Vancouver: City & Seal Boat Tour with False Creek Sights

Summary

Boat along English Bay to seal colonies and city icons

You’ll ride a small boat from Granville Island with a local guide, cruise past Stanley Park and under Lions Gate Bridge, then watch seals bask near Lighthouse Park. Feel Vancouver’s mix of wild coastline and urban energy as you glide through False Creek — it’s a new angle on familiar sights that might surprise you.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wonder what Vancouver looks like from the water? I didn’t really think about it until we zipped out from Granville Island, life jackets on, and the city just… shifted. Our guide, Mark (who had this dry sense of humor), steered us under Burrard Bridge while pointing out where the tide leaves weird patterns on the pylons. The air was salty but mixed with something sweet — maybe from one of those donut stands back on the island? You could hear the gulls fighting over crumbs behind us.

The boat picked up speed past Kitsilano Beach, and suddenly Stanley Park was all green and massive to our left. I tried to snap a photo of Lions Gate Bridge but missed it — too busy gawking at those freighters just hanging out in English Bay. Mark told us about Siwash Rock and how locals have their own stories for every weird-shaped stone. We drifted closer to Lighthouse Park, and honestly, I didn’t expect the water to look that clear. There were kayakers waving at us; one guy nearly tipped over when he tried to show off.

But seeing the seal colony was my favorite bit. They lounged on rocks like they owned the place — a few pups slid into the water when we got close, making these snuffling sounds. It smelled briny and wild there, not city-like at all. Someone asked if they ever come up to the boat; Mark laughed and said they’re too clever for that (and probably tired of tourists). On our way back into False Creek, skyscrapers started popping up again, and you could feel Vancouver’s pulse pick up — Science World’s dome glinting in the sun, people jogging along Yaletown’s waterfront. It felt like two cities in one afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vancouver city and seal boat tour

• Arrive 30 minutes early
• Start at Granville Island
• Travel out into Vancouver Harbour
• See Stanley Park from boat
• Pass under Burrard Bridge
• View Lions Gate Bridge
• Visit Lighthouse Park
• See Siwash Rock and ocean freighters
• Visit local seal colony
• Travel across harbor past Spanish Banks
• Pass Jericho Sailing Centre and Kitsilano Beach
• Enter False Creek and see Yaletown
• View Science World Geodesic Dome
• See downtown Vancouver skyline
• Return to dock at Granville Island

Top questions

How long is the Vancouver City & Seals Boat Tour?

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes from departure to return.

Where does the boat tour depart in Vancouver?

The tour starts at Granville Island; arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled time.

Will we see seals during this Vancouver boat tour?

Yes, you’ll visit a local seal colony near Lighthouse Park where around 400 seals live.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

No hotel pickup is offered; you meet at Granville Island for departure.

What landmarks are seen on this boat tour?

You’ll pass Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge, Kitsilano Beach, Yaletown, Science World Dome, Jericho Sailing Centre, Siwash Rock, and more.

Is this Vancouver boat tour suitable for kids?

Children must be at least 4ft/1.2m tall; otherwise suitable for most fitness levels.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchair access is available for this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes a local guide who shares stories as you travel by boat from Granville Island along English Bay to Lighthouse Park and the seal colony before looping back through False Creek past city highlights—plus all taxes and fees are already covered in your booking.