The Vancouver hop on hop off bus tour is an efficient, affordable, and convenient way for you to discover the city’s most stunning attractions.
In this article I’m going to show you what’s included with the bus tour tickets, and how to best take advantage of the hop on hop off tour service.
Let’s get started.
- Vancouver hop on hop off bus tours
- Routes
- Prices
- Tickets
- Is it worth it?
- Map
- Schedule
- Types of tour buses
- Tips
- FAQ
Hop On Hop Off Tour Vancouver
I love this Vancouver bus tour because it combines the social atmosphere of a guided tour with the flexibility of independent travel.
It’s easily one of the best Vancouver city tours around as it eliminates transit worries and makes you a city expert with its world class commentary.
On these Vancouver sightseeing bus tours you’ll see the city’s top sights in as little as two hours.
You can get on and off as many times as you want.
In all, it’s a fine choice for:
- Time restricted travelers
- First time visitors looking to get their bearings
- Cruise ship passengers
- People visiting Vancouver with kids (they love being up top on the double decker bus)
- Senior citizens and people with limited mobility
Hop On Hop Off Vancouver Routes
After some COVID-related route restrictions over the past two years we’re finally back to normal!
In 2023 your hop on hop off passes get you access to the two classic bus routes:
- City Route – Vancouver Art Gallery, Pacific Centre Mall, Canada Place Cruise Terminal, Century Plaza, Sutton Place, Yaletown, Granville Island, Parq Casino, Science World, Chinatown, and Maple Tree Square
- Park Route – Gastown, Canada Place Cruise Terminal, Pinnacle Hotel Vancouver, Robson Shopping District, Coal Harbour, Stanley Park Pavilion, Vancouver Aquarium, Stanley Park Totem Poles, Prospect Point, Ferguson Point, Second Beach, English Bay Beach, Granville Island, Granville Entertainment District, Library Square, Stadium District, Chinatown, and Maple Tree Square
What’s great about these two hop on hop off routes is that they give you the chance to customize your own Vancouver itinerary at your own pace.
You can draw up a shopping vacation, museum excursion, nature & wildlife pilgrimage, or an entertainment and sports outing all with one ticket – or mix them all for an all-inclusive feel.
Each Vancouver hop on hop off bus route also passes through the best Vancouver restaurants and bars neighbourhoods in the city.
Hop On Hop Off Vancouver Prices
- Adults (24 hours): $59.00
- Adults (48 hours): $111.00
- Children 3-12 (24 hours): $30.00
- Children 3-12 (24 hours): $37.00
- Children (0-3): Free
The tickets I’ll be listing below can be valid for 24 hours or 48 hours unlike many other hop on hop off bus tours.
In other words, if you board at 4:00 pm you’ll get unlimited rides until 4:00 pm the next day (or the day after, for the 48 hour pass).
These flexible tickets can let you do the City Route one afternoon (ending with a nice dinner in Gastown for example) and then do the Park Route the next morning without needing a second ticket.
You can check your dates using the tool below:
Vancouver Hop on Hop Off Tour Tickets
Hop on hop off tickets can be bought on site at the Canada Place Welcome Centre and it’ll be the same price as buying online.
That said, I suggest buying Vancouver hop on hop off tickets online in advance so that:
- You won’t have to wait in line to buy tickets in a busy tourist area
- You get instantly delivered smartphone tickets
- You get reserve now and pay later tickets for great budgeting
- You get free cancellation tickets up to 24 hours in advance in case of emergency
I suggest booking the bus tour with GetYourGuide, the world’s largest tourist ticketing platform.
Need more info? Check out the HoHo pass at GetYourGuide using the orange button below.
Is the Vancouver Hop on Hop Off Tour Worth It?
Honestly, if you’ve already seen most of the sights, you love driving, or you just plan on walking around downtown Vancouver it might not be for you.
That said, since I know you’ve come to this page because you’re interested in Vancouver bus tours – let me add a bit of local knowledge to help understand the advantages of the hop on hop off tours:
- Vancouver is hemmed in by mountains to the north, water to the west, and a river to the south.
- As a result, it’s one of the densest cities in North America
- Mass transit is limited mostly to the east (an area with zero major attractions)
- Parking is expensive and there are tons of one way streets, bridges, and hills
In other words, covering all this ground by driving or transport can get stressful.
Sitting back and learning about the major Vancouver attractions is better than looking for a parking spot, or checking Google Maps to make sure Granville Island is near a Canada Line station (it isn’t).
Discounted Vancouver Bus Tour Tickets
Contrary to popular belief, there are no discount hop on hop off sightseeing bus tickets for Vancouver visitors.
I’m still waiting for the COVID smoke to clear to see if any of the Vancouver tourist discount passes come back – the Vancouver Attraction Passport was a good example, and it may yet come back.
For now, I suggest purchasing your bus tour tickets online via GetYourGuide as it provides the highest level of convenience, allows you to avoid lengthy queues, gives the best rates, and allows for free cancellation and book now pay later tickets.
Vancouver Hop on Hop off Map
Here’s a quick hop on hop off Vancouver route map with the major stops on the City Route:
- Stop 1 : Canada Place
- Stop 2 : Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
- Stop 3 : Robson Shopping District
- Stop 4 : Coal Harbour / Stanley Park
- Stop 5 : Stanley Park Pavillion / Vancouver Aquarium
- Stop 6 : Sutton Place Hotel / Robson street
- Stop 7 : Granville Island
- Stop 8 : Entertainment District / Chateau Granville
- Stop 9: Sports District / Sandman Hotel
- Stop 10 : Library Square
- Stop 11 : Parq Casino
- Stop 12 : Chinatown
- Stop 13 : Gastown (Maple Tree Square)
- Stop 14 : Gastown Steamclock
As you can see, all major sites that you could pack into a Vancouver two day itinerary are here.
Of course, you will be given one on board (naturally) – but just in case I’ll leave you a Vancouver hop-on hop-off route map pdf in case you want to download it.
Looking for more info? Check out the Vancouver hop on and off bus page for full info.
Hop On Hop Off Vancouver Schedule
After taking a a few winters off over the pandemic, I’m happy to report that in 2023 Vancouver sightseeing bus tours are now running year round.
- Summer: from 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM (every 20 minutes)
- Winter: from 8:45 AM to 5:00 PM (every 40 minutes)
The complete hop on hop off route takes 2 hours without stopping.
Note that the last bus tour begins service at the start of the route 1.5-2 hours before ending time.
For a full list of hours, stops, and durations feel free to visit the Hop on Hop Off information page at GetYourGuide.
What Type of Sightseeing Buses are There?
Clear Top Vancouver Bus Tours
It’s no secret that Vancouver doesn’t exactly have the driest weather.
These clear top convertible, hop on hop off buses make it easy with clear-roofs to provide passengers with stunning views even when it is raining.
However, you don’t need to worry! Once the sun comes out, the roofs come down!
Another cool tidbit: after launching their first fully electric sightseeing bus in 2017, the goal is to have all 80 of the fleet to be zero-emission, silent-running electric buses by 2023.
Related: How Many Days Do I Need to Spend in Vancouver?
Trolley Buses
Alternatively, WCSS also offers tour buses that aim to channel the spirit of the Bay Area with their San Francisco style cable-car option. Only here in Vancouver they run on wheels and gasoline.
This is the Vancouver tourist bus most preferred by children.
Tour Guides
Passengers aboard the trolley buses can enjoy live commentary in English that provides a brief description about the attractions located at each stop.
The hop on hop off bus Vancouver is also equipped with theatrical, GPS triggered commentary in a variety of languages, including:
- English
- French
- Mandarin
- Japanese
- Korean
- Spanish
- German
Consequently, we recommend these Vancouver city sightseeing bus tours for travelers who prefer commentary in a language other than English.
Simply grab one of the complementary audio guides, put on your headphones, and you have your own custom tour guide!
Related: Best Walking Tours in Vancouver
Tips For Taking the Vancouver Tourist Bus
As a HoHo bus veteran who’s taken a fair amount of friends around, I’ve come up with a few key tips to help you maximize the value of your pass.
1) Purchase your tickets online
Buying your Vancouver bus tour tickets in advance is convenient, allows you to avoid queues and most importantly can save you money!
2) Go for the dual pass
Springing for the dual pass grants you with increased flexibility when selecting your itinerary.
Plus, the combination of the Park and City routes allows you to explore Vancouver quickly and efficiently.
*Not available during the Winter Season (Jan1-Mar 31).
3) Take the Vancouver hop on bus tour on your first day
Taking this Vancouver open top bus tour on the first day you arrive allows you to get oriented with the city’s layout early on in your trip.
You’ll be thankful afterwards!
4) Be prepared for any weather
Bringing a hat, sunscreen and water on your Vancouver city bus tour will protect you from the sun, particularly in the summer.
Conversely, you should also be prepared for the worst. Bring a jacket and umbrella just in case. Vancouver isn’t called Rain City for nothing!
5) Don’t forget your headphones
If you wish to take advantage of the free audio guides bring your own headphones. They are likely to be more comfortable and of better quality than those provided.
6) Start early to avoid crowds and maximize your time
The hop on hop off bus Vancouver can get very busy during peak season. Consequently, we’d recommend beginning earlier in the day before most people get started.
This will have the added benefit of maximizing the amount of sites you can see on your journey.
7) Board lesser known stops
If you can, avoid jumping on the bus at the main stops (Gastown, Canada Place, Granville Island etc.) during peak season.
This will also serve to minimize the crowds.
Vancouver Hop on Hop Off FAQ
What is the Vancouver Hop On Hop Off Bus?
The Vancouver hop on hop off sightseeing bus is a guided tour bus that allows you to create your own customized itinerary using 29 stops covering all of the city’s main attractions.
Where should I start my hop on hop off tour?
Most travellers board the sightseeing tour at its starting point at Canada Place. That said, this is typically the most crowded spot to do it.
Other popular starting spots include Granville Island and Stanley Park.
Do my hop on hop off bus tour tickets include entrance to attractions?
No, tickets to any attractions along the route must be purchased separately.
What is the bus frequency at each Vancouver hop on and off bus stop?
At peak times in the summer expect the Vancouver tourist bus to run approximately every 20 minutes, while in the winter season they’re schedule for every 60 minutes.
For up-to-date Vancouver BC hop on hop off bus schedule information you can call 604-451-1600.
Who operates the Vancouver Hop On Hop Off Bus?
The Vancouver hop on hop off bus is operated by Westcoast Sightseeing, a well known local tour operator.
How many routes are there on the Vancouver Hop On Hop Off Bus?
Westcoast Sightseeing offers three routes on their Vancouver Hop On Hop Off Tour. The City Route, the Park Route and the Dual Pass, which covers both.
Can I take luggage onboard the sightseeing bus?
Passengers are allowed to take standard sized handbags and backpacks but luggage typically taken on flights or long bus rides are not permitted.
Luckily, there’s a all day baggage storage spot at Canada Place (a typical bus tour starting point). Simply head to 999 Canada Place Way between 8:00am until 5:00pm to drop off or pick up.
Is my ticket valid by day or by 24 hour period?
Unlike similar tours in other cities, the tickets for the Vancouver hop on hop off bus tour do not simply expire at the end of every day.
You’re granted 24 hours from the time you first board. In other words, if you get on the Vancouver city tour bus at 3:00 pm on a Friday you’ll have until 3:00 on Saturday to explore Vancouver.
How much are the Vancouver Hop On Hop Off Buses?
The Vancouver tourist bus rates are $59.00 for adults and $30.00 for children for a 24 hour pass, and $111.00 for adults and $37.00 for a 48 hour pass.
Will the bus tour audio guide be in my language?
Each sightseeing bus is equipped with English, French, German, Spanish, Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean audio guides.
On the Sand Francisco-style trolley buses you’ll also find live, interactive commentary in English from a professional guide.
Related: Best Vancouver Festivals
Looking for Vancouver Hop on Hop Off Advice?
Hop on hop off Vancouver is in the books! But maybe I missed something that you’re just dying to know? Or maybe you’ve got something to say to help improve the blog.
Make sure you get in touch for questions about Vancouver bus tours or anything else related to your Vancouver vacation planning in the comment section below.
Enjoy the hop on hop off bus of Vancouver Canada 😊
The Vancouver Hop On Hop Off lists my hotel as one of the 16 stops (Century Plaza Hotel) however on the Hop On Hop Off website it lists Exclusions and it says Pick up and Drop Off at Hotels is an exclusion. I am confused about this, can I hop on at my Hotel or do I need to hop on at some other spot?
Hi Harold,
When they’re referring to hotel pick up and drop off it refers to the potential of a shuttle which will grab you at any hotel and drop you off at one of the stations. This is common with big tour packages, but no the HoHo.
Your hotel is indeed one of the stops, and I’m assuming it’s because there isn’t any major attraction right out front so they took the easy/lazy name.
You’re good to hop on there! Hope you love it 🙂
A couple of questions: What happens if the bus is already full when you want to board? How do you know when you have to board to get back to your starting point before the tour finishes for they day?
Hi Debbie,
Unfortunately when buses are full you have to wait for the next bus to come.
That said, aside from the first stop this is actually a very rare occurrence. It might happen on the busiest days of the year when the weather is really shining, but I’ve yet to hear of it happening to anybody.
As for knowing when to board, the last bus leaves at 5:15 pm and takes 90 min to complete the full loop. Just ask the guide and they’ll show you how to connect to their live interactive map that shows all the buses in circulation, it’s impossible to miss!
Cheers,
Where is the closest pickup spot from Abbottsford please?
Hi Sue,
Abbotsford is nowhere near the HoHo bus stops… in fact it’s about and hour from downtown. If you don’t have a car you are going to have to take multiple buses to get into the city and it’ll take about 90 minutes.
The closest stop would be Chinatown.
Cheers,
Hi – I’m trying to find out which stop is the closest to the Railway Station
Hi Jane,
Closest one will be number one on the map above. It’s the terminus stop which is at Canada Place.
Cheers,