Yes, Vancouver has hop on hop off bus tours. They run a fixed loop past Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown and other main sights, and you can get off and back on at any stop.
More than one company runs a tour, so stops, prices and timetables differ. Check the operator’s own page for the current season before you go, since frequency drops in the shoulder months.
Route and schedule
Operators list between 14 and 19 stops in the downtown and Stanley Park area. Listed stops include Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, Chinatown, Yaletown and Robson Street. A full loop without getting off takes about two hours, and the buses are fully narrated, with commentary in several languages.
One operator lists departures every 30 minutes from May through September and every 60 to 80 minutes in April and October. Another lists a bus roughly every 20 minutes. Daily running hours also vary by operator and season, so look at the first and last bus of the day before you plan a late stop.
Tickets and prices
- A 24 hour pass gives unlimited hops on and off for a day.
- A 48 hour pass lets you spread your visits over two days.
As listed on booking sites, a 24 hour adult pass runs from about $44.70 with the Great Canadian Trolley Company to about $52 with Gray Line, and about $50 with Big Bus Vancouver. Child prices are lower. Exact prices depend on the date and the seller, and currency can differ between sites, so confirm the total at checkout.
Some operators bundle attractions or walking tours with the pass. Check what is included before you pay for an add on.
Planning your day on the bus
Buy the ticket ahead of time online if the operator offers that, and keep it on your phone so you can board quickly. Pick the 24 hour or 48 hour pass based on how many stops you want to see properly. Stanley Park and Granville Island each deserve a good stretch of time, so a single day can feel rushed if you try to cover everything.
Look over the route map and choose the places that interest you most. Popular stops are quieter in the morning. The ride is partly open air, so bring a layer and rain gear, since Vancouver weather changes quickly.