Big Bus was a company that provided sightseeing tours around Vancouver. Today it operates as Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing as part of Westcoast Sightseeing.

The name has changed, but it still does the same thing.

Vancouver Sightseeing Bus Tours

Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing buses travel around Vancouver, stopping at points of interest. Tourist passengers are able to “hop on” and “hop off” when they like, visit an attraction, and then hop back on the bus when it comes around again.

Tickets are good for 24 hours and start at around $60 for adults around $30 for children (ages 3-12). There used to be special rates for seniors, students and families too, but that has not been the case for a few years.

Types of Tours

As of July 2024, the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus company offers their Classic Route and several separate guided tours.

(Note: Rates and other details listed below are subject to change.)

Classic Route Pass

The Classic Pass costs about $65 for adults on Fridays to Mondays, and about $60 on Tuesdays to Thursdays (plus taxes and fees). Children cost around $35. If you buy tickets a week in advance there’s a small discount!

The bus route begins at Canada Place and ends in Gastown, looping back around to the Waterfront area. The bus hits all the biggest stops in and around downtown as well as places like Stanley Park and Granville Island.

As of the summer of 2024, the buses run between 8:45 am and 5:15 am. During the winter the hours are about 9:20 am to 3:15 pm. There are 11 stops around town and a full loop usually takes about one hour.

Other Routes

In addition to the Classic Pass described above, there are a few guided tours available as well. They include trips to popular attractions in other regions surrounding Vancouver. For example, tours include rides to Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver, plus longer day trips to Victoria, Whistler and more.

To learn about the different guided tours, see our article about Westcoast Sightseeing.

LOOKING FOR A WALKING TOUR?

If you’re looking for an exceptional company that offers reasonably-priced walking tours around downtown Vancouver see our article about Forbidden Vancouver. We love these guys!

How the Hop-On Bus Works

Tickets are valid for 24 hours and the timing starts as soon as you “hop on” the bus initially. Buses travel a fixed route and go by every 20 minutes or so in the busy season.

Bus tickets can be purchased at various locations including online at Westcoast Sightseeing, at a kiosk outside Canada Place and at the concierge of many hotels.

Informational commentary is provided in English, French, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish, German and Korean.

Where does the Tour Bus Go?

Vancouver’s Hop-On Hop-Off tour buses go all over town and through many of the city’s most interesting districts including Granville Island, English Bay, Stanley Park, Coal Harbour, Chinatown and Gastown.

The buses go along several of Vancouver’s most interesting streets including Water Street, Robson, Granville and Beach Avenue. Other popular attractions at or near stops include Canada Place, FlyOver Canada, the Vancouver Lookout, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden, the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Vancouver Aquarium.

The regular Hop-On Hop-Off bus fare does not include admission into any of the above attractions, but it does include interesting commentary along the way.

Click Bus Route to see exactly where the Hop-On Hop-Off buses go.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus in Stanley Park — A Hop on Hop off Bus in Stanley Park

Why Use Vancouver’s Hop-On Bus

Using the Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing bus to get around and explore Vancouver has a few advantages. One advantage is that it’s convenient – you don’t have to worry about parking, traffic or figuring out the regular transit bus schedules.

The buses also go to all the places that are popular to visit within the Vancouver downtown core. Also, while you’re getting from one place to the next you can be entertained and educated about Vancouver with the tour commentary.

Vancouver’s Bus Tour Alternatives

There is more than one way to get around Vancouver. Hop-On, Hop-Off Sightseeing is a great option, but there is also Public Transit.

If you are on a budget and don’t mind missing out on the commentary, an alternative option is to buy a transit day pass and rely on public transit to get around.

The cost for a day pass is $11.25 for adults and $8.85 for a concession pass.