City, Sea, and Seals: What It’s Like To Explore Vancouver by Boat

Ever wondered what it would feel like to zoom past the Vancouver skyline one minute and be surrounded by seals the next? What makes Vancouver truly special is the way nature and urban life blend seamlessly, where cobblestone streets blend into tree-line trails. A city where apartment buildings turn into ocean and mountains. And the Sea Vancouver City and Nature tour, a boat tour takes you from downtown to the wild, showing you the best views of the city (from the water). 

I had friends visiting from Ontario who had never been to the West Coast and in just 90 minutes, we felt the magic of the city. We watched as the skyline faded into mountains and spotted some wildlife cameos, all with the breeze in our hair on a high-speed zodiac boat. Read on for all the details and why you can’t miss this iconic experience in Vancouver (whether you’re a local or visiting):

How to get there:

The tour departs from the iconic Granville Island (look for the whale statue). Arrive early and check in with the friendly staff before getting geared up in full-body floatation suits. They make you look like a professional explorer and keep you safe and warm on the water. As we pull the suits on and excitement for the tour builds, the guides Jake and Connor introduced themselves and gave a briefing to the group. There are lockers you can safely stow your things in before boarding the boat (and the suit has pockets for your phone or any other small items). 

The tour:

With the hum of anticipation buzzing in the air, we step onto the boat and within moments, we’re off — skimming across the shimmering surface of False Creek. We glide effortlessly past the sun-drenched shores of English Bay, the forested edge of Stanley Park rising like a green fortress beside the glassy skyline, and into the open expanse of Burrard Inlet. Skyscrapers sparkle in the sun, seaplanes glide overhead, and the city feels alive in a new way from the water. Jake and Connor pepper the journey with fascinating stories that make the scenery come to life:

• Granville Island? Not technically an island anymore —it became a peninsula after a channel was filled in, though the name stuck.

• False Creek? A misnomer courtesy of some British explorers who mistook the inlet for a creek—and didn’t want to admit they were wrong. 

• Stanley Park is 25% bigger than Central Park and wild enough in parts to make you forget you’re still in the city. 

• Whales travel in pods of about 5-7 and they are matriarchal (sometimes babies stay with their mom their whole life)

• The port of Vancouver is known for being inefficient and sometimes ships wait weeks to get into the harbour

• Howe Sound is a stunning glacial fjord carved by ice and filled by the sea — a rare geological marvel.

• Seals can hold their breath for extended periods and have a thick layer of fat called blubber under their skin which helps keep them warm in cold waters. 

As we round the edge of Stanley Park, its ancient trees leaning out over rocky shores, the contrast between city and nature is striking—steel and glass melting into moss and cedar. We continue cruising toward the rugged cliffs of Lighthouse Park, the coastline growing wilder and quieter with every passing wave. 

Suddenly, someone spots movement in the water. Off in the distance, a small pod of whales surfaces and we watch the spot for reappearances. It’s fleeting and far but nonetheless a rare and magical moment. As we keep cruising, we spot a bald eagle perched high on a tree. We’re getting really lucky with the wildlife on this one!

Later, we idle beside a rocky outcrop near the Grebe Islets, where seals laze in the sun and flop awkwardly into the sea. Some swim and swirl just beneath the surface, others stretch and snooze, their slick bodies glistening in the light. We giggle over their cuteness and although they barely acknowledge us (clearly used to this daily audience), it still feels like an unforgettable National Geographic type moment.  

Know Before You Go

Tour duration: 90 minutes

Departure point: Granville Island

What to bring: Sunglasses, sunscreen, phone/camera

What to wear: Layers and closed-toe shoes

Ideal for: first-time visitors, locals wanting a fresh perspective, nature lovers, adventure-seekers

Final Thoughts

Whether you're visiting or living here, this Vancouver boat tour is a refreshing reminder of what makes the city so special. You get skyline views, salty air, local insights, and a splash of adventure—all in less than two hours. It’s the kind of experience that makes you fall in love with your city all over again. You can book this tour here: https://seavancouver.com/tour/city-nature-tour/