually include round-trip bus transfers and allow you to immerse yourself in a masterpiece that combines engineering with respect for nature.

This iconic suspension bridge, suspended across the Capilano River at a height of 70 meters, is one of Vancouver's most famous attractions and a must-see experience for visitors. During your visit, you will not only have the opportunity to take amazing photographs of your journey, but also to walk on the platform, discover the panoramic views and learn about the ingenious design that makes the bridge a portal to a world of lush greenery.

The fame of the Capilano Bridge is due in part to its infrastructure and construction, but also to the emotional connection it provides with the surrounding nature. The experience of walking over the suspension bridge, surrounded by green forests, creates an unforgettable moment that attracts both locals and tourists. In addition, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers additional activities, such as treetop walkways, which allow visitors to explore the forest canopy from exciting heights.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 97 euros per person
• Duration of these excursions: about 5 and a half hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know one of Vancouver's main attractions in a comfortable and organized tour.
• Disadvantages of these tours: you will not have much free time to explore the area around the suspension bridge on your own.

One of Vancouver's main attractions is its sweeping views of the skyscrapers and surrounding mountains, so if you are one of those who prefer adventure tours, you can take a seaplane tour to discover the panoramic beauty of this destination. This type of excursion offers a completely new perspective of the city, combining in the same plane the natural and urban landscapes that embrace the Pacific coast.

From the air you will have the opportunity to appreciate Vancouver's coastline, its skyscrapers and the unique interconnection between the natural environment and modern life. One of the highlights of these seaplane tours is the opportunity to view Stanley Park from heights inaccessible by land. In addition, the seaplane will give you a panorama of the city's distinctive architecture, such as the Vancouver Skyline and the famous Lions Gate Bridge.

The seaplane tour will also allow you to discover the network of islands that punctuate the local coastline, such as Granville Island and its colorful markets, as well as the majestic coastal mountains. The views of these islands from the air will give you a full appreciation of the rich geographic diversity that surrounds the city, especially if you plan to visit Vancouver in the summer when the skies are clear.

In addition, if you plan to visit Vancouver during the Christmas season, you will be able to see the eve decorations that often adorn the city's main buildings and monuments on these tours.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 111 euros per person
• Duration of these tours: about 30 minutes.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get a wide panoramic view of the city impossible to achieve by other means.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: since the seaplane flies at an altitude of about 3,000 meters, on cloudy days you may have reduced visibility during the tour.

For a different kind of excursion without leaving Vancouver's natural wonders behind, you can opt for a boat trip to Howe Sound Fjord, which will give you the opportunity to explore a fjord surrounded by mountains and dotted with islands, providing an ideal backdrop for a maritime experience.

Howe Sound is home to an abundance of marine life, from curious seals to bald eagles. During the boat excursion, visitors will have the opportunity to see these creatures in their natural habitat and in some cases may even experience whale watching. The crystal clear waters of the fjord will also give you the chance to observe the details of the seabed.

Among the highlights of a trip to Howe Sound Fjord is Bowen Island, known for its rustic charm and picturesque scenery. Ships exploring these waters also approach points of interest such as Anvil Mountain and Whytecliff Provincial Park, giving passengers the opportunity to appreciate the diversity of British Columbia's coastal geography from the ship's deck.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 69 euros per person
• Duration of these excursions: about 2 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to see some of Vancouver's most picturesque islands, which are noted for their rich native wildlife.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: these tours require optimal weather conditions for navigation, so in winter it is common to reschedule departures.

Taking a tour of Granville Island allows you to soak up the essence of Vancouver, and its distinctive local flea market is an essential stop on this adventure. Located on a picturesque island, this market is a paradise for food and craft lovers.

During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore the market's colorful streets, which are lined with stalls offering everything from fresh produce to unique items from local artists.

The Granville Island Market is famous for its culinary diversity. Foodies can indulge in a wide range of options, from artisanal cheeses to fresh seafood, that are typical of the region. At the fruit and vegetable stands, vibrant colors and fresh aromas captivate the senses. In addition, local bakers offer a variety of freshly baked goods and tempting sweets.

One of the highlights of a Granville Island tour is the opportunity to sample fresh, freshly prepared food. There you can enjoy local cuisine such as fish and chips, gourmet empanadas or freshly prepared sushi. The options are as varied as they are delicious, creating a unique culinary experience that reflects Vancouver's gastronomic and cultural diversity.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 70 euros per person
• Duration of these tours: about 2 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know the most popular market in the city, which stands out for its fresh food and handicraft products.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: you will have little free time to explore the stalls and the surroundings of the market on your own.

Whistler, located 120 kilometers north of Vancouver, is one of the epicenters of the mountains of British Columbia, and is also one of the most visited places in the country due to the natural wealth it offers with panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers. Touring this site from Vancouver on a full-day excursion is one of the best activities you can do during your stay in the city.

These tours usually include round-trip hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as the assistance of an expert local guide who will take you through the coastal forests to discover the local wildlife. In addition, you will also have access to the Sea to Sky cable car, which offers a panoramic tour that includes the skyline of Whistler and its surroundings.

These experiences are ideal for getting out of Vancouver's urban focus and getting to know the nearby towns, which are characterized by their picturesque landscapes and sporting activities, especially if you plan to visit this destination during the winter.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 134 euros per person.
• Duration of these excursions: about 11 hours and a half.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know one of the most famous cities in Canada, located in the outskirts of Vancouver.
• Disadvantages of these tours: although in winter you will find the most picturesque landscapes, many of the trails are closed for safety and you can only reach the top of the mountain by cable car.

One of the best full day trips you can take from Vancouver is to Victoria, which is considered the cultural capital of Canada. This city, located in the far south of the country, about 115 kilometers from English Bay, will allow you to tour the Victorian colonial architecture that distinguished the Canadian territories in the nineteenth century and also the wildlife of the region.

These experiences usually also include a trip aboard a ship from whose deck you will be able to see eagles, whales and sea lions. In addition, on the way between the two cities you will have the opportunity to stop at the Butchart Botanical Gardens, a themed setting filled with local and international plants and flowers.

During the boat trip, an expert local guide will tell you the history of the Gulf Islands, a group of hundreds of islets including Saturna, Gabriola, Kuper and Mayne. All these archipelagos are the natural setting for many native species that contribute to Victoria and its surroundings being considered the perfect blend of British cultural heritage and the unchanged nature of the region.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 178 euros per person.
• Duration of these excursions: about 12 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know the colonial heritage of British Columbia and discover the local wildlife.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: the sighting of certain species depends on the time of the year, so you will have to pay attention to the seasonal information.

If you want to get to know the west coast of Canada, one of the best alternatives is to participate in a cruise excursion along the coastal strip, which will usually include a visit to Bowen Island, the main and most important island of this Canadian sector. In these experiences, which last approximately 3 hours, you will be able to discover the landscape of cliffs, mountains and forests from a different perspective.

Bowen Island is also famous for its diverse wildlife, including sea lions, migratory birds and, during the mating season, whales, which you can see from the deck of the ship or from the shore of the island, especially if you plan to visit Vancouver during the fall. These tours usually include a stop in the archipelago with free time to explore the island on your own.

Some of these tours also offer a more complete experience, allowing you to have dinner or a snack in the island's restaurants and discover the sunset of the Canadian west coast from there.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 116 euros per person.
• Duration of these excursions: about 3 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know the beautiful local geography from a different perspective.
• Disadvantages of these tours: the wind on the Canadian west coast is very strong, so weather conditions, especially in winter, could cancel or delay your tour.

You can either book tours in Vancouver in advance online or book them once you are in the city. However, if you are planning to visit this destination in the summer or during the high season months, I advise you to book in advance, especially for nature tours, to secure your place and save money on last minute purchases.

Keep in mind that rates in Canada are dynamic and depend largely on tourist demand and also on the proximity of the event or excursion, so if you want to save money or plan to spend a limited budget on this tour, it is best to purchase tours before your visit. If you plan to visit Vancouver in winter you will have more last minute alternatives due to the low season.

The answer will depend on the tour you choose, but in general you'll get to see the main natural attractions in and around Vancouver and other popular tourist sites such as the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which is not only a masterpiece of engineering but also a perfect canvas for some of the best photographs of your trip.

During these tours, you can also learn about the local history, its industrial past and even have some adventurous experiences, such as seeing the city skyline from a seaplane or skiing or snowboarding on Grouse Mountain during the winter.

If you are planning to visit Vancouver during the high season, the main advice is to book your tours in advance, which will save you time and money, as you won't be dependent on last minute shopping. Also, I recommend that you analyze the best time of the year for each activity, especially regarding the weather.

Also, the temperature tends to be very changeable during the fall in Vancouver and also during the winter months, so I advise you to always carry warm clothes, raincoat during rainy days and also check the weather before setting the date of the tours, especially those involving scenic views that could be affected by the cloudy or rainy horizon.