British Columbia’s cities offer excellent touring options that go beyond typical sightseeing.
The standout choice is Vancouver’s helicopter tour – a spectacular way to see the city’s downtown core, Stanley Park, and mountain backdrop in just 20 minutes.
For travelers with cruise plans, the pre/post cruise helicopter option makes perfect sense, combining stunning views with convenient hotel pickup and luggage service.
In Abbotsford’s historic downtown, the interactive scavenger hunt gets my vote for best ground-level exploration.
It turns city discovery into an engaging adventure while teaching local history and culture.
Let’s look at our favorite city tours across British Columbia.
Good To Know
- Vancouver offers diverse city tour options, including a 1-hour helicopter tour showcasing the city’s landmarks and natural beauty.
- Abbotsford provides a unique scavenger hunt experience, allowing visitors to explore the city on foot for 2 hours.
- SKY Helicopters offers a pre/post cruise helicopter tour, providing a breathtaking aerial view of Vancouver’s iconic landmarks.
- The helicopter tours in British Columbia have a maximum weight limit of 300 lbs per passenger and can accommodate up to 10 travelers.
- City tours in British Columbia range in price from $10.16 per person for the Abbotsford scavenger hunt to $288.86 per person for the helicopter tours.
Helicopter Tour of Vancouver City (Depart YPK)
SKY Helicopters’ Helicopter Tour of Vancouver City departs from the Pitt Meadows Regional Airport (YPK), located approximately 45 minutes east of downtown Vancouver.
This 1-hour aerial adventure offers a unique perspective of the city, showcasing its stunning landmarks and natural beauty. The tour can accommodate up to 10 travelers, with a maximum total weight of 300 lbs per passenger.
Priced from $288.86 per person, the tour includes fuel surcharge, landing and facility fees, gratuities, and GST.
Guests can enjoy free parking for cars, RVs, and large vehicles at the meeting point. The tour begins and ends at the Pitt Meadows Regional Airport, providing a convenient and hassle-free experience.
With an overall 5-star rating from 3 reviews, this helicopter tour is praised for its informative pilot, easy booking process, and memorable scenic views of Vancouver’s landmarks.
Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and the tour is accessible via public transportation, though it isn’t wheelchair-friendly.
Read our full review: Helicopter Tour of Vancouver City (Depart YPK) Review
Book now: Check availability
Abbotsford Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest
After exploring the city of Vancouver from above on a helicopter tour, you can now venture out on a different type of adventure in the nearby city of Abbotsford. Offered by Operation City Quest, the Abbotsford Scavenger Hunt is a 2-hour private activity that will have you exploring the city on foot.
The meeting point is at 32315 South Fraser Way, and the activity ends back at the same location. You’ll receive instructions via message before the game starts, so be sure to check for that.
The scavenger hunt is available Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and prices start at $10.16 per person. While not wheelchair accessible, the activity is stroller-friendly and allows service animals. Most travelers can participate, and the GST is included in the price.
You can even reserve now and pay later for added flexibility. With the city’s history and landmarks as your backdrop, this scavenger hunt promises an engaging and memorable way to explore Abbotsford.
Read our full review: Abbotsford Scavenger Hunt by Operation City Quest Review
Book now: Check availability
Pre/Post Cruise Helicopter Vancouver City Tour With Hotel Pickup
Before or after your cruise, treat yourself to a breathtaking aerial tour of Vancouver’s iconic landmarks aboard a helicopter. Operated by SKY Helicopters, this pre/post cruise helicopter tour offers stunning views of the city from above.
Priced from $288.86 per person, the tour can accommodate up to 10 travelers and features complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as luggage handling.
The tour includes a fuel surcharge, landing and facility fees, GST, and gratuities. To ensure a smooth experience, be sure to contact SKY Helicopters a day before your tour to confirm the pickup time. Alternatively, you can meet the tour at the SKY Hangar in Pitt Meadows, where free parking is available for cars, RVs, and large vehicles.
Please note that the maximum total weight per passenger is 300 lbs, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. However, most travelers are able to participate.
With a perfect 5.0 rating based on one review, this helicopter tour is a must-try for those seeking a unique perspective of Vancouver’s stunning cityscape.
Read our full review: Pre/Post Cruise Helicopter Vancouver City Tour With Hotel Pickup Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Explore the vibrant city of Vancouver and its surrounding areas through unforgettable helicopter tours and scavenger hunts. Whether you’re visiting before or after a cruise, these experiences offer a unique and comprehensive way to discover the best of British Columbia. From stunning aerial views to engaging outdoor adventures, you’re sure to create lasting memories during your time in this beautiful region.