Vancouver Island cruise companies explore scenic shorelines and numerous islands, often spotting marine wildlife along the way.
Sail the Broughton Archipelago to view whales or travel to ancient rainforests on Vancouver Island’s west coast. Visit isolated villages on a working freighter, pass lighthouses on a Tofino harbour sunset cruise or take a boat tour to Gulf Islands breweries. BC Ferries provides ample opportunities to see scenic waterways and coastlines.
Cruises range from multi-day trips with nights spent onboard (accommodations vary from ship to ship) to single day excursions. Groups are usually under ten guests. Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Sidney and Campbell River are popular ports of departure for cruise companies.
BC Ferries
On BC Ferries, enjoy spa services and complimentary Wi-Fi on the Tsawwassen to Victoria (Swartz Bay) crossing or feel closer to the water on smaller vessels sailing to the Gulf Islands. Other major routes include Nanaimo (Duke Point) to Horseshoe Bay, Comox to Powell River, and northern routes along the spectacular Inside Passage (Port Hardy to Bella Coola/Prince Rupert). Reservations are strongly recommended for all holiday sailings and northern routes.
Gulf Islands Cruises
National Geographic Traveler magazine included the Gulf Islands in its 2010 “Top Rated Coastal Destinations.”
With Bluewater Adventures, a 2009 National Geographic Adventure“Best Adventure Travel Company,” visit Coast Salish petroglyphs or watch for Dall’s porpoises swimming at the ship’s bow. Sail the straits on Maple Leaf Adventures’ century-old schooner and anchor at remote islands with Aboriginal shell middens or kayak in sheltered bays; some trips are even accompanied by Coast Salish elders.
Interested in a custom cruise? Charter a yacht with Ocean Adventures Charter Co. or Pacific Yellowfin Charters and enjoy fine dining on Salt Spring Island or a picnic at a Saturna Island lighthouse.
Cruises to Broughton Archipelago
Sail the Broughton Archipelago (near Port McNeill) and watch for pacific white-sided dolphins, humpback whales, grey whales and Orcas. Ocean Light II Adventures, Maple Leaf Adventures and Pacific Yellowfin Charters offer boat trips that pass by lush rainforests, rocky bluffs and historic sites such as Ripple Rock. As part of a sailing charter, it's also possible to learn about Aboriginal history at the U’Mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay or examine local curiosities and artifacts at Billy Proctor’s Museum.
Cruises Along West & North Vancouver Island
Choose an unconventional sailing route packed with untamed scenery and history: Bluewater Adventures’ northern trip visits traditional First Nations villages and totem poles. Maple Leaf Adventures, whose cruises have been rated “Trip of a Lifetime” by Frommer’s (2010), sails along west coast waters to see ancient rainforests, sheltered inlets and playful sea otters.
Working Freighter Cruises
Take part in coastal life on a working freighter with Get West Adventure Tours (MV Uchuck III), Marine Link Tours (MV Aurora Explorer) or Lady Rose Marine Services (MV Frances Barkley). Trips are uniquely dictated by the ship’s working schedule. Deliver supplies to remote logging camps and fish farms or take a day trip to communities such as Friendly Cove. Arrangements can be made to wet launch kayaks or access the Nootka Trail, too.
Art and Photography Cruises
Capture the raw beauty of the coast on a watercolour and drawing tour with Maple Leaf Adventures in the Gulf Islands. Mothership Adventures offer a photography workshop in the Broughton Archipelago, which includes lessons on composition and technique.
Beer and History Cruises
Beer enthusiasts will love Maple Leaf Adventures’ “Tall Sails and Ales” tour – cruise the Gulf Islands one craft brewery at a time! Onboard, gourmet beers are paired with local cuisine such as Salt Spring Island lamb.
Delve into coastal history with Mothership Adventures, whose wooden yacht Columbia III is still recognized by residents as the area’s former hospital ship. Join a Quadra Island historian to uncover the past of coastal communities or embark on an Aboriginal cultural tour led by a local First Nations guide.
Harbour Cruises and Day Cruises
Only have one day on the water? Travel the Broken Group Islands near Ucluelet on a wildlife tour with Archipelago Cruises, or tour Tofino’s harbour with Jamie’s Whaling Station and Adventure Centres. Both operators also offer scenic sunset cruises. Hungry? Hop onboard with Salt Spring Tours for a lunch or dinner cruise around Salt Spring Island, complete with local beverages and sightseeing.
Alaska Cruises Ports of Call
Some Alaskan-bound cruises stop in Victoria and Nanaimo, which are both known for stunning scenery and plentiful shore excursions. In Nanaimo, take in the nearby old-growth forest of Cathedral Grove or tour Cowichan Valley wineries. In Victoria, shop and dine downtown or stroll The Butchart Gardens on a tour with Grey Line West Coast, voted “Shore Excursion of the Season” by Princess Cruises passengers in 2009.
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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