Vancouver Zodiac Boat Tour: Granite Falls, Indian Arm & Stanley Park

Summary

Vancouver’s wild edge by Zodiac boat city sights to hidden fjords

You’ll suit up and set off from Granville Island by Zodiac boat, gliding past Vancouver’s skyline before escaping into wild fjord country with your local guide. Hear stories at Siwash Rock, watch kayakers at Deep Cove, then pause at Granite Falls where silence and spray take over. It’s part city thrill, part raw nature — you might still be thinking about it days later.

What’s the experience like?

Pushing my arms into the bright orange survival suit, I could already smell the river — that cold, leafy scent that hits you before you even leave Granville Island. Our guide, Sam, handed out lifejackets and cracked a joke about “bad hair days guaranteed.” The Zodiac felt bouncy underfoot as we climbed in. I hadn’t expected to feel so small skimming past Vancouver’s glass towers; everything looked sharper from the water, like someone turned up the contrast.

We zipped under Burrard Street Bridge and out through False Creek while Sam pointed out Science World’s dome (which honestly looks weirder up close) and rattled off bits of local gossip about Yaletown. You get this constant slap of wind in your face — not painful, just enough to keep you awake. Passing Stanley Park, he slowed down so we could see Siwash Rock jutting out of nowhere. There’s a story behind it involving lost love or something; I probably got half of it wrong but it made me look at the rock differently.

The city faded behind us after Lions Gate Bridge. Suddenly it was all pine trees and cliffs instead of condos. Indian Arm is quieter than I thought — just the hum of the motor and a couple of gulls yelling at each other overhead. At Deep Cove, some kayakers waved (one nearly tipped over trying to take a photo). The air changed again near Granite Falls — colder, with this mist that clung to my cheeks. We stopped close enough that spray hit my boots. Sam let us stand for a bit; nobody said much. It felt good not to talk for once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Granville Island to Granite Falls tour

• Arrive at Granville Island
• Cross False Creek and view landmarks
• See vibrant city areas and skyscrapers
• View Stanley Park from the boat
• Stop at Siwash Rock for photos
• View Lion's Gate Bridge
• Travel through Vancouver Harbour
• Pass Deep Cove and kayaking spot
• See Buntzen Powerhouse
• Stop at Granite Falls for views
• Pass Silver Falls on return

Top questions

How long is the Vancouver Zodiac tour to Granite Falls?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from start to finish.

Where does the Granite Falls Zodiac tour start?

The tour departs from Granville Island in Vancouver.

Is pickup included for this Vancouver boat tour?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at Granville Island 30 minutes before departure.

What should I wear on a Zodiac boat tour in Vancouver?

Wear comfortable clothes; survival suits and lifejackets are provided for warmth and safety.

Are there age or height restrictions for this tour?

The minimum height is 4ft/1.2m; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

Will I see wildlife during the Indian Arm boat trip?

You may spot birds and marine life along Indian Arm but wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed.

Does the tour include lunch or food stops?

No meals are included on this tour; bring snacks if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes all safety gear like lifejackets and survival suits plus a friendly local guide who also drives the Zodiac boat — just meet at Granville Island before departure and everything else is handled from there.