Cruises in Vancouver are a relaxing way to see the city skyline, towering mountains and ocean waters.
Hop on a harbour ferry for a tour of some Vancouver attractions, join a dinner cruise to enjoy fresh-caught seafood with Stanley Park as a backdrop, or sail under the lofty Lions Gate Bridge. Feel like exploring? Try a multi-day cruise from Vancouver to Desolation Sound.
Most cruises from Vancouver are single day, but multi-day trips and private charters are also available. Cruise companies leave from Granville Island, Coal Harbour and False Creek in Vancouver, but New Westminster, West Vancouver, North Vancouver and Steveston (in Richmond) are other ports of departure.
BC Ferries
BC Ferries’ southern routes connect Vancouver to the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island from West Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) and Tsawwassen. Relax on deck on a scenic 20-minute sailing to Bowen Island, or enjoy amenities such as spa services or complimentary Wi-Fi on ferries to Victoria (Swartz Bay). Organizing a trip? Look into the BC Ferries Driving Route, or stop by the BC Ferries Vacations Centre in Vancouver for ferry, accommodation and tour packages. Reservations are strongly recommended for all holiday sailings.
Alaskan Cruises from Vancouver
Vancouver is the gateway for many Alaska-bound cruises. The city was nominated as one of “North America’s Leading Cruise Ports” (2008, 2009 and 2010) by the World Travel Awards, thanks to the great amenities and attractions near Canada Place terminal. Planning a cruise to Alaska from Vancouver? Spend an extra day in the city to rent a bike and wind around the Stanley Park seawall, dine and shop in historic Gastown, or admire the impressive collection of North Coast artwork at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Harbour Ferries
Vancouver is surrounded by water on three sides, so harbour ferries are a popular form of transportation. Board False Creek Ferries or Aquabus Ferries and hop between waterfront attractions, such as Granville Island and the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Longer “mini-cruises” are also available. Harbour ferries pick up passengers from multiple locations, and leave every five to 15 minutes during scheduled hours.
Harbour Cruises and Dinner Cruises
Accent Cruises, Harbour Cruises and Events and Vancouver Cruises are just three of the many companies that offer dinner and harbour cruises in Vancouver. Drift past iconic Vancouver landmarks, such as the Lions Gate Bridge, while dining on fresh salmon and gazing at harbour seals, ocean kayakers and massive freighters in Coal Harbour. Tours range from one-hour loops around False Creek to full-day boat charters in Indian Arm (North Vancouver). In winter, there are even holiday-themed carol ship cruises. Boats can also be privately chartered.
Sailboat Cruises
During parts of winter and spring, Ocean Adventures Charter Co.'s Great Bear II offers chartered single and multi-day scenic cruises with gourmet meals around West Vancouver and North Vancouver and Desolation Sound (in the Sunshine Coast). There are also a number of luxury yacht companies that offer private chartered tours in Vancouver's harbour.
Fireworks Cruises
Every summer, Vancouver hosts the popular Celebration of Light fireworks festival (July/August). While locals and tourists flock to English Bay and Kits Beach to watch, join a fireworks cruise (by harbour boat or sailboat) for a coveted viewing spot. Most operators that offer harbour and dinner cruises also run Celebration of Light cruises.
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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