Vancouver: Private City Tour with Stanley Park & Granville Island

Summary

Stanley Park trails, Gastown clocks, Granville market buzz, sea air

You’ll ride through Vancouver’s neighborhoods with a local guide—walking Granville Island market stalls, breathing sea air at Stanley Park, pausing for views over Horseshoe Bay. Expect laughter, stories you won’t find online, and time to soak up each stop without feeling hurried or lost in a crowd.

What’s the experience like?

We slid into the SUV just after breakfast — coffee still warm in my hand and a bit of drizzle on the window. Our guide, Amir, had this easy way about him; within ten minutes we were winding through downtown Vancouver like he’d lived there forever (he has). He pointed out the Seawall Promenade as we passed it — joggers in neon jackets, a couple walking their dog. I could smell the ocean even before we reached English Bay. It’s funny how that salty air sticks to your clothes.

Granville Island was next. The place is noisy in the best way: buskers playing guitar under awnings, someone selling fresh bread that actually made me hungry again (even though I’d just eaten). Amir handed us tips for the market — “Try the salmon candy,” he said — and then let us wander. I ended up buying a tiny jar of honey because the vendor let me taste it right off a wooden stick. There’s something about markets that makes you want to linger.

Stanley Park felt quieter somehow, even with cyclists zipping by on the Seawall. We stopped at Brockton Point Lighthouse — mist hanging low over the water — and Amir told us about the Girl in a Wetsuit statue (I didn’t spot her at first; she blends right in). At one point he laughed when I tried to pronounce “Capilano” like a local. We skipped Capilano Suspension Bridge this time (next trip maybe), but drove up toward Grouse Mountain anyway. The clouds were thick but you could still see down over North Vancouver. Kind of makes you feel small in a good way.

I’m still thinking about Horseshoe Bay — boats bobbing in gray water, seagulls yelling at each other over scraps by the ferry terminal. On our way back through West Vancouver’s British Properties, Amir slowed so we could gawk at houses I’ll never afford (he joked they come with free ocean views). By then my shoes were muddy from earlier but nobody cared. That’s sort of what I loved most: nothing felt rushed or staged — just real people showing us their city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Vancouver's key attractions

• Visit Granville Island market and waterfront
• Pass by Chinatown and Millennium Gate
• Pass by Canada Place and Olympic cauldron
• Pass by English Bay Beach and sculptures
• Visit Stanley Park and landmarks
• Pass by North Vancouver city
• Pass by West Vancouver parks and British Properties
• Visit Horseshoe Bay waterfront park
• Pass by Gastown and Steam Clock
• Pass by luxury Downtown Vancouver neighborhood
• Visit exclusive neighborhood with ocean view
• Pass by Olympic torch
• Visit Lonsdale Quay and Shipyard neighborhood

Top questions

How long is the private city tour of Vancouver?

The private city tour lasts approximately 6 hours.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, round-trip hotel transport is included.

Are entry fees included for attractions?

All fees and taxes are included; Capilano Suspension Bridge tickets are extra if you choose to visit.

Is there a stop at Granville Island market?

Yes, there is a half-hour stop at Granville Island to explore the market and waterfront.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infant car seats are available upon request and all fitness levels are welcome.

What kind of vehicle is used for transportation?

The tour uses an air-conditioned luxury SUV for private transportation.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No lunch is included but you have time to buy food at Granville Island market or other stops.

Do we visit Stanley Park during the tour?

Yes, Stanley Park is one of the main stops with visits to both parts of the park and key viewpoints.

What’s included

Your day includes six hours with a knowledgeable local guide behind the wheel of an air-conditioned SUV, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Vancouver, all fees and taxes covered upfront, plus complimentary coffee or tea along the way. Infant car seats are available if you need them—just ask when booking.