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UNESCO Biosphere and Bowen Island Boat Tour with Island Visit

4.9 (56 reviews) 4 hours Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

UNESCO Biosphere and Bowen Island Boat Tour with Island Visit

About this activity

Discover the beauty of Howe Sound Fjord, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, on an unforgettable Vancouver adventure. You'll ride alongside the stunning Tantalus Mountain Range, explore vibrant islands and marine wildlife sanctuaries, and enjoy a complimentary beer, wine, coffee, or ice cream at Bowen Island's Snug Cove during a short stop. This is one of Vancouver’s must-do experiences—perfect for creating memories you'll be excited to share with friends and family!

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At a glance

Duration
4 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 30 people
People per booking
1–30
Guide
English
Operated by
Vancouver Water Adventures

Ages: Children (6–15 years) · Adults (16–64 years) · Seniors (65–100 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: 12-passenger Zodiac boat. Up to 6 boats.
  • Included: Snacks: You will get a beer, wine, specialty coffee or ice cream at one of the shops on Bowen Island
  • Included: Lifejacket / Warming suit

Not included

  • Not included: Gratuities
  • Not included: Hotel pickup and drop off

Itinerary

  1. Granville Island

    10 min

    We will start our journey here. Please Arrive 30 minutes prior to your tour start time.

    Granville Island is a lively cultural hub known for its public market, artisan shops, theaters, and waterfront views.

  2. False Creek

    10 min

    We will start and finish our tour in these waters.

  3. Downtown

    5 min

    We will pass by Downtown while exiting the False Creek and into the English Bay

  4. Vancouver Downtown

    5 min

    We will pass by Downtown while exiting the False Creek and into the English Bay

  5. Stanley Park

    5 min

    We will see Stanley park from the boat as we leave Vancouver

  6. English Bay

    30 min

    We will see Kitsilano, UBC, Vancouver, and West Vancouver from the water, and get up close to the freighters waiting for Vancouver's Harbour.

  7. Lighthouse Park

    10 min

    We will stop at Lighthouse Park to take some photos before we enter the Unesco Reserve known as Howe Sound. This is a great stop to spot wildlife and take in some of Vancouver's History. Just around the corner, we will visit a Seal Colony.

  8. Horseshoe Bay

    5 min

    Pull up to Bowyer Island where we will stop to talk about the Glaciers, Mountains and watch Horseshoe Bay where the Island ferries come in and out.

  9. Gambier Island

    20 min

    We will explore the coast line of this island, enjoying the Coastal Temperate Rain Forest as we look for Sea Lions, Bald Eagles, Porpoises and much more wildlife.

  10. Sea to Sky Highway

    Passing by

    Althought we will not drive on the sea to sky highway, we will boat through the sea to sky corridor which inclues the Tantalus Mountain range, Tantalus Glacier, Howe Sound Unesco world heritage site, Bowen Island, Seal Colonies and much much more.

  11. Stop 11

    30 min

    UNESCO reserve Howe Sound is a stunning fjord located just north of Vancouver, known for its dramatic mountain scenery, clear waters, and outdoor recreational activities. Popular for boating, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing, the area is dotted with islands and framed by rugged coastal mountains, offering breathtaking views and adventure opportunities.

  12. Bowen Island

    one hour

    Stop and Get off the boat at Bowen Islands Snug Cove. You will get a chance to visit the shops and restaurants within the cove and your tour includes a free beer, wine, specialty coffee, or ice cream. Snug Cove is a quaint town on the edge of Bowen Island, it will bring you back to a quieter easier time. With many places to visit this town won't disappoint.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Check-in is 30 minutes before departure.

    Please allow yourself extra time to find parking if you are driving. Granville Island is very busy and parking is limited.

End point

  • Check-in is 30 minutes before departure.

    Please allow yourself extra time to find parking if you are driving. Granville Island is very busy and parking is limited.

Using your ticket

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to departure.

Minimum 4 guests required to run a tour. Minimum can be met by multiple parties. We will reach out to your party with options to reschedule in case the minimum has not been met.

Height requirement: 4ft/1.2m

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers

  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

  • Minimum height of 4 ft tall

  • Minimum 4 guests required to run a tour. Minimum can be met by multiple parties.

  • 12-passenger Zodiac boats. Up to 6 boats.

  • Not recommended for pregnant guests

Traveller ratings

4.9 out of 5 · 56 reviews
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Activities, prices and reviews are from Viator. Booking and payment happen on Viator; Vacantier may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

UNESCO Biosphere and Bowen Island Boat Tour with Island Visit

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