Start Your Adventure at Canada Place and Jack Poole Plaza
Right next door, Jack Poole Plaza invites you to soak in even more of Vancouver’s scenic charm, with panoramic views of the Coastal Mountains and the Salish Sea. Home to the Olympic Cauldron, this lively plaza is not only a favourite stop for photos but also a hub for outdoor activities in Vancouver and a great place to relax before diving into more of the city’s highlights.
This area marks the starting point for Discover Canada Tours’ guided small-group excursions, designed to help you uncover the best things to do in Vancouver. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems in Vancouver or iconic landmarks, your journey through one of the most unforgettable Vancouver tourist attractions begins right here.
Credit: ©BC Content Hub/ Destination BC/ B. Caissie, Kezia Nathe
Immerse Yourself in Nature at Stanley Park
Nestled in the heart of Vancouver, Stanley Park spans over 400 hectares of coastal rainforest, offering a full immersion in nature. This iconic park is a true urban sanctuary, blending lush landscapes, local wildlife, and a rich cultural history.
Admire the Indigenous Totem Poles of Stanley Park, especially those at Brockton Point — one of the most significant collections in Canada. Carved from red cedar, these totems share the stories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Each piece represents family lineages, historical events, or spiritual teachings. They are a must-see during your visit to the park.
Enjoy our guided tours to dive deeper into the history and cultural traditions of Stanley Park!
Credit: ©BC Content Hub/ Destination BC/Jordan Manley, Kindred & Scout
Drive Through English Bay: Vancouver’s Beloved Beachfront
As your tour winds along Vancouver’s stunning shoreline, English Bay offers a perfect snapshot of the city’s coastal lifestyle — vibrant, relaxed, and full of character.
- A lively beachfront: With its golden sand and ocean breeze, English Bay is one of Vancouver’s most beloved gathering spots. Locals sunbathe, play beach volleyball, or simply take in the views — all with the laid-back energy of the West Coast.
- Art meets atmosphere: As you pass through, keep an eye out for the A-maze-ing Laughter statues— a playful and iconic art installation that brings joy to visitors and photographers alike.
- The seawall in motion: Stretching along the waterfront, the English Bay seawallis always alive with joggers, cyclists, and walkers enjoying the scenery.
- See it all from your seat: Thanks to the tour route, you get a front-row view of English Bay’s charm without needing to leave the bus. It’s a relaxing, picturesque part of the journey — and a highlight for many visitors.
Credit: ©BC Content Hub/ Destination BC/ Tanya Goehring, Nelson Mouellic
Get a Bird’s-Eye View at the Vancouver Lookout
For panoramic views that truly capture the essence of Vancouver, the Vancouver Lookout is an absolute must. Perched high above the city at the top of Harbour Centre, this iconic observation deck offers a stunning 360-degree view of the entire region. From this unique vantage point, you can admire the snow-capped North Shore Mountains, the sparkling waters of the Pacific Ocean, and the dynamic downtown skyline spread out beneath you.
Whether you’re watching boats glide across the harbour or spotting familiar landmarks from above, the Lookout provides a moment of awe and appreciation for the natural beauty and vibrant cityscape that make Vancouver so special. It’s not just a view — it’s an experience that brings the city into full perspective.
The Vancouver Lookout is included as a key stop on both the Discover Vancouver City Tour & Lookout Tower and the Vancouver Sightseeing Bus & Boat Tour. Whichever option you choose, this breathtaking stop adds a whole new dimension to your day — and it’s one you won’t want to miss.
Credit: ©Unsplash
Explore Granville Island, A Food Lover’s Paradise
No visit to Vancouver is complete without experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Granville Island — a creative, culinary, and cultural gem tucked along the waterfront. This bustling public market is where the city’s artistic soul meets its love of good food, offering a rich blend of artisan eats, local crafts, and the lively charm of street performers.
As you wander through the colourful alleys and covered stalls, you’re free to explore at your own pace. Sample gourmet cheeses, fresh seafood, or hand-crafted pastries. Browse unique galleries and shops filled with handmade goods, artwork, and locally designed treasures. Around every corner, there’s something new to discover — from impromptu music performances to small-batch distilleries.
Granville Island is more than a stop on your tour; it’s a celebration of Vancouver’s creativity, flavour, and flair. Whether you’re here to eat, shop, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to create a moment that’s uniquely yours.
Credit: ©BC Content Hub/ Destination BC/ Hubert Kang, Nelson Mouellic
Take Your Adventure to the Water on a Boat Tour
For those craving a more adventurous take on Vancouver, the full-day Bus & Boat Tour features a thrilling zodiac boat ride — a high-energy journey from land to sea that adds an exciting twist to your day of sightseeing.
Glide along Vancouver’s picturesque shoreline with panoramic views of Stanley Park, the downtown skyline, and the snow-capped Coastal Mountains in the distance. The open-air zodiac offers an up-close look at the city’s waterfront beauty, with plenty of fresh ocean breeze and photo-worthy moments.
Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for seals lounging on the rocks, sea birds soaring overhead, and other local wildlife that call these waters home. It’s a dream outing for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and photographers alike.
Fast, fun, and filled with unforgettable views, this boat tour is one of the most dynamic and memorable ways to experience Vancouver from a whole new angle.
Credit: ©VancouverWaterAdventures
Why Choose a Guided Tour Over Exploring Solo?
- Save Time, See All the Top Sights: Why waste time figuring out logistics when you can experience all the top attractions in Vancouver in one seamless trip? From Stanley Park to Granville Island Market, our tour allows you to explore Vancouver tourist attractions effortlessly, so you can make the most of your visit without the hassle.
- Local Insights from Expert Guides: With experienced guides offering valuable commentary, you’ll uncover hidden gems in Vancouver and discover more than just the usual sightseeing spots. Learn about the history, culture, and local secrets that make Vancouver so unique.
- Small-Group Experience :Enjoy a personalized experience with a small group of no more than 24 guests. This allows for a more intimate adventure, giving you the chance to fully immerse yourself in the outdoor activities in Vancouver and interact with your guide in a more meaningful way.
- No Parking Hassles or Navigation Stress: Forget about parking difficulties and the stress of getting around. Let us handle the logistics, leaving you free to take in the breathtaking Vancouver sightseeing — from the waterfront views at Canada Place to the vibrant city streets and beyond. Pure enjoyment, all the way.
Conclusion
A day trip in Vancouver is packed with incredible sights and experiences. From the iconic Stanley Park and Granville Island Market to the breathtaking views from the Vancouver Lookout, there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Add in exciting outdoor activities in Vancouver, like the zodiac boat tour, and you’ve got the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
As peak season draws near, it’s the ideal time to secure your spot on one of Discover Canada Tours’ day tours and ensure you don’t miss out on any of these unforgettable experiences.
Whether you choose the half-day Discover Vancouver City Tour & Lookout Tower or the full-day Vancouver Sightseeing Bus & Boat Tour, you’ll see the very best of Vancouver with ease and comfort.
Ready to explore Vancouver’s top sights with ease, insight, and unforgettable views by land and sea? Let our expert guides show you the very best of the city — all in just one day.
