Top British Columbia On the Water

Experience Vancouver sights by water on this Zodiac inflatable boat tour from Granville Island. Cross False Creek and admire Siwash Rock, an iconic stone spire located near the Lion’s Gate Bridge. In Vancouver Harbour, learn about the waterfront landmarks. Venture into Deep Cove and the glacial fjord of the Indian Arm, for incredible views of granite cliffs that you can only see by boat. Capture the beauty of Granite Falls and Silver Falls before heading back.

While there are many locations where you can catch a glimpse of the maritime life off the coast of Vancouver, it can be tricky to find the best spots when trekking around the region without a guide. On this small-group half-day whalewatching adventure, set out on a journey to the San Juan Islands for a chance to see a variety of wildlife in natural habitats.

See a different side to Vancouver as you explore the city from the water and explore spots that can only be reached by boat. Hop aboard for a scenic boat cruise through English Bay, exploring Vancouver’s city sights and natural wonders along the way. Pass by Lighthouse Park, Stanley Park, False Creek, and the Lions Gate Bridge, and visit the rocky Grebe Islets, known for their seal colonies.

Get a closer look at Canada’s marine wildlife on this whale-watching adventure in Victoria. Hop aboard your boat—a luxurious, spacious catamaran—and set sail. Watch the waves from the open sun decks or stay protected from the spray in the heated indoor cabin. Stop off at points of interest through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Listen to commentary from marine naturalists on board, and look out for orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, and more.

Cruise the Salish Sea in comfort while you search for whales, seals, bald eagles, and otters on this half-day guided tour. This whale-watching experience is led by a certified naturalist, eager to share their knowledge on the area’s wildlife and natural history. If no whales are sighted—no worries! You can return for free.

Add an extra thrill to your Victoria whale-watching adventure with this wildlife cruise aboard a fast-moving, inflatable Zodiac boat. Get closer to the water — and the whales — on a wet and wild ride through the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Hang on to your hat and keep a sharp eye out for native marine life such as humpback and gray whales, orcas, sea lions and harbor seals. An expert naturalist guide will help point out passing species and share insight into the amazing aquatic world of the northern Pacific.

Whitewater rafting is an excellent way to soak up the scenery of the Canadian Rockies. This tour is perfect for first-time and experienced rafters alike as it offers a mix of rapids, from class one to four, and starts out on calmer waters to allow everyone to get settled and build confidence before hitting the mighty rapids of Shot Gun, Man Eater and Roller Coaster.

There aren’t many places in the world where you can go snorkeling in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. On this half-day small-group boat tour, head to Howe Sound for a snorkeling and kayaking adventure. Look out for the region’s diverse range of wildlife—including whales, seals, sea lions, and porpoises—as you ride through rugged natural landscapes framed by lush forests and craggy mountains.

Immerse yourself in the natural landscape of British Columbia on a rafting tour down the Illecillewaet River. No previous experience is necessary, as your guide navigates the route and provides safety instruction and equipment to ensure your comfort throughout the day. In addition to rare views of the Selkirk Mountain Range, the tour includes a snack break and post-tour meal discount, making it a popular choice for families.

Enjoy the exquisite waterfront views of Canada's premier West Coast city on a leisurely Vancouver Harbour sightseeing cruise. Travel past landmarks sites such as world-renowned Stanley Park and the city's rejuvenated Gastown district, marvel at the incredible North Shore Mountains from atop an open-air deck, and admire the stunning Lions' Gate Bridge. Choose from various departure times to suit your travel schedule.

Feel the thrill of white-water rafting in the Canadian wilderness during this half-day. Climb aboard and paddle down the Kicking Horse River to tackle Class 3-4 rapids and take in the landscape before floating back to basecamp.

Spend a day immersed in Kelowna’s beautiful nature as you embark on a sailing cruise on Okanagan Lake. For this adventure, board your private vessel and enjoy a few hours of relaxation, letting the wind guide your boat across the lake. Sail past key landmarks including downtown Kelowna, City Park, Hot Sands Beach, and the Floating Bridge.

There are many places across to take in views of Vancouver’s striking skyline, but most of them are in the busy city and can get quite crowded. But on this sightseeing boat cruise, you’ll be able to take in uninterrupted city and natural vistas. Head out into the waters of False Creek, ride past English Bay, sail past the Lions Gate Bridge, and much more.

Watch the sun set over Victoria Harbour on a 3-hour, evening kayak trip in Victoria that includes a short paddling lesson and all kayak equipment. Watch for bald eagles, seals, and other wildlife as you follow an experienced kayak guide along the shoreline, passing the historic landmarks of downtown Victoria, Victoria’s shipyards, and the reversing falls under Tillicum Bridge. This small-group kayak tour is limited to six participants for individual attention from the guide.

The Kicking Horse River in Golden, British Columbia provides the best white water rafting in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Our company has been providing river rafting trips on the Kicking Horse since 1982, as well as other beautiful rivers in this area.

Ride out into the waters off the coast of Vancouver and experience the Howe Sound Fjord—a UNESCO biosphere reserve—on this 4-hour small-group boat tour. Meet your guide at the bustling hub of Granville Island before exploring the cerulean waters of False Creek. Pass by downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, Lighthouse Park, and more, before docking to explore Bowen Island, stopping to enjoy a complimentary alcoholic beverage, specialty coffee, or ice cream.

Discover why British Columbia is one of the best places in the world to see whales and other marine wildlife on this 3-hour tour with Eagle Wing Tours at Victoria’s Fisherman’s Wharf. Hop aboard a comfortable semi-covered or open boat and help support Eagle Wing’s many conservation, education and research activities! Let certified and knowledgeable naturalists be your guides to the stunning wildlife and natural history of the Salish Sea. Watch for seals, sea lions, otters and porpoises as well as bald eagles and a mind-boggling assortment of marine birds. Hoping for something bigger? There’s always a chance to see humpback, killer, minke or grey whales!

With choppy waters cascading down from high alpine glaciers above, Toby Creek offers the ideal conditions for a white-water rafting adventure. On this wet and wild tour, paddle and ride through the river’s swirling rapids and winding twists and turns with your guide—with all safety equipment included. Embrace outdoor adventure in Canada, and enjoy sweeping views over the beautiful Rockies scenery from the water.

Get an adrenaline rush as you crash through the rapids on a whitewater rafting trip. This tour from Whistler or Vancouver is an exhilarating full-day adventure. Raft a class III to IV river in an unspoiled wilderness setting through the Squamish Valley. Enjoy exciting rapids, towering waterfalls, lush rainforest. No prior experience is necessary; professional guides support you every step of the way.

See whales and all manner of marine life on this whale-watching expedition. From Nanaimo, head out into the Salish Sea on a semi-covered vessel. Humpbacks and orcas can be found off the coast of Vancouver Island, as well as sea lions, porpoises, eagles, and many more species. Your marine naturalist guide is there to answer any questions you have about what you see.

Kayak in Howe Sound and snorkel with Vancouver's resident harbor seals during this half-day eco-adventure. Board a boat from Horseshoe Bay with your adventure guide, headed toward the Pam Rocks seal colony. Slip into the provided snorkel gear and wetsuit, then dive in for an up-close experience with seals, following their lead. Kayak around the bay and the rocks, experiencing the marine environment while in a low-profile boat. A sightseeing-only option is available for those passengers who wish to stay dry on the boat. All kayaking and snorkeling equipment, refreshments and light snacks are included.

Share the waters with whales, orcas, and more on a wildlife watching tour. In addition to animal sightings, the aquatic adventure also offers great views of the San Juan and Gulf Islands, plus the Howe Sound. Stay warm inside the cabin, where you can purchase snacks and drinks. Your ticket comes with a whale sighting guarantee, with a free tour should you not spot any whales.

See Vancouver's dramatic skyline from the water on a small-group cruise in an inflatable Zodiac boat that accommodates just a small group of passengers. Navigate Vancouver Harbour, North Shore, English Bay, and False Creek, spotting some of the city's top sights and landmarks along the way. And since Vancouver Harbour is home to bald eagles, harbor seals, and dolphins, keep your camera ready and watch for wildlife as you go.