For a more laid-back evening, stroll along the waterfront or join a night tour to see the city's landmarks beautifully lit up against the night sky.
Building on the exclusive access perks, expert guide insights offer another layer to your Vancouver sightseeing experience, providing in-depth knowledge and stories that bring the city to life. These guides take pride in showing off Vancouver's diverse culture, its ecological wonders, and its vibrant street life. These are the places where you can find a piece of Vancouver to take home, a memento of your journey beyond the surface. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in this enchanting park.
After you've had your fill of sun and sea, wander over to the nearby cafes and bistros. Snowshoeing and skiing on pristine slopes provide a serene yet thrilling exploration of Vancouver's snowy wonderland. Booking your Star Sightseeing tour in advance unlocks a suite of exclusive benefits and guarantees you a spot on this unforgettable journey. Vancouver nature tours
It's not just a market; it's a sensory experience, with every corner bursting with colors, flavors, and sounds. Our vehicles are equipped with free Wi-Fi, allowing you to stay connected and share your experiences in real-time. Read more about Best Nature Spots in Vancouver Here Exploring Vancouver's iconic landmarks offers a unique glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant culture.
Amid Vancouver's urban landscape, you'll find breathtaking natural wonders that captivate and awe. Vancouver photography tours Here, art isn't just observed; it's felt, making each step a discovery of color and imagination. You'll gain early access to the best seats on our luxury coaches, ensuring you experience the stunning Vancouver landscapes in unparalleled comfort.
Vancouver has hosted many international conferences and events, including the 1954 Commonwealth Games, UN Habitat I, Expo 86, APEC Canada 1997, the World Police and Fire Games in 1989 and 2009; several matches of 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup including the finals at BC Place in downtown Vancouver, and the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics which were held in Vancouver and Whistler, a resort community 125 km (78 mi) north of the city. In 1969, Greenpeace was founded in Vancouver. The city became the permanent home to TED conferences in 2014.
You'll find yourself surrounded by the tranquil ambience of Stanley Park, a sprawling urban oasis that's a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Lastly, Granville Island awaits with its bustling Public Market. Vancouver paranormal tours After selecting your tour, proceed to the checkout page. So, whether you're looking for a night of dancing, fine dining, or simply enjoying the city lights, Vancouver has it all.
These aren't marked on every map, offering a tranquil escape with every step. You'll find their stories filled with joy, discovery, and a newfound appreciation for the city. If you're feeling peckish, you're in luck.
Tucked away in its lush landscapes and vibrant neighborhoods, these secret spots will take your experience from memorable to truly exceptional. Vancouver adventure tours Foodies aren't left behind, with personalized culinary tours through Granville Island's bustling market, tasting locally sourced delicacies and artisan foods. Or perhaps you'd prefer a guided tour of the city's top seafood restaurants, tasting the freshest catches from the Pacific.
Elevate your Vancouver adventure with a visit to the Vancouver Lookout, where 360-degree panoramic views of the city, ocean, and mountains await you. Don't forget to specify your group size and any accessibility needs to ensure a seamless experience. Each bite tells a story of generations, traditions, and the fusion of cultures that defines Vancouver's Chinatown.
Chinatown's vibrant markets are a feast for the senses, offering everything from exotic fruits to handcrafted wares. They're not just guides; they're your gateway to experiencing Vancouver in a way that's memorable, personal, and utterly unique. With options ranging from uncovering local secrets to exploring seasonal attractions, the question isn't just what you'll see, but how you'll transform your understanding of Vancouver. Imagine the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a golden hue over Vancouver's skyline as you're whisked away on an experience designed to redefine luxury travel.
It's a thrilling walk amid towering trees, offering a unique perspective of the forest below. Once you've made your choice, it's time to book. Kitsilano Beach isn't just about lazing around, though.
Shift your adventure to the vibrant heart of the city by visiting Granville Island, an eclectic mix of shops, studios, and eateries waiting to be discovered. With a custom tour, you're likely to discover spots that traditional tours might overlook. Their dedicated website features an easy-to-navigate booking system where you can select your preferred tour date and time.
You'll also appreciate the personalized attention you receive from us. The tour is committed to crafting an experience that resonates with your personal tastes, ensuring your Vancouver visit isn't just memorable, but truly one of a kind. Venture further to discover the graffiti-laden alleys of Granville Island, where the city's creative pulse beats the strongest.
With Star Sightseeing, you're not just visiting landmarks; you're immersing yourself in Vancouver's soul, discovering the stories and heritage that weave the fabric of this diverse city. Imagine having the key to unlock doors that lead to Vancouver's most extraordinary experiences. While iconic landmarks offer a collective charm, personalized tour experiences in Vancouver cater to your unique interests, ensuring every moment of your journey feels exclusively yours. Likewise, the architecture you'll encounter-spanning from totem poles to contemporary designs-narrates a story of adaptation and reverence for the natural world.
Picture yourself indulging in hand-crafted sushi that rivals Tokyo's finest, or tearing into artisanal pastries that could easily grace Parisian bakeries. Star Sightseeing ensures you're not just observing, but truly experiencing the seasonal charms of Vancouver. You'll find yourself immersed in the breathtaking beauty of vast forests, rugged mountains, and crystal-clear lakes that define this region.
Your journey through Vancouver's hidden gems will undoubtedly enrich your travel experience, revealing the soul of the city that many visitors overlook. Star Sightseeing accepts various forms of payment, including major credit cards and online payment platforms, making the process smooth and secure. Informative displays and friendly guides are on hand to point out key sights and delve into the history and culture that make each view special.
You'll visit the finest chocolatiers and patisseries, each offering a unique twist on classic sweets. It's the perfect time to snap those Instagram-worthy shots, but don't let your phone distract you from the magic unfolding before your eyes. Or maybe you're a history buff, eager to delve into the stories of Gastown, walking the cobblestone streets with a knowledgeable guide who shares your enthusiasm. Vancouver food tours
Sampling is a must – from succulent seafood to decadent pastries, each bite tells a story of Vancouver's rich culinary landscape. Imagine starting your day with a sunrise hike in the stunning landscapes surrounding the city, followed by a private tour of Vancouver's most iconic historical sites, and capping it off with a gourmet meal at a hidden gem recommended by locals. You're not just visiting; you're learning about the respectful acknowledgment of the land and its original caretakers.
Don't forget, if you have any questions or need assistance during the booking process, our customer service team is just an email or phone call away.
This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2009)
|
A tour bus service is an escorted tour (sometimes a package holiday) or bus service that takes visitors sightseeing, with routes around tourist attractions.
![]() |
It has been suggested that this section be split out into another article titled City tourist bus service. (Discuss) (January 2023)
|
Double-decker buses and open top buses are commonly used, for providing a good view. Large coaches are used internationally by tour operators, intercity bus lines and charters, for short and long distance destinations. These buses are larger than regular transit buses, with 2 to 4 axles (6 to 10 wheels).
The history of tour buses in North America began in the early 20th century, when trucks were converted to provide a means for sightseeing within large American cities.[1] Gray Line, the largest sightseeing operators, began operations in 1910.[2] Sightseeing was likely a side business for many intercity bus operators because the same types of buses were used (this remains true even today). World War II saw the industry decline, but it slowly re-emerged as an alternative to driving.[1]
Many musicians, entertainers, dancing crews and bands travel in sleeper buses, commonly referred to as "tour buses". While most if not all of the buses and coaches listed above are for commercial applications, there are many coaches manufactured for personal use as motorhomes. These bus based motorhomes are considered the top end of the RV market.
Part of a series on |
Homestays |
---|
Hospitality exchange services |
Hospitality for work |
Hospitality for money |
Home exchange and others |
Travel is the movement of people between distant geographical locations. Travel can be done by foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, bus, airplane, ship or other means, with or without luggage, and can be one way or round trip.[1] Travel can also include relatively short stays between successive movements, as in the case of tourism.
The origin of the word "travel" is most likely lost to history. The term "travel" may originate from the Old French word travail, which means 'work'.[2] According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the first known use of the word travel was in the 14th century. It also states that the word comes from Middle English travailen, travelen (which means to torment, labor, strive, journey) and earlier from Old French travailler (which means to work strenuously, toil).
In English, people still occasionally use the words travail, which means struggle. According to Simon Winchester in his book The Best Travelers' Tales (2004), the words travel and travail both share an even more ancient root: a Roman instrument of torture called the tripalium (in Latin it means "three stakes", as in to impale).[citation needed] This link may reflect the extreme difficulty of travel in ancient times. Travel in modern times may or may not be much easier, depending upon the destination. Travel to Mount Everest, the Amazon rainforest, extreme tourism, and adventure travel are more difficult forms of travel. Travel can also be more difficult depending on the method of travel, such as by bus, cruise ship, or even by bullock cart.[3]
Reasons for traveling include recreation,[4] holidays, rejuvenation,[5] tourism[4] or vacationing,[4] research travel,[4] the gathering of information, visiting people, volunteer travel for charity, migration to begin life somewhere else, religious pilgrimages[4] and mission trips, business travel,[4] trade,[4] commuting, obtaining health care,[4] waging or fleeing war, for the enjoyment of traveling, or other reasons. Travelers may use human-powered transport such as walking or bicycling; or vehicles, such as public transport, automobiles, trains, ferries, boats, cruise ships and airplanes.
Motives for travel include:
Travel dates back to antiquity where wealthy Greeks and Romans would travel for leisure to their summer homes and villas in cities such as Pompeii and Baiae.[9] While early travel tended to be slower, more dangerous, and more dominated by trade and migration, cultural and technological advances over many years have tended to mean that travel has become easier and more accessible.[10] Humankind has come a long way in transportation since Christopher Columbus sailed to the New World from Spain in 1492, an expedition which took over 10 weeks to arrive at the final destination; to the 21st century when aircraft allows travel from Spain to the United States overnight.
Travel in the Middle Ages offered hardships and challenges, though it was important to the economy and to society. The wholesale sector depended (for example) on merchants dealing with/through caravans or sea-voyagers, end-user retailing often demanded the services of many itinerant peddlers wandering from village to hamlet, gyrovagues (wandering monks) and wandering friars brought theology and pastoral support to neglected areas, traveling minstrels toured, and armies ranged far and wide in various crusades and in sundry other wars.[9] Pilgrimages were common in both the European and Islamic world and involved streams of travelers both locally and internationally.[11]
In the late 16th century, it became fashionable for young European aristocrats and wealthy upper-class men to travel to significant European cities as part of their education in the arts and literature. This was known as the Grand Tour, and included cities such as London, Paris, Venice, Florence, and Rome. However, the French Revolution brought with it the end of the Grand Tour.[9]
Travel by water often provided more comfort and speed than land-travel, at least until the advent of a network of railways in the 19th century. Travel for the purpose of tourism is reported to have started around this time when people began to travel for fun as travel was no longer a hard and challenging task. This was capitalized on by people like Thomas Cook selling tourism packages where trains and hotels were booked together.[12] Airships and airplanes took over much of the role of long-distance surface travel in the 20th century, notably after the Second World War where there was a surplus of both aircraft and pilots.[9] Air travel has become so ubiquitous in the 21st century that one woman, Alexis Alford, visited all 196 countries before the age of 21.[13]
Travel may be local, regional, national (domestic) or international. In some countries, non-local internal travel may require an internal passport, while international travel typically requires a passport and visa. Tours are a common type of travel. Examples of travel tours are expedition cruises,[14] small group tours,[15] and river cruises.[16]
Authorities emphasize the importance of taking precautions to ensure travel safety.[17] When traveling abroad, the odds favor a safe and incident-free trip, however, travelers can be subject to difficulties, crime and violence.[18] Some safety considerations include being aware of one's surroundings,[17] avoiding being the target of a crime,[17] leaving copies of one's passport and itinerary information with trusted people,[17] obtaining medical insurance valid in the country being visited[17] and registering with one's national embassy when arriving in a foreign country.[17] Many countries do not recognize drivers' licenses from other countries; however most countries accept international driving permits.[19] Automobile insurance policies issued in one's own country are often invalid in foreign countries, and it is often a requirement to obtain temporary auto insurance valid in the country being visited.[19] It is also advisable to become oriented with the driving rules and regulations of destination countries.[19] Wearing a seat belt is highly advisable for safety reasons; many countries have penalties for violating seatbelt laws.[19]
There are three main statistics which may be used to compare the safety of various forms of travel (based on a Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions survey in October 2000):[20]
Mode | Deaths per billion | ||
---|---|---|---|
Journeys | Hours | Kilometers | |
Bus | 4.3 | 11.1 | 0.4 |
Rail | 20 | 30 | 0.6 |
Air | 117 | 30.8 | 0.05 |
Ship | 90 | 50 | 2.6 |
Van | 20 | 60 | 1.2 |
Car | 40 | 130 | 3.1 |
Walking | 40 | 220 | 54 |
Bicycle | 170 | 550 | 45 |
Motorcycle | 1640 | 4840 | 109 |
... By age 12, Alexis Alford ... Alford, now 21, has accomplished her goal...
Yes, you can arrange private tours for special occasions. It's best to book these at least a month in advance to ensure availability and ample time for planning the perfect, personalized experience for your event.
Yes, your special dietary requests can be accommodated at the gourmet culinary stops included in the tour packages. Just make sure to mention your dietary needs when you book your tour.
You're probably wondering what happens if bad weather hits during your tour. Don't worry, they've got you covered with alternative indoor activities and rescheduling options to ensure you still have a fantastic experience.