Private tour in Vancouver Brian S

Vancouver's Artistic, Natural & Historic Highlights - Half Day Shore Excursion

5.0

(9) reviews

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Brian S.

5.0

Guide rating

12

Reviews

Tours delivered

7 hrs

Avg. response time

Hey there! I’m Brian, and I can't wait to introduce you to the stunning natural beauty of Vancouver and the surrounding Pacific Northwest. My passion for the outdoors is my profession. I’ve been guiding travellers for seven years and have worked in the backcountry of British Columbia for over a decade. I started my guiding career at the exclusive Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, where I honed my skills in providing exceptional, personalized service. I'm also educated in the local ecosystem, having obtained a Bachelor's of Environmental Science from British Columbia's top university, UBC. For the past three years, I’ve been successfully running my own tour company, specializing in immersive, high-quality private experiences. I truly believe this is the best part of the world, and I pride myself on sharing its history, ecology, and breathtaking views in a way that is friendly, informative, and memorable. I don’t just love sharing this place; I'm qualified to do so safely. I hold my (PT) License, possess numerous outdoor certifications, and have my own liability insurance, giving you peace of mind that you're in expert hands.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Brian S.

Overview of your Vancouver tour

This tour will allow you to experience a little bit of everything the city has to offer. Vancouver is full of public art, much of which we'll see along the tour, with plenty of time to stop at for pictures and walk around. We'll visit Vancouver's iconic Gastown Steam Clock, English Bay's Amazing Laughter Sculptures, Stanley Park's First Nation Totem Poles, and many other famous landmarks. We'll be diving into the city's history as we venture across Vancouver's 2 oldest neighbourhoods, Chinatown and Gastown, full of eclectic architecture and diverse restaurants. Additionally, we'll visit the local beaches near the University of British Columbia looking back towards the city. On top of this, we'll explore a massive year-round market with plenty of options for fun foods, drinks, and souvenirs to take back with you.

Recent Reviews

Beth H.United States
2 weeks ago

Brian was enthusiastic and passionate about the natural resources and how the preservation has saved so much. He included the importance of recognizing the Native history and traditions that came way before the colonists. He showed us hidden treasures around the city from the parks to Chinatown. The bonus was that we were better able to decide what we wanted to do for the next few days that we had in the city.

Kenneth R.United States
2 weeks ago

Brian S made this tour Excelent So glad my sife found Tours by Locals and so glad we found Brian S he met us took us to all the places we hoped to see, He knew the City and the entire area he have so much knowlege that he shared with us, we were given time to do our own thing at each stop and was able to get us to the Airport with our luggage on time to get through customs on time to get our flight home. Brian S was more thatn we expected I could go on forever about Brian S Glad we found TBL and Brian beat any Bus tour we could of taken THANK YOU

Joyce J.United States
3 weeks ago

Brian was a delight! He customized the tour to fit our schedule. He picked us up at out airport hotel. A native Vancourite, He was knowledgeable about the history and culture of the city while driving us through all the neighborhoods that make up Vancouver. Highly recommend his services.

Cindy C.United States
4 weeks ago

Brian was an outstanding tour guide! He was very knowledgeable of Vancouver, having lived here for a long time, and knew all the neighborhoods, attractions, history, and the backstories (the whys) for every place we went. We had a nice combination of structured and unstructured, where he would take us to the planned location and then gave us a little time to see stuff for ourselves. I had forgotten a key item at home and he researched where I could find what I needed--that took so much stress off us. We learned so much in such a short period of time. He was very accommodating with picking us up where we needed to be met and then dropping us (and our luggage) off where we needed to go, which was another huge stress-reducer. Brian is a personable, fun, fantastic host. I will enthusiastically recommend him (and Tours by Locals) to anyone who would love to gain an insider's perspective of a beautiful and fascinating city. Thanks Brian!

John C.United States
July 2026

Excellent guide and personality. Reasonable price

Mary Ellen C.United States
June 2026

My tour guide, Brian, was so knowledgeable and personable. He'snative to Vancouver and it shows!! We stopped for a bite at Granville Island, which was fun. He even showed me a tucked-away ladies room - no line - much appreciated. So many personal stories and knowledge made the day exceptional.

Your Vancouver tour itinerary

-After picking you up, we'll drive Stanley Park's ring road & stop at the totem poles, where we'll discuss Canada's First Nations history & admire their artwork. -We'll then stop at Prospect Point for views of the Lions Gate Bridge & Burrard Inlet. -Following this, we'll head to English Bay to see the amazing laughter sculptures and admire the surrounding local architecture & ocean views. -Later, we'll drive towards the University of British Columbia for either views of a local beach, or a short forested walk, depending on your energy level -Next, we'll visit the Granville Island market with a chance to grab some food. -We'll wrap up by exploring Chinatown & Gastown, where I'll contextualize you on Vancouver's history, and we'll explore its bar district. I'll gladly share suggestions as to what you could do at night & where to go for dinner. -At last, I'll drop you off back where we started!

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Pick Up

Air conditioned 2023 Toyota Tacoma, with a locking truck bed cover to keep bags and luggage safe on tour, as well as fully retractable windows. I'll even let you control the music!

What's included
Private Guide
Equipment: Walking poles
Food Drinks Snacks
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Lunch
Meeting location

999 Canada Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3T4, Canada

There is a parking area at the Vancouver Convention Center right beside the Cruise ship terminal, where I will meet you. I could also pick you up from any hotel/accommodation within the Vancouver area.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Art And Culture
History
Architecture
Shopping
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1444622
Languages
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Vancouver best suited for?

This private tour in Vancouver is perfect for travellers who want to explore the city's artistic, natural, and historic highlights with the convenience of private transportation. It's also ideal for those who prefer a personalized experience with expert guidance from Brian S. The tour is kid-friendly and suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Vancouver be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

Is this private tour in Vancouver suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-3 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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