Best excursions for a Vancouver holiday

Vancouver’s fantastic mix of adventure, wilderness and city culture make it a desirable destination for millions of visitors across the globe every year.

Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-fuelled activity, an island escape, or simply a taste of the west coast lifestyle, there are a range of excursions you can book both inside and outside the city to make your trip that extra bit more memorable. Read on for some of our top recommendations and start planning the Vancouver holiday of a lifetime.

Bowen Island

Located approximately 20 minutes by ferry from West Vancouver’s Horseshoe Bay, Bowen Island is an idyllic escape in the middle of the Howe Sound. On our three-hour ‘Fly ‘n dine’ tour, you’ll travel by seaplane to Snug Cove for a delicious dinner at Doc Morgan’s restaurant—a staple on Bowen for more than 30 years. You’ll have plenty of time to relax and enjoy scenic views across the ocean before taking a ferry back to downtown Vancouver to continue your evening.

Granville Island

Food and art lovers will adore Vancouver’s go-to destination for fresh, seasonal produce, artisan crafts and unique entertainment—the wonderful Granville Island. On this tour, you’ll sample everything from locally made charcuterie from independent farmers to silky smooth chai. The tour includes 18 tastings, 10 stories and two hours of Canadian delights! Please note that tastings are subject to change and are dependent on availability.

Whale Watching Adventure

If Canada is known for anything, it’s wildlife—and whale watching is a particularly popular excursion for those on a Vancouver holiday. On this fully guided tour, you’ll not only have the opportunity to spot whales, but also a range of other species like seals and sea birds. The journey takes place on a 74-passenger Ocean Magic Express Cruiser which features an indoor, heated cabin, two open-air decks, a snack bar and more.

Sea to Sky Tour

This day tour will give you the chance to explore some of the best sights within driving distance of the city of Vancouver. You’ll visit Horseshoe Bay and one of the highest waterfalls in British Columbia, Shannon Falls. There’ll also be a trip to Grouse Mountain, offering a range of activities like hiking and zip lines, as well as a train ride through history at the award-winning Britannia Mine Museum.

Victoria Day Trip

If you’re keen to see British Columbia’s beautiful capital, this excursion makes a great addition to your Vancouver holiday. You’ll travel in style via seaplane from Vancouver Harbour, crossing the Gulf Islands to the town of Victoria. From there, you’ll drop by the Victoria Butterfly Gardens and the stunning Butchart Gardens. There will also be time to visit the local museums, including the Royal BC Museum, and do some shopping downtown. You’ll then return to Vancouver on a scheduled afternoon flight.

If you’re interested in booking a Vancouver holiday and adding one of these fantastic excursions, our Canada Experts would be happy to help. You can also consider catching the famous Rocky Mountaineer train from Vancouver, taking you east to Alberta.