From sophisticated boutiques to high-end cuisine, Vancouver is a city of wonders. Just the sight of the mountains peeking between the skyscrapers is enough to take your breath away. But rather than exploring the city on your own, sometimes a more organised approach can yield a more relaxing and memorable experience. For guests interested in organized tours, we’ve put together a list of the best based on our own experiences and feedback.
By Bus – The most obvious choice, and Vancouver has plenty of options when it comes to bus tours. The Vancouver Trolley Company is perhaps the most recognizable, with its bright red trolleys that evoke images of San Francisco in their design. They offer a ‘hop on—hop off’ loop tour with 23 memorable and convenient stops.
By Train – While there are no train tours of the city, there are opportunities for those who wish to travel out of the city during their stay. Rocky Mountaineer Vacations offers luxurious train rides through British Columbia, including a breathtaking daily trip between Vancouver and Whistler, called the Whistler Mountaineer.
By Boat – Being a coastal city with a number of deep inlets, one of the best ways to experience the city is by boat. Harbour Cruises offers a one-hour scenic tour around the Burrard Inlet, where you’ll get to see such sights as Stanley Park, Gastown and the famous skyline from a whole new perspective!
By Air – For a truly unique experience it’s hard to beat taking a tour of the city by air. eJet offers half-hour helicopter rides around the city, as well as trips out to Whistler and locations along the lower mainland. And Harbour Air offers float plane services and tours as well.
By Foot – If you prefer to hoof it, there are plenty of guided walking tours at your disposal. For a personal experience, John Atkin is a published historian who offers two-hour walking tours to various locations within the city.
It’s worth mentioning that these tours are highly accessible from the Victorian Hotel, making it the ideal launching point and return destination for your vacation adventure. No matter what kind of adventure you have in mind, we’ll be ready with the recommendations to help you make the most of your stay in Vancouver.