Vancouver: Stanley Park, Granville Island & Gastown Tour

Summary

Stanley Park to Chinatown by market smells and old stories

You’ll wind through Stanley Park’s ancient trees, snack your way through Granville Island Market, hear Chinatown’s layered history, and stroll Gastown’s cobbled streets with a local guide who knows every shortcut. Expect small surprises — like laughter by the totem poles or fresh scones still warm — and leave feeling like you’ve seen more than just postcard views.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the bus windows fogged up as we rolled into Stanley Park — it was that kind of misty Vancouver morning where everything feels a bit softer. Our guide, Mark (he grew up here, you could tell by how he talked about the Lions Gate Bridge), slowed down so we could see the totem poles. There was a group of kids on a field trip nearby, laughing and running between the cedar trees. I remember the smell — damp earth and something sweet from someone’s coffee cup. At Prospect Point, I tried to take a photo of the ships gliding under the bridge but got distracted by an old couple sharing ice cream in the cold. It just made me smile.

Granville Island was next, and honestly, I could’ve spent all day there poking around the market stalls. The air inside is thick with baked bread and fruit — I grabbed a scone that left my fingers sticky. Mark pointed out a woman selling hand-painted ceramics; he said she’s been there for years, always in that same corner near the flower buckets. I tried chatting with her about her designs but got tongue-tied and just ended up nodding a lot. There’s something comforting about how everyone seems to know each other here.

Chinatown surprised me most — it’s louder than you’d expect, with shopkeepers calling out in Mandarin and Cantonese. Mark explained how this part of Vancouver has changed over time but still holds onto its roots (he told us which bakery does the best pineapple buns, though I forgot the name). The air smelled like incense and ginger. We didn’t stay long but I wish we had.

Gastown came last — cobblestones underfoot, steam clock hissing every quarter hour. A guy in a flat cap waved at us from his bike as we passed by some old brick warehouses turned coffee shops. It felt like everyone was moving slower here. By then my feet were tired but I didn’t really want it to end yet. There’s something about seeing all these places in one sweep that makes Vancouver feel bigger but also kind of close-knit at the same time. I still think about that view from Prospect Point sometimes — ships sliding past like they have nowhere else to be.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vancouver city sightseeing highlights

• Pass by Gastown historic core
• Pass through Vancouver Chinatown
• Visit Granville Island Public Market
• Drive through Stanley Park
• Stop at Prospect Point and totem poles
• Pass by Lions Gate Bridge viewpoint

Top questions

How long is the Vancouver city sightseeing tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours from pickup to drop-off.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included; contact your operator for exact times.

Which neighborhoods are visited on this tour?

The tour visits Stanley Park, Granville Island, Chinatown, and Gastown.

Is there time to explore Granville Island Market?

Yes, you’ll have time to browse stalls and sample food at Granville Island Public Market.

Are guides local to Vancouver?

Yes, guides are knowledgeable locals familiar with Vancouver’s history and neighborhoods.

Is this suitable for families with young children?

Yes, infants and children can join; prams or strollers are welcome on board.

Can luggage be brought along on the tour?

Luggage can be brought if needed; it will be kept safe during your sightseeing tour.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this city sightseeing tour.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (just call ahead for your time), all local taxes covered, plus guidance from someone who really knows Vancouver—no need to worry about tickets or logistics while you wander through Stanley Park or snack at Granville Island Market before heading back comfortably at the end.