Vancouver

Day Trips

Enjoy the most popular tour of Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains. This ideal introduction to seaplane aviation departs from downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour and provides a complete aerial view of the city, as well as its surrounding parks and beaches. As if the scenery isn't enough, the thrill of flying will really carry you away. The exhilarating spray of the water is always a highlight during take-off and landing. With over 50 aircraft currently, your hosts operate the largest all-seaplane fleet and the first carbon neutral airline in North America. DeHavilland DHC-3 Turbine Single Otters and Twin Otters service regularly scheduled flights between the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. DHC-2 Beavers service the Gulf Islands. Cessna 185 aircraft are available for charter.

Go on one of the must-do tours in British Columbia! Start the day hopping aboard a luxury coach, then sit back and enjoy the spectacular views and scenic stops that the Sea to Sky Tour has to offer. Along the journey to Whistler, you will come across panoramic ocean views, sky-high mountains, and glaciers as well as the opportunity to spot local wildlife. The first stop is in the city of Squamish, famous for its huge granite mountain called the Stawamus Chief. Once in Squamish, take a short ride up to the summit of the Sea to Sky Gondola (which reaches an impressive 885 meters (2,904 feet) above sea-level). At the top, take 1.5 hours to soak up sweeping views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the turquoise waters of Howe Sound. Take some photos, walk the suspension bridge, and enjoy a quick snack or drink. After departing Squamish, the next stop is the stunning 70-meter (230-foot) high waterfall Brandywine Falls, located just a short 10-minute walk within the Provincial Park. Take in views of the waterfall or walk to a second viewing platform to view Daisy Lake and Black Tusk. Take an hour to soak up the spectacular sites and don't forget to keep an eye out for the rare red-tailed frog. Continue north along the Sea to Sky highway to the world-famous Whistler Village, a charming pedestrian-only village with something for everyone. Enjoy 4 hours to explore year-round cafes and world-class restaurants or shopping. Feeling more adventurous? Try zip-lining, rafting, a bicycle ride or the record-setting Peak to Peak Gondola which holds the world record for being the longest and highest gondola!  This tour can be combined with an overnight hotel stay (additional costs apply) at some of the top hotels in British Columbia with the option of coming back to Vancouver on another day. If returning on the same day, take in the gorgeous sunset along the way back down the Sea to Sky corridor. Arriving at approximately 8:00 PM, you will be dropped at one of the four drop-off hotels.

View the spectacular British Columbia coastline by land and ship, followed by a stop at Butchart Gardens en route to the British-inspired city of Victoria. Board a BC Ferries vessel at Tsawwassen terminal for a 90-minute sail through the serene beauty of the Gulf Islands. Marine wildlife sightings from the outdoor ship decks are common, especially eagles, sea lions, and whales. Arrive at Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island and continue to the enchanting botanical paradise of Butchart Gardens. Wander through a series of themed gardens, highlighted by the massive Sunken Garden complete with dancing fountain. The city of Victoria boasts many impressive architectural wonders, including the iconic Parliament Buildings and the waterfront Fairmont Empress Hotel. Visit the unique shops and cafes of Government Street and Chinatown. Stroll along the Inner Harbour for prime ocean views, and enjoy some free time to take in this culturally significant city. Return on the bus to Vancouver by ferry to conclude this diverse tour. Packed with ever-changing experiences of the Pacific Coast and Vancouver Island, this tour is a must-do for those who have not yet visited Victoria.

Make the most of your time in Vancouver on this ultimate sights and landmarks tour. With a local guide, visit some of the city’s popular highlights, as well as hidden gems only the locals know about.  The tour starts with a trip to historic Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood. Soak up the atmosphere as you explore the streets, and see the famous Gastown Steam Clock. Next, travel through vibrant Chinatown and onto Queen Elizabeth Park, home to epic views of the North Shore Mountains. Head to Granville Island next for a stroll around the city’s most famous food market. Later, take a walk along Kitsilano Beach and marvel at stunning views across English Bay and downtown. Peruse the many antique and boutique stores that line the shore, or grab a bite to eat. The tour ends with a stop at Stanley Park to see the impressive collection of totem poles, and a final look at the epic views of the city and the North Shore from Prospect Point.

Start your tour at 9:00 AM with pick-up at your hotel or cruise terminal. Drive through the Stanley Park Causeway, enjoy the majestic view of the Lions Gate Bridge, Burrard Inlet, and Straights of Georgia. Further up the cut, see the Sea to Sky Highway. Experience the thrill of driving through the beautiful coastline of Howe Sound. Next, drive by the Britannia Beach community. Visit the historical Britannia Mine Museum, at one time the largest copper mine in the British Empire. Further up the highway see Shannon Fall Provincial Park and its waterfall. Head for Squamish, well known for outdoor activities like river rafting, and snowmobiling during the winter, and bald eagle watching in nearby Brackendale. The Sea-To-Sky gondola takes you to its peak for magnificent views of Howe Sound at 885 meters above sea level. At the Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, stop to trek up the mountain path and look for the spectacular 70-meter horseshoe-shaped Brandywine Fall. Finally, at Whistler, enjoy 4 hours of free time at the village, or to take part in some outdoor activities before leaving for Vancouver at 5:00 PM.

Meet in central Vancouver and take a 90-minute scenic cruise aboard the ferry to Vancouver Island. Sail through the Strait of Georgia and enjoy the scenery. Be sure to visit the outside decks as it’s not uncommon to see all kinds of sea life, including porpoises and whales. Arrive on Vancouver Island and first visit the beautiful Butchart Gardens. Explore this world-renowned botanical garden which was once a quarry, featuring the Japanese Garden, the Ross Fountain, an Italian Garden, and other floral displays. Continue the trip with a ferry ride to the city of Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Discover the main sights of Victoria with your guide, starting at Mile O. See Ogden Point, Fisherman’s Wharf, Empress Hotel, and historic Chinatown, including the famous Fan Tan Alley. Later, enjoy some free time to explore on your own or book an additional optional activity. Your guide will be on hand to assist you with suggestions on the best restaurants, breweries, shops, and hidden gems. Relax as you cruise back to the mainland in the evening, arriving back in Vancouver at approximately 9:30 PM.

Vancouver’s fascinating past and present comes together in this engaging tour that traverses through urban cityscapes, seaside parks, and ancient rain forests. Begin with the highlights of downtown, including Canada Place, home of the 2010 Olympic Cauldron. Wind through impressive modern and historic architecture, past the Arts and Financial Districts, and the fashion hub of Robson Street. Enter the 1,000-acre urban rainforest, Stanley Park, for a unique perspective of the city from a quiet forest setting. Visit the First Nations Totem Poles before whisking off to North Vancouver. Continue across the Lions Gate Bridge to Vancouver’s scenic North Shore, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Don’t miss the impressive collection of First Nations artwork and the historic Story Centre. From the spectacular Cliffwalk, gaze out over towering cedars, and the Capilano River winding through the valley far below. Take an exhilarating walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge to the other side where many unique and informative experiences await, including the Treetops Adventure. Return to downtown Vancouver by mid afternoon.

Discover Whistler’s year-round sightseeing attractions and adventure options on a day trip from Vancouver. Get taken off the beaten path to enjoy some hikes and sights less known by visitors but frequented by locals. After pickup at 1 of the 2 meeting points in Vancouver, drive to Whistler, enjoying scenic stops along the Sea-to-Sky highway on the way. Upon arrival, receive a guided tour of Whistler Village. Next, join your guide on a walk to discover Lost Lake and/or participate in an optional activity such as bungee jumping or zip trekking. Enjoy free time to explore the village further or experience the breathtaking views, great hiking trails, and new suspension bridge of the Whistler Gondola and Peak 2 Peak. With so much to choose from, your guide will be there to help you plan and optimize your Whistler experience. At the end of the day, you’ll return to Vancouver. 

Explore Vancouver from above with this lovely scenic journey for 20 minutes on a seaplane, starting from Vancouver downtown harbor and fly over Stanley Park English Bay, Lions Gate, North Shore and Vancouver city. The itinerary includes a Vancouver downtown overview of major historic landmark buildings, Canada Place, Robson and Georgia Street, China Town, Historic Gastown, Stanley Park with Totem Poles and Prospect Point.  Explore the public market at the Granville Island for one hour. The last stop on the tour is a visit to Queen Elizabeth park.

Drive through the spectacular Lions Gate Bridge Causeway, and enjoy spectacular views of Burrard Inlet, Straits of Georgia, and English Bay. Your first stop will be Deep Cove, a quaint little village by Indian Arm, a fjord formed 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. Stroll through the village and take a walk along the marina, with great views for photo ops. Your next stop will be Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where you can experience the Cliffwalk, and Treetop Adventure. Visit the Capilano River Regional Park and its attractions: the Cleveland Dam, the spillway, the canyon, and a spectacular view of the Lions (the twin peaks of the North Shore Mountains). If time permits, you'll also drive through the Sea to Sky Highway to visit Horseshoe Bay, a beautiful ferry terminal in West Vancouver.