Vancouver at a glance
Vancouver is a multicultural, cosmopolitan city with a patchwork of interesting neighbourhoods including historic Gastown, a vibrant Chinatown area and waterfront Canada Place with its sail-like architecture and fashionable cafés. At Stanley Park the Canadian countryside is brought right into the city, where you can hike and cycle through ancient forest. You can also head up to Grouse Mountain via the aerial Skyride tramway for hiking, mountaintop restaurants and spectacular city views. Away from the city, Vancouver Island can be easily reached by ferry, and soaring mountains and boundless Canadian wilderness are just upon the city’s doorstep.
Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, picturesque Victoria is a relaxed and friendly city popular for the stunning beauty of its natural surroundings. Marine wildlife thrives here and boat trips to see whales are amongst the most popular excursions chosen by visitors. It’s home to a number of fascinating sights of interest including some fabulous parks and formal gardens, and is an easy city to explore as everything is situiated relativ ly close together.
Highlights
FROM VANCOUVER
BOOK NOW-Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge
Visit some of Vancouver’s greatest scenic and historic attractions including the Capilano Fish Hatchery, Edgemont Village, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain and Lonsdale Quay Market. Available: Daily, 1 May-31 Oct Duration: 6hrs Price per Adult: £93*
BOOK NOW-Whale & Wildlife
Watching This tour takes you by high-speed covered Zodiac out into the Strait of Georgia, a 30 mile channel separating Vancouver Island from the mainland where Orca whales regularly visit. Picnic lunch provided. Available: Daily, 1 May-31 Oct Duration: 7hrs Price per Adult: £130*
FROM VICTORIA
BOOK NOW-Victoria & Butchart Gardens
A city tour taking in the highlights of Chinatown, Antique Row, the Uplands and Oak Bay residential areas and Beacon Hill Park, followed by a visit to the stunning Butchart Gardens and its Japanese, Italian, Sunken and English Rose gardens. Available: Daily, 1 May-30 Sep Duration: 4½hrs Price per Adult: £52*
*Pre-bookable excursions: prices are per adult, subject to change
EXPLORE
Stanley Park
A 1,000-acre park of old-growth rainforest within Vancouver’s city limits, stretching down to peaceful sandy beaches. The popular Seawall Path circles the park and is perfect for walking and cycling, and there’s also an mportant collection of Native American totem poles.
Gastown
Vancouver’s birthplace, where cobblestone streets are lined by red-brick Victorian buildings, now housing fine restaurants with outdoor terraces and a wide variety of speciality shopping outlets and designer boutiques. Free history tours run daily from mid-June to the end of August.
Grouse Mountain
Take the Skyride aerial tramway from Vancouver to the top of Grouse Mountain or ascend the steep 2-mile ‘Grouse Grind’ to the summit. Once there you’ll find hiking trails and eco-walks, ranger talks, paragliding, grey wolves and grizzlies at the mountaintop wildlife refuge, and restaurants with panoramic views.
Activities & excursions are operated by independent local companies outside of Neilson’s control. Unless stated otherwise (with our Book Now logo), activities & excursions cannot be booked through us.