Kelowna 
The coastline of British Columbia makes up 10% of the Canadian coastline, so taking a scenic cruise to explore the area is worthwhile. There are 40,000 islands of varying sizes, including Vancouver Island and Haida Gwaii, and with these islands, the total length of the coast is over 25,725 kilometres.
Credit: Pacific Coastal Cruises & Tours
The coastline’s geography is made up of heavily indented areas creating fjords, with the dominating features of the Insular Mountains and the Coast Mountains viewable from the water. The gorgeous scenery and chances to see ocean life make this the perfect area to spend some time on a boat.
There are a wide variety of cruises available to enjoy the different areas, from a day cruise to multi-day adventures.
Desolation Sound (Sunshine Coast)
With some of the best pristine wilderness, Desolation Sound is an excellent destination for a cruise. The landscape is unchanged from when it was first discovered, and the natural beauty of the area makes it a bucket list destination.
Cruises can be four or five days long, depending on the company, and can include sea life watching, walks through the coastal rainforest, or enjoying water activities. This area has some of the warmest ocean waters along the coast, so there is no better place to jump in.
Cruises can include onboard accommodations or on-shore accommodations. The following companies are only two of many that offer a variety of cruises to the area.
Pacific Coastal Cruises & Tours
Maple Leaf Adventures
Toba Inlet
Located on a beautiful deep fjord, this inlet carves its way inland, cutting into the magnificent Coast Mountains that rise from the shoreline, creating an amazing backdrop to your voyage.
One of the special features of this inlet is that it is fed by glacial waters, which means that the water is a unique and beautiful shade of green, created from the glacial silt. There are a number of waterfalls that tumble their way down the steep slopes into the water.
As is the norm for these coastal waters, there are plenty of chances to view sea life and wildlife.
If you are short on time, you can charter a 90-minute cruise from Campbell River. Otherwise, take some time and several days to really enjoy cruising in the area.
Desolation Sound Yacht Charters – DIY
Princess Louisa Inlet
A draw for travellers from all over the world, this inlet is home to more than 60 waterfalls that are created from the melt and runoff from the mountain snowpack.
The incredible granite-walled gorge rises sharply from the water’s edge to heights of 2100 metres (7000 ft) or more. Almost completely enclosed, the Inlet is 300 metres (1000 ft) deep.
This stunning place has to be seen to be believed and is only accessible by air or boat.
You can take a day tour out to the inlet from Edgemont or a proper cruise of up to 6 days to explore the area.
Sunshine Coast Tours
Desolation Sound Yacht Charters – DIY
Skookumchuck Narrows and Sechelt Rapids
Mainly sought after as a day cruise, this area may be included in a longer cruise exploring the Sunshine Coast. The Narrows and Rapids are famous for the spectacular whirlpools and is one of the great whitewater wonders of the world. A visit to this unique area is a once-in-a-lifetime activity, and a day cruise is a perfect way of doing it.
Pender Harbour
Pender Harbour is located on the Sunshine Coast, on the east side of Malaspina Strait. The harbour is an intricate maze of bays and coves that can wind inland for up to five kilometres and provide over sixty kilometres of shoreline to explore.
It makes sense that you can enjoy a day cruise from the port here to view the beautiful uniqueness of the area.
You can enjoy a 90-minute scenic cruise to learn more about the area and capture some amazing photos.
SloCat Harbour Tours
Howe Sound
Immediately north of Vancouver is the triangular-shaped Howe Sound – the southernmost fjord along the coast and easily accessible for a day cruise.
A cruise in this area can give you a different perspective, so even if you have travelled the Sea-to-Sky Highway, this is still a cruise worth taking.
The scenery is spectacular, and there are plenty of chances to see wildlife and marine animals.
Sewell’s Marina & Ocean Adventure
Copeland Islands Marine Park
The Copeland Islands Marine Park consists of a small chain of islands, islets and rocks in the Thulin Passage. It is a popular destination for kayakers since it is a good stopover point between Lund and Desolation Sound, and some cruises may include this as part of a longer cruise to Desolation Sound. However, you can visit this area on a day cruise from Lund.
Details
Haida Gwaii
Also known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is a destination for those looking for beauty and serenity. The wildlife-rich area includes the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, remote islands and gorgeous temperate rainforest. This archipelago of 150 rocky islands is not easily accessed, which gives it even more appeal. The wild beauty here will imprint itself on you forever. Cruises range in length all the way up to nine incredible days.
Ocean Adventures
Maple Leaf Adventures
Bluewater Adventures
Northern Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is well known for its beautiful scenery, mild climate, abundant wildlife and marine life sightings, and historical and cultural aspects. It makes sense then that some of the best cruising is found here, especially along the craggy and windswept northern coast.
There are plenty of half-day or day trips available from a variety of departure ports on the Island, but you can also partake in a complete, long cruise that will give you the best of everything the northern coast has to offer.
Marine Tours – Various Options
Maple Leaf Adventures
Canadian Gulf Islands
The Gulf Islands are between Vancouver Island and the mainland shore in the Strait of Georgia (Salish Sea). Considered to have some of the best sailing on the west coast of North America, this is also an excellent area to see killer whales, along with other marine and bird life. Along with cruising the waters, cruises include time on land to explore the area’s natural history and the ancient sites of the Salish peoples.
Bluewater Adventures
Maple Leaf Adventures
Broughton Archipelago
Located just north of Desolation Sound, with over 200 islands, the stunning landscape of Broughton Archipelago will make you think you have arrived at heaven on earth. The lush coastal rainforest sweeps down to meet the ocean, and the Coast Mountains humped in the background complete the vista. This is the start of the Great Bear Rainforest, so you may catch glimpses of not only black bears but also grizzlies. Not to mention the whales, dolphins, sea lions and tons of birdlife that make this area their home.
Maple Leaf Adventures
Desolation Sound Yacht Charters – DIY
Great Bear Rainforest
A temperate rainforest that surpasses most other areas in beauty, this is a huge protected zone that is extremely special. The old-growth and second-growth forests here are protected, and they are home to the incredibly rare Spirit Bear, which is the official provincial mammal. It is important to book your cruise well in advance, as they tend to sell out to this destination. If you are considering a specialty cruise, you can join National Geographic for their cruise excursion here.
Details
Maple Leaf Adventures
Bluewater Adventures
Broken Group Islands
Consisting of over 100 islands, islets and rocky outcrops in the center of Barkley Sound, you can cruise along the west coast of Vancouver Island and through one of the three main recreational components in Pacific Rim National Park. This is an excellent place to see a variety of sea life, such as whales and sea lions, and wildlife, such as bears and eagles, along with beautiful vistas visible from every angle. There are several operators in the area offering a variety of cruise tours.
Details
Custom Boat Tours – Day Tours
We need to mention that there are an amazing number of companies offering custom boat tours along the B.C. coast.
From Victoria, on the Island, to Vancouver or along the Sunshine Coast, there are plenty of operators to choose from. Check out the reviews, ask what they do if you encounter bad weather, and ask for recommendations of unique places you can visit. Most importantly, enjoy every moment on the water with one of the most scenic coastlines in the world.
