It's a view that's not just seen but experienced. If adventure calls, we'll focus on outdoor activities like biking the Seawall or kayaking in English Bay. Vancouver guided tours You're now looking at a city that's not just about lush landscapes and urban sophistication. Learn more about Best sightseeing experiences in Vancouver Here
Here, chefs showcase the finest ingredients sourced from nearby farms.
Picture yourself enjoying succulent crab or perfectly seared scallops, each dish paired with local wines that complement the ocean's bounty. You'll come face-to-face with playful otters, mesmerizing jellyfish, and the mysterious allure of the deep sea in the form of elusive octopuses and sleek sharks.
Indigenous settlement of Vancouver began more than 10,000 years ago and included the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh (Burrard) peoples. The beginnings of the modern city, which was originally named Gastown, grew around the site of a makeshift tavern on the western edges of Hastings Mill that was built on July 1, 1867, and owned by proprietor Gassy Jack. The Gastown steam clock marks the original site. Gastown then formally registered as a townsite dubbed Granville, Burrard Inlet. The city was renamed "Vancouver" in 1886 through a deal with the Canadian Pacific Railway. The Canadian Pacific transcontinental railway was extended to the city by 1887. The city's large natural seaport on the Pacific Ocean became a vital link in the trade between Asia-Pacific, East Asia, Europe, and Eastern Canada.
Here, art isn't just observed; it's felt, making each step a discovery of color and imagination. Beyond uncovering hidden gems, these tours also offer deep dives into Vancouver's rich cultural heritage, letting you connect with the city's soul in a way you've never imagined. Star Sightseeing's exclusive tour takes you beyond the usual tourist paths, offering a unique perspective on this vibrant city. Vancouver sightseeing recommendations
It's a season filled with long days and warm nights, perfect for any adventure you've got in mind. Clicking on this will direct you to the tour selection page, where you can choose the tour date and time that best suits your schedule.
With Sam, you'll dive into Vancouver's vibrant culinary scene, tasting your way through the best local spots. This personalized approach guarantees that your Vancouver sightseeing tour isn't just memorable-it's uniquely yours.
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. But Gastown isn't just about sightseeing and eating.
For a touch of nature, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers an exhilarating walk among the treetops, with stunning views of the surrounding forest and river below. Booking your VIP experience with Star Sightseeing is the first step to an unforgettable exploration of Vancouver. As the leaves turn, fall in Vancouver is a spectacle of fiery hues. Want to start early to catch a sunrise at English Bay or finish late with a sunset dinner overlooking the city?
This experience isn't just a ride; it's a gateway to the awe-inspiring beauty of the Pacific Northwest. You'll gain early access to the best seats on our luxury coaches, ensuring you experience the stunning Vancouver landscapes in unparalleled comfort. Star Sightseeing's luxury tours ensure you're not just a spectator but an active participant in Vancouver's culinary story.
Don't miss out on the artisanal bakeries and trendy cafes scattered across Gastown, where you can enjoy handcrafted pastries and expertly brewed coffee. Dive into the local food scene. Whether you're witnessing the sunset from the peak or exploring the natural wilderness that surrounds the area, you're in for an unforgettable experience.
Moreover, the recent addition of the Sustainability Exhibit showcases green technologies and sustainable solutions to everyday problems. From the lush greenery of Stanley Park, where nature meets history, to the vibrant streets of Gastown, where every cobblestone whispers tales of the past, you'll discover the diverse cultures and communities that shape this city. It's a hidden gem that surrounds you with lush forests and the tranquil sounds of nature.
You're not just visiting; you're embarking on a journey through a forested haven, with over 750 hectares of verdant woodlands, sandy beaches, and scenic trails that cater to all levels of outdoor enthusiasts.
After you've had your fill of sun and sea, wander over to the nearby cafes and bistros. Diving into the details of our premium packages, you'll discover that luxury comforts aren't just included; they're a cornerstone of your Vancouver experience. Stay with us as we unfold why Star Sightseeing isn't just your guide, but your gateway to discovering the soul of the city.
You won't waste a moment on experiences that don't spark joy. Once you're there, you'll find yourself immersed in a bustling atmosphere where local artisans sell their crafts and fresh produce is up for grabs at the public market.
This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2009)
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A tour bus service is an escorted tour (sometimes a package holiday) or bus service that takes visitors sightseeing, with routes around tourist attractions.
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It has been suggested that this section be split out into another article titled City tourist bus service. (Discuss) (January 2023)
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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.
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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 | ||
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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, 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.
Yes, Star Sightseeing can accommodate your dietary restrictions or preferences during their gourmet culinary stops. Just let them know in advance, and they'll ensure you have delicious options that meet your dietary needs.
You can cancel your tour package for a full refund up to 24 hours before it starts. If you miss this window, they'll offer rescheduling options, ensuring you don't miss out on the experience.