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 ways to get to know it in depth is to opt for some of the tours and excursions offered by the city. These experiences will give you the chance to see not only the natural side of the city, but also the cultural profile of the place, as well as some of the best panoramic views in the country.

Some of the best things to do in Vancouver include a tour of Grouse Mountain, a bus tour of 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 neighbourhood. 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 metres above sea level.

From the top of Grouse Mountain you'll enjoy sweeping, unobstructed views stretching from the ocean to the surrounding mountains. A natural vantage point where you'll have the opportunity to appreciate the true scenic beauty of the place and a perfect backdrop for some of the best photographs of your trip. Whether it's summer with its green landscapes or winter with its blanket of snow, this mountain offers an unparalleled visual experience.

If you plan to visit Vancouver during the winter, you'll have the opportunity to see how Grouse Mountain is transformed into a paradise for seasonal sports enthusiasts. Here 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.
• Benefits of these tours: You'll get to see one of Vancouver's most famous natural sites in and around the city.
• Disadvantages of these tours: While the cable car ride is very nice, you won't have enough time to walk the trail from the base to the top, which 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 metres, is one of Vancouver's most famous attractions and a must-see experience for visitors. During your visit, you'll 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 locals and tourists alike. In addition, the 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 tours: about 5.5 hours.
• Benefits of these tours: You'll get to see one of Vancouver's top attractions in a comfortable and organised tour.
• Disadvantages of these tours: You won't 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're the adventurous type, you may want to embark on a seaplane tour to discover the panoramic beauty of this destination. This type of excursion offers a completely new perspective of the city, combining on 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 glimpse 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 colourful 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.

Also, if you're planning to visit Vancouver during the Christmas season, you'll be able to take in the Christmas Eve decorations that often adorn the city's main buildings and monuments on these tours.

Interesting details

• 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 tours: as the seaplane flies at an altitude of about 3,000 metres, on cloudy days you may have reduced visibility during the tour.

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

Howe Sound is home to an abundance of marine life, from curious seals to bald eagles. During the boat trip, visitors will have the opportunity to spot 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 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 deck of the ship.

Details of interest

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

A tour of Granville Island will allow you to soak up the essence of Vancouver, and the distinctive local street market is an essential stop on this adventure. Situated on a picturesque island, this market is a foodie's and craft lover's paradise.

During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore the market's colourful 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, which are typical of the region. At the fruit and vegetable stalls, vibrant colours 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. Here you can enjoy local dishes such as fish and chips, gourmet empanadas or freshly prepared sushi. The choices are as varied as they are delicious, creating a unique dining experience that reflects Vancouver's gastronomic and cultural diversity.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 70 euros per person
• Duration of these tours: about 2 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will experience the city's most popular market, which is noted for its fresh food and craft 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 kilometres north of Vancouver, is one of the epicentres of the mountains of British Columbia, and is also one of the most visited places in the country due to the natural richness it offers with panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers. A full-day tour from Vancouver is one of the best things to do during your stay in the city.

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

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

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 134 euros per person.
• Duration of these excursions: about 11.5 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: 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 scenery, 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 day trips you can take from Vancouver is to Victoria, which is considered the cultural capital of Canada. Located on the southern tip of the country, about 115 kilometres from English Bay, this city will allow you to see the Victorian colonial architecture that distinguished the Canadian territories in the 19th century as well as the region's wildlife.

These experiences often include a trip aboard a boat from the deck of which you can spot eagles, whales and sea lions. Also, on the way between the two cities, you'll 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 of these archipelagos are the natural home to many indigenous species that contribute to Victoria and the surrounding area being considered the perfect blend of British cultural heritage and unspoilt nature.

Useful details

• Price: approximately ¤178 per person.
• Duration of these tours: about 12 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the colonial heritage of British Columbia and discover the local wildlife.
• Disadvantages of these tours: Sightings of certain species depend on the time of year, so keep an eye out for seasonal information.

If you want to see Canada's west coast, one of the best options is to join a cruise tour of the coastal strip, which will usually include a visit to Bowen Island, the main and most important island in this part of Canada. On these experiences, which last approximately 3 hours, you can 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 boat or from the shore of the island, especially if you plan to visit Vancouver during the autumn. 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 dine or snack in the island's restaurants and watch the sunset over the Canadian west coast.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 116 euros per person.
• Duration of these excursions: about 3 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: 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, may cancel or delay your tour.

You can either book tours in Vancouver in advance online or book them once you're in the city. However, if you're planning to visit in the summer or during the peak season months, it's advisable 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 tour, so if you want to save money or are planning to spend a limited budget on this tour, it's best to buy tours in advance of your visit. If you're planning to visit Vancouver in the winter, you'll have more last minute alternatives due to the low season.

The answer depends on which tours 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 and industrial past and even experience some adventurous experiences, such as seeing the city skyline from a seaplane or skiing and snowboarding on Grouse Mountain in the winter.

If you're planning on visiting Vancouver during the peak season, the top tip is to book your tours in advance, which will save you time and money as you won't be reliant on last minute shopping. I also recommend that you consider the best time of year for each activity, especially with regard to the weather.

Temperatures can be very changeable during the autumn in Vancouver and also during the winter months, so always pack warm clothes and a rain jacket on rainy days, and also check the weather before setting your tour dates, especially those with scenic views which may be affected by a cloudy or rainy skyline.