Boat Tours in Vancouver

Vancouver is a beautiful peninsular piece of British Columbia located on the southwestern tip of the Canadian province. The city is surrounded by several different waterways, making it the perfect destination for a boat tour.

On a boat trip in Vancouver, you can cruise along the coastline for breathtaking views of the North Shore Mountains, gaze at the wildlife alongside the English Bay or adventure through glistening waterfalls.

Here's all you need to know about boat tours, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Vancouver.

What are the best boat tours in Vancouver?

Scenic boat tour

Explore the waterways that weave around Vancouver on this 90-minute scenic boat ride. An expert guide will lead you along the city’s coastline, otherwise known as English Bay. On the journey, you’ll spot notable landmarks like Lighthouse Park, a thriving seal colony, and the False Creek natural divider between downtown and the rest of the city.

While on your cruise, you’ll pass by the world-famous Stanley Park, the Lion’s Gate Bridge, beautiful West Vancouver neighborhoods and more. Learn about the many intricate waterways and their importance to the history of the city. Gaze at a line of beaches known as the Spanish Banks, the Jericho Sailing Center, Point Grey and Kitsilano Beach.

Once you arrive in False Creek, you’ll learn about Yaletown, Granville Island, the various sports stadiums, the bridges of Vancouver and the Science World Geodesic Dome before heading back to shore.

Boat tour to Victoria

This action-packed boat tour of Vancouver travels through the Gulf Islands, Butchart Gardens and the city of Victoria all in one full-day trip. The exciting excursion begins with a hotel transfer to your vessel, where you’ll start your cruise along the British Columbia coastline.

You’ll enjoy a 90-minute sail through the serene Gulf Islands, where you can spot the flourishing marine life such as eagles, whales and sea lions. From there, you’ll dock at Swartz Bay Terminal on Vancouver Island, where you’ll explore the enchanting botanical Butchart Gardens. Marvel at the whimsical park, filled with color and bubbling fountains to discover.

Afterward, you’ll head to Victoria, where you’ll see iconic historical buildings such as the towering waterfront Fairmont Empress Hotel and the imposing Parliament buildings. Afterward, you’ll take the ferry back to Vancouver to close out this 13-hour extravaganza.

Indian Arm lunch boat tour

Take a half-day boat tour to the inland waterway of Indian Arm to be immersed in Western British Columbian wonder. Indian arm is an 18-kilometer mountain fjord that runs the length of Mount Bishop. The smooth waterway is surrounded by lush tree-lined hills and is abundant with Vancouver’s varied wildlife.

On this excursion, you’ll board the luxury liner MV Harbour Princess for a smooth ride down the calm fjord. You’ll enjoy a delicious catered lunch while keeping your eyes peeled for animals native to the region like black bears, eagles and seals. You and your guide will wind your way through the Vancouver harbor to another shallow fjord called Burrard Inlet.

Gaze at the walls of the waterway formed in the Ice Age before heading to the Coast Mountain Range, where you’ll ride up the Indian Arm. The dramatic landscape is a major contrast to the bustle of the city, providing a natural barrier from the Pacific Ocean to the west. You’ll have plenty of time to snap photos on this 4-hour boat tour in Vancouver.

Howe Sound sea safari boat tour

Surrounded by water and breathtaking waterways, Vancouver is a city filled with fascinating wildlife. The best way to discover the flora and fauna of the British Columbian city is with a sea safari boat tour through Howe Sound.

Howe Sound is a triangular-shaped sound that interconnects with several different fjords in north Vancouver. The pristine body of water was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2021 and is a meeting place for creatures of all kinds. On this tour, you’ll board a high-speed boat for an adventurous 2-hour ride through the sound.

You’ll spot the cliffs of Anvil Island, the Bowen Island caves and a colony of chatty seals at Pam Rocks. Prepare to race past scenic views and spot majestic eagles flying meters above while learning about the complex ecosystem of Vancouver. This ride features a visit to the Strait of Georgia and Horseshoe Bay before heading back to shore.

Harbor sunset boat tour

For a charming look at the Vancouver harbor at sunset, choose a dinner boat cruise along the city waterfront. You’ll delight in live music and a mouthwatering meal as you take in the views of the Pacific coast. The boat will pass by major landmarks like the North Shore Mountains, the West Vancouver skyline and Canada Place.

You’ll begin your evening with the boat launch at Devonian Harbour near Stanley Park. From there, you’ll board a double-decker paddle-wheeler boat with plenty of room for deck strolls or peaceful seating. Cruise through the scenic Vancouver harbor before heading to the Burrard inlet in time for sunset.

You’ll take in dramatic views while indulging in a delicious buffet-style meal. As the day comes to a close, the boat will pass by the lighted city skyline before docking for the evening.

How much do boat tours in Vancouver cost?

Typically, scenic 1.5-hour boat tours that go through the Vancouver waterways will cost about US$60 per person. For a 13-hour full-day sightseeing cruise from Vancouver to Victoria, you will usually pay around US$180 per person with roundtrip transportation included.

Lunch cruises through the Indian Arm fjord with a wildlife navigator are typically priced at around US$140 per person, while a Howe Sound sea safari boat tours cost about US$80 per person.

For a Vancouver Harbor sunset cruise, expect to pay about US$150 per person, with the price including dinner.

What is included?

Scenic sightseeing tours around Vancouver include a professional guide to provide information about the history and wildlife of the region. A boat tour from Vancouver to Victoria typically includes admission to all BC ferries for roundtrip transportation and an entry ticket to Butchart Gardens.

An Indian Arm lunch boat tour includes a 4-hour cruise with a local guide and a buffet lunch, while a harbor sunset cruise similarly features a buffet dinner and informed guide. A Howe Sound sea safari includes live commentary, a ride on a speedy eco-tour boat, a survival suit, gloves and weather goggles.

Where does it start?

Most boat tours, like lunch and dinner cruises and scenic rides, will usually begin at the city harbor in Vancouver. A day trip from Vancouver to Victoria will provide hotel pickup, while a Howe Sound boat tour will begin at a West Vancouver marina.

How long does it last?

Scenic tours around the main Vancouver waterways will typically last around 1.5 hours, while a sea safari cruise in Howe Sound usually lasts about 2 hours.

A sunset dinner cruise takes about 2.5 hours, and a lunch boat tour of Indian Arm is around 4 hours from start to finish.

Typically, a full-day trip from Vancouver to Victoria will last about 13 hours, with multiple stops along the way.

When is the best time for a boat tour in Vancouver?

The best time for a boat tour in Vancouver is from June to September, when the weather is the warmest of the season. The fall typically brings in the rain and the spring is too chilly for speedy boat excursions. The only setback of summer is larger crowds, as it is considered peak season in the coastal city.

Plan your boat tour in Vancouver toward the middle or end of your trip for an exciting addition to your travel plans.

Are there any combos available with boat tours in Vancouver?

Boat tour plus kayaking and snorkeling

This half-day water adventure combines an exciting boat tour with kayaking and snorkeling in the beautiful Vancouver bays. You’ll begin with a boat ride to Howe Sound with a professional guide before heading to see the Pam Rocks seal colony.

From there, you’ll hop into a kayak to float as close to the rocky shoreline as possible. You’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spot wild seals from just a short-distance away. Afterward, you’ll put on a wetsuit and snorkel gear to get even more up-close-and-personal with the flipper-footed creatures.

Explore the fascinating marine life of the British Columbian coastline before heading back to the boat for light refreshments. You’ll have the chance to admire the jaw-dropping mountain views while heading back to Horseshoe Bay to end the day.

Boat tour plus scuba diving

Calling all pre-certified divers for this exhilarating dive trip in Vancouver’s Howe Sound. This adventure begins at a city expedition center, where you’ll gear up for your underwater exploration. Once at the harbor, you’ll board a 12-meter Topsail boat made for diving with your group and professional guide.

After you arrive in Howe Sound, you’ll dive deep to discover Vancouver’s first artificial reef, the HMCS Annapolis. Keep an eye out for unique marine life such as pacific octopuses, seals, wolf eels and more. Return to the boat for some hot soup or tea before heading back to shore.

Whale watching boat tour plus seaplane flight

This Vancouver highlights tour includes an exciting whale-watching boat trip and a thrilling seaplane flight to Victoria. You’ll begin by boarding a Harbour Air Seaplane for an incredible water take-off to dramatic heights, where you’ll see the bustling harbor and stunning mountain range from above.

Gaze down at the Straight of Georgia and the breathtaking coastline before landing in Victoria. From there, you’ll board an open-topped Zodiac boat for a sensational whale-watching tour. You’ll voyage to the Haro Strait to spot whale pods, seals, sea lions and sea otters fishing for salmon.

Along the way, your knowledgeable guide will provide facts on the varied marine life and the impressive ecosystem of Vancouver. After the boat ride, you’ll re-board the seaplane for your return trip to Vancouver.

Which other water activities can be done in Vancouver?

• Whale watching in Vancouver
• Seals watching in Vancouver
• Snorkeling in Vancouver
• Kayaking in Vancouver
• Scuba diving in Vancouver
• Jet ski in Vancouver
• Rafting in Vancouver
• Jet boat in Vancouver
• Stand up paddleboarding in Vancouver

Travel tips

• Dress in layers to prepare for all weather conditions, as Vancouver is partial to cold fronts.
• Pack snacks or money for meals, since most tours do not include refreshments unless previously stated.
• Many tours require guests to know how to swim, so plan accordingly.