Best Day Tours From Vancouver

Vancouver is a lively city surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, offering endless opportunities for adventure. If you’re craving a break from the city but don’t want to stray too far, you’re in luck; there are many fantastic day tours just a short drive or ferry ride away. You can drive along the beautiful West Coast highway for stunning views. Whistler is great for outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, while Grouse Mountain offers incredible city views. Here are 8 of the best day tours from Vancouver to enjoy the natural beauty of British Columbia.

Read also:

• Things to do in Vancouver
• Niagara Falls: From Both the US and Canada
• Best Tours in Vancouver

Victoria and Butchart Gardens Day Trip from Vancouver

• Duration: 13 hrs
• Price: $208.66
• Provider: Viator

A visit to Victoria is always a great idea, especially with a trip to the Butchart Gardens. You’ll begin your day by hopping on a ferry from Vancouver, gliding across the Salish Sea to Vancouver Island. Watch for marine life, like whales or sea lions, while you soak in the spectacular coastal views.

Once you reach Victoria, you’ll have time to explore the charming capital city, stroll along its beautiful Inner Harbour, and marvel at historic landmarks like the Parliament Buildings. But the show’s star is Butchart Gardens, where you’ll wander through a wonderland of colorful blooms, meticulously designed landscapes, and tranquil ponds. It’s a full day, but it’s worth it!

Whistler and Sea to Sky Gondola Tour

• Duration: 11.5 hrs
• Price: $149.89
• Provider: Viator

Ready for a road trip? This tour takes you along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, one of the most scenic drives in Canada. You’ll stop at the stunning Shannon Falls, where the water tumbles over cliffs from 1,000 feet. Next is the Sea-to-Sky Gondola in Squamish, where you’ll glide high above the forest and fjords for breathtaking mountains and Howe Sound views. 

Then, it’s on to Whistler, a lively mountain resort town. You’ll have time to explore the pedestrian-friendly Whistler Village, shop, or grab a bite at a cozy café. You can hike, bike, or zipline through the mountains if you’re into adventure. It’s an action-packed day that combines incredible scenery with laid-back mountain town vibes.

North Shore Day Trip from Vancouver: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Grouse Mtn

• Duration: 7 hrs
• Price: $179.07
• Provider: Viator

Add epic natural sightseeing to your Vancouver trip with this full-day tour of the stunning North Shore. Your adventure starts with a thrilling walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Here, you’ll navigate cliff-hanging pathways surrounded by lush temperate rainforest. Next, hop on the Grouse Mountain Skyride for a scenic gondola ride into the alpine forest, where you can soak in the breathtaking Pacific Northwest views and spot some local grizzly bears. With round-trip transport from your hotel included, this is the perfect way to experience the best of Vancouver’s North Shore in just one day!

Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

• Duration: 6.5 hrs
• Price: $185.10
• Provider: Viator

This is one of the must-do day tours from Vancouver. Your adventure kicks off right in Downtown Vancouver. After meeting at Canada Place, you’ll explore some of BC’s most stunning scenery. The first stop is the Capilano Salmon Hatchery. Here, you’ll see salmon swimming upstream, which is pretty amazing.

Next, you’ll head to the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for a walk across the iconic bridge. You can also check out the Cliffwalk and Treetop Adventure (though Treetop is under maintenance until May 2024). Then, to wrap things up, hop on the Grouse Mountain Skyride and enjoy jaw-dropping views of Vancouver, the ocean, and the mountains from the aerial tramway!

Vancouver to Victoria Seaplane Day Trip & Bus to Butchart Gardens

• Duration:  1 day
• Price: $550.81
• Provider: Viator

Skip the long drive and add some fun to your trip with a round-trip seaplane flight between Vancouver and Victoria, one of the coolest day tours from Vancouver! You’ll start at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre in Coal Harbour, check in, and you’re up in the air after a quick safety briefing! The views are incredible as you fly over the Georgia Strait, spotting the Gulf Islands, charming coastal villages, and even Mount Baker in the distance. You’ll also see Salt Spring Island and the famous Butchart Gardens from above.

Once you land in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, you’re in the heart of downtown, with easy access to shopping, the Royal BC Museum, and more. Plus, a visit to Butchart Gardens (admission included) is just a short ride away. After you’ve explored Victoria, hop back on your seaplane for an afternoon or evening flight back to Vancouver, soaking in more amazing views. It’s one of the best day tours you can take from Vancouver!

Fraser Valley Wine Tour

• Duration: 6 hrs
• Price: $135.58
• Provider: Viator

Wine lovers, this one’s for you. This tour makes it super easy to escape the city and check out the award-winning wineries of Fraser Valley. You’ll hit up four fantastic local wineries in one trip, sampling their best offerings and learning about the winemaking process. Plus, you’ll enjoy behind-the-scenes tours to see how it all comes together. And don’t worry about driving; sit back, relax, and enjoy a light charcuterie board lunch that pairs perfectly with your wine tastings.

Vancouver Biking and Hiking Tour including Lunch

• Duration: 6.5 hrs
• Price: $113.09
• Provider: Viator

If you want to stay active while exploring Vancouver, this tour is just what you need! It combines biking and hiking for an amazing 6.5-hour adventure through the stunning landscapes of British Columbia, and lunch is included.

You’ll kick things off by hiking through Lynn Canyon, where you can watch for wildlife, stroll through a temperate rainforest, and cross a cool suspension bridge. Then, hop on your bike and ride the Trans Canada Trail in Pitt Meadows. Breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and winding rivers will surround you. Everything is taken care of – equipment, lunch, and transportation, so you can focus on enjoying the great outdoors!

Vancouver: Seaplane to Victoria and Whale Watching Day Trip

• Duration: 8 hrs
• Price: $531.91
• Provider: Get Your Guide

Looking for an unforgettable experience? This tour starts with a scenic seaplane flight from Vancouver to Victoria, giving you amazing aerial views of the islands and ocean. Once you land, you’ll hop on a whale-watching tour where you might spot orcas, humpback whales, porpoises, and other incredible marine life. There’s nothing like seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat!

After your whale-watching adventure, you’ll have some free time to explore Victoria before returning to Vancouver on your seaplane. It’s a day trip you won’t forget!

In conclusion, Vancouver is a perfect starting point for exploring the beauty of British Columbia. Each tour lets you enjoy stunning views, see wildlife, and experience local culture. Have fun adventures outside the city!