Vancouver, a stunning coastal area known for its blend of urban culture and breathtaking natural scenery, is located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia.
Vancouver is mostly the departure or end point of many Alaskan cruises, and if you plan your cruise holiday well, you can take advantage of the various shore excursions the city offers.
Whether exploring the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge, taking in the breathtaking views of Grouse Mountain, or venturing out to Whistler for scenic landscapes, there’s something in this city for every traveler.
From city highlights to outdoor adventures, Vancouver is the perfect place for cruise-goers to experience the best urban and natural wonders.
In this article, we recommend some of the best shore excursions to help you make the most of your time in Vancouver during your Alaskan cruise.
Granite Falls zodiac tour
If you love the thrill of adventure and the beauty of nature equally, then the Granite Falls zodiac tour is perfect for you.
This tour lets you explore Vancouver’s stunning waterways in just three hours.
You will explore through iconic landmarks of the city, like Siwash Rock and Deep Cove. Later, you will head towards the scenic Indian Arm, where beautiful forested cliffs surround you.
Granite Falls, a breathtaking sight of cascading water, is the highlight of this tour.
Along the way, you’ll also see Silver Falls and the bustling Vancouver Downtown skyline.
With a small group of up to 12 travelers, this tour ensures a more personal experience.
Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is 460 feet (140 meters) long and 260 feet (79 meters) above the river, and Grouse Mountain offers stunning panoramic views, outdoor adventures, and wildlife experiences just minutes from downtown Vancouver.
As these two highlights of Vancouver are just seven minutes away from each other, people tend to get tours that combine the two.
Here are two options for you.
On the 7-hour tour, you’ll cross the Lions Gate Bridge, visit the Salmon Hatchery, walk across the famous Capilano Bridge, and enjoy breathtaking views from the Mountain.
The 5-hour tour covers highlights like Stanley Park, the Lions Gate Bridge, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge, with a smaller group of 14 travelers for a more intimate experience.
Vancouver city highlights and Capilano Suspension Bridge
If you are looking for combo tours that will take you through the beautiful city of Vancouver and the Capilano Bridge, here are two recommendations.
One tour lasts around 6.5 hours and includes highlights like Stanley Park, Granville Island, and the Vancouver Lookout, along with a breathtaking visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
A shorter, 5-hour tour offers similar sightseeing opportunities, focusing on Stanley Park, Gastown, and Chinatown before heading to the Capilano Bridge.
This tour is more like a private one with only 14 travelers allowed on one trip.
Vancouver highlights and Whistler sightseeing tour
Whistler, a town with the largest ski resorts in North America, is two hours away from Vancouver.
The Whistler Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver is a full-day adventure that takes you through some of the most stunning locations on the way.
Starting with a scenic drive through downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park, you’ll cross the Lions Gate Bridge.
After that, you will pass by the adorable town of Horseshoe Bay and stop for a short hike at Shannon Falls, British Columbia’s third-tallest waterfall.
You’ll travel through the Brackendale Eagle Reserve and glimpse the towering Stawamus Chief rock formation.
When you arrive at Whistler, you’ll have four hours to explore the world-famous resort, with options like the Peak to Peak Gondola, the Olympic Rings, hiking, or even dining at Chef Gordon Ramsay’s renowned restaurants.
The tour includes a brief stop at Porteau Cove Provincial Park before returning to Vancouver.
This tour offers an intimate and exciting way to experience the city’s beauty, as it allows only 11 travelers per trip.
