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2021 Guided Tours and Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing is available for booking!  Please click the Things to Do drop down list for touring options.
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PRIVATE TOUR

VANCOUVER CITY EXPLORER
+
VANDUSEN BOTANICAL GARDENS

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Duration

Plan for 4h 30m

Pick-Up

Full list of locations →

PER GROUP

from C$596

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BOOK NOW
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About This Tour

Vancouver City Explorer + VanDusen Botanical Gardens

This private tour of culturally rich Vancouver begins with an introduction to key downtown including Canada Place, and Robson Street. Wind through historic and modern architectural wonders en-route to Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre natural oasis, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.  View the First Nations Totem Poles, and gaze upon ever-changing rainforest and shoreline scenery on the way through the park.  Get the camera ready for a photo stop at Prospect Point, with a great view of Lions Gate Bridge.

Continue to the enchanting sights of English Bay beach area followed by a visit to the eclectic Granville Island Market. This waterfront artisan’s market embodies the ideal of smaller is better, with all food, art, and music locally produced, as a labour of love.

Top off this adventure with a visit to VanDusen Botanical Garden.  The garden was established in 1975 and covers 22 hectares (55 acres).  In addition to displays of plants from all over the world, the garden boasts an extensive collection of plants native to British Columbia.  In addition to water features, the garden features works of art including carved totem poles, stone sculptures and a maze for the family to enjoy.

EXPLORATION STOPS

Next stop: Adventure! Step off the bus, stretch your legs, and explore at your own pace. We've created our itinerary to give you the perfect amount of time at each unforgettable stop! Not sure where to start? Our guides are always happy to show you their favourite hidden gems!

Stanley Park Totem Poles

The Stanley Park Totem Poles at Brockton Point are one of BC’s most visited tourist attractions. These towering monuments are brought to life through First Nations artistry and are one of the most recognizable cultural symbols of Western Canada. Since the 1920s, the Vancouver Parks Board has been collecting intricately carved totem poles from remote locations in BC. Enjoy other First Nations art including “Raven: Spirit of Transformation” which was constructed from a Douglas Fir stump that was left after the 2006 windstorm that devastated Stanley Park.

Stanley Park

Celebrated as Vancouver’s first official green space, Stanley Park compliments the business of the city with an expansive array of forest, field and path known as Stanley Park. Driving through the park you will experience life on the Vancouver Seawall where runners, walkers and cyclists all stretch their legs along this barrier protecting the shores from erosion. Stanley Park is a true wonderland of forest attractions including the quaint Teahouse Restaurant, views of the endless Pacific Ocean over sandy shores, even an outdoor summer theatre. You will want to return to visit the iconic Vancouver Aquarium and decipher the stories wandering through the First Nations Totem Poles.

Granville Island Public Market

You will be wide-eyed with your first step on Granville Island. Although the most popular attraction on Granville is arguably the daily public market, there is much more to do. The neighbourhood is flush with some of the best food and drink Vancouver has to offer, more galleries, artisans and crafters than you can shake a paintbrush at, as well as live performances of both music and theatre. Granville Island is famously colourful with a vibrant, west coast vibe, so go with the flow and enjoy this modern cultural hit.
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VanDusen Botanical Garden

Visit the spectacular VanDusen Botanical Garden to explore their beautifully themed gardens, festive events and activities such as the popular Festival of Lights, A-Maze-ing Egg Hunt, and more. The garden offers educational programs, volunteer services, a library and resource centre at the Garden, perfect for families and those seeking to learn more about biodiversity.  
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Each of our tours shine a spotlight on the region's most iconic landmarks, neighbourhoods, and culture — all with live narration from our expert guides. Don't forget your camera! Our oversized, tinted windows are designed for sightseeing so you won’t miss a thing!

Lion's Gate Bridge

A photographers paradise, the historic Lion's Gate Bridge is one of Vancouver's best known landmarks. With stunning views over the Burrard Inlet and the mountains of North Vancouver, you are sure to be inspired by the long history of the bridge and its picture-perfect setting. Famously known for the lion statues that protect the south entrance, travelling the Lion's Gate during the day provides much to see, but you'll want to come back at night to witness the sparkling array of thousands of lights donated by the Guiness Family, lending the skyline a recognizable night time glow.

English Bay

Among the highlights of downtown Vancouver, English Bay will not disappoint. Your tour will include a view of A-maze-ing Laughter, a sculpture which is composed of 14 statues, each measuring 3 metres in height and weighing over 250 kilograms (551 lbs.). You will continue along Beach Avenue, passing the sandy beaches of English Bay itself, taking in the view toward the Juan de Fuca Strait, and the iconic Vancouver Seawall that protects the length of shore around Stanley Park. During the Christmas Season be sure to catch the remarkable Christmas Tree Display, a highlight during holiday season.

Chinatown Vancouver

If one word could describe the people of Vancouver, that word would be diverse. Accepting so many amazing cultures brings opportunties and rich experience, and Vancouver's Chinatown is as rich as it gets! Being Canada's largest Chinatown district, your tour through the area will expose you to the lively atmosphere, the Chinese markets and coffeeshops, and the distinctly eastern architectural designs. Chinatown Vancouver is the home of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden, an authentic 15th century-inspired gem of tranquility among the bustle of the streets. Chinatown in Vancouver is indeed an enlightening cultural experience.
Operated By
Gray Line Westcoast Sightseeing

Prices include attraction admission and taxes. Gratuity is optional and is not included in the price. If you feel our staff have gone above and beyond your expectations, gratuity will be greatly appreciated.

PER GROUP

From

C$596

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQ

What is your cancellation policy?
Changes or cancellations can be made 24 hours before your scheduled tour, unless otherwise specified.  After that time, all bookings will be considered non-refundable.  Please note that no shows or missed departures will not be refunded.  No refunds or exchanges will be allowed on any unused tier products and attractions (Classic, Classic +, Premium Pass).
Do you offer tours in my language?
Currently, our Guided, Hop-On, Hop-Off and Private Tours are conducted entirely in English.  For Private Tours, we can provide a guide service offering a variety of languages for an additional $250 plus taxes per group.  Please request a preferred language at the time of booking.  We will require 48 hours to confirm a language guide on our Private Tours.
What should I bring on the tour?
Camera or video camera Water bottle Comfortable walking shoes Comfortable clothing for the weather Umbrella for rain or shade
What should I wear?
Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather depending on the season. Check the weather prior to arrival into Vancouver. Bring an umbrella or rain jacket just in case of inclement weather.
Are the tours canceled if it rains?
Absolutely not! Vancouver is well-known for its rainy weather and our tours run rain or shine. Don’t forget to bring along an umbrella!
Are the tours wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate motorized scooters/wheelchairs or folding wheelchairs, walkers or strollers on our Hop-On, Hop-Off buses due to limited storage capacity and provincial laws prohibiting luggage and other items which are not securely or properly stored onboard.

Gray Line Westcoast Sightseeing can offer folding wheelchair, walker and stroller accessible buses on our Guided Tours.  We cannot accommodate motorized scooters/wheelchairs on any of our buses. Please check with our Contact Centre for the availability of a wheelchair accessible bus before confirming your tour by calling 604-451-1600 or at info@westcoastsightseeing.com.

For guests who were looking forward to our Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing experience, we are happy to offer a special rate of $69 per person to our City + Lookout tour guided tour for the entire group. Please contact our Contact Centre to check availability.

We are not able to accept any type of motorized scooters/wheelchairs on our buses.

Do you allow pets on the bus?
With the exception of registered service dogs, no pets are allowed on board.
Are children allowed to travel by themselves?

No, at least 1 adult must book and travel with any children under the age of 12.

How do we pay for tours and attractions?

Gray Line Westcoast Sightseeing accepts payment with VISA, Mastercard and American Express. Direct Debit is currently not available.

Tickets purchased through WeChat or Alipay will not be accepted.

After the tour, can I be dropped Vancouver International Airport?
Yes!  Gray Line WestCoast Sightseeing offers a complimentary drop off at the Vancouver International Airport.  Please advise our team in advance of an airport drop off by calling us as 1-877-451-1777 by 8 pm the evening prior to the tour departure.
Can I travel with my luggage on the bus?
  • Guided Tour One-Way Trips:  We will accept luggage for guests traveling one way to Victoria or Whistler.
  • Vancouver Airport Drop-Off:  We can accept limited luggage on coaches only if guests are being dropped off at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) after the tour.
  • Gray Line WestCoast Sightseeing must be advised 24 hours prior to tour departure that guests will be bringing luggage with them.
Are GST and gratuities included?
The price includes 5% GST & Driver Gratuity
What is the cost for groups over 25 people?
For groups larger than 25 people, please contact our office directly for a quote.
Can I customize a Private Tour?
Yes!   All Private Tour itineraries can be customized for the group.  Requests such as a special language guide, additional stops and water service can be provided for additional fees.  Final pricing will reflect changes to the existing advertised itinerary. Please contact our office directly at reservations@glwcs.com or 1-877-451-1777 to make special requests.