Overview
Vancouver is a coastal gem of natural beauty, nestled in an idyllic setting between the Pacific Ocean and the Coastal Mountain range. This is far from your average holiday destination: nowhere else enables you to sail in the morning and ski in the afternoon, shop in world-class shopping districts and indulge in out-of-this-world culinary adventures. There are few places in the world where you can have so many different types of experiences in one trip. And the perfect holiday to Vancouver includes them all.
Vancouver Sightseeing & Activities
The biggest city in British Columbia, Vancouver is the perfect choice for a Canada city break with a twist. Think glamorous city chic meets the outdoor adventure enthusiast and you might have an idea of how active yet uber-cool the city is. Spend your days sailing on the Strait of Georgia, shopping on Robson Street, hiking Cypress Mountain, cycling the seawall, exploring Granville Market, indulging in Chinatown...the list of things to do and see in Vancouver is endless.
Vancouver’s culture
Voted the best place in the world to live, you won’t want to leave when you visit Vancouver! Vancouver has a golden reputation for friendly locals, clean public areas and safe streets, which all add up to a very warm welcome to this popular city. Diverse and multicultural, it caters well for a range of visitors from families and groups of friends to gay and lesbian travellers.
Exploring Vancouver and beyond
Vancouver is a gateway city with easy access to the Rockies, Vancouver Island and other vibrant BC cities, as well as the port where Alaska cruises depart during the warmer months. With that in mind, a fly drive holiday is an excellent option. Check out our Vancouver car hire for great deals on your self drive holiday.
A short but incredibly scenic drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway brings you to Whistler, the year round mountain resort town. The pedestrian village means that you don’t need the hassle of driving as everything is on your doorstep, from dining, shopping and bars to outdoor and adventure activities. The surrounding scenery is breathtaking, so you will want to spend as much time as possible outdoors. Explore the endless hiking trails, go mountain biking, or enjoy the view from the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. If you prefer not to drive, or are looking for an extra special way to travel Canada, many journeys on the Rocky Mountaineer train start and end in Vancouver.
A trip to Victoria kicks off with a short 90-minute ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia, where you can look back and view Vancouver from a different angle. Once you arrive in Victoria make the most of its boast to having the mildest climate in Canada. Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Inner Harbour towards Fisherman’s Wharf, where you'll find floating houses and shops. And if you fancy adding an Alaska cruise to your holiday, the port will be here waiting for you.
So what’s stopping you? Get booking your Vancouver flights and holiday today.
Things to do
Things to do in Vancouver
There is so much to see and do on holiday in Vancouver; it is hard to know where to start! Whether you are visiting for one night or two weeks, your days will be filled with endless activities and experiences. Just 15-minutes from the downtown core you can be in the outdoor paradise of Grouse Mountain. Year round the mountain offers outdoor enthusiasts a wealth of activities to try, whether it’s skiing in the winter months, hiking, paragliding or ziplining in the summer months, you can enjoy all this with stunning views down to the city and across the Ocean.
Calling all foodies; Vancouver is the place to indulge your taste buds in some of the most incredible culinary experiences and cultures. Visit Chinatown, America’s third largest, for incredible authentic Chinese cuisine and street food. Venture to Granville Island and enjoy a day wandering the Public Market and tasting the local delicacies of freshly baked bread, freshly caught seafood and the aromas of ground coffee and spices. Be sure to visit with an appetite, and for the ultimate foodie experience book a Vancouver Foodie Tour, where you will enjoy the knowledge of a local expert guide.
If you have any time to unwind on your holiday, be sure to hire bikes and cycle Stanley Park and the sea wall, stopping at English Bay to watch the sail boats coming in and out of the harbour. This is also the perfect spot to enjoy one of Vancouver’s famous sunsets, with your favourite drink in hand soaking in the city vibes before topping off your night in one of Vancouver’s best nightclubs or comedy clubs.
Popular things to do in Vancouver
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Capilano Canyon Suspension Bridge and Park Admission
from £48pp
Breathtakingly suspended 230 feet above and 450 feet across the Capilano River, Capilano Suspension Bridge takes you into towering evergreens, serene trails and the Treetops Adventure attraction. Seven suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 100 feet, take you high into the treetops for this adventure. Located on Vancouver’s North Shore this makes an excellent day out for the whole family.
Departures: Daily (Except Dec 25)
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Granville Island Market Tour
from £107pp
Vancouver’s destination for lovers of food, art and culture, offering local, seasonal products you will see Vancouver’s top chefs shopping for their menu’s. Around 20 tastings are included within this tour from duck confit, cheeses, melt-in-your-mouth doughnuts, world-class coffee and chai to name but a few.
Duration: 2 hours
Departures: Selected Departure dates between Jan 2 - Dec 30 -
Hop on Hop off & Vancouver lookout Admission
from £58pp
See Vancouver from a vintage double-decker or retro open-top bus. Explore at your own pace over two days, with over 28 localities around the city where you can hop on or hop off, including a free ferry ride over to Granville Island. This flexible Dual Pass allows you to enjoy the incredible views from the top of the Harbour Centre Tower
Departures: Daily (Except Jul 10 & Dec 25)
Valid for 2 days -
Vancouver City Tour & Capilano Suspension Bridge
from £110pp
Departing from individual hotels across the city, you’ll enjoy a narrated tour picking out all the major downtown attractions and districts. The tour stops in Stanley Park before heading over to Cleveland Dam and Capilano Suspension Bridge in the North shore Rainforest. The tour includes a stop on Granville Island with its public market.
Duration: 5 hours
Departures: Daily -
Victoria day trip from Vancouver (Round Trip)
from £181pp
Departing Vancouver you’ll enjoy the 95-minute ferry ride to Vancouver Island. You’ll experience the exhilarating scenery and picturesque charms of historic Victoria ‘Capital city of British Columbia’. An insightful commentary is provided by the driver and admission to spectacular Butchart Gardens is included. You’ll have free time to wander the quaint streets of Victoria and the Inner Harbour.
Duration: 13 hours
Departures: Daily between May 1 to Oct 15 -
Whale Watching in the Strait of Georgia with transfers (Explorathor)
from £128pp
Embark on an exciting whale watching excursion on the new Explorathor. Your trip will take you through the Gulf Islands region and a professional wildlife guide will explain all there is to know about the majestic killer whales, porpoises, sea lions, seals, bald eagles and other wildlife.
Duration: 4 hours
Departures: Daily between Apr 1 - Oct 31
Holidays
Browse our amazing range of holidays in Vancouver
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Vancouver & Celebrity Cruise Holiday
from £1,873
Choosing a Celebrity Cruise to Alaska allows you to be utterly spoilt in unspoilt surroundings... Sail away on this outstanding itinerary across the glistening ...see more
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Yukon and Denali Cruise Holiday
from £5,603
This magnificent circular tour departing Vancouver encompasses Whitehorse, Dawson City in the Canadian Yukon and through to Fairbanks, the gateway to the ...see more
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Barclay Hotel
from £
26
The Barclay Hotel is a good value hotel with an excellent central position on the popular Robson Street, just a few blocks from its famous shopping ...see more
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Sandman Hotel Vancouver Downtown
from £49
Situated in the heart of the theatre district, The Sandman Hotel has a contemporary style with many onsite facilities.
The rooms are elegantly ...see more
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Rosedale on Robson
from £
58
Well located in downtown Vancouver. The rooms are classic and comfortable with a separate living area and kitchenette. The floor-to-ceiling windows ...see more
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Sandman Suites Vancouver - Davie St
from £55
Set a little away from the bustle of the city, this all-suite hotel is a great base for those who like more space or are enjoying a longer stay in Vancouver. ...see more
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The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
from £90
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver is an elegant boutique hotel with a sophisticated finish. The guest rooms are large and lavishly furnished with a European ...see more
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Coast Coal Harbour Vancouver Hotel by APA
from £50
This hotel is in a great location just one block from Vancouver’s scenic waterfront. It’s a short walk to the downtown core and all the ...see more
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The Westin Bayshore
from £54
Enjoying an enviable position on the harbour, yet still only a few minutes’ walk from Vancouver’s busy downtown district, the Westin Bayshore ...see more
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Georgian Court Hotel, WorldHotels Elite
from £52
A beautiful luxury boutique hotel, The Georgian Court Hotel, WorldHotels Elite is in an excellent location just steps away from the popular Robson Street.
Rooms ...see more
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Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
from £119
The Fairmont Vancouver is a luxury landmark hotel and enjoys a great location right in the busy entertainment and shopping districts.
The hotel ...see more
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Pan Pacific Vancouver
from £89
Located on Vancouver’s waterfront, the elegant Pan Pacific has a real feel of a luxury liner about it. The guest-rooms are beautifully furnished and have ...see more
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Coast Plaza Suites
from £46
The Coast Plaza is in a great downtown location just a few minutes from English Bay and its lovely beach.
From the standard Comfort rooms to ...see more
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Fairmont Waterfront
from £153
The Fairmont Waterfront is an elegant, luxurious hotel located by the waterfront, just steps from Canada Place. Offering relaxed West Coast luxury, the ...see more
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Shangri La Hotel Vancouver
from £113
The Shangri-La is an elegant five-star hotel with a great location in the heart of vibrant downtown Vancouver.
Rooms are stylish with a contemporary ...see more
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Best Western Plus Sands By The Sea
from £36
Just steps from the Pacific Ocean at the beautiful English Bay, the Best Western Plus Sands is in a great position for your Vancouver stay. Guest rooms ...see more
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Best Western Premier Chateau Granville Hotel & Suites & Conf. Centre
from £48
Best Western Premier Chateau Granville Hotel & Suites & Conf. Centre is a classic hotel which enjoys a good location in downtown Vancouver, within walking ...see more
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Blue Horizon Hotel
from £39
The Blue Horizon Hotel is one of the tallest buildings in the area and has a great position on the bustling shopping and dining area of Robson Street.
Accommodation ...see more
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Century Plaza Hotel
from £40
The family-owned and operated Century Plaza Hotel provides guests with a home-away-from-home ambience, in the very center of downtown Vancouver. Guest ...see more
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Days Inn Vancouver Downtown
from £36
The Days Inn is an excellent value hotel with a convenient location in the financial district, just a few minutes’ walk from the harbourfront ...see more
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Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Downtown Suites
from £62
This contemporary hotel is set in a great location in downtown Vancouver, close to the waterfront and the charming neighbourhood of Gastown. Suites are ...see more
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Fairmont Pacific Rim
from £159
The Fairmont Pacific Rim is a stylish and luxurious hotel in a good location overlooking Vancouver Harbour.
Accommodation is of the highest standard, ...see more
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Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver
from £71
The Four Seasons is a luxurious hotel connected to the Pacific Shopping Mall in the centre of downtown Vancouver.
The large range of rooms and ...see more
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Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Vancouver
from £54
The Hampton Inn & Suites is a good hotel with an excellent location in the heart of the entertainment district, close to shopping and attractions.
Rooms ...see more
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Hilton Vancouver Downtown
from £86
The Hilton Vancouver Downtown is an elegant all-suite hotel located in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Located next to Yaletown, with its buzzing restaurants, ...see more
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Holiday Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown
from £41
The Holiday Inn Hotel & Suite Vancouver Downtown is in a great position between the shopping district and the beach.
The good choice of rooms ...see more
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Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre
from £59
The Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre is an excellent budget hotel in a great central location.
Rooms and suites are comfortable and welcoming, with ...see more
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Hotel Belmont Vancouver McGallery
from £42
Situated in the heart of Vancouver's entertainment district. The newly renovated boutique-style Hotel Belmont is minutes from the BC Place Stadium, Granville ...see more
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Howard Johnson Hotel Vancouver
from £31
The Howard Johnson Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, with attractions, entertainment and shopping all within walking distance.
Rooms ...see more
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Hyatt Regency Vancouver
from £67
The Hyatt Regency is a grand and stylish hotel with an excellent downtown location, close to the harbourfront and shopping districts.
Rooms are ...see more
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Loden Vancouver Hotel
from £86
The Loden Hotel is a stylish and luxurious boutique hotel with an excellent location in the exclusive neighbourhood of Coal Harbour.
Rooms are ...see more
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Lord Stanley Suites On The Park
from £54
The Lord Stanley is an all-suite hotel with a great location away from the bustle of the city with fantastic views over Stanley Park and Coal Harbour.
There ...see more
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Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver
from £58
The Metropolitan Hotel is an elegant deluxe hotel in a fantastic central location, just across the street from the Pacific Shopping Centre.
Rooms ...see more
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OPUS Vancouver
from £96
The OPUS Vancouver is a lovely boutique-style hotel in the centre of the trendy downtown district of Yaletown.
Rooms are individual and ...see more
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Pinnacle Vancouver Harbourfront Hotel
from £50
The Pinnacle Vancouver Harbourfront Hotel is a modern hotel with a fantastic location in the centre of downtown Vancouver, overlooking Coal Harbour.
Guest ...see more
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Quality Inn and Suites Downtown Vancouver
from £74
The Quality Inn and Suites Downtown Vancouver is a modern hotel with a good location in the entertainment district of downtown Vancouver.
Rooms ...see more
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Residence Inn By Marriott Vancouver
from £54
This all-suite hotel offers more space for your Vancouver stay in a convenient downtown location.
Suites are large and inviting, with splashes ...see more
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Rosewood Hotel Georgia
from £86
A Forbes 5 star hotel, The Rosewood Hotel Georgia is an elegant establishment with a fantastic position close to the city’s best downtown shopping ...see more
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Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
from £58
The Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre is a stylish hotel, nestled in the heart of downtown Vancouver. Offering accommodations ranging from standard guest ...see more
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The Burrard
from £39
The Burrard is a trendy hotel with a retro feel and a good location in the heart of downtown Vancouver, close to beaches, shopping and attractions.
Rooms ...see more
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The Listel Hotel
from £51
The Listel Hotel is an unusual boutique hotel with strong artistic links and an excellent location on the popular Robson Street.
There are a ...see more
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The Parker Hotel Vancouver
from £39
The Parker Hotel Vancouver enjoys a great central position, close to many of the best downtown attractions and districts.
Rooms are warm and ...see more
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The St Regis Hotel
from £50
The St Regis Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel in a great position just few minutes walk from great shopping on Robson Street.
Accommodation ...see more
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Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Hotel
from £48
Located in a great position close to Coal Harbour and downtown shopping districts, the Marriott Pinnacle is an excellent hotel from which to explore ...see more
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Wedgewood Hotel & Spa
from £81
The Wedgewood Hotel & Spa is a traditional and elegant hotel situated on Robson Square, in the heart of the downtown area.
Accommodation ...see more
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First Passage to the West, Vancouver to Banff
from £1064
The Rocky Mountaineer train route was created over a century ago and today this historical route is recognised as one of the world's classical journeys. ...see more
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Sunshine to Alpine Western Road Trip
from £1,709
This tour combines all that British Columbia is famous for. Starting in the coastal city of Vancouver where city and outdoors combine beautifully, you ...see more
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Vancouver City Break
from £1,074
Head to the cosmopolitan coastal city of Vancouver, nestled perfectly between the Pacific coast and Coastal Mountain Range. This hotel is an ideal base ...see more
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First Passage to the West, Vancouver to Lake Louise
from £949
The Rocky Mountaineer train route was created over a century ago and today this historical route is recognised as one of the world's classical journeys. ...see more
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British Columbia Ski Safari
from £2,624
This ski safari not only combines the best of what British Columbia offers as a winter holiday, it also gives you an opportunity to explore the region ...see more
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Best of Canada's West Holiday
from £1,720
Western Canada has it all. The natural wonders of the Rocky Mountains and its many lakes, incredible wildlife and opportunities to relax too. This motorhome ...see more
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Pacific Canada: Coast & Mountains Winter Wonder
from £1,697
From Whistler, North America's largest ski resort, to storm watching the Pacific coastline of Tofino, this fly-drive vacation will see you enjoy ...see more
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Discover Vancouver Island & Farewell Harbour Lodge Holiday
from £5,431
With an area of 12,079 square miles, Vancouver Island has a lot to offer, and this itinerary combines the freedom of driving with amazing opportunities ...see more
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Pacific Rim Whales and Bears Holiday
from £2,465
Experience it all on this 7-day action packed tour, its full of wildlife searching & picturesque scenery around the beautiful Vancouver Island. Have ...see more
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Vancouver and Victoria Hopper
from £1,602
This short break gives you the perfect balance between the fast paced and exciting city life in Vancouver and the laid back island life in Victoria, Vancouver ...see more
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BC Spa & Winelands Circle Holiday
from £3,095
An incredible BC fly drive holiday adventure starting in Vancouver through some of Canada's finest wineries and most spectacular scenery. Experience world-class ...see more
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Vancouver and Whistler Adventure
from £1,208
This trip takes you to two of BCs most popular destinations, the energetic city of Vancouver and the exciting year round adventure town of Whistler. Enjoy ...see more
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Great Parks of the West Holiday
from £2,509
Beautiful Vancouver is the starting point of this circular tour, showcasing the true beauty of the National Parks within the Canadian Rockies. Venture ...see more
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Sonora Resort & Vancouver Island Holiday
from £3,380
Let the natural beauty of Vancouver Island wow you. This holiday is fantastic for animal-lovers! You’ll find yourself in prime bear-watching territory ...see more
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Grizzly Bears & Pacific Shores Holiday
from £4,252
The first moment you see a grizzly bear in the wild is a memory that will stay with you forever. This fly drive holiday takes you over to Vancouver Island ...see more
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Mountain Country Holiday
from £3,731
A classic route, featuring breathtaking scenery in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. From Vancouver, travel east through the Okanagan Valley ...see more
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Whales, Bears and Vancouver Island Holiday
from £3,962
Experience it all, lively urban centres, remote wilderness destinations, unrivalled beauty & fascinating aboriginal culture. Plunge right in with a whale ...see more
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Wonders of the Spirit Bear Holiday
from £7,107
For those wanting to see wildlife in a beautiful part of BC, there is no better holiday. The opportunities to see Spirit Bears, Grizzly and Black Bears ...see more
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Journey through the Clouds Grand Adventure
from £5,223
Be whisked away in luxury to beautiful Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff, concluding in Vancouver. Blend breathtaking adventure with plenty of time to relax ...see more
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Rockies & Alaska Cruise, The Complete Western Adventure!
from £4,035
A big holiday needs a big name, this has the lot! An unforgettable Cruise of Alaska encompassing some of the worlds most beautiful scenery then onto ...see more
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First Passage to the West Discovery
from £5,123
Adventure in the Canadian Rockies! This journey includes ample time in the pristine mountain towns of Banff and Lake Louise with scenic tours between the ...see more
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Rainforest to Gold Rush Discovery Banff
from £6,620
This Journey will take you through extreme and diverse landscapes of the Northern Rockies. From temperate rainforests to desert canyons, experience all ...see more
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Discovery Circle Journey Banff
from £5,796
Explore the two neighbouring provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, and enjoy the lively sights of Banff and Jasper National Parks, the interior of ...see more
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Rail and Sail
from £5,249
This itinerary takes you on a spectacular loop of the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains and northern British Columbia. You will see how diverse this region ...see more
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Calgary Stampede, Rockies & Alaska Cruise, The Complete Western Adventure!
from £5,794
A big holiday needs a big name, this has the lot! An unforgettable Cruise of Alaska encompassing some of the worlds most beautiful scenery then onto ...see more
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Best of the Rockies Circle Journey
from £9,815
An amazing journey unfolds as you depart Vancouver by train, enjoy breath-taking and varied scenery as you continue your journey on the Rocky Mountaineer ...see more
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Glaciers and Grizzlies Holiday
from £5,131
This holiday combines two iconic experiences for a truly memorable holiday. Cruise to Alaska to enjoy breathtaking scenery before experiencing the wilderness ...see more
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Glaciers and Gold Rush Bonanza Holiday
from £5,727
Discover the spectacular landscapes, thrilling wildlife habitats, Gold Rush history and expansive national parks of Alaska and the Yukon Territory, on ...see more
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Grand Adventure Circle Journey
from £10,497
Experience the ultimate rail journey through the Canadian Rockies on our two most sought-after routes - Rainforest to Gold Rush and First Passage to the ...see more
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Luxury Wildlife Adventure Holiday
from £7,133
Combine one the finest wilderness resorts in British Columbia, Clayoquot Wilderness Resort with your holiday and you have the ingredients for a truly special ...see more
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Canadian Rockies and Pacific Coast (Insight Vacations)
from £7,422
A beautiful tour of Canada and the Pacific Northwest, discover the majestic landscapes, towering peaks, sparkling turquoise lakes and gushing rivers of ...see more
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BC Wilderness & Quintessential Alaska
from £5,771
Experience two astounding and diverse landscapes that showcase both expansive glaciers, the untamed wildlife of Alaska and spectacular silence and solitude ...see more
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Best of Canada's West with Campgrounds
from £2,753
Western Canada has it all. The natural wonders of the Rocky Mountains and its many lakes, incredible wildlife and opportunities to relax too. This motorhome ...see more
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Pacific Wild - Vancouver Island and Sunshine Coast Holiday
from £2,160
Explore Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast in this motorhome holiday that gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace but with the comfort of ...see more
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Surf & Turf
from £3,438
This route starts and ends in Vancouver. Discover the southern area of the Okanagan with its wineries, sandy beaches, orchards, and Canada’s only true ...see more
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Wonders of the Land and Sea
from £8,961
Enjoy the extreme and diverse landscapes of the Northern Rockies. From temperate rainforests to desert canyons, you will travel from the cowboy city of ...see more
Top tips
Top tips for visiting Vancouver
Top Tip 1
• Hire a bike: cycle around the beautiful Stanley Park and the sea wall, and stop at English Bay to watch the sail boats drift in and out of the harbour at sunset
Top Tip 2
• Try a Vancouver Foodie Tour: for the ultimate food experience while enjoying the knowledge of a local guide
Top Tip 3
• Be adventurous: paraglide or zip-line in Grouse Mountain in the summer
Top Tip 4
• Visit Chinatown: this is the third largest Chinatown in the world and serves up some of the most authentic cuisine and street food in the country
Top Tip 5
• Visit Granville Island: wander around the Public Market and taste some of the local delicacies; Granville is famous for its freshly caught seafood
Top Tip 6
• Take a day trip: to Victoria and Vancouver Island. A short ferry ride across the Strait of Georgia will take you to the magical capital of BC, Victoria. Stroll along the Inner Harbour towards Fisherman's Wharf and see the charming floating shops and houses
Top Tip 7
• Vancouver Island is a great place for spotting wildlife, especially Orca Whales and Harbour seals – try one of our amazing Wildlife Packages!
Top Tip 8
• Get fit: Take the scenic drive to the beautiful mountain village of Whistler, which is an outdoor playground offering the very best hiking and mountain biking opportunities