Vancouver is one of those rare places where snow-dusted peaks tumble straight into the Pacific. That “mountains-meet-ocean” backdrop means every block seems engineered for postcards and unforgettable tours. Below are four must-see stops our guides at Star Sightseeing weave into almost every itinerary—plus tips on choosing between a shared coach or a private van experience.
Top Vancouver Sightseeing Stops
Stanley Park
1,001 acres of rainforest, sea-wall & story poles
Morning light filtering through 1,000-year-old cedars is reason enough to visit, but Stanley Park keeps delighting long after dawn joggers have circled the 9 km Seawall. Detour to Brockton Point to see the totem-pole collection, watch harbour seals at the Nine O’Clock Gun, or rent bikes right at the park gates. Families love the Vancouver Aquarium’s rehabilitated sea otter program, while photographers angle for sunset reflections of the Lions Gate Bridge.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Cliff-edge thrills, 450 ft span, 230 ft above the Capilano River
Yes, the namesake bridge wobbles just enough to get pulses racing, but don’t miss the newer Cliffwalk, a narrow, cantilevered path that arcs out from sheer granite. For 2025, the park added an expanded Indigenous interpretive centre and a glass-bottom section on Treetops Adventure for unbeatable canopy views. Reserve timed tickets in summer—lines build from 10 am onward.
Gastown
Victorian brick, craft cocktails & the famous steam clock
Gastown began as a single saloon in 1867; today its cobblestone lanes host First Nations galleries, indie fashion studios, and some of Canada’s most-photographed street art. The steam clock whistles every quarter hour, but evenings are when the district shines: old lampposts glow, and speakeasies such as Guilt & Co. fill with live jazz. Hungry? Try a progressive dinner—poutine at La Belle Patate, tapas at The Diamond, then small-batch ice cream at Soft Peaks.
Granville Island
Public Market, art studios & floating homes
Once an industrial sandbar, Granville Island morphed into Vancouver’s creative heart. Inside the Public Market, fishers unload spot prawns while buskers serenade pastry-laden visitors. Kids gravitate to the Water Park (North America’s largest free splash pad), while adults browse blown-glass workshops and craft breweries. Arrive by Aquabus ferry for skyline views, and time your visit before 2 pm to beat the weekend produce rush.
Group vs. Private Tours — Which Fits Your Style?
| Feature | Star Sightseeing Group Coach | Star Sightseeing Private Van/SUV |
|---|---|---|
| Pace | Fixed schedule, 4–5 stops, photo breaks | Fully customized timing |
| Group Size | 18–24 guests | 1–7 guests |
| Per-Person Cost | Budget-friendly | Higher, but cost-effective for families |
| Extras | On-board commentary, meet fellow travelers | Dedicated guide, hotel-to-hotel pickup, detours (e.g., Lynn Canyon or craft-beer crawl) |
When to choose a group
- You’re solo or a couple who enjoy meeting other travelers.
- You’re happy hitting the greatest hits without lingering too long.
When to choose private
- You want a slower pace—maybe an hour sketching totem poles or a seafood lunch on Granville Island.
- The mobility needs of young kids make flexibility essential.
- You’re traveling with six friends; split costs end up close to group rates.
How to Book with Star Sightseeing
- Instant online confirmation: Choose City Highlights Group Tour (4 hrs) or Tailor-Made Vancouver Private Tour (4–8 hrs).
- Free rescheduling up to 24 hrs out.
- Combo discounts: Pair a city tour with our Whistler Day Trip and save 10%.
Ready to trade those daydream Pinterest boards for real-life views? Vancouver is calling—and Star Sightseeing has a seat (or an entire van) waiting for you.
See you on the Seawall!
