Welcome to Vancouver Foodie Tours, where we celebrate the vibrant pulse of our city daily. As ambassadors of this beautiful place, we believe in gifting experiences that leave a lasting impression over material items. Whether you’re a lifelong Vancouverite or a curious traveler, our curated list of experiences promises to enrich your life with memorable moments.
Why Experience Gifts? There’s something magical about experiences. They turn into stories, cherished memories, and opportunities for connection. Join your loved ones in these adventures and create bonds that last a lifetime.
Vancouver: A City of Diverse Experiences Our city’s rich cultural and natural landscapes offer a playground for exploration and enjoyment. From hidden gems to popular attractions, we’ve got you covered. Even if you’re not gift-shopping, this list is your gateway to discovering new facets of Vancouver.
Our Top Picks (in no particular order):
Seaplane Tours by Harbour Air Seaplanes
Imagine soaring over the Vancouver skyline, witnessing the majestic Stanley Park, English Bay, and the Lions Gate Bridge from above. It’s an experience that leaves even the most well-traveled individuals in awe.
Spring Foraging Trip by Swallow Tail Canada
Step into the great outdoors and learn to identify edible wild foods in BC’s coastal areas. Perfect for those who love nature and culinary adventures.
Granville Island Market Tour
The Granville Island Public Market can be overwhelming for first-time visitors (and even locals). Gift a guided tour of the market’s best local food and an insider’s take of local history & culture. This progressive meal is guaranteed to please!
Bowen Island Dinner Tour from Vancouver Water Adventures
Vancouver Water Adventures is run by a brother-sister team who set out to share their love of the outdoors. They offer a plethora of water experiences, but if you’re looking to get out of Vancouver for a day, why not take a daytrip to Bowen Island on a dinner cruise? This 3-hour round trip tour starts on Granville Island, cruises by Stanley Park, the Seal Colony, Lighthouse Park, and more. Once on Bowen Island, enjoy dinner at one of their amazing restaurants. If you’re feeling more adventurous, this tour is also offered on Seadoo!
Y2Play Pass by Grouse Mountain
Vancouver’s best value snow pass is back! For the outdoor enthusiast, Y2Play gives them unlimited skiing and riding for the rest of this season, as well as all of next season (2023). And that’s just the beginning. They’ll get added benefits such as a free pass to Revelstoke, discounts off hotels, food, beverages, and much more! Buy before March 15th for the guaranteed lowest prices of the year. After the 15th it’s still a great deal; get them before they sell out.
Authentic Asian Eats Tour by Vancouver Foodie Tours
Experience the Authentic Asian Eats Tour to dive into the rich flavors of Asian cuisine right in downtown Vancouver. It’s a sensory journey through taste and culture, perfect for food enthusiasts and the curious alike.
Aquarium Membership to Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver Aquarium was Canada’s first public aquarium (est. 1956), and continues to be a top Canadian destination for visitors and locals alike. Home to thousands of incredible ocean species and amazing aquatic life, the Aquarium also does important work in marine research, education, conservation, and rehabilitation. When you give an Aquarium membership as a gift, your recipient will receive free entry for the year, invitations to exclusive events, discounts, and more!
The Epic Electric Tour by Cycle City Vancouver
Cycle City is Vancouver’s one-stop destination for all things cycling- sales, service, rentals and tours. They’ve recently released their Epic Electric Bike tour, and it’s the perfect way to spend an afternoon. They’ll experience Vancouver’s best downtown sites including Stanley Park, English Bay, False Creek, Chinatown, and Gastown on an electric bike that lets them work as hard as they please (or not). Locals will enjoy insider tidbits & history about our beautiful city. Alternatively, you could choose to rent an e-bike instead to take your own adventure!
Macaron Making Workshop at Bon Macaron
Bon Macaron is well known on Granville Island as THE macaron shop to visit, with their colourful displays and inventive flavours. Now you can make your very own macarons in their workshops! Choose your favourite flavour, and they’ll show you everything from how to make the shells and fillings, to different filling techniques. Everyone will get to leave with 30-40 macarons in different flavours, perfect for freezing and enjoying at your leisure!
The Lost Souls of Gastown Tour from Forbidden Vancouver
For the history buff on your list, this tour is a fun and unique experience! Follow the lamplight of your guide into Vancouver’s earliest and most gruesome history. You’ll step inside a world of murder, revenge, and true grit in a dramatic retelling of Victorian Gastown’s earliest stories. This isn’t your average walking tour. It’s a performance-theatre experience they’re sure to love.
Intro to Bouldering Class at The Hive
Vancouver has an avid rock climbing community, and this introductory course is a great gift for anyone who’s interested. It covers all the basics including risk reducing climbing, basic balance, hand and foot techniques, strategy, and more. If they love it, there’s great membership options to keep them climbing.
Dumpling Masterclass by Judy Lam Maxwell
Vancouver’s Chinatown is home to a plethora of foodie delights and experiences, but we have the ultimate insider tip for you! Judy Lam Maxwell’s Dumpling Masterclass is the best Chinatown experience. Learn to make authentic Chinese dumplings with the “Dumpling Diva” herself, then take a bite out of your hard work.
Pottery Lesson at Hide Ceramic Works
For a truly tactile creative experience, give a pottery lesson from Hide Ceramic works. There’s nothing better than creating something with your bare hands. In Hide’s casual 80 minute course, you’ll experience pottery without the pressure and make up to two pieces to take home after firing. It’s perfect for date night or an activity with friends.
Gastronomic Gastown Tour
Gift a tour of Gastown’s gourmet cuisine with a side of community. With delicious tastes from the area’s best chefs and optional cocktail/wine pairings, this is a foodie’s dream!
Enthusiast Cooking Classes from Northwest Culinary Academy
Northwest Culinary Academy is a professional culinary arts school offering great enthusiast courses to level up your kitchen skills. All content is derived from their professional curriculum, and taught in a kitchen-dining studio setting for a hands-on and learning experience. Their courses range from basics to pastry, including a “Best of” series highlighting different ethnic cuisines. They even have a Plant-Based Cheese class!
A Night of Comedy & Entertainment at The Improv Centre
Laughter is the best medicine! Give the gift of laughter with a night of Improv or Stand Up at The Improv Centre on Granville Island. With features such as Drag Improv, TheatreSports, Matinees and more, there’s sure to be a show you’ll love. They also offer workshops for improv beginners. Check out their website for more information.
A Spa Package from Spa Utopia
With four locations across Greater Vancouver, Spa Utopia is well known for serious pampering and relaxation. They offer a wide range of massage, esthetic, and salon services. Make sure to check out the spa’s amazing amenities including a relaxation room, steam room, sauna and more (see location details online.) This isn’t just a spa day, it’s a luxurious Vancouver experience.
Membership to Van Dusen Botanical Garden
Vancouver’s incredible Van Dusen Botanical Garden covers 55 acres of incredible plant displays, water features, totem poles, stone sculptures, and much more. With this much ground to cover (and new exhibits to see each season) the best way to see Van Dusen Garden is in multiple trips throughout the year. Members get great perks, such as gift shop discounts, priority registration to summer camps, discounts at nurseries, and more.
Bookmark this article to come back to the next time you’re looking for an experience gift in Vancouver (or looking for ideas for things to do in Vancouver). Each of these experiences are as unique as Vancouver is, and offer a wide range of interests for all ages and abilities.
Don’t forget to tell them Foodie Tours sent you! Thanks for supporting local businesses in Greater Vancouver.
