Each day on this Vancouver boat tour balances movement and stillness: swim in sheltered coves, explore artificial reef sites near Porteau Cove, hike to the base of Shannon Falls, or take in sweeping views from the Sea to Sky Gondola.
As the voyage continues north, the pace softens. Drop anchor in Port Graves Bay on Gambier Island and settle into a true coastal basecamp — kayaking along rocky shores, hiking forested trails, and gathering on deck for sunset drinks as the mountains glow around you. The final day brings a relaxed return through the Sunshine Coast, with island hopping and a waterfront lunch in Gibsons before cruising back to False Creek.
It’s a five-day escape that blends adventure, social energy, and West Coast luxury — close enough for a spontaneous getaway, yet immersive enough to feel like a world apart.
The Ultimate Escape Through Howe Sound
Ship: Shangri-la cheer
Duration: 5 days
Just minutes beyond Vancouver’s skyline, Howe Sound opens into a dramatic world of fjords, hidden coves, and forest-lined inlets. Over five unforgettable days, you’ll cruise from the energy of False Creek into calm coastal waters where Dungeness crabs are pulled fresh from the sea, paddleboards skim across glassy bays, and anchorages feel removed from city life.
The journey winds through Indian Arm and into the heart of the fjord, where towering old-growth cedar and hemlock frame quiet hiking trails and secluded lunch stops. Wildlife sightings are part of the rhythm here — sea lions bask near Bowen Island, spot prawns are hauled in during peak season, and the ever-changing coastline offers a front-row seat to British Columbia’s wild beauty.
The Journey
Day 1
The Inner Harbor & Deep Cove
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10:00 AM: Departure | Plaza of Nations Marina, Gate A
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11:00 AM: Crabbing | English Bay (Watch for Dungeness and Red Rock crabs)
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1:00 PM: Lunch | Deep Cove (Great spot for local snacks)
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2:00 PM: Swimming | Enjoy the calm waters of the cove
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5:00 PM: Anchor | Iron Bay (Belcarra/Indian Arm area)
Day 2
Into the Fjord
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8:00 AM: Hiking | Say Nuth Khaw Yum Provincial Park (Indian Arm)
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Eco-Note: Look for old-growth cedar and hemlock
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12:00 PM: Lunch | Onboard or shore-side
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1:00 PM: Departure | Leave Indian Arm
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4:00 PM: Spot Prawns | West Vancouver (Peak season is usually May/June)
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5:30 PM: Wildlife Watch | Snug Cove Dock (Bowen Island) to see the sea lions
Day 3
The Sea to Sky Coast
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8:00 AM: Breakfast | Bowen Island Village
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10:00 AM: Departure | Leave Marina
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12:00 PM: Exploration | Lions Bay & Porteau Cove (Check out the sunken hulls for artificial reef life)
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4:00 PM: Land Adventure | Shannon Falls (Hiking) & Sea to Sky Gondola
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Evening: Anchor | Squamish
Day 4
The Heart of the Sound
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8:00 AM: Departure | Squamish
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11:00 AM: Cruising | Home Sound / Howe Sound
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12:00 PM: Arrival | Gambier Island
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1:00 PM: Basecamp | Port Graves Bay
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Optional activities: Anchor, Kayak, Swim, and Hike the island trails
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Day 5
The Sunshine Coast & Return
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8:00 AM: Departure | Gambier Island
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11:00 AM: Gibsons | Lunch at Buono Osteria
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2:00 PM: Island Hopping | Keats Island & Pasley Island
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5:00 PM: Homebound | Landing at Plaza of Nations Marina
Please note that this itinerary is a sample. Routes and activities may vary based on weather conditions, seasonal considerations, and operational factors to ensure an exceptional and seamless voyage.
Available Departures
May 3 - May 7
October 5- October 9
October 19- October 23
Date
April 27 - May 1
September 29 - October 2
October 12- October 16
A Glimpse of the Experience
Moments From the Journey
Onboard accommodations are designed for life on the water — comfortable, efficient, and intentionally arranged so you can spend your days exploring and your evenings unwinding. Our cabins balance practicality with comfort, offering a range of options to suit couples, families, and groups travelling together.
Whether you prefer a shared layout or a fully private room, each space is designed to provide a restful retreat between coastal adventures. From social shared cabins to private ensuite retreats, each room offers a welcoming space to recharge at sea.
Cabin rates are fully all-inclusive, featuring daily chef-prepared meals, beverages, and a curated selection of beer and wine to enjoy responsibly throughout the voyage. Our onboard atmosphere is relaxed and elevated — designed for sunset toasts and shared moments, not a party-boat scene. Guests also have access to four double-person kayaks for coastal exploration.
All of our cabins are located on the lower deck and are accessed by a set of narrow stairs, which is typical for vessels of this type. Guests should be comfortable navigating stairs and moving around a boat environment. If you have any questions about accessibility or mobility considerations, we encourage you to contact us before booking so we can help ensure the experience is a good fit for you.
*Price listed are per room.
Howe Sound Cabin & Rate
Charter Details & FAQs
Where is Howe Sound and how far is it from Vancouver?
Howe Sound is a stunning fjord system located just north of Vancouver, stretching from the city’s coastline up toward Squamish and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. Our 5-day charter departs directly from Vancouver, allowing you to transition from city skyline to dramatic mountain landscapes in a matter of hours.
What makes Howe Sound different from other coastal cruises?
Howe Sound offers a rare combination of accessibility and wilderness. Towering granite cliffs, glacier-fed waterfalls, forested islands, and secluded anchorages create a dramatic backdrop — all within close reach of Vancouver. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and convenience.
What activities and amentities are included during the charter?
Guests can enjoy swimming, kayaking, hiking coastal trails, exploring waterfalls like Shannon Falls, and relaxing on deck in scenic anchorages. Each day blends on-water exploration with time to unwind and enjoy the surroundings.
Guests are welcome to enjoy the hot tub on the top deck, as well as a fire pit lounge area — ideal for sunset soaks, evening drinks, and stargazing under the West Coast sky.
Will we see wildlife in Howe Sound?
Howe Sound is home to sea lions, seals, bald eagles, dolphins, and occasionally whales passing through the Strait of Georgia. While sightings vary, the region is known for its active marine life and thriving coastal ecosystem.
Do I need boating experience to join?
No boating experience is required. This is a fully crewed yacht charter led by certified captains, so you can focus entirely on enjoying the journey. Your safety is our top priority so you can relax and enjoy yourself.
What is your cancellation policy?
All charters are confirmed with full payment at the time of booking. If your plans change, your booking may be transferred to another available date or sailing without penalty, subject to availability.
We offer a straightforward and flexible cancellation policy:
• 50% refund for cancellations made 30+ days before departure
• Non-refundable within 30 days
Payments are accepted by credit card or bank transfer in Canadian funds.
To protect your investment, we strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Coverage can protect you in the event of unexpected circumstances such as illness, emergencies, or travel disruptions that may require you to cancel your trip.
What should I pack for a 5-day yacht charter?
Howe Sound offers dramatic scenery and active days on the water — pack for comfort, movement, and changing coastal weather.
Clothing
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Light layers (T-shirts + warm mid-layer)
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Insulated or fleece jacket
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Lightweight waterproof shell
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Swimwear
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Hiking shoes + non-marking deck shoes
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Hat & polarized sunglasses
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Loungewear for evenings on the yacht
Essentials
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Sunscreen (reef-safe)
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Reusable water bottle
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Small daypack
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Toiletries
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Motion sickness remedy (if needed)
Nice-to-Have Extras
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Binoculars (wildlife spotting)
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Waterproof phone case or GoPro
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Portable charger
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Quick-dry towel
Connect With Us
Inquire About a Yacht Charter
General Inquiries
info@vancouveryacht.ca
DEPARTURE LOCATION
750 Pacific Boulevard
Plaza of Nations Marina, Gate A
Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2R8