Robert WebbI still remember my first time sailing past Stanley Park and watching the city skyline fade into the mountains – it felt like seeing Vancouver with fresh eyes!
Whether you’re after a quick harbour tour or a grand adventure up the coast to Alaska, these cruises from Vancouver promise unforgettable memories.
Check out the best ones locals and visitors swear by.
How much do cruises in Vancouver typically cost?
The cost of cruises in Vancouver varies based on the destination/s, tour packages, and inclusions of the cruise. For a simple dinner cruise, prices can start from $150 to $300, while short tours around the Vancouver coast start from around $60 per person.
1. Harbour Cruises Ltd
Website: https://harbourcruises.com/
Address: 501 Denman Street
Contact Details: https://harbourcruises.com/contact-us/, 604-688-7246
Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday, 9am – 5pm
- Thursday – Sunday, 9am – 7pm
Pricing: $69.69 – $300 / person
| Itinerary & Destinations | 4.7/5 |
| Reputation & Safety | 4.9/5 |
| Onboard Experience | 4.8/5 |
| Cleanliness & Service | 5/5 |
| Ease of Booking | 4.8/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.9/5 |
Harbour Cruises has been sailing the Vancouver coast for over 100 years and is the largest cruising company in Western Canada today. That’s why it earns a top spot on our list of the best cruises in Vancouver!
Established in 1908, it operates a fleet of vessels including the authentic paddlewheeler M.V. Constitution, the elegant M.V. Harbour Princess, and the spacious M.V. Britannia. These vessels can comfortably accommodate 50 to over 300 people.
We love that their cruises cater to various occasions, from leisurely sightseeing tours to lively luncheons or romantic sunset/dinner cruises. You can choose from packages like the Vancouver Harbour Tour, Indian Arm Lunch Cruise, and Evening Dinner Cruise.
We also appreciate that they have detailed information about each cruise on their website, including the duration, menu, itinerary, and rates. This is really helpful, especially for those booking a cruise for the first time.
However, there are some drawbacks. First, some travelers shared about inflexibility with booking changes or refunds, even when unexpected interruptions arise.
And while the staff on board are great, some customers complained about the ticketing office staff being unprofessional.
Despite these setbacks, Harbour Cruises remains a standout thanks to its history and trusted reputation in Vancouver.
Gorgeous scenery. Worth it!
“We spent our 6th wedding anniversary on the 4 hour Indian Arm lunch cruise. It was better than we expected and well worth the money. The scenery was gorgeous. The food was good and the employees were all very friendly and attentive.”
– Lara Exparza, Google Reviews
Can’t wait to go back on another cruise!
“Had a wonderful time on the Sunset Dinner Cruise on a Wednesday evening. The staff were friendly, music was beautiful and the food delicious! … Can’t wait to go back on another cruise. It was a perfect evening to catch the sunset and beautiful views of Vancouver from the harbour. Absolutely gorgeous and an incredible experience!”
– John & Susanna Li, Google Reviews
2. Princess Cruises
Website: https://www.princess.com/en-int
Address: 999 Canada Pl
Contact Details: 800-774-6237
Hours:
- Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
- Saturday, 10am – 1:30pm
Pricing: Starts from $409 / person
| Itinerary & Destinations | 5/5 |
| Reputation & Safety | 4.8/5 |
| Onboard Experience | 4.8/5 |
| Cleanliness & Service | 4.7/5 |
| Ease of Booking | 4.9/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.9/5 |
If you’re planning a longer cruise beyond local waters, Princess Cruises is one of the best companies to consider. They offer cruises from Vancouver to Alaska, Hawaii, California, and more.
Their fleet (which includes the Discovery, Coral, and Grand Princess) is loaded with modern amenities and personalized service via their app and the MedallionClassⓇ system.
The MedallionClassⓇ is a wearable device that allows touch-free boarding, contactless payment, tracking, and more. It essentially replaces traditional keycards and comes with an array of features for added convenience.
One of the best things about them is that they have several routes to choose from. For instance, if you’re eyeing a cruise to Alaska, they offer packages such as the 7-day Inside Passage and 7-day Voyage of the Glaciers.
What’s more, they offer even longer cruises. They offer a 23-day Panama Canal & Pacific Coast Cruise and a 16-day Hawaiian Islands Cruise.
However, while their app is a great feature to have, it might not be as reliable. Also, some guests complained about noise due to the poor soundproofing and dated cabins.
But all things considered, with its expansive routes and generally strong onboard offerings, Princess Cruises remains a top pick in Vancouver.
First class!
“Took the Grand Princess ship on the inside passage trip to Alaska. Loved it. The ship, crew, entertainment, and food were first class! Would definitely take this same cruise again.”
– Molar Mechanic, Google Reviews
Exceeded our expectations!
“We did the 15-day Hawaiian cruise from Vancouver aboard the Star Princess for our 25th anniversary, and it exceeded all of our expectations!! The entire ship was pure luxury from top to bottom. Our balcony suite was very open and spacious – and much needed. Even with all those days spent at sea there was no shortage of things to do… The perfect anniversary getaway.”
– Sharon Kawano, Google Reviews
3. Sea Vancouver Waterfront Sightseeing
Website: https://seavancouver.com/
Address: 1666 Duranleau Street
Contact Details: [email protected], 604-633-6413
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 8am – 6pm
Pricing: $89 – $1,400 / person
| Itinerary & Destinations | 4.7/5 |
| Reputation & Safety | 5/5 |
| Onboard Experience | 5/5 |
| Cleanliness & Service | 4.8/5 |
| Ease of Booking | 4.9/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.9/5 |
If you’re looking to experience Vancouver from a whole new angle, Sea Vancouver is easily one of the top sea-based excursions in the city.
Departing from Granville Island, their zodiac-style boats zip you along the Inner Harbour and out into the Burrard Inlet at speeds up to 55 km/h. So you can expect an exhilarating ride with breathtaking views!
The boat ride is made even more exciting because of their amazing skippers or captains who double as local guides. We love that the smaller boats and expert skippers make the ride more intimate and personalized.
It’s great to hear from many guests how impressed they are by their skipper’s expert navigation and deep knowledge of the area’s history and marine life.
What’s more, these tours also come with a free photo package so you can focus on admiring the sights.
It’s important to take note that the zodiac-style boats are smaller than the usual cruise vessels. They’re also faster and can only accommodate up to 12 people, so if you’re looking for a more relaxing ride, then this might not be for you.
Still, for those who’d like a more adventurous boat ride around the city led by expert guides, Sea Vancouver is a superb choice!
Amazing. Expert navigation. Beautiful sights.
“Last weekend, my girlfriends and I booked the City and Nature tour with Sea Vancouver because of the fun itinerary compared with other tour operators. It was a last-minute decision made the night before, and it surpassed our expectations. Captain Sasha was amazing, expertly navigating choppy waters so we could see all the beautiful sights including a group of adorable harbor seals… We had a lot of fun, and it was a superb way to end our girls’ trip to Vancouver!”
– Hsin Foo, Google Reviews
Fantastic & knowledgeable guide.
“Best day ever! An April sunny day out on the water in Vancouver – Amazing views of the city and Jake, our guide, was fantastic, informative, and made us feel safe! I don’t know how he arranged it but our super duper bonus was that we saw a pod of Killer Whales!! Ok it was a lottery win but you just never know. Book it!!”
– Sonya Billington, Google Reviews
4. Indian Arm Boat Charters Inc.
Website: https://www.indianarmboatcharters.com/
Address: 3825 Cates Lndg Wy, North Vancouver
Contact Details: [email protected], 604-836-6438
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Pricing: $399 – $999 (max. 6 people)
| Itinerary & Destinations | 4.8/5 |
| Reputation & Safety | 5/5 |
| Onboard Experience | 4.9/5 |
| Cleanliness & Service | 5/5 |
| Ease of Booking | 5/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.9/5 |
If you’re looking for a personalized boat adventure out of Vancouver, then Indian Arm Boat Charters is a fantastic option. They’re perfect to hire for families and groups of up to six people who want an unforgettable, tailor-made tour.
Captain Michael “Griff” Griffiths, with over 30 years of marine experience, helms every journey with both know-how and heart.
Notably, he earned certifications in Small Vessel Operator Proficiency, Med A3, and marine first aid. These certifications add to our peace of mind.
Their private charters launch from Deep Cove and glide into the breathtaking fjord of Indian Arm. You’ll get to see the stunning glacial inlet lined with rugged cliffs, lush forests, and hidden waterfalls. You’ll also get glimpses of seals, eagles, and more.
While you can choose from different tour packages, guests love how Griff customizes each trip. You can go island hopping, enjoy a barbecue on board, visit secluded camping spots, or even go on an evening cruise.
Just take note that they only use a small boat, which is ideal for couples and small groups. So if you’re looking for a bigger cruise vessel with more amenities, then it’s best to book elsewhere.
Honestly breathtaking!
“We (myself and my family) had the pleasure of Mike (aka Griff) taking us out on the first tour of the season, it was honestly breathtaking!!! Mike was great (very professional, super knowledgeable, great with the kids) and the boat trip was one of the highlights of our time in Vancouver. We can not recommend it enough, and we’d love to do it again sometime!”
– David, Google Reviews
The absolute highlight of our holiday.
“This was the absolute highlight of our holiday to Vancouver. Leaving the picturesque village of Deep Cove, we travelled through this stunning scenery. Mike, aka captain Griff, was a real local and shared stories and knowledge as we travelled to Silver Falls. The 2 hour trip was perfect for us as a family of four with kids aged 12 and 9. We also got to see some seals and birds. The perfect trip, and would definitely recommend Mike’s charters.”
– Kate Nicol, Google Reviews
5. Maple Leaf Adventures
Website: https://mapleleafadventures.com/
Address: 1110 Government St, Suite #209, Victoria, BC
Contact Details: [email protected], 250-386-7245
Hours: Monday – Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Pricing: Starts from $3,000 / person
| Itinerary & Destinations | 5/5 |
| Reputation & Safety | 5/5 |
| Onboard Experience | 5/5 |
| Cleanliness & Service | 5/5 |
| Ease of Booking | 4.9/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.9/5 |
If you’re searching for something beyond a traditional cruise, Maple Leaf Adventures is a good choice. It delivers wild, bucket list-worthy expeditions aboard small, character-rich vessels.
Since 1986, they’ve pioneered conservation-driven, off-the-grid expeditions from B.C. coast to remote coastlines of the Great Bear Rainforest, Haida Gwaii, and Alaska.
We love the unique charm of their historic fleet. These include the majestic 1904 schooner (Maple Leaf), the converted tug (Swell), and the sleek catamaran (Cascadia).
You can expect these voyages to be expertly led by naturalists and indigenous guides who truly know the waters, wildlife, and cultures of the region.
Even better, you also get the chance to kayak through fjords, anchor beside untouched beaches, and feast on gourmet meals. Notably, their commitment to ecotourism is also a great reason to support them.
However, since they offer multi-day journeys with top-tier service, food, and unique itineraries, expect their rates to be pricier than others.
Also, many tours get filled up quickly, especially since the capacity of the boats is smaller. So we recommend booking your trip well in advance.
But to conclude, if you’re after a sustainable way to travel and explore, Maple Leaf Adventures truly stands out.
Wonderful, life-changing experience.
“I found Maple Leaf Adventures by random chance and I’m really glad I stuck to my choice! It was such a wonderful life-changing experience to me. As a city girl living in Hong Kong, It is rare to have such experience in the concrete jungle… The crew members and the guests were all so incredible and amazing! I’m truly grateful to meet all the beautiful people here! I wish to join Maple Leaf Adventures again in the future :)”
– Jade Law, Google Reviews
Absolutely magical.
“We took the 5 day Desolation Sound trip in early May, in the converted tugboat The Swell, and I must say the trip was absolutely magical. We had good weather, except for one rainy cool day, but the sights and experiences were amazing in both conditions. Our guide naturalist, Marlo, was simply outstanding… The crew of the boat were young, energetic and always helpful. The ship’s cook, Nick, was also outstanding… I would recommend this trip to anyone who loves the outdoors, has a sense of adventure and enjoys meeting people.”
– Grant McFadden, Google Reviews
