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
21 - 28 of 28 Results
21
2628 Hwy 95
Parson, British Columbia
V0A 1L0
Websitehttp://www.wetlandsadventures.com
Toll-free888-244-7117
Phone250-439-8399
Immerse yourself in the serenity & wonder of the world-famous Columbia Wetlands. Witness the wetlands come alive as you float quietly past beaver dams, osprey nests & a heron rookery. With over 300 species of mammals & birds & the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, our Columbia Wetlands Adventures are a nature-lover's dream come true! An on-board guide will amaze & entertain you with their knowledge of the history, ecology & wildlife of the area.
We also offer canoe & kayak rentals for those who want to create their own adventure. We are a short drive from Golden, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort & Radium Hot Springs.
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22
501 Denman St
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6G 2W9
Websitehttp://www.boatcruises.com
Toll-free800-663-1500
Phone604-688-7246
Join us for a unique Vancouver experience offering unparallelled panoramic views of the city skyline, the surrounding Coastal Mountain range & many of the area's most famous landmarks. The Vancouver Harbour Tour takes you on a journey through Canada's 'Gateway to the Pacific' - the Burrard Inlet. You travel past Stanley Park, the Lookout Tower, the Lions Gate Bridge, the spectacular city skyline, cruise ship terminal & more. Our Sunset Dinner & Luncheon cruises are ranked by Where Magazine's Essential Vancouver as having one of the "Best Views" in Vancouver & are truly unforgettable.
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23
Bella Coola Mountain Lodge
Bella Coola, British Columbia
V0T 1C0
Websitehttp://www.bcmountainlodge.com
Toll-free866-982-2298
Phone250-982-2298
Join our tours with professional biologists to float tranquil rivers in search of wild grizzly & black bears. We may also see eagles, salmon, & other wildlife roaming & feeding in coastal streams & inlets from our expedition rafts & boats or on our ecological walking tours searching for grizzly bears. For something different & exciting, try our eco-rafting or salmon snorkel tours. Kynoch Adventures & Bella Coola Mountain Lodge provide premier sustainable wildlife & wilderness tours throughout Bella Coola Valley & can arrange full itineraries including accommodation, meals, transfers & tours. From our beautiful lodge, to the majestic scenery & wildlife, BC's central-coast will be the highlight of your holiday.
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24
Mansons Landing
Cortes Island, British Columbia
V0P 1K0
Websitehttp://www.mistyislesadventures.com
Toll-free
Phone250-935-6756
Cortes Island's only sea kayaking outfitter & Transport Canada certified sailing charter vessel. Kayak rentals, instruction & guided day trips. Experience paddling with the seals, visit a historic pictograph site or a night paddle with bioluminescence illuminating every stroke. Cruise Desolation Sound or Mitlenatch Island on-board the 13 m (43 ft) schooner Misty Isles. Multi-day kayak mothership trips explore remote areas of the Discovery Islands, Toba & Bute Inlets. Nestled at the entrance to enchanting Desolation Sound & located between Campbell River & the mainland coast of BC, the Discovery Islands dot the intricate waterways in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
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25
3317 - 30th Ave
Vernon, British Columbia
V1T 2C9
Websitehttp://www.mjotours.com
Toll-free877-726-6548
Phone250-545-3016
We offer a unique behind the scenes look at the wine industry in the beautiful Okanagan Valley. Tours operate daily showcasing the wonders of the local wineries. Join us to meet the local vintners, walk the vineyards, indulge in a marvellous food and wine pairing at lunch, enjoy exclusive tastings and so much more. Daily wine tours start throughout the Okanagan: Osoyoos (South), Vernon (North), Salmon Arm (Shuswap) and new this year Kamloops. Pick up can be arranged from hotels, attractions, private residences or businesses. Private charters and custom wine tours can also be arranged tailored to your group's needs.
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26
Based In Heriot Bay
Quadra Island, British Columbia
V0P 1H0
Websitehttp://www.mothershipadventures.com
Toll-free888-833-8887
Phone250-202-3229
Join us for the exhilarating & unforgettable mothership adventure of your dreams. Extraordinary wildlife viewing, breathtaking landscapes & warm, hospitable crew combine to thoroughly satisfy & delight every guest. We offer a variety of sea kayak tours where we paddle each day & return to the mothership each night. Accompanied by qualified naturalists, we explore the remote wilderness areas of coastal British Columbia, kayak through glacial fed waters, amongst lushly forested islands dotted with ancient First Nations village sites & observe numerous species of wildlife including orca killer whales, dolphins, harbour seals, black bears, grizzly bears, bald eagles & deer.
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27
146 Kingston St Marina Level
Victoria, British Columbia
V8V 1V4
Websitehttp://www.orcaspirit.com
Toll-free888-672-6722
Phone250-383-8411
World-class whale watching & marine wildlife tours. The clear, nutrient rich waters of Juan de Fuca & Haro Strait support an amazingly rich & diverse animal ecosystem & have been rated as one of the best places to view killer whales in the wild. On-board biologists with extensive knowledge of both local waters & marine habitat make this an educational experience you'll never forget. Complimentary shuttle service from all downtown locations & free vehicle parking. Victoria's only liquor licensed whale watching vessels. Reservations are highly recommended. Ask about our "Whale Guarantee".
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28
6409 Bay St
West Vancouver, British Columbia
V7W 3H5
Websitehttp://www.sewellsmarina.com
Toll-free
Phone604-921-3474
Take a 2 hr boat ride on Vancouver's wild side. In Howe Sound you'll find yourself racing beside steep cliffs, watching seals at play, exploring sea caves & witnessing a variety of marine birds, including the majestic bald eagle. With an experienced guide you won't miss a thing on this ecological tour. Or join a guide on a salmon trip or rent your own self-drive boat. Located in West Vancouver beside BC Ferries in Horseshoe Bay at the start of Sea To Sky Country (highway to Whistler) & on the North Shore just 15 minutes from Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge.
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