Vancouver Holidays

Granville Island is Canada's second most visited destination and Vancouver's destination for lovers of food, art and culture. Offering fresh, local seasonal produce, it's where you might see Vancouver's chefs shopping for their menus. During the tour, you'll savour a variety of foods from independent farmers and food artisans from Vancouver and beyond. Award-winning charcuterie, local cheeses, artisan bread, melt-in-your-mouth donuts, and world-class coffee and chai.

Walking tour Indulge in more than 20 food and drink tastings Tour the market with the expertise of a friendly local guide Soak up the vibe of the market, filled with artisans, musicians and performers

Depart Vancouver Harbour by seaplane for an exciting flight over the Gulf Islands to beautiful Victoria. A coach tour to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, and the famous Butchart Gardens, a privately owned 55-acre floral display garden, is included in your trip. While you're in Victoria, you can also take time for shopping and visiting museums. After returning to downtown Victoria, depart on the flight of your choice back to Vancouver.

Sightseeing tour Fly to Victoria via seaplane Coach tour to Victoria Butterfly Gardens and Butchart Gardens Take time to explore Victoria at your leisure

The Classic Pass is a fun and flexible way to see the best of Vancouver. This ticket gives you unlimited access to all of the highlights and stops available along the route - 14 in total. The tour will provide you with commentary, lending a local's authentic take on the magic that makes Vancouver great. The clear-top buses are equally special. Your view of the city will be like no other as you tour the streets with the wind in your hair.

Hop-on-hop-off bus A flexible way to take in the sights of Vancouver Stops include Granville Island, Queen Elizabeth Park, and Chinatown Explore Vancouver with a guide's commentary for genuine local insight.

Ride and relax with guided commentary through Vancouver's vibrant downtown. See spectacular waterfront landmarks including the sails of Canada Place and the bustling Robson Street shopping strip. Then soak in the view over Lions Gate Bridge as we venture to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Here you'll be thrilled with both the natural surroundings and all the park has to offer. Take a stroll on the Cliffwalk, or saunter with the clouds in the Treetops Adventure. Next up are the sandy shores of English Bay on the west side of Stanley Park, and then a stop to tour the wonders of Granville Island. Finally, a scenic drive through the historic neighbourhoods of Chinatown.

Sightseeing tour Combine city sightseeing with forest adventure Explore Vancouver with a guide's insight Drive through downtown, Stanley Park, Granville Island and China Town, amongst others.

Harbour Air Seaplanes' most popular tour of the North Shore Mountains. This ideal introduction to seaplane aviation departs from downtown Vancouver's bustling Coal Harbour and includes a complete aerial view of the city. Photographers will especially enjoy a bird's eye view of Horseshoe Bay, English Bay and Deep Cove. The sensation of landing on water is always a memorable.

Sightseeing tour 20 minute seaplane flight Aerial views of the downtown skyline, Stanley Park, English Bay, the Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore Mountains

This fast-paced whale watching trip departs from Steveston Village, around 30 minutes south of downtown Vancouver, and heads straight into the Strait of Georgia aboard the Express. It’s a Zodiac-style boat built for getting out to where the action is quickly, with a layout that balances speed, stability and a bit of shelter when you need it.

The Express is open at the front, with covered seating towards the back if the wind picks up. It keeps you close to the water and fully part of what’s going on, without feeling exposed for the entire trip. It’s especially well-suited to days when the whales are on the move and covering distance matters.

Sightings often include killer whales and humpback whales, along with porpoises, seals, sea lions and bald eagles. What you see depends on the season. Orcas can appear at many times of year, while humpback whales are most common from late spring through early autumn. Nothing is guaranteed in the wild, but this stretch of coast has a strong reputation for memorable encounters. A professional wildlife guide is on board throughout, sharing clear, engaging commentary about the animals, their behaviour and the marine environment. 

• Duration: 4 hours 
• Daily departures
• Operates 1 April - 31 October
• Group experience

This whale watching experience departs from Steveston Village, around 30 minutes south of downtown Vancouver, and takes place aboard the Explorathor. It’s one of the largest Zodiac-style whale-watching boats operating in these waters, designed for people who like space, good sightlines, and the freedom to move around once the trip is underway.

The Explorathor carries up to 47 passengers and has a mostly open layout. An upper observation deck offers wide views across the Strait of Georgia, while covered seating at the rear gives you a place to step out of the wind if conditions change.

Trips explore the waters around the Gulf Islands, an area used by whales as feeding and travel routes. Depending on the time of year, sightings may include killer whales and humpback whales, along with porpoises, seals, sea lions and bald eagles. Orcas can appear in most seasons, while humpbacks are most common from late spring into early autumn.

Because much of the Explorathor is open to the elements, you’ll feel the breeze once the boat gets moving. Warm layers and something windproof are a smart call even on bright days. This is a good option if you want a lively, engaging whale-watching experience near Vancouver, with plenty of space, knowledgeable guides, and a strong chance of seeing wildlife in action.

• Duration: 4 hours
• Daily departures
• Operates 2 April - 31 October
• Group experience

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This is a classic West Coast road trip, doable as a day trip from Vancouver, without the stress of driving it yourself. Leaving Vancouver behind, you’ll travel north along the Sea to Sky Highway, a stretch of road that manages to be genuinely distracting in the best possible way. One minute you’re skirting the edge of Howe Sound fjord with ocean views, the next you’re climbing into forested mountains. It’s a constant swap of scenery and one of the most scenic drives in Canada.

The first stop is Shannon Falls, dropping 335 metres down a sheer rock face and proving very quickly that British Columbia doesn’t do things by halves. From there, you continue to the Sea to Sky Gondola. A ten-minute ride lifts you up to the top of Habrich Ridge, where the perspective shifts dramatically. 

Back on the road, the journey continues towards Whistler, with views of the Tantalus Glacier appearing as the landscape opens up. Whistler itself is a purpose-built mountain resort with a pedestrian-only village, making it easy to explore on foot. You’ll have free time to browse the shops, grab a coffee, head out on an easy trail or simply sit back and enjoy the fresh alpine air.

The return journey is part of the appeal. As the coach winds south, the mountains slowly give way to the ocean, the forest thins, and the skyline of Vancouver comes back into view. It’s a full-circle day that shows off just how close serious wilderness sits to the city.

• Duration: full day
• Daily departures 
• Operates 1 May - 31 October
• Group experience

From Granville Island, right in the heart of Vancouver, you’ll head out into the Salish Sea aboard a high-speed catamaran built specifically for whale watching. It’s an easy place to start from, and within a short time, the city skyline slips away, and the focus turns firmly to open water and wildlife.

The boat itself is designed for both comfort and views. There’s a warm indoor cabin if you need a break from the wind, two open-air decks for watching the action, and washrooms on board. You can move freely between decks as conditions change, which makes it a good option, whatever the weather decides to do.

This half-day trip heads out into the Strait of Georgia, an area known for reliable sightings of marine life. Depending on the season, you may see orcas and humpback whales, along with seals, sea lions, porpoises and a steady cast of seabirds. Spring through autumn offer the best chances, but every trip has potential.

A professional naturalist is on board throughout, helping spot wildlife and explaining what you’re seeing in clear, accessible terms. There’s a snack bar on board selling drinks and light bites, and complimentary photos taken by the naturalist are shared afterwards, which saves you from trying to balance excitement, binoculars, and a camera at once.

• Duration: 4 to 5 hours
• Call for departure days
• Operates 28 March - 2 November 
• Group experience