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If you’re thinking about taking a boat tour during your visit to Vancouver, let me start by saying, that’s a fantastic idea! We lived in Vancouver for years and found that getting out on the water is one of the best ways to take in not only the natural beauty of the area but have some one-of-a-kind experiences as well.
Simply put, one of the best things to do in Vancouver is to hop on a Zodiac (aka inflatable boat) and explore. Of all the different boat tours you can take in Vancouver, we think Zodiac tours are some of the best because you can see areas where normal boats can’t go. We have lots of experience with them and this blog will highlight the three best Vancouver Zodiac tours you can book right now!
Don’t have time to read the full article? We loved going on this Bowen Island dinner tour on a Zodiac! You get to see the sights, have dinner on Bowen Island, and watch a stunning sunset – all in just 3 hours!
What is a Zodiac?
First things first, if you’re wondering what in the world a Zodiac is, it’s basically an inflatable boat. They are designed for expeditions and used heavily for any sort of excursion into nature. Zodiacs are perfect for reaching those out-of-the-way areas.
They hold up to 12 people and are incredibly versatile. A Zodiac boat is perfect for tours like the ones we’ll talk about below because they can take you places most boats can’t go. Chances are you’ve seen one before, you just didn’t know what it was!
Best Zodiac Tours in Vancouver
Bowen Island Dinner and Zodiac Boat Tour
Kicking off the list is this Bowen Island dinner and Zodiac boat tour. This 3-hour sightseeing dinner extravaganza not only offers views of iconic sites like Lions Gate Bridge and Siwash Rock but also the chance to say hello to some friendly seals on your way to Bowen Island for dinner. Did I mention the epic sunset? There’s an epic sunset.
Boarding the Zodiac from Granville Island at 5:30 pm, you will put on your survival suit (a full body cover to keep you warm) and make your way to Bowen Island. We loved the boat ride over during golden hour, and our guide, Greg, made sure to point out and talk about all of the iconic sights we saw along the way. This is a great opportunity to snag some shots of Siwash Rock and some baby seals to show off to your friends.
The dinner at Doc Morgan’s on Bowen Island was nothing short of incredible as we enjoyed a homemade pizza and watched the sunset over the island. While dinner is included, beverages are not so be sure to bring a card or cash if you’d like some wine or beer.
This tour only operates from mid-May to September on Wednesday to Sunday, so plan accordingly. Tickets are $219 CAD per person.
Book your spot in advance here with free cancelation up to 24 hours before.
Granite Falls Zodiac Tour by Vancouver Water Adventures
If getting deep into nature and seeing things like glacial fjords and incredible waterfalls is more your speed this Granite Falls adventure tour is sure to impress. This 3-hour experience highlights some of Vancouver’s most stunning natural features and takes you places most other tours don’t.
You will depart aboard the Zodiac after getting fitted for your survival suit to keep you warm during the day. After passing by the Vancouver Harbour and Siwash Rock you will head into Deep Cove and up Indian Arm.
One of the highlights of any Zodiac tour is the guides, and our guide, Amy, was fantastic. Explaining how different natural features were formed, pointing out seals and bald eagles, and even going into detail about the history of the area’s Indigenous people made this day so much fun.
Granite Falls was my favorite sight since this stunning waterfall is only accessible by boat. It really gave us a sense of adventure! On the way back you get to see another waterfall, Silver Falls, which is just as beautiful. If you have a good camera, this is the tour to bring it on!
Tickets are $159 CAD and the tour operates daily during the peak season of April to October.
Check availability and book this day of adventure here!
Related Read: Taking a tour of Granville Island (where some of the Zodiacs depart from) is a must-do while you’re in Vancouver! The food tours at the famous market here are my personal favorite.
Vancouver City and Harbour Zodiac Tour
If you’re looking for a quick and fun way to experience Vancouver from the water this Vancouver City and Harbour tour offers a great introduction to the city as well as the chance to take in its beautiful skyline. With multiple departures and only lasting 1.5 hours, it’s easy to fit into your itinerary during your stay.
After slipping into your survival suit to keep you warm and safe on your scenic journey around the harbor you will set off. This tour goes through multiple areas including Coal Harbour Marina, English Bay, and past Stanley Park. As a Vancouver local it’s always so much fun to see the city I love from the water. This tour gives you some fantastic views of the city you can’t get anywhere else!
If you’re lucky you might spot a dolphin, but you’re almost sure to see seals and bald eagles doing their thing in the wonderful nature around the city. On a very rare occasion and during the right time of year (March to October) some people claim to even see whales!
This Zodiac tour is a blast, albeit a short one. If you have the time I recommend considering taking the Bowen Island dinner tour or the Granite Falls adventure tour since they are more well-rounded and better bang for your buck. If you only have a short amount of time to allot for a boat tour, though, this is still a great option!
This tour operates from May through September every day of the week with morning and afternoon start times. Tickets are $107 CAD per person.
You can book this quick Zodiac tour here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
What Can You See on a Vancouver Zodiac Tour?
Seals – Seals are Vancouver locals year-round and love to make friends with passing boats. These adorable animals are all over the place and are frequently seen playing, lounging, or hunting for food. You’re almost sure to see a couple!
Whales – If you are taking a tour during whale season (March to October), it is possible to catch sight of a humpback whale, grey whale, or orcas, but it’s exceedingly rare. These tours don’t go out to where whales usually are, but it is possible for one to venture closer. If you’re interested in seeing whales we have a whole post about whale watching in Vancouver here.
Stanley Park – Stanley Park is a beautiful tree-filled nature area that attracts visitors and locals alike. It’s home to various bird species and the iconic Lions Gate Bridge connects Stanley Park to West Vancouver. Each of these tours goes by the park and your guide will be sure to tell you all about it.
Lions Gate Bridge – During a Zodiac tour you will pass right under the iconic Lions Gate Bridge. Opened in 1938 this iconic bridge is named after two mountains in the distance that are known as “The Lions”. There actually are two lion statues on the south side of the bridge too!
West Vancouver Mansions – I love looking at big expensive houses and these tours go right past the swanky houses in West Vancouver. The most luxurious and expensive houses in Vancouver are here, and you get to take a look at them from the water.
Related Read: Once you’ve finished your Zodiac tour, be sure to check out one of these great restaurants in Vancouver.
Other Things to do While You’re in Vancouver
Van has a special place in our hearts – with so much to do in Vancouver, it’s impossible to get bored here! The city is chock-full of countless new and exciting things to try. If you’re looking for activities to enjoy here, we’ve got you covered.
- Go whale watching – It’s not just people who flock to Vancouver every year! From the beautiful black and white orcas to the lively humpbacks, going whale-watching in Vancouver makes for a truly unforgettable memory. This half-day whale-watching tour offers an amazing experience with a guarantee you’ll see whales!
- Ride in a seaplane – One of our favorite memories in Vancouver was riding in a seaplane. Taking off and landing on the ocean is super exciting, and then the views from the air are breathtaking. This seaplane ride lasts for 20 minutes and costs $168 CAD.
- Hiking – There are a ton of amazing hikes in and around Vancouver. Challenge yourself with the famous Grouse Grind on Grouse Mountain, wander the trails near the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, or even drive towards Squamish and do The Chief.
- Explore Granville Island – Granville Island has such a fun energy and you can easily spend an afternoon wandering through the streets seeing the street performers, checking out the famous Granville Public Market, or hitting Granville Island Brewing. If you’re short on time or want a stress-free stop, we love this VIP market access tour where you’ll get to sample all the best foods!
- Wine Tasting in Fraser Valley- Right outside of Vancouver are some of the best wineries in Canada. This Fraser Valley Wine Tour is an ideal way to see multiple wineries in one day. I especially love wine tours because I don’t have to worry about driving and can simply enjoy the tasty vino! This makes for a great day trip from Vancouver.
Where to Stay in Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is one of the most popular cities in Canada. The fact is that in the summer and winter, the city books up in advance very fast! Booking your hotel or hostel well in advance is the only way to secure the best place to stay for you!
Some great hotels and hostels in Vancouver that we love are:
Hyatt Regency Vancouver – $$$
Can’t decide whether you’d prefer to stay near Stanley Park or Gastown? Well, the Hyatt Regency might just be right for you, as it’s located right between them! Rooms here enjoy gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows that help to bring in light and there is a small fridge, work desk, and toiletries in the bathroom too.
You can also conveniently enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner at their beautiful Mosaic Bar and Grill just off the lobby. As you can imagine, it’s a luxury stay in a large hotel chain that is highly reviewed! So if you’re looking to celebrate something special, or just fancy taking your vacation to a whole new level, then staying here will definitely do the trick.
I’ve seen a one-night stay at the Hyatt Regency going as low as $232 CAD per night, although the rooms here on average are more around the $300-$500 CAD mark. So, for the best price, don’t forget to reserve your room in advance.
Times Square Suites – $$
For a beautiful hotel close to Stanley Park, the Times Square Hotel is a fantastic choice! It’s very hard to fault this hotel, and the location really is perfect. The fully equipped kitchens and gas fireplaces are a nice touch in all of the rooms, plus the suites have living rooms and a washer and dryer.
For being pretty affordable, it has a lot of amenities, which is just one of the reasons we love staying here! You can book a room here from $232 CAD per night, but as this is a popular stay, I recommend checking your dates and booking ahead of time to secure your preferred room type!
The Cambie Hostel Gastown – $
The Cambie Hostel is a great budget-friendly hostel that’s located right in the heart of Gastown and close to lots of bars and restaurants and attached to the hostel is a very lively bar too. The rooms are clean, although the bathrooms are a little on the small side (part of the fun when you’re staying cheap, though!).
It’s perfect for backpackers on a budget and is considerably cheaper than others offering comparable quality. A bed in a dorm here starts at around $50 CAD, and you can book a stay here through Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.
Didn’t find exactly what you’re looking for? Click here to browse all hotels in Vancouver!
For more info on the best areas and hotels, check out my complete guide on where to stay in Vancouver. It breaks down everything you need to know before choosing the right hotel!
Getting Around Vancouver
Transportation and ease of navigating a new city are super important to consider when planning a trip. It will help you determine where to stay and what you’ll be able to visit while in the city. In Vancouver, there are a few different options for transportation in and around the city.
Driving
This is probably the best form of transportation if you want to explore anywhere outside of downtown Vancouver and participate in activities like hiking or skiing, which require getting a bit further away. Traffic in downtown Vancouver can be fairly busy, just like any city center.
There is ample parking available both on the streets and in parkades, though it can be expensive. Some hotels provide parking, so check ahead of time.
If you can rent a car so you can explore Vancouver with ease! Just be prepared to pay for parking unless your hotel includes it.
Car share
A great option besides renting a car is using a car share service like Modo or Evo. These services allow you to rent a car and pay based on the time it’s used (i.e., pay for 30 minutes, two hours, or the full day, depending on how long you drive for).
You can pick up and drop off the car at specific checkpoints around the city and the best part is they get lots of free parking. This makes it super easy to use a car for just the time that you need it.
Public transportation
Vancouver’s public transit system is not as extensive as many other major cities, but it is still a good way to get around to main attractions. The SkyTrain provides excellent access to some of the neighboring cities, such as Burnaby, New Westminster, or Surrey, so it offers a good option if you plan on exploring outside of downtown. It also runs from the airport, so again, a good option to get into the city from the airport.
There are also many buses in the city that run frequently. Note that public transportation options are extremely limited overnight, with only a couple of night buses and no SkyTrain options after around 1 am. All public transportation is run by the company TransLink and is fairly affordable; a single trip costs $3.15, and a day pass costs $11.25 CAD.
Taxis and rideshares
Taxis are available throughout the city, as are Uber and Lyft. These are good options in the downtown core but can get pricey if you are going further outside of that region. For example, the taxi cost from YVR to Vancouver is about $30-$50 CAD.
Aquabus
The Aquabus is one of the more unique ways to get around Vancouver. These small boats visit 8 locations in the harbor all the way from The Village to Granville Island. The Aquabus costs $19 CAD for a full-day pass or round-trip tickets start at $3.75 CAD but prices vary depending on the route you take. You can check out all their routes and prices here.
Walking and biking
Vancouver is a very walkable city, and it is possible to walk just about anywhere in the downtown core.
Biking is also a good option, as there are dedicated bike lanes throughout most of the city. You can rent bikes all over the city and pretty much ride everywhere you want downtown. I love doing this, especially on a beautiful day!
Renting a Car in British Columbia
If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.
Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!
Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Taking a Zodiac tour is a great way to get out on the water and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds Vancouver! We hope you enjoyed learning about our top Zodiac tours and that this guide has helped you pick out the tour you want to go on during your visit.
If you need more recommendations on what to do while you’re here, be sure to read more of our guides to BC’s West Coast. We have tips and advice on everything from the best road trips to take to restaurants to try and everything in between. You can get started with one of the related blogs below:
4 BEST Food Tours in Vancouver – Chosen by a Local!
3 BEST Grouse Mountain Tours from Vancouver
5 BEST Tours from Vancouver to Butchart Gardens (+Our Review!)