Private Tour: Essential Vancouver

With so much to see and do whilst in Vancouver, do not miss the chance to see the city's most important landmarks.

Start the tour with a drive through the largest city-owned park in Canada, Stanley Park. As you drive through the park you’ll see the seawall, beautiful beaches, the Totem Poles which are a collection of poles from different First Nations cultures throughout the province and spectacular views of Vancouver. Next, pay a visit to Granville Island Market – both a locals’ favorite and a huge draw for visitors. The market sits just south of the downtown peninsula, right under the Granville Bridge. It acts as a hub of activity, but it’s also one of the city’s most important cultural districts with theatres, artisan workshops and craft studios.

Continue as you head down to the coolest neighbourhood in the city, Gastown, designated a National Historic Site in 2009, this area is a one-of-a-kind experience for both visitors and locals alike. Visit the famous Gastown Steam Clock where every hour on the hour, the steam-powered 5-metre (17-foot) tall clock plays the Westminster chimes on four whistles and sends steam shooting out of the top just like a locomotive.

Discover the Historic Chinatown. Vancouver’s Chinatown is North America’s second-largest Chinese-centered area. Both a bustling commercial district and an important historic center, this area is a testament to both the history of Chinese-Canadians in Vancouver and of Vancouver itself. See Robson Street, famous for shopping, and a must-see for any shop-a-holic! Here you’ll find most of the major North American fashion brands, along with a lively mix of accessories, homewares, and beauty stores.

With the ocean and beach at your fingertips and the snowcapped mountains in the background, it would be hard to find a more beautiful location in any city in the world! With a stop at English Bay, you will get the opportunity to breathe in the fresh breeze. Take a trip to Vancouver Harbor, and watch the watch tugs and sailing boats as they cruise through the harbor. The final stop is at one of Vancouver’s trendiest neighborhoods, Yaletown - a district that’s filled with great restaurants and bars, shopping and entertainment, and gorgeous views.

Once the tour comes to an end, you will be taken back to the hotel.