TOP 10 Unique Experiences in Vancouver

If you like to combine adrenaline with your vacations, Vancouver is absolutely the city for you. With such easy access to stunning nature, you can climb mountains during the day and go clubbing at night. We’ve found the top 10 things to do in Vancouver for adventure-seekers.

Combine a seaplane flight and whale-watching cruise

How about a two-in-one adventure? This day-long trip combines a flight in a seaplane with a whale-watching cruise to see the best of Vancouver from both the air and sea.

Your day begins with a 35-minute flight in a seaplane from Vancouver to Victoria. From there, you’ll hop on a cruise for 3 hours spent whale watching in the Haro Strait. After watching seals, sea lions, and orcas in their natural habitat, you’ll get back on the seaplane and return to Vancouver.

Go on a Zodiak tour of Granite Falls

Race along the Vancouver coastline in a Zodiac boat with top speeds of 25-30 mph. You’ll start off at Granville Island where you’ll suit up in a provided waterproof survival suit before the high-speed adventure. The 3-hour heart-pumping ride will take you to a large number of stunning locations including Siwash Rock, Lions Gate Bridge, Silver Falls, and Deep Cove.

If you’re looking for the most adventurous things to do in Vancouver, this is a tour that you won’t regret.

Hike the beautiful Bowen Island

Bowen Island is a haven from the hustle of the city and only a 20-minute ferry ride away. The small island, located in Howe Sound, offers trails through dense forests that will reward you with beautiful sweeping views over the coast and mountains.

This hiking and photography tour takes you on a guided hike led by an experienced photographer. You’ll learn all about the local area and receive expert advice on your photography. If you’re less interested in being behind the lens and would rather be in front of it, that works too. Your guide will be happy to set up mini photo shoots along the trail

Swim with the marine life on a scuba diving tour

Experiencing Vancouver’s marine life from on top of the water is something you’ll never forget, by why not take it a step further? Join the marine life and see what they see on a scuba diving and cruise adventure from Vancouver.

During the 5-hour experience, you’ll board the 40ft dive boat and head to the clear waters of Howe Sound. You’ll be given the chance to go wall diving, explore artificial reefs, and swim with fascinating and strange fish.

If scuba diving isn’t your thing but the cruise appeals to you, that’s fine too. A non-diving/ride along option is available.

Explore the natural beauty of BC by biking and hiking

The natural wonders that British Columbia has to offer will leave even the most experienced adventurer in awe. This tour is designed for people who don’t just want to see the outdoors, but who really want to experience it.

The 6 and a half hour tour begins with a cycle in Fraser Valley along the Trans Canada Highway. During the trip, you’ll leave the bikes behind and continue on foot through the North Shore temperate rain forest. Your guide will teach you all about the flora and fauna you see and give you some history of the First Nation people who called the land home for thousands of years.

Do some yoga in one of Canada’s most beautiful places

Ladies, this one is for you. This ladies-only tour combines hiking and yoga at Stawamus Chief Provincial Park.

You’ll spend the first hour and a half of the adventure hiking to the first summit, which is also the most popular. Getting to the top will involve obstacles such as ropes and a metal ladder, so get ready for a real workout! You’ll have a chance to rest while you refuel at the local eatery before your 60-90 minute yoga class with a certified yoga instructor.

Full-Day Cheakamus Rafting and Sea to Sky Gondola Combo

Get your blood pumping by rafting down the glacier-fed Cheakamus River and then take the Sea to Sky Gondola into the mountains. For the fearless adventurer, this tour is one of the best things to do in Vancouver.

Take in the mountains surrounding you as you face gentle rapids with a professional instructor. After learning about the history and wildlife of the area, you’ll head back to the rafting base to see the photos from the rafting experience. You’ll get changed and then head to the Sea to Sky Gondola which will take you into the mountains where more adventure awaits. You’ll have free time to spend however you’d like, whether that’s hitting the hiking trails or simply relaxing while you enjoy the mountain air.

Explore Vancouver’s coast in a kayak

This kayak tour is a unique way to experience Vancouver’s skyline. It’s a family-friendly tour that is fine for beginners; you’ll receive a kayaking lesson before heading out on the adventure.

During the roughly 2.5-hour tour, your guide will teach you all about the buildings and wildlife you see, including the history and future plans of Vancouver’s development. You can choose from doing the tour in the morning or at sunset.

Go snowshoeing in Whistler

Whistler is a town north of Vancouver that is a world-famous destination for people who enjoy winter sports. The winter wonderland is loved for its wonderful trails and stunning scenery.

This full-day tour will take you to the mountain town for two hours of snowshoeing around Green Lake. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore the village however you’d like, whether that’s eating your way around the charming village or hopping on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.

Scenic Joffre Lakes Hike

Emerald-coloured glacier-fed lakes surrounded by tall mountains is one of those iconic images of Canada that you can’t miss on your adventure-packed trip to Vancouver. One of the places you often see in those post-card perfect pictures is the area surrounding Joffre Lakes.

This 5-hour hike takes you to Joffre Lakes and the surrounding mountains for breathtaking views. Lunch is provided during the hike and you’ll have plenty of opportunities for taking pictures.