A guided tour is a good way to see a different side of Vancouver. Forbidden Vancouver runs storytelling walks of about two hours through Gastown, Stanley Park and other areas, covering Prohibition, crime, fires and the city's hidden history, and its tours run rain or shine. Vancouver Foodie Tours, operating since 2010, leads small groups through Granville Island Public Market, Gastown and the Robson Street area, with tastings along the way.
The water and mountains are close, and several operators make the most of them. Seaplane flights from Coal Harbour give an overview of the city, the harbour and the North Shore Mountains, and scheduled floatplanes also link downtown with Victoria and other coastal towns. Day trips by coach run north along the Sea-to-Sky Highway to Whistler and across to Victoria on Vancouver Island, and whale-watching trips head out into the waters of the Salish Sea in season. Book popular tours a few days ahead in summer, check meeting points carefully, and dress in layers, as the weather on the water and in the mountains can change quickly.
5 places · Updated October 27, 2026
Our top 3 tours & activities in Vancouver
Tour operator
Award-winning storytelling walks of about two hours through Gastown, Stanley Park, Davie Village and downtown, covering Prohibition, crime, fires and hidden history.
View details — Forbidden Vancouver Walking ToursTour operator
A female-owned company leading small-group food tours since 2010, with tastings at Granville Island Public Market, in Gastown and around Robson Street.
View details — Vancouver Foodie ToursTour operator
Running tours since 1985, Landsea offers small-group city tours of Vancouver and seasonal day trips to Whistler, Squamish and Victoria's Butchart Gardens.
View details — Landsea Tours & AdventuresTour operator
Flying from the Coal Harbour seaplane terminal since 1982, Harbour Air offers scenic flights over Vancouver and scheduled floatplanes to Victoria and the coast.
View details — Harbour Air SeaplanesTour operator
Sailing from the Denman Street dock in Coal Harbour, Harbour Cruises runs guided harbour tours, brunch and dinner cruises and trips up the Indian Arm fjord.
View details — Harbour Cruises