Discover Vancouver

Day 1: Arrive in Vancouver

Welcome to Vancouver! Upon arrival, you will be met by your Sky Vacations ambassador for a transfer to your hotel, in the middle of it all! The rest of the day is yours to relax and explore.  

Day 2: Vancouver

Today you’ll experience the best of Vancouver. First up, a morning walking tour. Your local guide will bring the rich history, unique neighborhoods, and vibrant culture to life. You’ll then have time to dive into the heart of Vancouver at your own pace with a hop-on-hop-off tour that lets you explore the city’s most iconic attractions. See the natural beauty of Stanley Park, charm of Granville Island, and the rich history of Gastown, all while enjoying informative commentary. Afterward, you’ll take to the skies with FlyOver Canada, an exhilarating experience that sweeps you across the country’s most awe-inspiring landscapes, enhanced by special effects that make you feel as if you’re really there! End your day with a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, where you can stroll across breathtaking evergreens, breathe in the rainforest air, and challenge yourself on the Cliff Walk, a series of narrow bridges suspended high above the Capilano River.

Day 3: Vancouver – Whistler

Experience the scenic coastline of Howe Sound fjord to the lush peaks of the Coast Mountains. This escape from the city is a great way to experience the natural wonders surrounding Vancouver and Whistler. Your tour will take you out over ever-changing landscapes along the breathtaking Sea to Sky Highway, with a stop at Shannon Falls to witness the power of its cascading water. Your next stop is the awe-inspiring Sea to Sky Gondola for a ride to the top of Habrich Ridge, rising above the towering canopy of coastal rainforest and upward above Howe Sound. You’ll have free time at the top for walking the boardwalks, hiking the local trails, taking amazing photos of the sweeping vistas, and an optional visit to the Summit Lodge for a snack and a little retail therapy. Continue your journey with views of Tantalus Glacier en route to Whistler Resort and its pedestrian-only village. Spend the balance of your day exploring the eclectic downtown shops and cafes, hiking along nature trails, or relaxing and breathing in the fresh mountain air. Returning to Vancouver, mountains give way to ocean as the coach winds from towering peaks along rugged coastline to metropolitan cityscapes.

Day 4: Vancouver – Victoria

Another exciting day awaits! Today you’ll visit the spectacular British Columbia coastline by land and ship, followed by a stop at world famous Butchart Gardens en route to the British-inspired city of Victoria. Board a BC Ferries vessel for a 90-minute sailing through the beauty of the Gulf Islands. Marine wildlife sightings from the outdoor ship decks are common, especially eagles, sea lions and whales. You’ll arrive at Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island and continue to the enchanting botanical paradise of Butchart Gardens. Wander through a series of themed gardens, highlighted by the massive Sunken Garden and dancing fountain. The City of Victoria boasts many architectural wonders, including the iconic Parliament Buildings and the waterfront Fairmont Empress Hotel. Visit the shops and cafes of Government Street and Chinatown. Stroll along the Inner Harbour for prime ocean views and enjoy some free time to take in this culturally significant city. Return to Vancouver for the evening.

Day 5: Vancouver – The Last Souls of Gastown Walking Tour

Today you’ll venture into Vancouver’s earliest history on this 90-minute walking tour. Discover the terror of a Great Fire that ate up Gastown in minutes, the long-forgotten plague of smallpox, and the unsolved murder of John Bray – a man who wandered the streets for two delirious weeks after being shot three times in the head. For adult audiences only, the experience is both a walking tour and a theatre piece. As you travel along cobblestone streets you’ll visit the city’s oldest hotel – the Victorian, learn the truth about the historic Gastown Steam Clock, see how Vancouver looked before and after the Great Fire, explore notorious Gaoler’s Mews, and walk down the back alleys of Water Street to famous Maple Tree Square. Every one of Gastown’s must-see sites and landmarks is visited on the walk. Do not expect a conventional walking tour – this experience will pull you so deep into the swirling lamplight and darkened alleys of Gastown’s murky past that you may have difficulty finding your way back out!

Day 6: Departure

Transfer to the Vancouver Airport for your flight and onward journey.