Cruises & Boat Tours
Burrard Inlet, Vancouver (Canadian Tourism Commission photo)
Frommer’s travel guide called BC one of the “World’s Great Sailing Regions” (2009).
Cruises in British Columbia have more than 27,000km/16,780mi of coastline, thousands of lakes and many mostly uninhabited islands to explore.
Popular cruising areas include the Inside Passage, Great Bear Rainforest, Queen Charlotte Islands/Haida Gwaii, Desolation Sound and the Gulf Islands. Choose from a wide selection of cruise operators, five of which were even recommended by Frommer's travel guide and/or National Geographic Adventure magazine.
On a BC cruise, discover granite cliffs with plunging waterfalls, sail through temperate rainforests, and float in quiet fjords and inlets with protected sanctuaries that are home to lots of wildlife.
Cruises range from multi-day trips and single day excursions to harbour and dinner cruises, with some operators offering rentals (for experienced skippers) or private charters with custom itineraries. Cruise companies may depart from several different ports and usually carry 10-15 guests.
Travelling the coast? BC Ferries offer cruise-like experiences while servicing 47 destinations, and some Alaskan cruises make ports of call at Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo and Prince Rupert.
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Learn more about cruising in BC’s regions and cities:
Vancouver Island: Ancient rainforests, marine wildlife and the laid-back lifestyle of the Gulf Islands.
Northern British Columbia: Iconic routes that include the Inside Passage and Queen Charlotte Islands/Haida Gwaii, plus the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary.
Cariboo Chilcotin Coast: Aboriginal villages and the majestic fjords and inlets of the Great Bear Rainforest (home of the rare Kermode (Spirit) bear).
Vancouver, Coast & Mountains: Warm waters in Desolation Sound and river safaris on the powerful Fraser River.
Thompson Okanagan: Houseboats with great amenities and dinner cruises on balmy lakes with vineyard views.
Kootenay Rockies: The world's “longest free ferry ride," sailboat charters and houseboat rentals on Kootenay Lake and Lake Koocanusa.
Vancouver: City skylines and mountain vistas from hop-on/hop-off ferries, along with harbour and dinner cruises.
Victoria: Charming coastlines with views of the Olympic Mountains and Juan de Fuca Strait.
Cruising on BC Ferries
BC Ferries was named one of the “World’s Top 10 Ferry Boat Rides” (2009) by The Society of American Travel Writers. Major routes such as the Inside Passage, Discovery Coast Passage and some southern crossings have comfortable amenities, such as Wi-Fi, spa services, movie lounges and even on-deck barbeques. Visit the BC Ferries Vacation Centre in Vancouver for ferry, accommodations and tour packages.
Cruises to Alaska
Many Alaskan cruises depart from Vancouver, while Victoria, Nanaimo and Prince Rupert can serve as ports of call en route – more than one million cruise passengers visited BC in 2010! Shore excursions include visits to Stanley Park and The Butchart Gardens, historical neighbourhoods such as Gastown or Victoria’s Inner Harbour, or nature tours in Nanaimo or Prince Rupert.
Popular BC Cruise Areas
Cruise along the Inside Passage and to ancient Queen Charlotte Islands/Haida Gwaii on a century-old schooner or drift past grizzly bears in the Great Bear Rainforest on a classic motor yacht. To travel back in time, step onboard a heritage tugboat charting northern waters, or join an authentic paddlewheeler tour following the Gold Rush route.
Along Vancouver Island’s west coast, delve into coastal life on a working freighter or charter a luxury yacht to linger in the warm waters of Desolation Sound. Enjoy the comforts of home on an Okanagan Lake or Kootenay Lake houseboat or wine and dine on a Vancouver dinner and harbour cruise.
Practical Points
- The peak season for cruising is from March to October, but some tours are offered year-round.
- Most multi-day cruises require reservations, while some harbour and day cruises can be booked on the spot. It’s best to check in advance.
- Most cruise operators provide all food, beverage, equipment and some outdoor clothing, but remember to bring warm, layered clothing as ship decks can be breezy.
- Seasickness is generally not an issue in the sheltered inside passages but for trips on open waters (like Vancouver Island’s west coast), be prepared for some motion.
- Visit local Visitor Centres for help with trip ideas, planning and transportation.
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28 Cruises & Boat Tours in British Columbia
11 - 20 of 28 Results
11
7990 Island Highway
Campbell River, British Columbia
V9W 5C1
Websitehttp://www.marinelinktours.com
Toll-free
Phone250-286-3347
Embark upon an "Adventure of a Lifetime" aboard a 135-foot working freight boat - the MV Aurora Explorer, transporting a wide variety of freight throughout the inland waterways along BC's beautiful & remote central coastline. Enjoy the uniqueness of small group cruising, discovering new friends, savouring fantastic cuisine & witnessing spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife & marine life. Observe activity on the freight deck, pour over charts and mingle with the captain & crew in the wheelhouse, or from the cozy viewing lounges explore the nautical & historical library describing the early explorers, settlers & native populations of the regionall pleasures of cruising aboard the Aurora Explorer.
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12
Websitehttp://www.oceanadventures.bc.ca
Toll-free
Phone604-812-9453
Join us to experience unparallelled wildlife viewing, whale watching, & awe-inspiring First Nations culture, amidst BC's most spectacular landscapes. Our small group sizes mean our guests enjoy the most intimate experiences with nature & our photographers the best opportunities... our guests are never just part of a crowd. With our small groups (maximum 6 guests per trip), our fully certified professional guides can better ensure the safety of the group while having the least impact on the lands we visit & the wildlife we view. Join our scheduled trips or design your own custom (private) charter and experience the Wild in Wilderness!
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13
Websitehttp://www.outershores.ca
Toll-free855-714-7233
Phone250-244-1218
OuterShores offers multi-day wildlife & cultural expeditions along the BC coast. Explore, experience & learn about stunning wildlife & ancient cultures while living & travelling in comfort aboard our classic 70' schooner Passing Cloud. Coastal cruising, sailing, sea kayaking, & frequent shore excursions provide amazing opportunities to encounter whales, wolves, grizzly bears, Spirit bears, sea otters, seabirds & First Nations cultural heritage sites. Expedition destinations include Haida Gwaii, the Great Bear Rainforest, Johnstone Strait, West Coast Vancouver Island, & the Southern Gulf Islands Archipelago. Join our crew of expert mariners & naturalists on an adventure of a lifetime!
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14
8380 St. George St
Vancouver, British Columbia
V5X 3S7
Websitehttp://www.pacificyellowfin.com
Toll-free866-640-5935
Phone604-321-2124
The Pacific Yellowfin is not only a unique historical vessel in the Pacific Northwest with an incredible history, it also boasts unique features that differentiate us from other operators on the British Columbia and Alaskan coastline. The Pacific Yellowfin operates on a completely bespoke format. There are only sample itineraries and no cruise is alike. They are all tailor-made and co-created with each guest. Not compromising its elegance, it is literally a boatload of fun with toys you wouldn't dare think they are on board. There is something for everyone. Call us!
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15
788 Quayside Dr
New Westminster, British Columbia
V3M 6Z6
Websitehttp://www.vancouverpaddlewheeler.com
Toll-free877-825-1302
Phone604-525-4465
Welcome to Paddlewheeler Riverboat Tours. Celebrating 24 years providing top quality cruises on our authentic sternwheeler, exploring BC's Famous Fraser River (gateway to BC's history). Based in the beautiful historic city of New Westminster, offering cruises ranging from full day to 2 1/2 hour discovery cruises watching the river at work & play; bridges from massive brand new to 110 years old & ever present wildlife. Evening sunset dinner cruises exploring the natural wilderness of Pitt lake, one of the largest fresh water tidal lakes in the world. We specialize in private functions. Easily accessible & open year round for special events & Christmas.
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16
200 Bernard Ave
Kelowna, British Columbia
V1X 7K7
Websitehttp://www.TheLakeLounge.com
Toll-free
Phone778-753-5888
The Lake Lounge is Kelowna's newest cruise boat and we've spared no expense to ensure passenger safety, comfort and satisfaction.
We provide dinner cruises featuring exceptional food and superb live entertainment; daily afternoon lake and private charter cruises, accommodating up to 88 passengers for your special event or celebration! Gather friends and family for a memorable lake cruise experience.
Vaulted ceilings, a state-of-the-art kitchen and gas fireplace create the ultimate chic atmosphere on the lower deck. The upper-deck features the largest floating bar on Okanagan Lake, raised dance floor, hot tub, premium sound system and 3 plasma TV's.
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17
1234-N Wharf St
Victoria, British Columbia
V8W 3H9
Websitehttp://www.victoriaharbourferry.com
Toll-free
Phone250-708-0201
Victoria Harbour Ferry Tours is world-renowned as one of the best guided tours in the province of British Columbia. Experience marine life, historical landmarks, First Nations history, unique sailboats & yachts, seaplanes, waterside dining, float home communities & friendly skippers. Join thousands of sightseers & watch the free Harbour Ferry water ballet on summer Sundays at 10:45 am, performed in the Inner Harbour. Choose between a Harbour Ferry Tour or a Gorge Waterway Tour, or opt for both for a discounted rate! Both are great outings that your family and friends will especially enjoy. Special family & senior rates. Ask about Pickle Pub Crawls!
Activity Zones- Fisherman's Wharf
Bridges, Buildings- Famous Johnson Street Bridge
Bus/Coach/Shuttle- Our Water Taxi's will get you where you need to go!
Ferries- Tours and Water Taxi Services
Parks- We connect to Bamfield Park
Public Markets- Ship's Point Market
Taxi/Limo- Our Water Taxi's are efficient and affordable
Wildlife Viewing- See seals, herons and other marine life
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Other businesses with Cruises & Boat Tours
18
3 1371 Island Hwy
Campbell River, British Columbia
V9W 5T5
Websitehttp://www.aboriginaljourneys.com
Toll-free888-455-8101
Phone250-850-1101
Family owned business offering Whale Watching, Wildlife & Adventure Tours & Grizzly bear viewing. Our Grizzly Bear Journey is on Aboriginal lands with viewing platforms at Orford River, in Bute Inlet. Explore with us the beautiful water ways of the Discovery Islands. Possibly view Killer Whales (Orca), Humpback Whales, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Seals, Black bears, Eagles & so much more!
In operation since 2000 & is one of Campbell River's most experienced tour operators with over 30 years experience on these waters. Transport Canada certified. Guaranteed sightings; see website for details.
Rated by TripAdvisor as the number 1 attraction in Campbell River.
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19
Whiskey Landing Marina
Ucluelet, British Columbia
V0R 3A0
Websitehttp://www.archipelagocruises.com
Toll-free
Phone250-726-8289
Treat yourself to an unforgettable West Coast adventure. Join us aboard our luxurious yacht for a relaxing whale & wildlife cruise. The Raincoast Maiden is a spacious yacht equipped with a washroom & comfortable seating inside & out. Enjoy the magical scenery of Barkley Sound with a taste of luxury & watch the area's abundant wildlife, which includes whales, bears, sea lions, seals, sea otters, eagles & sea birds. Binoculars available for guests. Our interpretive tours include a scenic cruise though the sheltered waters of the Broken Group Islands & an optional gourmet meal while at anchor. Romantic sunset cruises & private charters are also available.
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20
Websitehttp://www.bcboatrentals.ca
Toll-free
Phone604-472-9800
First class boat rentals for water-skiing, wake-boarding, fishing, camping and sightseeing. Choices include 14', 18' Malibu Cuddy, 20' Four Winns Bowrider with Tower and 26' Campion Toba Cruiser. You drive or we drive. (Bare-Boat or Charters) Boats are available on or off trailers for pickup or delivery and can be launched and in the water, ready to go, at your favourite water destination. Let us know where you want to go.
Skis, wake-boards, tubes, fishing gear, and crab traps are also available. We serve Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, Island, Okanagan and most areas of BC.
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