The Top 5 Landmarks on Your Vancouver Tour
Exploring Vancouver is best experienced with a guided Vancouver Tour, and The Great Canadian Trolley Company makes it unforgettable. Our tours combine history, sightseeing, and local charm, allowing you to explore the city’s most iconic landmarks in comfort and style. Whether you’re joining our Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley or the 4-Hour Vancouver City Tour, each stop reveals a new story that makes Vancouver one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Here are six must-see landmarks you’ll discover on your Vancouver Tour with The Great Canadian Trolley Company:
1- Stanley Park – The Green Heart of Vancouver
Stanley Park is more than just a park—it’s the crown jewel of Vancouver and one of the most famous urban green spaces in the world. At over 1,000 acres, it’s even larger than New York’s Central Park and is home to towering cedar, fir, and hemlock trees, some of which are centuries old. On your Vancouver Tour, you’ll see the breathtaking seawall that circles the park, stretching nearly 9 kilometers along the waterfront, offering panoramic views of the mountains, ocean, and city skyline.
Wildlife lovers will be delighted to know that Stanley Park is home to herons, raccoons, bald eagles, and even coyotes. The park also boasts the Vancouver Aquarium, horse-drawn carriage rides, and plenty of trails to explore. Whether it’s the natural beauty, cultural landmarks, or sweeping coastal views, Stanley Park is an essential stop on every Vancouver Tour.
2- Granville Island – A Foodie’s Paradise
Once an industrial hub filled with factories and sawmills, Granville Island has transformed into one of Vancouver’s most vibrant cultural destinations. Your Vancouver Tour wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Granville Island Public Market, where the aroma of freshly baked bread, artisan cheese, and local seafood fills the air. Vendors here showcase the best of British Columbia, from wild salmon to hand-crafted chocolates.
But Granville Island isn’t just about food. It’s also a hub for art, culture, and entertainment. You’ll find dozens of independent galleries, theaters, and craft studios, as well as live street performers who bring the island to life. Fun fact: Granville Island is actually a peninsula, not a true island, and it’s one of the most photographed spots in the city. Whether you’re grabbing a snack, shopping for souvenirs, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, Granville Island is a highlight of any Vancouver Tour.
3- Gastown – Where Vancouver Began
Gastown is the birthplace of Vancouver, dating back to 1867 when it began as a single tavern owned by “Gassy Jack” Deighton. Today, it’s a lively district where cobblestone streets, vintage lampposts, and restored Victorian buildings give you the feeling of stepping back in time. On your Vancouver Tour, Gastown’s historic charm blends perfectly with its modern identity as a trendy neighborhood filled with boutique shops, art galleries, and world-class restaurants.
The most famous attraction here is the Gastown Steam Clock. Powered by steam from Vancouver’s downtown heating system, the clock chimes and shoots out steam every 15 minutes, attracting visitors from around the world. Gastown is also the perfect place to explore local culture through Indigenous art galleries and contemporary fashion stores. Fun fact: Gastown was named a National Historic Site of Canada in 2009, solidifying its importance in Vancouver’s story.
4- Canada Place – The Iconic Waterfront
Standing proudly on Vancouver’s waterfront, Canada Place is instantly recognizable thanks to its striking roofline designed to resemble the sails of a ship. This landmark is more than just a pretty backdrop—it’s a bustling hub where cruise ships dock, conventions are held, and visitors gather to enjoy the views of Burrard Inlet. On your Vancouver Tour, Canada Place is a must-see stop for taking photos against the city’s skyline and mountain backdrop.
Inside Canada Place, you’ll also find FlyOver Canada, a thrilling flight simulation ride that takes you on an aerial journey across the country, from the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic coast. The plaza also features outdoor art installations and the Canadian Trail, a walkway that celebrates Canada’s provinces and territories. Fun fact: Canada Place was built for Expo 86, the World’s Fair, and has since become one of Vancouver’s most iconic structures.
5- Queen Elizabeth Park – A Garden in the Sky
Perched at the highest point in Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park offers some of the best views in the entire city. At 152 meters above sea level, the park provides sweeping vistas of downtown Vancouver, the North Shore Mountains, and, on clear days, even Mount Baker across the U.S. border. On your Vancouver Tour, this stop is perfect for snapping postcard-worthy photos.
The park is famous for its beautifully landscaped quarry gardens, where exotic plants and seasonal flowers create a stunning tapestry of color. The Bloedel Conservatory, a glass-domed tropical garden within the park, houses more than 120 exotic birds and 500 plant species from around the world. Fun fact: The park is named after Queen Elizabeth II and was developed from an old quarry site in the 1930s, proving that even rocky terrain can be transformed into a garden paradise.
6- Bonus Stop: Brockton Point Totem Poles
The Brockton Point Totem Poles are one of the most visited attractions in British Columbia, drawing over a million visitors each year. Located within Stanley Park, these incredible works of art are carved by Indigenous artists from the Pacific Northwest Coast and stand as powerful symbols of history, culture, and storytelling. Each pole depicts figures from legends, animals, or important clan emblems, showcasing the artistry and traditions of First Nations communities.
The original totem poles were first installed at Stanley Park in the 1920s, with additional poles added over the decades to represent different nations and carvers. Today, Brockton Point is both a cultural landmark and a reminder of Vancouver’s deep Indigenous roots. On your Vancouver Tour, our guides share the stories behind these remarkable works, helping visitors understand the spiritual and cultural meanings that make them so significant.
Why Choose The Great Canadian Trolley Company for Your Vancouver Tour?
At The Great Canadian Trolley Company, we believe in more than just sightseeing—we deliver experiences. From our Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley that lets you explore at your own pace, to our 4-Hour Vancouver City Tour for a curated journey through the city’s top highlights, we make sure every moment of your visit is memorable.
Our friendly guides share stories, fun facts, and local insights that bring Vancouver to life. Plus, our modern trolleys are designed for comfort, so you can relax while discovering the best of the city.
FAQs About Your Vancouver Tour
1. How long is the Vancouver City Tour with The Great Canadian Trolley Company?
Our signature city tour lasts 4 hours and covers all the must-see landmarks.
2. Can I customize my Vancouver Tour?
Yes, we offer both standard and customizable options for groups and private tours.
3. What is included in the Vancouver Tour?
You’ll enjoy transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and stops at iconic landmarks like Stanley Park, Granville Island, and more.
4. Do you offer a Hop-On Hop-Off option?
Absolutely! Our Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley lets you explore at your own pace with convenient stops across the city.
5. Are your tours family-friendly?
Yes! Families love our trolley tours, and kids especially enjoy the fun storytelling along the way.
6. Can I store luggage during the Vancouver Tour?
Yes, we provide secure luggage storage for your convenience.
7. Do you operate year-round?
Most of our tours run year-round, with some seasonal options for peak sightseeing times.
8. How do I book a Vancouver Tour?
You can easily book online at greatcanadiantrolley.com or by calling our customer service team.
9. Do you offer group discounts?
Yes, we provide discounts for larger groups, schools, and corporate outings.
10. What makes your Vancouver Tour different from others?
Our focus on comfort, fun, and storytelling makes us stand out. Plus, our experienced guides ensure you get the inside scoop on Vancouver’s history and culture.