We have an exciting schedule of tours on Wednesday and Thursday, showcasing the best of the Vancouver area in the summer. Whether your idea of exploring takes place on land, by sea or in the sky, hiking or biking, eating or observing, or simply seeing Vancouver by bus, boat or seaplane, we have you covered. This year’s tours include viewing the rainforest on a walk across a suspension bridge or on Bowen Island, exploring the Vancouver coastline by kayak, boat or bike, visiting the aquarium, museums and downtown neighborhoods, sampling local cuisine at Granville Island Market, and taking in the stunning views of the Vancouver cityscape, Stanley Park and the harbor by seaplane. With eleven exciting tour options, there is truly something for everyone!
All tours on Wednesday, as well as Thursday morning tours, are open to guests and families only. Conference attendees are expected to attend the general session and the breakout sessions. Conference attendees are welcome to join their guests and families on the Thursday afternoon tours.
Please wear comfortable shoes for walking tours and dress appropriately for the weather and type of tour.
BOWEN ISLAND: BY LAND & SEA
Wednesday, July 17 | 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Thursday, July 18 | 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
This breathtaking excursion will provide guests with an exciting Vancouver experience by land and sea! Guests will start their day with a leisurely scenic drive along West Vancouver’s waterfront, which is dotted with spectacular homes and offers unique views of the city. After arriving at Horseshoe Bay, guests will board the Ferry for a short ride to Bowen Island, where they will embark on an interpretive, one-hour, 3.5 km (2 miles) nature walk through the rainforest, ending at Killarney Lake at the foot of Mt. Gardner. Guests will be treated to a gourmet picnic lunch. Before returning to downtown Vancouver, there will be free time to roam the quaint village.
Recommended Attire: Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera and a light jacket
Transfer time: 30 min
FLOATPLANE SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Wednesday, July 17 | 8:15 AM – 9:45 AM, 9:15 AM – 10:45 AM, 10:15 AM – 11:45 AM, 12:15 PM – 1:45 PM, 1:15 PM – 2:45 PM, 2:15 PM – 3:45 PM, 3:15 PM – 4:45 PM
Thursday, July 18 | 8:15 AM – 9:45 AM, 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM, 11:45 AM – 1:15 PM, 1:45 PM – 3:15 PM, 2:45 PM – 4:15 PM, 3:45 PM – 5:15 PM
Enjoy the thrill of sightseeing via seaplane. From this extraordinary vantage point, guests will observe the Vancouver cityscape, Stanley Park and the harbor, along with the region's incomparable mountain ranges. Photographers should ready their cameras as the seaplane affords stunning views of the Lion’s Gate Bridge, Lighthouse Point, and Indian Arm Fiord.
Recommended Attire: Comfortable walking shoes, camera and a light jacket
Please note that all guests must have a valid government-issued photo ID with them.
Flight time is 20 minutes.
Children under 2 must sit on an adult’s lap
Transfer time: 15 min walk
GRANVILLE ISLAND MARKET TOUR
Wednesday, July 17 | 10:30 am – 2:45 pm
Once an industrial manufacturing area, Granville Island has been developed over the years and has quickly emerged as a leader in Vancouver’s culinary scene. A delightful cornucopia of sights and smells, Granville Island Public Market is brimming with fresh produce, meats, cheeses, charcuterie, seafood and much more. Guests will explore this area with an experienced culinary guide and gain an intimate knowledge of Vancouver’s food culture, stopping along the way to sample some of the delights available throughout the market.
Recommended Attire: Comfortable walking shoes
Please note that dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated.
Transfer time: 15 min
KAYAKING
Wednesday, July 17 | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Thursday, July 18 | 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Guests will enjoy an intimate experience in the marine environment surrounding the Vancouver area. Beginning with an introduction to kayaking and all the gear needed, guests' professional kayak guide will ensure they are fully equipped to enjoy this West Coast activity.
Recommended Attire: Sandals, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, towel and a change of clothes
Kids under 14 will have to sit in the front of the kayak with an adult in the back. Kids 14+ may paddle on their own, if comfortable.
This tour has a maximum weight restriction of 250 pounds per person.
Transfer time: 25 min
RAINFOREST DISCOVERY - LIGHTHOUSE PARK
Wednesday, July 17 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Thursday, July 18 | 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Explore two of Vancouver's most inspiring settings. First, guests will visit the famed Brockton Point - home to a colorful collection of historical totem poles - in the heart of the city's iconic Stanley Park. Truly the crown jewel in this 1000-acre peninsula of old-growth rainforest, these totems hold deep significance for the many Indigenous peoples native to the West Coast. The adventure continues at Lighthouse Park, a breathtaking coastal rainforest only 30 minutes from the urban core. With captivating views of Burrard Inlet and Vancouver's North Shore, this towering canopy of majestic old-growth trees includes some of the oldest and largest Douglas fir, Cedar and Hemlock trees on the lower mainland.
Recommended Attire: Comfortable walking shoes, camera and a light jacket
Please note that this tour is not wheelchair or walker accessible.
Transfer time: 25 min
SEA SAFARI
Wednesday, July 17 | 8:00 am – 11:30 am, 12:45 pm – 4:15 pm
Thursday, July 18 | 8:00 am – 11:30 am, 12:45 pm – 4:15 pm
One of Vancouver's most alluring charms is the city's proximity to rich marine life. A scenic transfer over the Lions Gate Bridge ends in the seaside community of Horseshoe Bay. On arrival, don safety gear and embark on an inflatable zodiac. Nimble and agile, this "rib boat" can slice through the open water at great speed. Feel the thrill of the open ocean traveling across the water in this unforgettable nature safari amidst the spectacular scenery and wildlife that makes coastal British Columbia world famous!
Recommended Attire: Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a light jacket
This activity is for children 5+.
Please note that this tour is not recommended for guests with back problems or pregnant women.
Transfer time: 20 min
SEAWALL BICYCLE TOUR
Wednesday, July 17 | 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Thursday, July 18 | 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Fitted with a bicycle and helmet, and accompanied by a professional guide, guests will be led on an informative tour of Vancouver's magnificent Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre peninsula of old-growth rainforest in the heart of the city. The tour features cycling the seawall, which winds along the sparkling waters of Burrard Inlet and English Bay.
Recommended Attire: Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a light jacket
All guests must be able to safely ride a bike.
Transfer time: 8 min walk
WALKING TOUR - NATURALLY URBAN, NATURALLY VANCOUVER
Wednesday, July 17 | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Vancouver is known as a walkable city with a compact downtown core. This is perfect for those who want to explore the “different urban faces” of culturally diverse Vancouver and see some of the city's most iconic natural vistas. Highlights include Stanley Park with the famed Totem Poles, English Bay Yaletown, Chinatown and Gastown, Robson Street Shopping District and Granville Street Entertainment District. There is plenty of time for photo opportunities on this walking tour through downtown Vancouver.
Recommended Attire: Comfortable walking shoes, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera and a light jacket
Transfer Time: N/A
OCEAN & ISLANDS - VANCOUVER AQUARIUM & GRANVILLE ISLAND
Wednesday, July 17 | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Thursday, July 18 | 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Canada's largest marine science center, the Vancouver Aquarium, is home to more than 50,000 animals - from playful sea otters to stellar sea lions and a galaxy of sea stars and jellyfish. With a mission to conserve aquatic life through display, interpretation and research, guests will be educated and inspired.
Later, a visit to Granville Island affords guests the opportunity to explore one of the city's most well-known attractions: the Public Market. Teeming with greengrocers, butchers, bakers, fishmongers, ethnic food stalls, craft vendors, florists, and casual eateries, Granville Island is a favorite among tourists and locals. Guests will explore an array of quirky shops and artisan galleries while savoring the unexpected talents of the Island's energetic buskers.
Recommended Attire: Comfortable walking shoes
Age range: 10+
Transfer time: 10 min
SCIENCE WORLD & THE VANCOUVER LOOKOUT
Wednesday, July 17 | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Thursday, July 18 | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
A visit to two of Vancouver's most iconic buildings, Science World and the Vancouver Lookout, will intrigue and delight kids and adults alike.
First off, to the Vancouver Lookout. Ride the glass Elevators up 550ft (170m) to a spectacular 360° view of Vancouver. Learn fun facts and helpful information about the city. On clear days, see as far as the distant Mount Baker or spy the rooftop tennis court on top of the Holt Renfrew building two blocks away!
Next, you will visit Science World. Originally built for Expo '86, the geodesic dome now houses Science World. Learn how everyday decisions affect the world around us in the BMO Sustainability Gallery or get hands-on in the Eureka! Gallery with ball launchers, a walk-on piano, and an amazing water table.
Recommended Attire: Comfortable walking shoes
Transfer time: 5 min
CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE
Thursday, July 18 | 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Breathe in the cedar-scented rainforest as you make your way across the dramatic and gently swaying 450’ bridge over the rushing waters in the Capilano Canyon. On the other side, enjoy a squirrel’s eye view of a thriving coastal forest as you venture from one magnificent Douglas fir tree to another via a series of elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 100’ above the forest floor.
Afterward, stop at the Trading Post gift shop for a unique collection of souvenirs, collectibles, and treats before returning to the city center.
Recommended Attire: Comfortable walking shoes, camera and light jacket
Transfer time: 15 mins