Vancouver Holiday History and Hot Chocolate Tour

Vancouver , Canada

Vancouver Holiday History and Hot Chocolate Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

This holiday season, step inside downtown’s grandest heritage buildings and hear the tales of intrigue, jealousy, and murder that lurk inside their walls. Start your adventure with a hot chocolate from award-winning Trees cafe. With warm cocoa in hand, delight in holiday displays in our city’s grandest hotels and finish off with a private viewing inside Vancouver's Art Deco masterpiece, the Marine Building. What better way to celebrate the holidays in Vancouver?

Available options

Vancouver Holiday History and Hot Chocolate Tour

What's included

Hot Chocolate - Dairy and Non-Dairy Options available

Guide

Detailed itinerary

We'll start the walking tour here with a warm cup of organic hot chocolate from legendary Vancouver cafe, Trees!

Stop 2

Built in 1906 as the city's courthouse, this neo-classical beauty is one of the city's most loved heritage buildings. Just wait till you hear the story of what happened to the architect who designed it!

Built in the 1920s, the Hotel Georgia is famous in the city for its connections to black entertainment history and its lavish lobby, bedecked in holiday decorations this time of year.

Vancouver's most famous, most opulent, and most beautiful hotel is a signature stop on this tour. We'll explore inside and out, with a visit into the Art Deco heart of the building and spaces immaculately preserved from when the hotel opened in 1937. Bonus for this tour, the hotel lobby is lovingly decorated with holiday motifs this time of year. A must visit site for anyone visiting Vancouver over the holiday season, and we'll take you there!

We'll visit one of the city's most loved winter attractions, "Gingerbread Lane" at the Hyatt Regency. It's a must-do holiday activity in Vancouver and we'll take you there!

Stop 6

Hold onto your hats for a visit to the finest heritage building in Vancouver, and some say all of Canada. The Marine Building is an Art Deco masterpiece. The lobby is absolutely breathtaking, no more so than over the holiday season when lovingly decorated by the building owners.

What's not included

Gratuities

Private transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

7 reviews

5★

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

TOUR DEPARTURE POINT
Outside Trees Cafe at 738 Granville Street, near the corner with West Georgia St.

Important notes

Guests inform guide of their name when they arrive to be checked in

About Vancouver

Vancouver is a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse culture, and outdoor activities. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the North Shore Mountains, it offers a unique blend of urban living and wilderness adventures.

Top Attractions

Stanley Park

Stanley Park is a 400-hectare public park that boasts stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and the city skyline. It is one of the largest urban parks in North America and offers a variety of recreational activities.

Nature Half day to full day Free (Vancouver Aquarium has an admission fee)

Granville Island

Granville Island is a bustling hub of activity, known for its public market, artisan shops, and waterfront restaurants. It is a great place to sample local food, shop for unique gifts, and enjoy live performances.

Market/Entertainment Half day Free to explore, costs vary for food and shopping

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers a thrilling experience with its suspension bridge, treetop walkways, and cliffwalk. It provides a unique perspective of the lush rainforest and offers educational programs about the local ecosystem.

Adventure/Nature 2-3 hours Moderate (around $55 CAD for adults)

Gastown

Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, known for its Victorian-era architecture, trendy boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. It is a great place to explore the city's history, shop for unique items, and enjoy a variety of dining options.

Historical/Shopping Half day Free to explore, costs vary for shopping and dining

MuseuM of Anthropology

The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is a world-renowned museum that showcases the art and culture of the First Nations peoples. It features an impressive collection of totem poles, carvings, and artifacts.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate (around $18 CAD for adults)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Vancouver is renowned for its high-quality sushi, thanks to its proximity to the Pacific Ocean and a large Japanese community. Fresh, locally-sourced ingredients are used to create delicious sushi rolls and sashimi.

Dinner Contains fish, seafood, and sometimes raw ingredients

Poutine

A Canadian classic, poutine consists of crispy fries topped with cheese curds and smothered in gravy. It's a must-try for anyone visiting Vancouver.

Snack Contains dairy and often meat-based gravy

Japadog

A Vancouver street food staple, Japadog is a hot dog with Japanese-inspired toppings such as teriyaki sauce, seaweed, and bonito flakes. It's a unique and delicious snack to try while exploring the city.

Snack Contains meat and sometimes seafood

Bubble Tea

Originating from Taiwan, bubble tea is a popular beverage in Vancouver. It consists of tea, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls, served either hot or cold. There are many flavors and variations to choose from.

Drink Varies by flavor, often contains dairy and sugar

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing Snowboarding Rock climbing Kayaking Spa Beach Picnic

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest and driest time of the year, perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the city's beaches and parks. It's also the peak tourist season with the most crowds.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Punjabi, Tagalog
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD)

Time Zone

PST (GMT-8) / PDT (GMT-7)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Vancouver is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, as with any major city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Important Precautions:

• Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services

Getting there

By air

Vancouver International Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Pacific Central Station

By bus

Pacific Central Station, Greyhound Bus Depot

Getting around

Public transport

The SkyTrain is a fast, efficient, and affordable way to get around Vancouver. It consists of three lines: the Expo Line, the Millennium Line, and the Canada Line.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown West End Kitsilano Gastown Mount Pleasant

Day trips

Whistler

120 km from Vancouver • Full day to overnight

Whistler is a world-renowned mountain resort known for its skiing, snowboarding, and outdoor activities. It's a popular day trip destination from Vancouver, offering stunning mountain views and a variety of recreational opportunities.

Victoria

100 km from Vancouver • Full day to overnight

Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, known for its historic architecture, charming streets, and vibrant cultural scene. It's a popular day trip destination from Vancouver, offering a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Steveston Village

25 km from Vancouver • Half day to full day

Steveston Village is a historic fishing village located in Richmond, known for its waterfront views, fresh seafood, and charming shops. It's a popular day trip destination from Vancouver, offering a taste of coastal life and local flavors.

Festivals

Vancouver International Film Festival • Late September to mid-October Celebration of Light • July to August Vancouver Folk Music Festival • Mid-July

Pro tips

Use the SkyTrain and other public transportation options to get around the city efficiently and affordably
Visit Granville Island Public Market for a taste of local flavors and unique gifts
Explore Stanley Park by bike or on foot to enjoy the stunning views and natural beauty
Try local specialties, such as sushi, poutine, and Japadog, for an authentic Vancouver experience
Book accommodations and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak seasons and events