Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Vancouver is commonly called the Gem on the coast with the right mix of cultures, modern city planning, and an abundance of natural features and wholesome recreation. On this 5-hour Grand City Tour, your guide will discuss the history and uniqueness of Vancouver. Tour downtown Vancouver including Stanley Park, Gastown, Yaletown, Chinatown, and Granville Island Public Market. Experience that special vibe that makes this city one of the most cosmopolitan places in the world.
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Driver/guide
Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes Benz Sprinter tour van
Lunch
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Airport drop off after tour not available
Select a pickup point
Lawrence Tours
After 10am pickup from your downtown hotel, you'll drive through Vancouver and westward toward Stanley park, the largest Urban Park in North America. Visit the totem park were your guide will explain the carvings and cultural notes throughout the park. There are natural wonders from 1000 year old trees to the great history of the area we proceed through the west end to Shaughnessy for the grand house viewing and arrive at the Granville island public market for lunch after our tour on the island we head to The Olympic village and Yaletown for a mix of modern and old before heading to fabulous Chinatown. Then head to Gastown, where your guide will explain Gassy Jack's story and how Vancouver became the major trading port it is today. If time allows we also have an option to visit the 238 flavor ice cream palace Le Casa, then back to your hotel and on the way your guide will mention a few good restaurants and other activities to complete your day.
Pickup included
179 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
GWalsh,
Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
From our initial contact with Michael, right through until I required his help post-tour, Michael could not have been more professional, friendly and accommodating. Our family of four only had a limited time in Vancouver prior to our road-trip to Calgary. To maximise getting a taste of the city prior to moving on, I sought the company of a local. Having never flown before as a couple or a family (environmental reasons), we prepared for jet lag and poor weather by choosing the comfort of a minibus. Although it cost more, we knew that travelling in a small group rather than on a coach would be so much more beneficial, and were proven correct. Prior to departure, I emailed Michael requesting a high back booster car seat for my child. I had faith in Michael's ability as a professional driver but know from experience that you never get a second chance in preventing road traffic collisions caused by other road users. He promptly sent me details of a well recommended children's equipment specialist from whom we could hire a seat. As we needed a car seat for the next 3 weeks, in the event we bought one from Canadian Tyre but were extremely grateful for this option. The morning of the tour was challenging as our youngest was unable to join us (we can't buy Melatonin in the UK and unfortunately, he had had a bad reaction). This meant that I was particularly flustered on meeting Michael but his manner, meant that soon enough, we were relaxed and enjoying all the sites. We covered so much more than if we were travelling independently. It was extremely interesting that we were learning the history, especially of the indigenous Vancouvians, without having to constantly refer to maps and guidebooks. I was concerned initially regarding the lunchtime food option as I am vegan and my eldest is lacto-vegetarian. We ate in a seafood restaurant (a first for us) but were pleasantly surprised and my eldest now loves truffle fries. I usually use the Happy Cow app while travelling and in time I realised that Canada really does not cater for vegans, being about a decade behind the UK. That's why it was particularly impressive that I had delicious options despite my dietary choices. Our fellow guests were 2 American couples and they could not have been lovelier, which only added to making this a very special day out. Towards the end of the trip we visited an Ice cream parlour. Disappointingly it had a huge selection of ice creams but unless you like sorbets, no vegan alternative. Realising that my sweet tooth was not being catered for, Michael generously offered to drive me to a local cafe which had vegan dessert options so that I would not miss out. I was also struck that rather than following a set script and blandly only saying to us visitors what we wanted to hear, Michael came across as a really genuine Canadian guy who loves what he does. It seems that on departing the minibus, I left my Rayban prescription sunglasses behind. These are the only expensive thing that I own (I don't do labels but they were particularly sturdy) and if lost, I would never have been able to justify replacing them. They were also essential to being able to function independently while on holiday. That evening I contacted Michael and immediately he checked his vehicle and located my shades. I was able to collect them near to our hotel the next morning when he dropped them off to me. Michael's tour was our perfect introduction to the huge, beautiful country that is Canada. I would recommend him to both visitors to Vancouver and also local residents. Thank you so much for going above and beyond, Michael.
mitchell g,
Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
Excellent choices of places to visit and have lunch. Very knowledgeable. Convenient from cruise terminal,
john g,
Oct 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
This tour was wonderful, we were able to see many highlights of the city and explore with a knowledgeable tour guide. Hoping to return again to explore more of this beautiful city.
Katherine P,
Sep 20, 2025
- Review from Viator
Excellent, customized tour, extremely thorough, very knowledgeable, very comprehensive. Absolutely would recommend. Our guide, Michael, was the absolute best. Loved it.
Sylvia W,
Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
Michael was an amazing tour guide. We learned a great deal about Vancouver as he showed us the sights. I would definitely recommend him!
BTR84,
Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Great Tour to see the highlights of the City of Vancouver in a few hours! Michael is very knowledgeable and able to share great insights into the history and the culture of Vancouver. I would recommend this Tour to those with limited time to explore Vancouver.
Unique J,
Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
This tour was perfect! It hit all the highlights without a lot of extraneous on and off the bus. The duration was just long enough to not feel rushed, and short enough to keep your interest. Michael was a great guide and offered lots of interesting information about all of Vancouver, even if it was just a drive by stop. He was very friendly, engaging, and knowledgeable. The inclusion of references to his experiences living and working in the area added to the enjoyment. I wish we had had more time to shop at Granville, but not a reason to take "points" away from the overall experience.
ANDREWJ B,
Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
Michael did a wonderful job letting us explore the beautiful city of Vancouver BC. He is extremely knowledgeable and pleasant to be with. Couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend the day.
Jan f,
Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
Great trip knowledgeable tour guide . Just a perfect day saw everything we hoped to. Great travel companions made for a totally enjoyable and worthwhile experience.
Jean J,
Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
My husband and I were extremely pleased with this tour. We were only in Vancouver for three days, so we wanted to make sure we saw and learned as much as possible. This tour did just that. Our tour guide, Lawrence, was so good. His knowledge of the history, various areas and culture of Vancouver was outstanding. He was also so personable, fun and friendly. Great job all around!
Operated by Lawrence Tours Ltd