Vancouver: Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Stanley Park Audio Guide

Summary

Vintage buses, city sounds, easy stops from Gastown to Granville

You’ll wander Vancouver’s neighborhoods at your own pace on a vintage double-decker bus tour, hopping off for fresh bread at Granville Island or quiet moments in Stanley Park. Audio guides bring local stories to life as you go — and if you miss something, just catch the next bus. It’s freedom with a little structure, which is honestly pretty rare when traveling.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I thought the Big Bus Vancouver thing would feel too touristy for me. But the first time we rolled past Chinatown in that old double-decker — with the breeze sneaking in through the clear top and someone’s laughter drifting down from upstairs — it just felt right. Our guide (I think her name was Maya?) pointed out a mural I’d walked by a dozen times without ever noticing. She told us how the dragons on Keefer Street are supposed to bring luck, but honestly, I just liked how they looked against the gray sky.

The best part was not having to plan much. We hopped off near Granville Island when we started smelling bread from one of those bakeries (couldn’t resist), wandered through the market for a bit, then caught another bus without worrying about schedules. The driver waved like he actually remembered us — maybe he did? There was this weird comfort in hearing snippets of commentary in Spanish and German as people fiddled with their headphones. It made me realize how many different kinds of travelers end up circling around Vancouver together.

Stanley Park was quieter than I expected; even with all the bikes and joggers, there were moments where you could just hear gulls and that soft crunch of gravel under your shoes. The free audio walking tour app had this story about lost ships near Brockton Point — kind of spooky, but it made me look at the water differently. I still think about that view back toward downtown with the glass buildings catching late sun. We didn’t make it to every stop (ran out of steam after Robson Street), but that’s sort of the point with a hop-on hop-off bus tour in Vancouver: you do what you want, no pressure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Vancouver by Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

• Board vintage double-decker bus
• Cruise through downtown Vancouver
• Enjoy views from open-top deck
• Hop-Off at major attractions
• Visit Stanley Park with audio tour
• Explore downtown Vancouver with audio tour
• Hop-On bus to continue tour

Top questions

How often do Big Bus Vancouver hop-on hop-off buses run?

In summer, every 20-30 minutes; in winter, every 60-70 minutes (subject to change).

Is there an audio guide on the Vancouver hop-on hop-off tour?

Yes, recorded commentary is available in English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese and Korean.

Can I use my ticket over multiple days?

No; tickets are valid for 24 or 48 consecutive hours and can’t be split over non-consecutive days.

Are wheelchairs or strollers allowed on board?

Buses can accommodate collapsible/foldable wheelchairs, walkers and strollers on a first-come basis.

Does the tour include entry fees to attractions?

No; entry fees to attractions are not included—just transportation and audio tours.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No; there is no hotel pickup included for this hop-on hop-off bus tour.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes; service animals are allowed on board the buses.

What are some main stops on the route?

Main stops include Stanley Park, Granville Island, Robson Street, Chinatown and Gastown.

What’s included

Your ticket covers unlimited rides on vintage double-decker or clear-top buses throughout downtown Vancouver for either 24 or 48 hours. You’ll also get exclusive access to free audio walking tours of Stanley Park and downtown using their app. The experience includes recorded commentary in several languages so everyone can follow along easily as you explore each stop at your own pace.