VanDusen Botanical Garden

Immerse yourself in Vancouver's Christmas spirit on this private tour. After getting picked up from your hotel in a luxurious Mercedes Benz Sprinter van, head to the Van Dusen Botanical Garden. Here, experience the Van Dusen Festival of Lights, where you can witness a spectacular light show, take a carousel ride and even meet Santa. Next, head over to Stanley Park and experience the Bright Nights Christmas Train in Stanley Park, with 3 million twinkling lights. Continue your tour of the city's best Christmas lights with a drive around downtown. See iconic sights such as Canada Place, False Creek, and Gastown lit up by colorful festive light displays. Enjoy a drive over the Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver to visit the Canyon Lights at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Admire panoramic views across the bridge to Burrard Inlet and Downtown Vancouver before getting dropped off back at your hotel.

On this day tour of Vancouver, visit the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens, Nitobe Memorial Garden, Museum of Anthropology, and Queen Elizabeth Park. Experience the eye-popping colors of the four seasons. After being picked up at your accommodation, visit Van Dusen Botanical Garden, learn about plants from every corner of the world, from the lowlands to the highlands, from the rain forest to regions with deciduous species. Study both the fragile ecosystem and First Nations influence found here. Next, at Queen Elizabeth Park, stroll the manicured gardens of the Little Quarry and the Main Quarry. Watch the dancing water fountain. Take advantage of photo opps with the Photo Session, a bronze figurative sculpture of a man photographing three people, by J. Seward Johnson, Jr. At the next stop, the Museum of Anthropology, learn about world arts and cultures with a special emphasis on the First Nations peoples and other cultural communities of British Columbia. See original carved totem poles, First Nations longhouses, and the works of masters such as Bill Reid and Susan Point. Take a short walk over to the Nitobe Memorial Garden via the Asian Centre and its Japanese landscaped garden and architecture. See Japanese flora and visit an authentic tea house. View cherry blossoms in spring, and fall colors in autumn.

The adventure begins with pickup from your hotel, then sets off into the bustling streets of Vancouver. Start with a comprehensive tour of the downtown area, including Canada Place, home to the 2010 Olympic Cauldron. Marvel at the array of architectural masterpieces as you wander, and pass by the Arts and Financial District as well as Robson Street. Arrive at Stanley Park, a 1000-acre urban rainforest. Immerse yourself in this unique forest setting, and admire the First Nations Totem Poles. Head to North Vancouver next, crossing over the Lions Gate Bridge towards Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.  Check out the park’s impressive collection of First Nations artwork and learn about local history in the Story Center. Stop at the spectacular Cliffwalk and gaze out across the towering cedar trees and the winding Capilano River. Enjoy an exhilarating walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge then travel back into downtown Vancouver for a visit to the bustling Granville Island Market.

Start this private morning or afternoon tour with pick-up at your hotel. Make your first stop at the beautiful Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver's China Town. The Chinese have a totally different perspective on what a garden should be and must be seen to be understood. Take a little walk around Chinatown to see novelties like the "World's Narrowest Building" and Chinese spice and medicine shops. Next, leave the downtown area and travel to the highest point in the city, the spectacular Queen Elisabeth Park. Admire the sunken gardens and sweeping panoramic views of Vancouver, the mountains, and the sea. Originally a rock quarry for the early development of downtown, it is now a spectacular garden and viewpoint. Finally, enjoy the breathtaking Van Dusen Botanical Garden and amazing array of what nature has to offer. This mature 22-hectare (55-acre) garden features displays of plants in picturesque landscape settings. Specific garden areas are planted to illustrate botanical relationships, such as the Rhododendron Walk, or geographical origins, as in Sino Himalayan Garden. These areas are set amidst rolling lawns, tranquil lakes and dramatic rockwork with vistas of the mountains and Vancouver cityscape. If you wish, take advantage of the wonderful restaurant at Van Dusen Botanical Garden for dinner (not included in tour fees). After this, return you to your hotel.

This private tour of culturally rich Vancouver begins with an introduction to key downtown including Canada Place and Robson Street. Wind through historic and modern architectural wonders en-route to Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre natural oasis, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. View the First Nations Totem Poles, and gaze upon ever-changing rainforest and shoreline scenery on the way through the park. Get your camera ready for a photo stop at Prospect Point, with a great view of Lions Gate Bridge. Continue to the enchanting sights of the English Bay beach area, followed by a visit to the eclectic Granville Island Market. Top off this adventure with a choice to visit the VanDusen Botanical Garden or the Vancouver Lookout. In addition to plants native to British Columbia and water features, the garden features works of art including carved totem poles, stone sculptures, and a maze for the family to enjoy. At the Vancouver Lookout, rise more than 500 feet above the city in a glass elevator for views of the ocean framed by the lush Coastal Mountains, busy city, and rugged shoreline.

Discover Vancouver's must-see sights in style on this fantastic round-trip tour. After being picked up by your local guide from your hotel, you will set off to explore everything Vancouver has to offer, from the totems of Stanley Park to stunning panoramic views of the city from Queen Elizabeth Park, with its beautiful sunken gardens.  Ask your guide for recommendations about the best restaurants in town. After a delicious lunch, take a turn around the spectacular Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver's Chinatown. Enjoy a gentle stroll around Chinatown and see the world's narrowest building, or visit Chinese spice and medicine shops.  Your final stop of the day will be at the Van Dusen Botanical Garden, with its amazing variety of plants in picturesque landscape settings. Walk through different zones to learn more about plants from different geographical origins, such as in Sino Himalayan Garden. If you're looking to experience Vancouver at your own pace, then this is an unmissable opportunity.