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If you’re ready to explore Stanley Park, you’re in the right place!
Stanley Park is one of the largest urban parks in Canada, which can make exploring it a little difficult. Trust me—even as a Vancouver local, I’ve been lost in Stanley Park!
Thankfully, there are a ton of amazing guided tours of Stanley Park, and I’ve been lucky enough to join a few. Below, I review my absolute favorite tours so that you can choose the right one for you. And the best part? There is a range of tours available, whether you want to walk, bike, or ride in a horse-drawn carriage!
So, let’s get into it!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE tour of Stanley Park is this Vancouver bike tour! Not only do you get to explore the park’s stunning trails, but you’ll also visit other top neighborhoods around the city, including Granville Island, Gastown, and Chinatown.
But don’t just take our word for it, the tour has over 1,200 5-star reviews that you can check out here!
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
- Best Stanley Park Tours
- Why Book a Tour Through Stanley Park?
- Is Visiting Stanley Park Worth It?
- Other Things to do While You're in Vancouver
- Where to Stay in Vancouver, Canada
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in British Columbia
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Best Stanley Park Tours
1. Stanley Park Bike Tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am or 1:30 pm
- Highlights: Enjoy a relaxing guided ride through Stanley Park, take in views of the city skyline and mountains, visit highlights suck as the totem poles and Third Beach, learn about Vancouver’s history
- Inclusions: Professional guide, bike, helmet, lock
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
One of the best ways to explore Stanley Park is by bike! This park is massive, so there’s a lot of ground to cover. This three-hour guided bike tour takes you around the highlights of Stanley Park for a relaxed morning or afternoon outside.
Starting in downtown Vancouver, you’ll follow the Seawall around the park’s edge, with stunning views of Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains, and the city skyline. It’s honestly one of my favorite biking routes in Vancouver.
Don’t worry, you won’t be riding for three hours straight! Your guide plans plenty of stops along the way to scenic viewpoints to give history and facts about the area.
You’ll pass Third Beach (a great spot to return to later!) and ride out to Brockton Point Lighthouse, home to Stanley Park’s famous Indigenous totem poles—a meaningful stop and one of the prettiest corners of the park.
Your bike, helmet, and guide are all included, and you can upgrade to an e-bike for an extra boost if you’d like. With a small group size (max 12) and a minimum age of 10, this is a fun, low-stress way to experience one of Vancouver’s most iconic spots. There’s a reason it has hundreds of 5-star reviews!
Check availability and book this popular bike tour online here!
Related Read: For more stellar views of the city, check out these boat tours in Vancouver that get you out on the water. The sunset cruise is especially beautiful!
2. Stanley Park and Granville Island Small-Group Bike Tour
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 9:30, 10, or 10:30 am
- Highlights: Small group tour, enjoy an easygoing bike ride around the city and visit top spots such as Stanley Park, Granville Island, Chinatown, and Gastown
- Inclusions: Professional guide, bike, helmet, lock
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This five-hour biking adventure was hands-down our favorite tour in Vancouver! It takes you through Stanley Park and several of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods—we couldn’t believe how much ground we covered in one day!
We started downtown, where we got fitted with high-quality bikes and helmets, and hit the Seawall with our guide Chris, who was incredibly knowledgeable and made the ride fun and relaxed. The ride through Stanley Park was stunning. I’m talking endless coastal views, wildlife sightings, and even a chance to see the massive 600-year-old cedar trees up close.
After exiting near English Bay, we rode to Granville Island and had time to wander the vibrant Public Market and grab some lunch. From there, the tour continued through Olympic Village, Chinatown, and Gastown, with Chris sharing local stories and fun facts throughout.
We love that this tour has a maximum of 9 people, which keeps things relaxed and personal. If you want to see all of Vancouver’s top spots in one active, fun day, this is the way to do it. We walked away tired, happy, and even more in love with the city—no surprise it has over 1,500 5-star reviews!
Secure your spot on our favorite bike tour of Stanley Park here!
3. Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Tour
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: Multiple departure times available
- Highlights: Relax in a comfortable horse-drawn carriage around the seawall of Stanley Park, listen to interesting commentary as you go, see iconic sights like the totem poles and Lion’s Gate Bridge
- Inclusions: 1-hour ride, professional guide
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 470+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
While there are plenty of active things to do in Stanley Park, sometimes we love to slow down with something a bit more relaxing. This horse-drawn carriage ride is a great way to take in the park’s beauty, without breaking a sweat!
The one-hour tour takes you through some of the most scenic areas of Stanley Park in style. You’ll ride along Park Drive, overlooking the Seawall, spotting wildlife, and soaking in the views. Along the way, your guide shares stories about the park’s history and highlights like the Rose Garden, the Girl in a Wetsuit statue, and the First Nations totem poles. You’ll also get great views of the Lions Gate Bridge, with time to snap a few photos.
The tour departs from the Stanley Park Information Booth, right near Coal Harbour and downtown Vancouver. The carriages hold up to 15 people and are perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for a laid-back way to explore.
While many Stanley Park activities are more physical, we love that this one is accessible and relaxing, making it a great option for all ages and mobility levels.
You can easily book online here and take advantage of the buy now, pay later option!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
4. Walking tour of Stanley Park’s Old Growth Forest
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Explore the Old Growth Forest with a guide, see Canada’s largest maple tree and 1000-year-old cedars, learn the forest’s history via old maps and photos
- Inclusions: Expert guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check 170+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Attention all nature lovers! If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the city and a chance to get off the beaten track, this ancient trees walking tour is for you.
Led by Colin, a local tree expert and storyteller, this small-group tour takes you deep into a hidden corner of Stanley Park, where ancient giants have stood for centuries. Over the course of about three hours, you’ll walk through peaceful trails and stand beneath towering Douglas firs, massive western redcedars, and even the largest maple tree in Canada (yes, really!).
Colin doesn’t just guide—you can tell he lives for this stuff. He brings vintage maps, historic photos, and endless enthusiasm to the experience. You’ll walk away not just wowed by the trees, but with a real appreciation for the history and fragility of this old-growth forest.
This tour is small (max 10 people), so it feels personal, relaxed, and refreshingly un-touristy. It’s perfect if you’ve already done the main attractions and want to connect with a different side of Vancouver. Plus, it’s not every day you get to stand next to a tree that’s been around since the 1400s!
If you’re into nature, history, or just want a break from the crowds, this is a seriously special way to experience Stanley Park!
Read the amazing reviews and book this walking nature tour online here!
5. Vancouver City Tour by Coach: Granville Island, Gastown, Stanley Park
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 10 am or 3 pm
- Highlights: Explore Vancouver’s top sights on a coach tour, explore the Granville Island Market, take in views from Prospect Point Lookout, and see the iconic Stanley Park totem poles
- Inclusions: Local guide, transportation, hotel pick-up/drop-off
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 1,600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
One of the best ways to experience Vancouver is with a local—and while we can’t tag along with you, this city sightseeing tour is the next best thing!
This half-day guided tour hits all the top spots while giving you time to get out and explore. You’ll learn about the city’s history and culture without worrying about planning, driving, or navigating.
The tour starts with pick up from your hotel and takes you through Gastown’s historic streets, Canada’s largest Chinatown, and the lively Granville Island Public Market, where you can browse local art, food, and handmade goods.
From there, you’ll head into Stanley Park to see the First Nations totem poles before wrapping up at Prospect Point, where you’ll get epic views of the Lions Gate Bridge and Burrard Inlet.
If you’re short on time but want to see both Stanley Park and some key city highlights, this is a great option. It’s relaxed, informative, and led by a passionate local—no wonder it has hundreds of 5-star reviews and tends to sell out quickly!
Check availability and book with free cancellation online here!
Related Read: If you want more time to explore Granville Island, we highly recommend a Granville Island tour. There’s even one that pairs you up with a professional chef to find the best places to eat!
6. Independent Bike or E-bike Tour of Vancouver
- Duration: Up to 8 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Explore Vancouver independently on a bike, access to a guide map, customize the route and pace to your liking
- Inclusions: E-Bike or standard bike, helmet, lock, basket/bag, self-guided map, emergency support
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 120+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
We love tours because they take care of all the details, but sometimes it’s nice to have the freedom to explore independently. This biking tour combines both for a super fun day of discovering Vancouver!
You’ll rent a bicycle or e-bike for up to eight hours and use a locally designed map to guide you to the city’s best spots. Vancouver is a fantastic biking city, so this is a great way to get around.
Once you have your map, helmet, and lock (all provided), you’re ready to roll! Set your own pace and spend as much time as you’d like riding. The route starts in Stanley Park (our favorite biking spot!), then takes you through the city to Science World (admission not included), the historic neighborhood of Gastown, and ends at Granville Island with its local market and artisan shops.
We love how flexible this tour is—you can linger longer at places you love and skip the ones you don’t. It’s a great way to explore Vancouver, entirely on your terms!
Check availability and book this self-guided bike tour here!
Why Book a Tour Through Stanley Park?
Did you know that Stanley Park stretches across 405 hectares, which is actually larger than Central Park in New York? It’s huge and has so much to see, so exploring it on your own can be a bit difficult.
While it might not be your first instinct to book a tour of a park, I really can’t recommend it enough! Booking a tour through Stanley Park gives you the opportunity to learn unique aspects of this place, such as its Indigenous and geological history. You can spend time with a local guide who will take you to the best spots in the park, and you’ll probably see areas you might have missed on your own.
Another great reason to book a tour of Stanley Park is the convenience factor. They usually include everything you need, which saves you a ton of planning time. For example, if you book a biking tour of Stanley Park, you’ll get the bike rental, guides, gear, and more for about the same price as renting a bike on your own.
Check availability and book our favorite tour online here!
Is Visiting Stanley Park Worth It?
Yes, Stanley Park is a must-visit when you’re in Vancouver! We try to visit every chance we can and often take friends here.
Stanley Park is ideal for visitors, as there are so many fun experiences to do. As locals, we love spending time in the park, either having a lazy afternoon or riding our bikes along the Seawall. Whether you take a horse-drawn carriage ride, rent an e-bike to explore, or see it as part of a greater Vancouver tour, there is really so much to see.
Stanley Park is full of history and a staple of Vancouver culture. I can’t recommend visiting Stanley Park enough!
Learn more about our favorite tour here!
Other Things to do While You’re in Vancouver
Vancouver is a city filled with tons of things to do and see. So while you’re here, be sure not to miss some of the top attractions and activities!
- Go whale watching – It’s not just people who flock to Vancouver every year! From the beautiful black and white orcas to the lively humpbacks, going whale watching in Vancouver makes for a truly unforgettable memory. This half-day whale watching tour offers an amazing experience with a guarantee that you’ll see whales!
- Eat ALL the food! – Vancouver is a foodie destination. Showcasing cuisine from all around the world in top-rated restaurants, you really need to make an effort to eat out a few times while in Vancouver. We loved this highly rated food tour because it made it easy to find the best food in the city! It’s also a bang for the buck because we ate SO much food!
- Ride in a seaplane – One of our favorite memories in Vancouver was riding in a seaplane. Taking off and landing on the ocean is super exciting, and then the views from the air are breathtaking. This seaplane ride lasts for 20 minutes and costs $168 CAD. You can even take a seaplane to get from Vancouver to Victoria!
- Enjoy a sunset dinner cruise – Since the city is surrounded by water, the best way to experience it is on this sunset dinner cruise! We’ve actually done this dinner cruise a few times – it was that good! The sunset views with wine and an amazing dinner are hard to beat, so be sure to book it in advance.
- Capilano Suspension Bridge – The Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver’s most iconic attractions—and for good reason! Spanning 137 meters across a lush canyon, the bridge offers jaw-dropping views and lots of scenic forested trails. And don’t miss the Cliffwalk experience, it’s a fun mix of nature, adventure, and incredible photo ops!
Where to Stay in Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver has no shortage of places to stay, but choosing the right neighborhood and hotel can make a big difference in your trip. To make the most of your time, we recommend staying centrally in the downtown area, where you’ll be close to Vancouver’s best restaurants, shops, and major attractions.
To help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up our top hotel picks for every budget below. You can also check out our full guide on where to stay in Vancouver for even more options—but be sure to book early, as these spots tend to fill up fast!
Luxury – $$$
Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver is an elegant 5-star property right in the heart of downtown, just a quick stroll from the shops and restaurants along Robson Street. The vibe is classic luxury—think plush rooms with a hint of old-school charm, a full-service spa, a heated indoor pool, and top-notch dining on-site. It’s a great pick if you’re after a comfortable, refined stay in a super central location!
Prices can vary depending on the room category and time of year, but usually range around $300 – $600 CAD per night. Check availability and pricing for your travel dates online here!
Mid-range – $$
EXchange Hotel Vancouver is a sleek and stylish spot right in the heart of downtown—just a short stroll from Canada Place and Gastown. It’s set in the city’s historic stock exchange building, but the rooms are super modern with comfy beds, espresso machines, and rainfall showers. There’s also a great restaurant and bar on-site, so it’s perfect if you want to stay somewhere chic without splurging!
During the summer season, rooms are around $400 CAD, but drop to around $250 during the winter. It’s a very popular spot, so make sure you book online in advance to secure a room at the best possible rate!
Budget – $
If you’re visiting Vancouver on a budget but want to stay right in the heart of downtown, the YWCA Hotel is a fantastic option. It’s just a short walk from BC Place, Rogers Arena, and public transit. There’s a shared kitchen on-site so you can prepare your own meals and cut back on dining costs, plus they offer free coffee in the mornings and water in the lobby. If you’re after a comfortable, convenient stay that won’t break the bank, this is it!
You can choose a room with a private ensuite or opt for a shared bathroom to save some money. Rooms are usually around $250 CAD during the high season and $150 CAD during the low season, but you can check exact prices and reserve for your travel dates online here.
For more options, see all of Vancouver’s hotels listed here!
Renting a Car in British Columbia
If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!
And if you’re planning to visit the Canadian Rockies during your trip, we highly recommend Smile Campervans. Based in Calgary, this local company provides compact campervans fully equipped with everything you need for a comfortable and affordable road trip adventure!
In fact, Smile Campervans has actually given us a special discount code for our readers! Use the code DESTINATIONLESSTRAVEL at checkout to get 5% off your campervan rental! Click here to browse availability, prices, and book with our discount code!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Stanley Park is one of the greatest attractions in Vancouver, and that’s saying something for a city with so much to do! It’s one of the places you must visit, whether you’re in Vancouver for two days or two weeks! A tour of Stanley Park is a really convenient way to see all the best parts of the park while you’re here.
Hopefully, our guide to the best Stanley Park tours was helpful! If you need more tips or ideas for your time in Vancouver, make sure to check out our other West Coast blogs, including these popular ones below:
12 Things to KNOW About the Sea to Sky Highway
6 BEST Vancouver Brewery Tours
COMPLETE Guide to Visiting Lonsdale Quay in Vancouver + Things to do!