Sure you can grab a cab or go it alone, but Vancouver’s
traffic can get pretty gridlocked and one way systems can be
frustrating to the uninitiated.
Early Motion Tours
Personalized, informative city tours conducted in the
comfort of a finely-restored original 1930 Model A Ford
Phaeton touring car. ‘Fridge’ so the owner-driver is
nicknamed, is full of anecdotes and historical quips, and will
put the canvas top up if Vancouver skies start to sprinkle.
All tours start at Canada Place.
Standard tours are one hour but ‘Fridge is happy to
conduct longer drives by special arrangement.
About US$60/hour
Information: (604) 687-5088
Vancouver All Terrain Adventures
Specializing in thrilling off-road adventures and
personalized tours, these all-terrain vehecles take you on adventure
excursions through rainforests, waterfalls, cairns and
glaciers (open year round as snowpacks allow).
One example is the Bald Eagle Watching Adventure to
Brackendale that includes a river float into the land of the
largest migration of Bald Eagles in North America after which
you’ll enjoy a home-made meal in a pleasant lodge. Approx
6-7 hours long
Snowmobile, floatplane, helicopter and zodiac tours also
available. All vehicles are chauffeured by first-aid guides
and packages include pick-up and drop-off service in Greater
Vancouver.
Prices range upwards from US$60
Information: 604-984-2374 or 1-800-754-5601;
www.all-terrain.com
BUS & COACH TOURS
As with most cities, there are many companies offering bus
and coach tours. Most are very good; here is a sampling.
West Coast City & Nature Sightseeing
A choice of tours feature city highlights, Vancouver’s
North Shore including Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension
Bridge, Victoria and Whistler. Large & small big-window
& busses. Operates an excellent Native culture tour with
Qulus Aboriginal Band. Tour lengths vary from 2 - 8 hours
depending on itinerary selected, and prices range from about
US$16 for Vancouver City - $44 full day at Whistler
Complimentary pick up arranged upon reservation.
Information: 604-451-1600; www.vancouversightseeing.com
Gray Line of Vancouver
This is the grand daddy of tour companies, operating a wide
selection of luxury coach city tours as well as day trips to
Victoria. The Deluxe Grand City Tour takes you to such
highlights as Chinatown, Gastown, Stanley Park and Queen
Elizabeth Park’s Sunken Gardens. This 3.5 hour tour runs
twice daily at 9:15 am and 2 pm. Arrange for hotel pick up or
join tours at the Plaza of Nations on Pacific
Boulevard, opposite BC Place Stadium.
Information: 604-879-3363; www.grayline.ca\vancouver
Vancouver Trolley Company
You set the pace on this attractions and city tour from 2
hours to all day. Trolleys depart every ½ hour and circuit
the city on a continuous loop involving 16 stops at
attractions and at or near most downtown hotels. Get off to
explore and reboard at leisure. Trolleys are easily
recognizable as cheerful San Francisco look-alikes and are
replicas of the turn-of-the-century classics, complete with
padded oak benches and gleaming brass. Tours operate from 9 am
to 6 pm and are about US$15 for adulst; US$7 for children
Information: 604-801-5515/81; www.vancouvertrolley.com
BUGGY
Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tours
Here’s where to appreciate real horse power, aboard
colorful Clydesdale drawn buggys that travel through Stanley
Park. Enjoy vistas of the harbour, Lion’s Gate
Bridge, coastal red cedar forests and gardens. Lots of photo
opportunities. An express bus shuttle operates between 10
downtown locations and Stanley Park.
One hour tours are about US$10; and run May - September
Information: (604) 681-5115
WALKING
Vancouver’s compact core is easy to explore by foot and
unlike many large cities, you can cover a lot of ground in a
relatively short period of time. But with so much to see, you’ll
need to set aside meandering time. Chinatown should
only be done by foot. It’s the ONLY way to experience this
ethnicity of this extraordinary neighbourhood. Besides,
parking is difficult and traffic congested.
Gastown, Vancouver’s first neighborhood, is another
example of why you should invest in walking time.. Filled with
fascinating alleys, renovated turn-of-the-century warehouses,
and cobble stone streets, its history alone is worth the
browse as are its shops, patios and cafes.
Every summer, from Mid June until Labor Day, Gastown
Business Improvement Society conducts 1.5 hour afternoon tours
(they’re free) from the Gassy Jack statue in Maple Tree
Square.
Information: (604) 683-5650
TRAIN
The Royal Hudson
One of the few remaining operational steam trains in
Canada, The Royal Hudson 2860 steam engine pulls 1940s style
passenger coaches long the rugged Howe Sound coastline from
North Vancouver to the logging town of Squamish. The engine
got its name in 1939 when it drew King George VI and Queen
Elizabeth across Canada. TheKing was so impressed with huge
powerful locomotive, he permitted the Hudson locomotives to
bear the Royal designaiton.
Trips last about six hours and are priced from about US$30
(US$60 includes morning brunch or afternoon tea). One way
cruise option available with Harbour Cruises.
Information: 604-984-5246
www.bcrail.com
Note: BC Rail also operates several excursions into British
Columbia as well as the Pacific Starlight Dinner train, a
romantic evening on the rails in the style of the 1930’s.
TOURS BY AIR
Harbour Air
Offers excursions to alpine lakes, island harbors,
glacier-clad mountains, Victoria and a 30 minute Panorama Tour
of Vancouver. Try the popular Fly ‘n Dine tour that visits
Bowen Island. Depart Vancouver by limousine and sail to Snug
Cove by ferry. You’ll have time to explore the whimsical
island village, enjoy a delicious dinner a delightful seaside
restaurant and fly back downtown. For seaside romance, reverse
the itinerary. Depart downtown by seaplane, dine and return by
ferry to board your waiting limousine for a spectacular ‘city-light’
drive back downtown.
Located just one block west of Canada Place on the Coal
Harbour Road
Information: 688-1277
Helijet International
Helicopter tours operate year round from scenic city and
mountain tours to heli-picnics and fly, dine and drive
packages. Often works in conjunciton with Harbour Air.
Vancouver Harbour, 455 Waterfront Road
Inforamtion: (604) 270-1484
BOAT
Harbour Cruises
Luncheon cruises up Indian Arm; Howe Sound boat/train trips
with Royal Hudson (Wed-Sun) and sunset dinner cruises aboard
the authentic paddlewheeler MPV Constitution. Prices range
from US$28 lunch cruise (Sun-Tues) to US$45 dinner cruise.
These folks also offer a variety of Grizzlies & Canucks
Dinner Cruises packages which combine a game ticket with a
delightful two-hour champagne cruise from Coal Harbour to
Plaza of Nations (or vice versa). Prices range from US$45 to
US$99. Hotel accommodation is available with certain packages.
You’ll find them at the north foot of Denman Street near
Stanley Park.
Information: (604) 688-7246; www.boatcruises.com
