10 Historical & Heritage Tours in Vancouver That You Shouldn't Miss

April 19, 2022 Sheron Bogner

Vancouver was founded as “Gastown” by an Englishman with a penchant for beer and storytelling. Today Gastown is a historic section of the Canadian metropolis, and the lively pubs still reflect the area’s former status as a sort of community drinking center. The city’s forests, grand parks, and impressive suspension bridge beckon travelers to explore them, as do the city’s shops and museums. Relive the glory of the 2010 Winter Games with visits to Olympic venues and the marvelous Olympic Cauldron.
Restaurants in Vancouver

1. Gastown & Chinatown Photography

Gastown Steam Clock, 305 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1B9, Canada Nature Photo Hikes
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Enjoy a 2 hour excursion to Vancouver’s iconic locations, Gastown, Chinatown, Canada Place and Convention Center. Led by an experienced photographer and tour guide, you’ll learn to take amazing photos of the locations’ best spots and learn their history, especially at night time. You will walk through the cobble-stoned streets of Gastown with its famous Steam Clock, followed by a tour of Chinatown as well as other hidden gems. You’ll end the tour with a glimpse of the city’s best dining and watering holes, as well as recommendations for other spots perfect for night photography. For photos, we'll cover techniques like long exposure for DSLR cameras as well night shots with camera phones. Alternatively, we can do photo shoots instead of learning photography if that's your interest. The best camera to bring are DSLRs but you’re also free to use your camera phone. Comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing, camera (any kind) and a sense of adventure required!

Inclusions: Guided small-group city tour, Professional photographer guide, Borrow DSLR camera and tripod, Photoshoot

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By Marielle_DeV

It was a pleasure to have Nafees for guide. He's been mindful customizing the experience to my interests and pace, sharing his knowledge not only of Bowen Island but of quite a few usueful facets of Vancouver and surroundings. Thank you for a wonderful day in Nature.

2. The Great Squamish Day Trip from Vancouver

Canada Place, Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C, Canada Lawrence Tours
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We start our Squamish day trip with a visit to the famous Britannia beach Mine Museum, inside the mine we are treated to a full narration of techniques and history of mining, 1.3 hrs later Mr Lawrence will then take you on a 20 min nature walk to the base of The spectacular Shannon Falls (three times higher than Niagara falls). We then take the brand new Sea-to-Sky gondola ride to the Summit Lodge, crossing the 100 meter Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, we take a nice 20 min walk on the Panorama trail to the viewpoint offering fabulous viewpoints of the Sound, and the Chief climbing mountain.For lunch and we will be heading to the Howe Sound Brewing Company to enjoy the food and drink in this local log/plank big house the most popular restaurant  in Squamish. Please note:The Railway Heritage Park will be closed till further notice.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned Mercedes Benz Sprinter tour van

Exclusions: Lunch costs, Gratuities are not included and are on an individual basis

Reviewed By Amiebobamie

Michael is a knowledgeable guide and we enjoyed our tour. Snack packs were a nice touch - but also a necessity when lunch comes at the end of all the tastings. Our fault for not reading the description as closely as we should have before booking, but we were shocked to find that the tasting fees were not included for the price that we paid. Also a little dismayed to find another couple on the trip benefitting by not having to pay a tasting fee because of the wine I purchased - while members in our party still were charged.

3. Victoria Butchart Gardens & Sightseeing Tour

FlyOver Canada, 201 - 999 Canada Place, Canada, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E1, Canada Discover Canada Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is located on the gorgeous Vancouver Island and is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities. It is famous for the historic Empress Hotel, the Parliament buildings and beautiful Butchart Gardens. This deluxe small group tour includes admission to the world-renowned Butchart Gardens. A visit to Vancouver is not complete without a trip to Victoria! Upon leaving Vancouver, you will take a scenic ferry ride through the Gulf Islands towards Swartz Bay. From here, you will have a short drive down to Victoria. Here we will take you on a guided tour of Victoria. We will take you to Fisherman’s Wharf, the Inner Harbour, the Empress Hotel, Mile 0 and the historic Chinatown, including a stop at the narrowest alley in Canada, Fan Tan Alley. There will be additional time to explore downtown Victoria on your own.

Inclusions: Experienced, friendly, and fun Driver-Guide, Deluxe coach transportation, Roundtrip Ferry aboard BC Ferries, Onboard entertainment & commentary throughout, Entrance to Butchart Gardens, All taxes, Great discount on optional activities

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By ChristineC5528

Really enjoyed the Thanksgiving 2020 trip to the Rockies. The scenery was stunning, the itinerary was packed and Luke and Nigel made it a great experience. Thanks!

4. Victoria Grand City Private Tour and Craigdarroch Castle

Kiki Shuffle, Adanac Limousine & Van Service, and Tours of Victoria
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This 1.5-hour tour will introduce you to the beautiful landscapes and scenery of Victoria, in addition to the downtown core near the city's inner harbour. Explore the historical landmarks as you follow your local guide. Stops include the Royal BC Museum, Fairmont Empress Hotel, Chinatown, Victoria's Heritage Mansions, and several shops. Extend your trip with an optional guided tour of Craigdarroch Castle. Please Note: Tour is priced per group for up to 10 people

Inclusions: Driver and Guide, Fully narrated tour, Hotel pick-up/drop-off

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By OnniGroup

We have used Keith consistently for several months for private transport in Victoria, B.C. & the surrounding areas. Keith is the best. He is quick to reply to booking requests, always punctual, friendly, and goes out of his way to accommodate last minute changes. Keith is our go to guy on Vancouver Island. Kiki Shuffle has resonable rates and I recommend them completely!

5. Fort Langley Magical Mystery & Vineyard Explorer Private Tour

Beautiful Vancouver Explorer
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Enjoy the best of Fort Langley with a Local Guide. It is excellent excursion for history buffs, movie goers,and for those wine lovers, eager to visit a vineyard to learn about grape cultivation, brewing, of course, wine tasting! The tour will take you into the countryside in the Fraser Valley, the farmlands and vineyards where you will visit and tour the largest and the oldest vineyard in the Fraser Valley. At Fort Langley, a National Historical Site, immerse in memories of the Hudson's Bay Company's old days, fur traders, gold prospectors, First Nations interpreters telling century-old tales. In the fort, feel the blast of the musket fire, and pan for gold dust dreams. Then, experience the atmosphere of quaint little shops, learn about its history, Hollywood movies - Riverdale, Supernatural, Once Upon A Time, Timeless, and Garage Sales Mysteries, and do the psychedelic Beatles Abbey Road cross-walk photo ops.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Wine tasting, Private driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Hotel/cruise ship terminal pickup and drop-off, Private tour - just you and your group only, Private transport by air-conditioned minivan, Entrance tickets to the Fort Langley National Historic Site

Exclusions: Gratuities, Wine purchases, Other out of pocket expenses

Reviewed By 1971RustyM

It was just to sad too much tourist when we went here but we took the bike around this place, amazing amazing LOVE CANADA :)

6. Vancouver Highlights Private Tour

Canada Place, Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C, Canada Beautiful Vancouver Explorer
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

Enjoy the best of Vancouver with a Local Guide. This private tour is tailored for guests who wants to experience the highlights of Vancouver, the best the city has to offer, in luxury, comfort, and relaxation. There will be stops along the route, to explore and to take photographs (photo ops). You will visit gorgeous harbour front, lush temperate rain forest in an urban setting, classy street shopping mall, iconic cultural hub, and historical neighbourhoods of Vancouver. It is accompanied by live commentaries in English on board.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Private driver/guide, Live commentary in English on board, Hotel/cruise ship terminal pickup and drop-off, Private tour - just you and your group, Private transport by air-conditioned Mercedes Benz Sprinter van

Exclusions: Gratuities, All other out of pocket expenses

Reviewed By bmmkv1

We were a family of Nine traveling with teenagers. We booked the Whistler day trip through Viator. Bobby picked us up on time in a luxury Mercedes van. He was very informative on the history of Vancouver. We stopped at two different waterfalls on the way to Whistler. He allowed time to stop for washroom use if necessary. When we arrived in Whistler we had plenty of time to ride the Peak to peak Gondola, eat lunch, and do some souvenir shopping. We did not feel rushed at any time. We stopped for pictures on the road back to Vancouver. I highly recommend this tour. Thanks Bobby!!

7. Vancouver City Finest Private Tour

Exclusive Tours International
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

This is a half day private tour with a local guide. It is an exclusive introduction to the best and most interesting places in Vancouver. It is an easy going drive with a few stops and strolls. If this is your first time visiting Vancouver this tour is a perfect choice.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off at any Vancouver's Downtown hotels, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Cruise Port pickup., My service for the half-day guided-tour

Exclusions: Meals, drinks and snacks

Reviewed By Steve B

This was an excellent tour, even though the wine wasn't as good as I had wanted it to be. Michael took us to 3 wineries, including an unusual mead winery. Then, after lunch we visited what must be the world's (at least Canada's) biggest, in terms of different flavors, ice cream parlor. More than 200 different flavors of ice cream! An excellent tour, provided lots of context to the development of the wine culture in the area and a lot of history along the way. Great tour. Worth the money.

8. Explore Stanley Park!

Vancouver, Vancouver, British Columbia Van City Bikes
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

A magnificent 405-acre West Coast rainforest, Stanley Park is a downtown oasis surrounded by pristine coastline. Located on the northwestern edge of downtown Vancouver it is one of the city's most talked-about tourist destinations. Heading off from the iconic Waterfront Station we’ll explore the park, stopping off at a number of its most popular attractions including the SS Empress of Japan figurehead, the totem poles, Siwash Rock and more. Ability level: Suitable for all abilities Duration: Three hours Fun fact: We’ll also take you off the beaten track to explore a few of the park’s best-kept secrets! Left wanting more? Check out our Best of Vancouver tour below! We depart daily and leave towards Stanley Park. The park is a beautiful place and is best explored by bike. We have lots to see along the way and our guides will ensure that you see it all. We have combined the best the park has to offer with some fun insights into the history of the park and kit's various attractions.

Inclusions: Tour price includes bike rental, helmet, lock, and basket.

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By 579mateusp

It is a must thing to do in Vancouver, specially in the summer months. The view from cicling throw the seawall is astonighing.

9. Vancouver family tour Squamish with Porteau Cove and Britannia Mine Private

Globalduniya
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Visit Squamish and some of its most beautiful and unique environments. Start your tour with going through the road on the sea to sky highway, pass by stanley park and the seawall, then through the lions gate bridge, horseshoe bay and much more. Then, check out the Porteau Cove Provincial Park, where you take the best pictures and also check out ocean reefs. Then, visit your historical tour of Britannia Mine Museum, learn about historical machinery to heritage buildings to the massive yellow dump truck that lives within the facility. Then finish your tour at the Sea to Sky Gondola and see the most beautiful view you have ever seen in your life!

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Private transportation, Bottled water, Sightseeing,Exploring the city in depth, Professional Guide Driver, Snaps and Photo Stop Allowed, Spotify on demand

Exclusions: Food and Drinks, All Personal Expense

Reviewed By fyjbb

Best shannon fall and sea to sky gondola tour our tour guide are very good person cooperate in every place see lots of vancouver city arrraction highly recommended

10. Listen to a Tour Guide as you Drive between Kamloops and Vancouver

787 Cloverleaf Crescent, Kamloops, BC V2C 2X5, Canada GPS-Guided Audio Driving & Walking Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Use your smartphone & vehicle's stereo to make your drive come alive! Using GPS, our fun game show host like tour guides will transform this beautiful drive into a sight-seeing, fact-finding, trivia-answering, family-friendly adventure! Enhance your drive between destinations, or use as a one way stand alone tour. Hear about stop-worthy things to see & do, local animals, popular people, historical events & more. Over 55 points of interest will keep you entertained and take your road trip to the next level! Route. Trans-Canada Highway 1 & the Coquihalla Highway 5 between Kamloops & Vancouver. Travel in either direction. Freedom. Stop at as many sights & attractions as you like. Start/stop anywhere. Hands Free. Fun audio clips play automatically as you drive. Live GPS map. No data used during tour. Trivia Fun. Each point of interest has a fun trivia question included in the audio. Keep score or just listen! Inexpensive. Only 1 tour booking needed per vehicle.

Inclusions: Hands free (audio plays automatically), Customer Service via Phone & Email, Lifetime Tour Access on Tripvia Tours app for Android & iOS, Download on WIFI before (no signal required or data used during tour)

Exclusions: Smartphone or tablet, Transportation (use your own vehicle)

Reviewed By GreenDream2021

What a wonderful idea!! We loved hearing about some of the sites that we were passing and their history. They even talked about some of the animals and we did get to see an eagle. The tour guides were entertaining and the quiz questions fun. A great way to learn about our country! Can’t wait for the next Tripvia trip!

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