Sightseeing tours in the Vancouver, Coast and Mountains region offer views of farmland and coastline by air, boat or land, along with stops at heritage sites and attractions.
Guided sightseeing tours offer a comprehensive experience. On a flightseeing tour, soar above Fraser Valley farms in a glider and ascend as high as mountains on a helicopter tour. On a multi-day boat tour in Desolation Sound off the Sunshine Coast, enjoy coastal scenery and looking for wildlife.
Self-guided walking tours or driving routes allow for leisurely exploration. Explore heritage sites in Fort Langley and Powell River, or wander past bobbing sailboats and seals on the boardwalk and marina in Gibsons.
Flightseeing Tours
Take to the skies on a flightseeing tour to see vast farmland, the mighty Fraser River or the Pacific Ocean. Fly in silence on 20-minute glider tour (an aero-dynamic plane that flies without the use of an engine) out of Hope, or go to Langley or Mission for a helicopter flightseeing tour over the Fraser Valley’s patchwork of rural fields, Harrison Lake and peak of Mt. Baker.
Floatplane tours from the Sunshine Coast are all about water views and also connect communities such as Gibsons and Sechelt to Vancouver Island and Vancouver. Sample west coast seafood on a "fly-and-dine" flightseeing tour from Sechelt or ascend to 13,000ft/3,962m to the summit of the Tantalus Range on a tour from Wilson Creek. Flightseeing tours range from scheduled flights to scenic charters and can be accessed from Tofino and Vancouver as well.
Boat Tours
Guided boat tours showcase rivers, lakes and coastlines. Spend multiple days sightseeing by sailboat in one of BC’s most popular cruising areas, Desolation Sound, or look for eagles from a jet boat on the white waters of the Fraser River. Prefer a smoother sightseeing boat tour? Take an authentic historic paddlewheeler tour (from New Westminster) or dine and dance on a harbour dinner cruise.
Walking Tours
Self-guided sightseeing walking tours are available in many communities; stop in at local Visitor Centres for walking routes, maps and information.
In Powell River, follow a self-guided tour map to beautifully preserved heritage sites that make it a National Historic District – one of only seven in Canada – or in Gibsons, tour the waterfront to discover historic highlights and to stroll the boardwalk and marina.
Head to Fort Langley, the birthplace of British Columbia, for tours covering important historical sites. At the Langley Centennial Museum, rent a backpack containing resource materials and information and go on a cemetery walking tour or an architectural tour.
Find additional walking tours in Chilliwack, Abbotsford, Sechelt and more.
Adventure Sightseeing Tours
Join an adventure tour for unique sightseeing vantage points. In Hope, drive an open-air dune buggy and follow a guide to explore the rugged backcountry of Mt. Hope. Choose to head out solo, or with the whole family on a four-seater (driver’s licenses are required).
Or head upwards on a serene and scenic hot air balloon ride leaving from Langley; let the wind direct the route and float gently over the countryside.
Driving Routes
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains driving routes range from Circle Farm Tours in the Fraser Valley to coastal routes, such as the Coastal Circle Route that connects Vancouver to Powell River and Gibsons.
Practical Points
- The peak season for sightseeing is from April to September although some tours and most self-guided trips can be done year-round.
- Most guided sightseeing tours require reservations, but some can be booked on the spot.
- Sightseeing tours may require a minimum number of people. Check with the sightseeing tour operator to ensure tours are running.
- Visit local Visitor Centres for information on tour operators, and help with trip planning and transportation.
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