In Vancouver, British Columbia, mornings begin with Pacific Ocean mist and end with golden light on the North Shore Mountains. In between, the possibilities for adventure and relaxation are vast, which is part of what makes Vancouver so special. It’s one of the few cities where you can watch whales breach in the morning and wander through a rainforest canopy by lunch.
If you’ve already booked your Rocky Mountaineer adventure with a stop in Vancouver, this curated list of excursions and experiences will help you add a few more unforgettable moments to your itinerary.
If you’re considering booking a package on First Passage to the West, Journey through the Clouds, or Rainforest to Gold Rush, Vancouver is a prime spot to start or complete your journey. With a top-rated international airport and plenty of transportation options (including cabs, Uber, ferries, SkyTrain routes, and TransLink buses), Vancouver is as welcoming as it is well-connected.
Here are a few of our top recommendations to make your time in Vancouver easier and more enriching.
Curated Add-On Activities for Your Rocky Mountaineer Journey
Rocky Mountaineer’s curated add-ons are operated by trusted tourism partners and chosen based on accessibility, natural beauty, and comfort. Our optional add-on activities are an excellent way to round out your time on the West Coast without the stress of worrying about logistics.
Most of the tours mentioned below are offered by Westcoast Sightseeing, with the only exception being the sunset whale watching tour, which is operated by Prince of Whales. These are two long-standing local partners known for delivering exceptional guest-focused experiences.
How to Book Vancouver Add-Ons
Browse our Canadian route add-ons and filter by "Vancouver" to view the available activities and sightseeing tours. If you have questions or would like support from our team in selecting your perfect pre- or post-journey activities, please contact our Vacation Consultants.
One of Vancouver's most well-known landmarks, the Capilano Suspension bridge is a must-visit for nature lovers.
Stand on the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Buried in BC’s temperate rainforest is the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, BC’s most popular attraction and the ultimate destination for forest bathing.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is the centrepiece of the park, spanning 140 metres (450 feet) across the Capilano River. The bridge does sway slightly when you walk on it, but the thrill and the views make the adrenaline rush worth it.
Beyond the bridge itself, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park invites you to explore even more:
Visit the totem (story) poles at Kia’palano and learn about Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish People), their culture, and their connection to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
Take the Cliffwalk, a narrow path along granite cliffs.
Tackle the Treetops Adventure, a series of elevated walkways amongst old-growth evergreens.
You can visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park as part of the Vancouver City + Capilano Suspension Bridge tour.
“After a memorable trip on the Rocky Mountaineer a few years ago, we spent a week in Vancouver and this park was one of the highlights. I walked the bridge and found it scary, but there was only one way back so had to do it twice! Ha!”
Soar above the clouds for panoramic views of the Vancouver city skyline and North Shore mountains. Photo credit: Grouse Mountain
Glide up Grouse Mountain on a Gondola
Grouse Mountain is close to downtown Vancouver, but it feels like another world. Ride the gondola nearly 1,130 metres (3,700 feet) for a sweeping perspective of the city, ocean, and surrounding peaks.
At the summit, there’s plenty to see and do. You’ll find alpine trails, outdoor dining, and a habitat refuge for endangered wildlife. Visiting the Grouse resident Grizzly Bears, Grinder and Coola, is a highlight for many Rocky Mountaineer guests. You can also go to a lumberjack show, something wildly entertaining you can catch on your own or during free time on the tour.
Going to the top of Grouse Mountain is a memorable way to experience Vancouver’s wild side without venturing far, and it’s part of the Grouse Mountain + Capilano Suspension Bridge tour.
Departing from Granville Island, this adventure will take you on a fully-guided whale watching tour. Photo credit: Prince of Whales
Go Whale Watching During Golden Hour
With the sun low on the horizon over the Salish Sea, this sunset whale watching tour is as cinematic as it is serene.
This guided excursion departs from Granville Island and offers a 95% chance of seeing orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, and more coastal wildlife. Onboard naturalists share stories and answer questions. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a whale tail slap the glittering surface of the water.
If you don't have time in your itinerary to experience the tour at sunset, the same 3-5 hour tour is also offered throughout the day - and still comes highly recommended. Our Senior Manager of Guest Experience, Norm Duchaine, recommends whale watching as "the perfect way to see the Vancouver coastline and get close to some of the world's largest and most majestic creatures."
“Guests are always amazed that, departing right from downtown Vancouver, they encounter such incredible biodiversity: killer whales, humpbacks, gray whales, sea lions, seals, eagles, and more, all within just a few hours on the water. Thanks to Vancouver’s mild climate and rich biodiversity, we offer incredible wildlife experiences from March to November, which is the perfect timing for those planning a Rocky Mountaineer journey!”
— Elspeth McGillivray, General Manager, Prince of Whales Vancouver
Over a million visitors per year flock to Butchart Gardens to wander through the beautifully maintained floral displays.
Visit Victoria and the Butchart Gardens
Board a ferry to Vancouver Island and step into the relaxed rhythm of Victoria, a walkable city filled with turn-of-the-century architecture. The full-day Victoria + Butchart Gardens tour wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the historic Butchart Gardens. Explore 55 acres of the lushest flowerbeds, fountains, trees, and ivy-covered walkways you’ve ever seen.
You’ll feel worlds away, even though you’re close to the mainland.
“We started in Vancouver and went to Butchart Gardens, was amazing. Our tour guide, Terry, was phenomenal, extremely knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. After visiting the Gardens, which for late September were so vibrant and colorful and extremely well kept, we took the ferry to Victoria and then had a tour of the Island, had lunch, drinks at the Empress hotel and then back on the ferry back to Vancouver. Was a long day, but so much fun and we saw so much!”
Squamish's Sea-to-Sky Gondola shows off sweeping views of Howe Sound. Photo credit: Josephine Lin (Unsplash)
Take a Day Trip to Whistler
This scenic day trip begins with the Sea-to-Sky Highway, a winding, ocean-hugging drive past blue fjords (long and narrow sea inlets), cliffs, and forest-coated mountains.
Midway, you’ll stop to ride the Sea-to-Sky Gondola in Squamish, and at the top, you’ll have a choice of three viewing platforms where you’ll take in the most expansive view of the Howe Sound. You'll also stop at Shannon Falls Park and stand at the misty base of the spectacular 335 metre (1,005 foot) waterfall.
Then it’s on to Whistler for a wander around the village, where cosy cafés, patios, and boutique shops await. This leisurely Whistler + Sea-to-Sky Gondola tour blends coastal beauty and mountain charm.
Five of The Best Things to Do in Vancouver
If you want to see Vancouver at your own pace, we recommend the following experiences:
Head to Stanley Park and walk or bike along the Seawall, or visit the Vancouver Aquarium.
Explore the Granville Island Public Market, and savour fresh seafood at a nearby local restaurant.
Visit Queen Elizabeth Park or VanDusen Botanical Garden. They’re both gorgeous gardens where you can stroll and take some postcard-worthy photos.
Discover local art and history at the Vancouver Art Gallery, Museum of Anthropology, or Bill Reid Gallery.
Browse local boutiques in Gastown, upscale finds on Robson Street, or one-of-a-kind shops in South Granville.
For a detailed single-day itinerary, check out our guide on how to spend a day in Downtown Vancouver.
“A tip if you're heading to Vancouver: don’t just plan a quick stop. The city has so much to offer, so aim for at least four nights to really take it all in. You can easily spend a week there.”
Add One More Chapter to Your Rocky Mountaineer Adventure
Whether Vancouver is the start or end of your journey with us, these curated add-ons and activity suggestions are here to help you linger in the wonder of the West Coast a little longer. Explore Rocky Mountaineer packages that start or finish in Vancouver to begin planning your adventure.
We can take care of the details. All that’s left is to choose how you’d like to remember it.
