Getting Around Vancouver is Scenic
In Vancouver, it's about both the journey and the destination since it's easy to get around town and get great views at the same time. Skip the car and enjoy the scenery from boats, gondolas, trains, bikes, and more.
Aquabus and False Creek Ferries
If you want to see Vancouver from a different perspective, jump aboard the Aquabus or False Creek Ferries. These small passenger boats zip around False Creek and have great views of the city from the water.
You can take the Aquabus or False Creek ferries between popular attractions like Granville Island, Science World, and the Yaletown neighbourhood. Or just stay on board for their whole circuit to enjoy the scenery.
Seabus
Another fun ferry option is the Seabus, part of Vancouver's public transit network. It runs between Waterfront Skytrain Station in downtown Vancouver and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. The 12-minute ride includes panoramic views of the North Shore Mountains and the city skyline.
Once you get to Lonsdale Quay you can explore the shops at the Lonsdale Quay Market and nearby Shipyards District. Or catch a bus to North Vancouver attractions like the Capilano Suspension Bridge or Grouse Mountain.
Mountain Gondolas
Get easy access to mountaintop views and nature trails with a ride on one of Vancouver's mountain gondolas.
Known as the Peak of Vancouver, North Vancouver's Grouse Mountain has lots of attractions at the top including trails, a grizzly bear refuge, and restaurants. But the adventure starts on the gondola ride to the peak as you drink in the views of Vancouver below you and the snowcapped Lions Peaks to the west.
The Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish is just 45 minutes from Vancouver, but since it is located in the deep fjord of Howe Sound, you'll get completely different scenery. On the ride up to the summit gaze down at glacial runoff in the Sound, the Squamish River, and the surrounding mountains. You'll also pass behind the Stawamus Chief, one of the world's largest granite monoliths. At the top, enjoy walking trails, a restaurant, and views from the huge patio and suspension bridge.
Skytrain
With 79 kilometres of track and 54 stations, the Skytrain crisscrosses Vancouver and the surrounding cities. It goes to Vancouver landmarks like Gastown, Science World, the funky Commercial Drive neighbourhood, Metropolis at Metrotown Mall, Queen Elizabeth Park, and the Richmond Night Market. While some sections of the track are underground, in most places, the Skytrain runs on elevated guideways with great views.
For the most scenic riding experience, go at non-peak times and get a window seat. The best seats are at the very front and back of each train. While there is always something interesting to see out the window, there are a few standouts. For views of the city skyline, ride between Stadium, Main Street, and Commercial Drive Stations. You can also take the Expo Line to Surrey, which crosses the Fraser River on the Skybridge, one of the world's largest transit-only bridges.
Biking
With hundreds of kilometres of designated cycling routes and the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront bike path, Vancouver is a paradise for cyclists. One of the best ways to explore Stanley Park is by bike via the Seawall path. You can rent bikes at several shops just outside the park or around downtown Vancouver.
The Seawall continues outside Stanley Park as it winds around False Creek. You can ride through the Yaletown neighbourhood to Science World and Granville Island. The path continues west to Kitsilano, Jericho, and Spanish Banks Beaches.
Floatplanes
Get a bird's eye view of the city from one of Vancouver's iconic floatplanes. These fun little planes buzz over the city, taking off and landing in Vancouver Harbour in the heart of downtown.
It's easy to get between Vancouver and nearby destinations like Victoria, Seattle, Tofino, and Whistler with Harbour Air's scheduled floatplane flights. But you can also book a scenic flight tour over Vancouver that takes in views of the city and nearby mountains.
Hop-On, Hop-Off Buses
One of the most accessible ways to see the sights is via a hop-on, hop-off bus tour. Get on board, then take in the scenery out the window as the bus takes you to attractions around the city like Stanley Park, Robson Street shopping district, Granville Island, and the historic Gastown neighbourhood.
Gray Line Westcoast Sightseeing runs hop-on, hop-off tours on double-decker buses with picture windows or open-air sections so you can take in the view from up high. Or book with Great Canadian Trolley Co. Their hop-on, hop-off tours run on cute trolleys and include on-board commentary from a guide.