8 Best Tours and Day Trips from Vancouver

Surrounded by natural wonders, Vancouver is one of the most visited destinations in southwestern Canada, so one of the best ways to get to know it thoroughly is to take advantage of some of the tours and excursions offered by the city. These experiences will allow you to discover not only its natural side, but also the cultural profile of this place, as well as enjoy some of the best panoramic views in the country.

Among the best activities you can do in Vancouver are taking a tour of Grouse Mountain, participating in a bus excursion to the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, seeing the city from above on a seaplane ride, exploring Howe Sound on a boat tour, taking an excursion to Granville Island, and discovering the historic Gastown neighbourhood on a gastronomic tour. Are you ready? Here we go!

Grouse Mountain is one of the most beautiful places in the Vancouver area, and visiting it on a guided tour is an unforgettable experience that combines the comfort of the cable car with panoramic views of the region. When you board 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 can enjoy wide, unobstructed views stretching from the ocean to the surrounding mountains. A natural viewpoint where you will have the opportunity to appreciate the true scenic beauty of the place and which will become the perfect setting for taking some of the best photographs 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 transforms into a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. There you can combine your visit with skiing and snowboarding activities, taking advantage of the well-maintained slopes and first-class facilities, available for all levels of expertise in these sports.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £57 per person
• Duration of these excursions: around 4 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you can discover one of the most famous natural sites in Vancouver and its surroundings.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: although the cable car ride is very beautiful, you will not have enough time to walk along the trail that connects the base to the summit and offers sweeping views of the region.

If you want to see one of Vancouver's main attractions, don't miss the Capilano Suspension Bridge on a guided tour. These excursions 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 an unmissable experience for visitors. During the visit, you will not only have the opportunity to take incredible photographs of your trip, but also to walk on the platform, discover the panoramic views and learn about the ingenious design that makes the bridge a gateway to a world of lush vegetation.

The Capilano Bridge's fame 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 across the suspension bridge, surrounded by green forests, creates an unforgettable moment that attracts both locals and tourists alike. In addition, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers additional activities, such as treetop walkways, which allow visitors to explore the forest canopy from thrilling heights.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £85 per person
• Duration of these excursions: around 5.5 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will see one of Vancouver's main attractions on a comfortable and organised 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 surrounding skyscrapers and mountains, so if you're the adventurous type, you can embark on a seaplane tour to discover the panoramic beauty of this destination. These types of excursions offer a completely new perspective of the city, combining the natural and urban landscapes that embrace the Pacific coastline in a single view.

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 see Stanley Park from heights that are inaccessible by land. In addition, the seaplane will give you a view 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 dot 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 complete appreciation of the rich geographical 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 Christmas, you will be able to see the festive decorations that usually adorn the city's main buildings and monuments.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £95 per person
• Duration of these tours: around 30 minutes.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get a panoramic view of the city that is impossible to achieve by other means.
• Disadvantages of these tours: since the seaplane flies at an altitude of about 3,000 metres, visibility may be reduced on cloudy days.

If you want to experience a different kind of excursion without missing out on Vancouver's natural wonders, you can opt for a boat trip to Howe Sound, which will give you the opportunity to explore a fjord surrounded by mountains and dotted with islands, providing the ideal setting for a maritime experience.

Howe Sound is home to abundant marine life, from curious seals to bald eagles. During the boat trip, visitors will have the opportunity to see these creatures in their natural habitat and, in some cases, even :::link|text=experience whale watching|element=sc-100-1108:::. The crystal-clear waters of the fjord also allow you to observe the details of the seabed.

Among the highlights of a Howe Sound fjord excursion is Bowen Island, known for its rustic charm and picturesque landscapes. Boats exploring these waters also visit 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 per person
• Duration of these excursions: around 2 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you can discover some of Vancouver's most picturesque islands, which are notable for their rich native wildlife.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: these tours require optimal weather conditions for sailing, so it is common for departures to be rescheduled in winter.

A tour of Granville Island will allow you to soak up the essence of Vancouver, and its characteristic local market is an essential stop on this adventure. Located on a picturesque island, this market is a paradise for lovers of food and crafts.

During the tour, you will have the opportunity to explore the colourful streets of the market, which are lined with stalls offering everything from fresh produce to unique items by local artists.

The :::link|text=Granville Island market|element=sc-100-1105::: is famous for its culinary diversity. Foodies will be delighted by the wide range of options, from artisanal cheeses to fresh seafood, which are typical of the region. The vibrant colours and fresh aromas of the fruit and vegetable stalls captivate the senses. In addition, local bakers offer a variety of freshly baked goods and tempting sweets.

One of the highlights of a tour of Granville Island 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 £60 per person
• Duration of these excursions: around 2 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will visit the city's most popular market, renowned for its fresh food and artisan products.
• Disadvantages of these tours: you will have little free time to explore the stalls and the market surroundings on your own.

Whistler, located 120 kilometres north of Vancouver, is one of the epicentres of the British Columbia mountains and is also one of the most visited sites in the country due to its natural beauty, offering panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers. Visiting 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 excursions usually include round-trip transportation with hotel pick-up, as well as the assistance of an expert local guide who will take you through the coastal forests to discover the local wildlife. You will also have access to the Sea to Sky Gondola, which offers a panoramic tour that includes the Whistler skyline and its surroundings.

These experiences are ideal for getting away from the urban focus of Vancouver and exploring nearby towns, which are characterised by their picturesque landscapes and sporting activities, especially if you plan to visit this destination during the winter.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £134 per person.
• Duration of these excursions: around 11 and a half hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you can discover one of Canada's most famous cities, located in the Vancouver area.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: although you will find the most picturesque landscapes in winter, many of the trails remain closed for safety reasons 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, to discover what is considered the cultural capital of Canada. This city, located at the southern tip of the country, about 115 kilometres from English Bay, will allow you to explore 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 boat trip from whose deck you can spot eagles, whales and sea lions. In addition, on the journey 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 habitat of many native species that contribute to Victoria and its surroundings being considered the perfect blend of British cultural heritage and the region's unspoilt nature.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £150 per person.
• Duration of these excursions: around 12 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you can learn about British Columbia's colonial heritage and discover the local wildlife.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: sightings of certain species depend on the time of year, so you should pay attention to seasonal information.

If you want to explore Canada's west coast, one of the best options is to take a cruise along the coastline, which usually includes a visit to Bowen Island, the largest and most important island in this part of Canada. On these tours, 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 mating season, whales, which you can see from the deck of the boat or from the island's coast, especially if you plan to visit Vancouver in the autumn. These excursions 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 have a snack in the island's restaurants and watch the sunset over the Canadian west coast from there.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £116 per person.
• Duration of these excursions: around 3 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know the beautiful local geography from a different perspective.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: the wind on the Canadian west coast is very strong, so weather conditions, especially in winter, could cause your excursion to be cancelled or delayed.

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

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

The answer will depend on the excursion you choose, but in general you will be able to see the main natural attractions of Vancouver and the surrounding area, as well as other popular tourist sites such as the :::link|text=Capilano Suspension Bridge|element=sc-100-1103:::, which is not only an engineering masterpiece but also a perfect canvas for taking some of the best photographs of your trip.

During these tours, you can also learn about local history and the area's industrial past , and even enjoy some adventure experiences, such as seeing the city skyline from a seaplane or skiing or snowboarding on Grouse Mountain in winter.

If you plan to visit Vancouver during the high season, the main tip is to book your excursions in advance, which will save you time and money, as you won't have to rely on last-minute purchases. I also recommend that you consider the best time of year for each activity, especially with regard to the weather.

In turn, the temperature tends to be very changeable during autumn in Vancouver and also during the winter months, so I advise you to always carry warm clothing and a raincoat for rainy days, and to check the weather forecast before setting the date for your tours, especially those that involve panoramic views and could be affected by cloudy or rainy skies.