Which is the best hop on hop off tour in Vancouver? Big Bus or Vancouver Trolley

[kjbkrk]

In the process of trying to figure out our touring plans for the few days we have in Vancouver before our cruise. Was thinking of doing the hop on hop off tour the day of arrival. We are staying at the Pan Pacific and should be there before 2 pm. Which tour is better for just getting to know the city and maybe getting off here or there, Big Bus or Vancouver Tours?

 

[DizMagic]

Great question, I would like to know as well.

 

[lorimay]

We did the trolley, it started right outside the Pan Pacific. We enjoyed it a lot. I believe we booked early and got buy one day, get one free. This was in early Sept. 2013.

 

[AngelDisney]

It is still buy one day get one day free now but you need to buy the tickets online. Check HERE.

 

[Passholder]

We did a bike tour a few years ago. Lots of fun!

 

[xlxo]

I vote getting Vancouver Trolley...

• if you look at the map... Vancouver Trolley covers more places (ie Stanley Park) compared to Big Bus for the same price.
• I think Vancouver has the larger fleet, but Big Bus as a live tracker to show where all the buses are located so you are not waiting for so long.

What dates are people coming to Vancouver? Some dates are very bad for hop-on services because of congestion (eg Pride Parade on August 3rd sailing.).

 

[KristiMc]

I vote getting Vancouver Trolley...

• if you look at the map... Vancouver Trolley covers more places (ie Stanley Park) compared to Big Bus for the same price.
• I think Vancouver has the larger fleet, but Big Bus as a live tracker to show where all the buses are located so you are not waiting for so long.

What dates are people coming to Vancouver? Some dates are very bad for hop-on services because of congestion (eg Pride Parade on August 3rd sailing.).

We will be in Vancouver on June 7th. Anything going on?

 

[xlxo]

June 7th should have minimal traffic congestion for the Hop On services. But it will be busy. Hope you have your hotels secured downtown. Many are blocked for a FIFA event. I hear many Americans will be there to settle a score....

 

[KristiMc]

June 7th should have minimal traffic congestion for the Hop On services. But it will be busy. Hope you have your hotels secured downtown. Many are blocked for a FIFA event. I hear many Americans will be there to settle a score....

Thanks. Yes, I booked the Pan Pacific last July after we heard about the Womens World Cup.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I vote getting Vancouver Trolley...

• if you look at the map... Vancouver Trolley covers more places (ie Stanley Park) compared to Big Bus for the same price.
• I think Vancouver has the larger fleet, but Big Bus as a live tracker to show where all the buses are located so you are not waiting for so long.

What dates are people coming to Vancouver? Some dates are very bad for hop-on services because of congestion (eg Pride Parade on August 3rd sailing.).

Sorry to hijack but can you offer if the Pride Parade is usually the first weekend in August? We are on the 8/8/16 sailing and disclosure I'm not in the least worried about that but the hotels, congestion etc like any other conference or big event couple impact us so I might be snagging our hotel sooner rather than later if so

Heather

 

[xlxo]

Sorry to hijack but can you offer if the Pride Parade is usually the first weekend in August? We are on the 8/8/16 sailing and disclosure I'm not in the least worried about that but the hotels, congestion etc like any other conference or big event couple impact us so I might be snagging our hotel sooner rather than later if so

Heather

Pride parade this year is August 2nd. Come early to join the fun! There's a massive fireworks show the night before.
http://vancouverpride.ca/events/pride-parade/
http://hondacelebrationoflight.com/

Do you like planes? There's a airshow in the suburbs...
http://www.abbotsfordairshow.com/

July/August is prime travel season. You want to consider rooms now for better rates. I stayed by the airport/Richmond for my sailing last year.

August 8th sailing? Downtown should be fine.... Are you planning a trip to check out Whistler and the Peak2Peak gondola? The road there may be heavy with the music festival....
http://squamishfestival.com/

 

[jenng1976]

Another vote for the trolley ... We did that a few years ago and really enjoyed it.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Yes, August 8th sailing *next* year that's why I was curious if the Pride Parade is typically the beginning of August each year.

We sailed in June 2013 and LOVED Vancouver and can't wait to visit again next year!

Thanks,
Heather