As you stroll through this historic district, you'll notice how each building tells a story, reflecting a rich past that dates back to the 19th century. But Gastown isn't just about sightseeing and eating. This neighborhood, one of the oldest in the city, invites you to immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors. Learn more about Sightseeing in Vancouver Here Beyond granting exclusive access to hidden locales, the tour tantalizes your taste buds with Vancouver's gourmet local delights.
Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a culinary enthusiast, they'll make sure your tour feels personal and unforgettable.
Don't miss the chance to taste authentic Chinese cuisine, from steaming dim sum to spicy Szechuan dishes, in one of the many restaurants lining the streets. You're encouraged to bring reusable water bottles, cutlery, and shopping bags on your tour. For a more laid-back evening, stroll along the waterfront or join a night tour to see the city's landmarks beautifully lit up against the night sky.
Indigenous settlement of Vancouver began more than 10,000 years ago and included the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh (Burrard) peoples. The beginnings of the modern city, which was originally named Gastown, grew around the site of a makeshift tavern on the western edges of Hastings Mill that was built on July 1, 1867, and owned by proprietor Gassy Jack. The Gastown steam clock marks the original site. Gastown then formally registered as a townsite dubbed Granville, Burrard Inlet. The city was renamed "Vancouver" in 1886 through a deal with the Canadian Pacific Railway. The Canadian Pacific transcontinental railway was extended to the city by 1887. The city's large natural seaport on the Pacific Ocean became a vital link in the trade between Asia-Pacific, East Asia, Europe, and Eastern Canada.
These neighborhoods offer a rich tapestry of history, architecture, and cuisine, providing a glimpse into the city's vibrant community life. As you meander along the pathways, keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife and the diverse array of plant species that call this park home. Here, courage meets beauty, and every step reveals a new vista. The experience is more than just a visual feast; it's a moment that connects you with the essence of the Pacific Northwest.
Don't just browse; dive into the array of unique items available, from handmade jewelry to artisanal foods that reflect Vancouver's diverse culture. That's what this tour offers-access to places that are typically off-limits to the general public. Each season brings a unique flavor to the city, and these tours are crafted to highlight the best of what Vancouver has to offer, whether it's the cherry blossoms in spring, the vibrant summer festivals, the stunning fall foliage, or the serene beauty of winter.
After immersing yourself in Vancouver's cultural mosaic, it's time to feast your eyes on the city's natural wonders, starting with its breathtaking scenic routes. It's more than a place to jog; it's where the city's heart beats amidst ancient trees and scenic beaches. You're not stuck following a preset path; instead, you're diving into experiences that resonate with what you love.
This isn't just a tour; it's your passport to the heart of Vancouver, revealing a city alive with hidden wonders and exclusive adventures. Vancouver scenic drives If you're craving a deep dive into Vancouver's history, we'll include more cultural landmarks and museums. Vancouver cruise tours As you wander, you'll encounter the iconic steam clock, one of the few remaining in the world, puffing steam-powered chimes every quarter hour.
That's just the beginning. Granville Island sightseeing tours But it's not just about food; it's about the stories behind the dishes, the hands that prepare them, and the communities they represent.
Imagine stepping into a spacious cabin, ascending smoothly over a stunning vista that unfolds beneath you.
By choosing our premium sightseeing tour packages, you're not just experiencing Vancouver's stunning sights; you're also playing a part in safeguarding its future.
Your adventure in Vancouver is just a few choices away from being something truly extraordinary.
Vancouver's night markets are also a must-visit. Whether you're marveling at the panoramic views from the Vancouver Lookout, exploring the vibrant Granville Island, or soaking in the natural beauty of Stanley Park, these premium packages ensure you're doing it in style and comfort.
Don't miss the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, offering a thrilling walk with an unparalleled view of the mountainous horizon.
You'll taste local delicacies and marvel at handcrafted goods, immersing yourself in the creative spirit of Vancouver. Read more about Sightseeing in Vancouver Here
It's also the season for culinary adventures, with tours centered around harvest festivals and wine tastings.
Stick around to uncover what makes these customizable tours a must-experience, and how you can craft an adventure that speaks directly to your interests.
These tours aren't one-size-fits-all.
 |
This article needs additional citations for verification. (December 2009)
|
A tour bus service is an escorted tour (sometimes a package holiday) or bus service that takes visitors sightseeing, with routes around tourist attractions.
 |
It has been suggested that this section be split out into another article titled City tourist bus service. (Discuss) (January 2023)
|
Double-decker buses and open top buses are commonly used, for providing a good view. Large coaches are used internationally by tour operators, intercity bus lines and charters, for short and long distance destinations. These buses are larger than regular transit buses, with 2 to 4 axles (6 to 10 wheels).
The history of tour buses in North America began in the early 20th century, when trucks were converted to provide a means for sightseeing within large American cities.[1] Gray Line, the largest sightseeing operators, began operations in 1910.[2] Sightseeing was likely a side business for many intercity bus operators because the same types of buses were used (this remains true even today). World War II saw the industry decline, but it slowly re-emerged as an alternative to driving.[1]
Many musicians, entertainers, dancing crews and bands travel in sleeper buses, commonly referred to as "tour buses". While most if not all of the buses and coaches listed above are for commercial applications, there are many coaches manufactured for personal use as motorhomes. These bus based motorhomes are considered the top end of the RV market.
| Chassis |
 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Roadway | ||
| Uses | ||
| Power | ||
| Manufacturing | ||
| Part of a series on |
| Homestays |
|---|
| Hospitality exchange services |
| Hospitality for work |
| Hospitality for money |
| Home exchange and others |
Travel is the movement of people between distant geographical locations. Travel can be done by foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, bus, airplane, ship or other means, with or without luggage, and can be one way or round trip.[1] Travel can also include relatively short stays between successive movements, as in the case of tourism.
The origin of the word "travel" is most likely lost to history. The term "travel" may originate from the Old French word travail, which means 'work'.[2] According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the first known use of the word travel was in the 14th century. It also states that the word comes from Middle English travailen, travelen (which means to torment, labor, strive, journey) and earlier from Old French travailler (which means to work strenuously, toil).
In English, people still occasionally use the words travail, which means struggle. According to Simon Winchester in his book The Best Travelers' Tales (2004), the words travel and travail both share an even more ancient root: a Roman instrument of torture called the tripalium (in Latin it means "three stakes", as in to impale).[citation needed] This link may reflect the extreme difficulty of travel in ancient times. Travel in modern times may or may not be much easier, depending upon the destination. Travel to Mount Everest, the Amazon rainforest, extreme tourism, and adventure travel are more difficult forms of travel. Travel can also be more difficult depending on the method of travel, such as by bus, cruise ship, or even by bullock cart.[3]
Reasons for traveling include recreation,[4] holidays, rejuvenation,[5] tourism[4] or vacationing,[4] research travel,[4] the gathering of information, visiting people, volunteer travel for charity, migration to begin life somewhere else, religious pilgrimages[4] and mission trips, business travel,[4] trade,[4] commuting, obtaining health care,[4] waging or fleeing war, for the enjoyment of traveling, or other reasons. Travelers may use human-powered transport such as walking or bicycling; or vehicles, such as public transport, automobiles, trains, ferries, boats, cruise ships and airplanes.
Motives for travel include:
Travel dates back to antiquity where wealthy Greeks and Romans would travel for leisure to their summer homes and villas in cities such as Pompeii and Baiae.[9] While early travel tended to be slower, more dangerous, and more dominated by trade and migration, cultural and technological advances over many years have tended to mean that travel has become easier and more accessible.[10] Humankind has come a long way in transportation since Christopher Columbus sailed to the New World from Spain in 1492, an expedition which took over 10 weeks to arrive at the final destination; to the 21st century when aircraft allows travel from Spain to the United States overnight.
Travel in the Middle Ages offered hardships and challenges, though it was important to the economy and to society. The wholesale sector depended (for example) on merchants dealing with/through caravans or sea-voyagers, end-user retailing often demanded the services of many itinerant peddlers wandering from village to hamlet, gyrovagues (wandering monks) and wandering friars brought theology and pastoral support to neglected areas, traveling minstrels toured, and armies ranged far and wide in various crusades and in sundry other wars.[9] Pilgrimages were common in both the European and Islamic world and involved streams of travelers both locally and internationally.[11]
In the late 16th century, it became fashionable for young European aristocrats and wealthy upper-class men to travel to significant European cities as part of their education in the arts and literature. This was known as the Grand Tour, and included cities such as London, Paris, Venice, Florence, and Rome. However, the French Revolution brought with it the end of the Grand Tour.[9]
Travel by water often provided more comfort and speed than land-travel, at least until the advent of a network of railways in the 19th century. Travel for the purpose of tourism is reported to have started around this time when people began to travel for fun as travel was no longer a hard and challenging task. This was capitalized on by people like Thomas Cook selling tourism packages where trains and hotels were booked together.[12] Airships and airplanes took over much of the role of long-distance surface travel in the 20th century, notably after the Second World War where there was a surplus of both aircraft and pilots.[9] Air travel has become so ubiquitous in the 21st century that one woman, Alexis Alford, visited all 196 countries before the age of 21.[13]
Travel may be local, regional, national (domestic) or international. In some countries, non-local internal travel may require an internal passport, while international travel typically requires a passport and visa. Tours are a common type of travel. Examples of travel tours are expedition cruises,[14] small group tours,[15] and river cruises.[16]
Authorities emphasize the importance of taking precautions to ensure travel safety.[17] When traveling abroad, the odds favor a safe and incident-free trip, however, travelers can be subject to difficulties, crime and violence.[18] Some safety considerations include being aware of one's surroundings,[17] avoiding being the target of a crime,[17] leaving copies of one's passport and itinerary information with trusted people,[17] obtaining medical insurance valid in the country being visited[17] and registering with one's national embassy when arriving in a foreign country.[17] Many countries do not recognize drivers' licenses from other countries; however most countries accept international driving permits.[19] Automobile insurance policies issued in one's own country are often invalid in foreign countries, and it is often a requirement to obtain temporary auto insurance valid in the country being visited.[19] It is also advisable to become oriented with the driving rules and regulations of destination countries.[19] Wearing a seat belt is highly advisable for safety reasons; many countries have penalties for violating seatbelt laws.[19]
There are three main statistics which may be used to compare the safety of various forms of travel (based on a Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions survey in October 2000):[20]
| Mode | Deaths per billion | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Journeys | Hours | Kilometers | |
| Bus | 4.3 | 11.1 | 0.4 |
| Rail | 20 | 30 | 0.6 |
| Air | 117 | 30.8 | 0.05 |
| Ship | 90 | 50 | 2.6 |
| Van | 20 | 60 | 1.2 |
| Car | 40 | 130 | 3.1 |
| Walking | 40 | 220 | 54 |
| Bicycle | 170 | 550 | 45 |
| Motorcycle | 1640 | 4840 | 109 |
... By age 12, Alexis Alford ... Alford, now 21, has accomplished her goal...
Definitions from Wiktionary
Media from Commons
Quotations from Wikiquote
Textbooks from Wikibooks
Resources from Wikiversity
Travel information from Wikivoyage
Data from Wikidata| Bus service | |
|---|---|
| Rail | |
| Vehicles for hire |
|
| Carpooling | |
| Ship | |
| Cable | |
| Other transport |
|
| Locations | |
| Ticketing and fares |
|
| Routing | |
| Facilities | |
| Scheduling | |
| Politics | |
| Technology and signage |
|
| Other topics | |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Other | |
Yes, your special dietary requests can be accommodated at the gourmet culinary stops included in the tour packages. Just make sure to mention your dietary needs when you book your tour.
Yes, there are age recommendations for these tours. They're best suited for participants over 12 years old, ensuring everyone enjoys the experience fully. However, there aren't strict age restrictions, so inquire if you've got concerns.
You'll find that the tours are designed with accessibility in mind, offering special arrangements for guests with mobility challenges to ensure everyone can enjoy the experience comfortably and safely, without missing out on the fun.
