Cruises & Boat Tours
Sailboat cruise (Dannielle Hayes photo)
Go cruising in the Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region to access spectacular scenery and the mild, protected waters of the Sunshine Coast and Fraser River.
Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park (on the Sunshine Coast) is one of the most popular destinations for BC cruises.
Set sail with a cruise operator named “Best Adventure Travel Company on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure (2009), combine a night at a historic hotel in Lund with a sunset dinner cruise, or blend cruising with ocean paddling by wet launching a kayak from a mothership schooner.
Sailboat charters are plentiful on the Sunshine Coast; there are also powerboat or paddleboat cruises available on the Fraser River.
Cruises range from multi-day sailing trips with nights spent onboard (accommodations vary from ship to ship) to single day excursions. Groups are usually under ten guests. West Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay), Gibsons, Sechelt, Lund and Mission are popular ports of departure for cruise companies.
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BC Ferries
BC Ferries' southern routes travel to the Sunshine Coast and nearby islands (including Vancouver Island). Relax on deck with quick and scenic sailings to Bowen Island or Gibsons (Langdale terminal). Planning a trip? Stop by the BC Ferries Vacations Centre in Vancouver for ferry, accommodation and tour packages. Reservations are strongly recommended for all holiday sailings.
Desolation Sound and Sunshine Coast Cruises
Discover why Desolation Sound is one of the most popular cruising areas on the Sunshine Coast (and in BC): warm waters ideal for swimming and wildlife watching, sheltered bays for calm anchorages, and lofty mountains that frame ocean views. Other popular cruising areas near here include Princess Louisa Inlet, Jervis Inlet and Howe Sound.
Sail the straits on a scheduled day tour with Misty Isles Adventures' classic schooner – splash around in the water, wet launch a kayak, explore sandy beaches or watch sea lions sunning on rocks. Tours depart from Cortes Island (accessed via ferry from Campbell River). Multi-day trips are also available.
Other Sunshine Coast cruise options include exploring the area’s rugged beauty on the Inside Passage tour with Bluewater Adventures – named as one of the “Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth” (2009) byNational Geographic Adventure magazine – or spending a few hours sightseeing with Sunshine Coast Boat Tours.
Custom charter a trip here with Pacific Yellowfin Charters and enjoy amenities such as gourmet fare and flat-screen TVs, or take in the snow-capped mountains during winter with Ocean Adventures Charter Co.
Fraser River Powerboat Cruises
Travel the Fraser River by powerboat – the river’s strong tides and shallow waters can only be navigated by small vessels. Fraser River Safari’s fully enclosed “Safari Craft” allows ample opportunities for viewing wildlife, while Hell's Gate Jet Boat Tours tackle the white waters of Fraser Canyon. Both operators also offer nature and history tours to Pitt Lake and Harrison Hot Springs.
Paddlewheeler Riverboat Tour
Be transported to the 1800s onboard Paddlewheeler Riverboat Tours’ authentic paddlewheeler and experience how Gold Rush pioneers, fur traders and settlers once travelled the Fraser River. Dine and dance on a sunset cruise or journey to Fort Langley National Historic Site (the birthplace of BC) for a truly historical feel. Tours depart from New Westminster’s Riverside Market.
Lillooet River Jet Boat Cruise
Cruise remote sections of the lower Lillooet River on a guided jet boat tour with the Adventure Ranch (departs from Pemberton). Drift over exhilarating whitewater rapids and finish with a visit to Skookumchuck Hot Springs.
Unique Cruises
Set sail with Orca Wind Sail Charters and be pampered on deck with gourmet food and spa services, such as chef-prepared seafood meals, massages, manicures or pedicures.
Interested in painting and writing? Join Mothership Adventures on the Columbia III and spend a week with guided instruction from a local artist to capture the landscape of Desolation Sound and learn technique and composition.
Harbour and Dinner Cruises
Complement a stay at The Historic Lund Hotel with a dinner harbour cruise to Desolation Sound. Savour a delicious meal and sunset views, or opt for an afternoon picnic lunch and travel to the white-sand beaches of Savary Island (dubbed the “Hawaii of the North”).
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 be prepared for some motion.
- Local Visitor Centres are a great source of information, and can help with trip planning and transportation.
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12 Cruises & Boat Tours in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains
1 - 10 of 12 Results
1
Websitehttp://www.bcsailtours.com
Toll-free
Phone604-741-8279
Try sailing this summer on the Sunshine Coast! Take an evening cruise or explore the inlet on our scheduled weekend tours. Go fishing with the guys....or girls! Get married in a remote bay, take the family on a beach tour...
Sailing Tours and Charters from just $35 per person, or from $65/hr charter the boat for a private adventure 7 days a week.
Safe, fully insured and Transport Canada approved.
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2
Websitehttp://www.BeyondtheRoad.com
Toll-free
Phone604-483-8128
Leave your cares behind as you indulge in an afternoon of comfort & relaxation. View the magnificent scenery & wildlife of our protected coastal waters & discover why this is one of the most popular cruising areas in the world. Enjoy fully upholstered seating in our main salon & upper deck.
Our Desolation Sound Lunch Cruise takes you into the very heart of the Sound, where you will savour a delicious lunch, surrounded by spectacular scenery. All our lunch cruises feature west coast cuisine with locally sourced ingredients & organic produce. We are happy to accommodate any special dietary concerns.
Come & experience what sets us apart from the rest!
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3
2706 Spring St
Port Moody, British Columbia
V3H 0G1
Websitehttp://www.indianarm.ca
Toll-free
Phone604-937-7388
Custom made boat tours of scenic Indian Arm and Vancouver Harbour as well as marine education programs for groups of up to 40 persons - Transport Canada certified vessels. Perfect for corporate team building, family celebrations, tour groups, social groups that want to experience a West Coast marine adventure!
Get up close and personal with nature and wildlife. See seals, eagles, waterfalls, First Nations pictographs, and historic sites.
Tours are a variety of lengths and depart from locations in Vancouver Harbour or within 20 minutes of downtown Vancouver, including Deep Cove and Port Moody.
Group tours start at $25.00 per person.
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4
Historic Lund Hotel
Lund, British Columbia
V0N 2G0
Websitehttp://www.lundhotel.com
Toll-free877-569-3999
Phone604-414-0474
Let us 'spirit' you away for an unforgettable scenic dinner cruise into world renowned Desolation Sound aboard the fully licensed 58' passenger motor vessel, 'The Swan Spirit'. Enjoy our fabulous 'Buffet at Sea' amid comfortable booth style seating in the fully enclosed lower lounge, or enjoy the sunsets on the open upper observatory deck as we cruise amongst the islands & inlets of BC's largest & best known marine park. The buffet style meal is fabulous & the sights are unforgettable. Don't forget your camera!
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5
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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6
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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7
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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8
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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Other businesses with Cruises & Boat Tours
9
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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10
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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