Squamish, British Columbia sits at the northern tip of Howe Sound -- one of the most spectacular fjords on Canada's west coast. While most visitors know Squamish for rock climbing at the Stawamus Chief or mountain biking in the Sea to Sky corridor, the real hidden gem is getting out on the water. Whether you're looking for a scenic boat ride, a guided boat tour, or a boat rental in Squamish, there's no better way to experience the stunning coastal mountains, islands, and wildlife of Howe Sound.
Why Squamish Is the Best Place for Boat Tours in BC
Located just 45 minutes north of Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway, Squamish is the gateway to Howe Sound -- a fjord stretching over 40 kilometres from Horseshoe Bay to Squamish. This dramatic waterway is flanked by towering mountains, dotted with islands like Anvil Island and Gambier Island, and home to an incredible diversity of marine wildlife.
What makes boat tours in Squamish so special:
- Dramatic scenery -- Snow-capped mountains rise directly from the water, creating a landscape unlike anything else near Vancouver
- Abundant wildlife -- Bald eagles, harbour seals, sea lions, porpoises, and even occasional orca sightings
- Sheltered waters -- Howe Sound's fjord geography provides calmer conditions than the open ocean
- Accessible from Vancouver -- An easy day trip from Metro Vancouver, Whistler, or anywhere along the Sea to Sky corridor
- Multiple destinations -- Britannia Beach, Lions Bay, Porto Cove, Anvil Island, and dozens of hidden coves and beaches
Scenic Boat Rides on Howe Sound
A boat ride on Howe Sound is one of the most breathtaking experiences you can have in British Columbia. From the moment you leave the Squamish harbour, you're surrounded by coastal mountains that tower thousands of metres above the water. The views of the Tantalus Range, Mount Garibaldi, and the Stawamus Chief from the water are absolutely stunning.
Our Squamish boat rides take you through the heart of Howe Sound, past iconic landmarks including:
- The Stawamus Chief -- See BC's most famous granite monolith from a perspective most people never get
- Shannon Falls -- British Columbia's third-tallest waterfall, visible from the water
- Britannia Beach -- A historic mining town with the BC Museum of Mining
- Lions Bay -- A charming waterfront village nestled beneath The Lions peaks
- Anvil Island -- The largest island in Howe Sound, with pristine beaches and old-growth forest
Whether you're visiting Squamish for the day or staying longer, a scenic boat ride is the perfect way to see the area from a completely different angle. It's also a fantastic option for couples, families, and groups looking for a unique thing to do in Squamish.
Wildlife Viewing Boat Tours
Howe Sound is teeming with marine life, making it one of the best spots in the Lower Mainland for wildlife boat tours. Our guided tours take you to the best viewing areas where you can spot:
- Bald eagles -- Squamish is known as the Eagle Capital of Canada, and seeing them from the water is unforgettable
- Harbour seals -- Often spotted basking on rocky outcrops throughout Howe Sound
- Sea lions -- Steller and California sea lions visit Howe Sound, especially in winter and spring
- Pacific white-sided dolphins -- Pods are regularly spotted in the deeper channels
- Great blue herons -- Nesting colonies along the shoreline
Our captain has years of local knowledge and knows exactly where to find wildlife depending on the season and conditions. A wildlife boat tour from Squamish is a must-do experience for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Boat Rentals in Squamish
If you prefer to explore on your own, renting a boat in Squamish is the way to go. Squamish Water Taxi offers bareboat rentals of our 18-foot inflatable RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) equipped with a reliable 50 HP outboard engine.
Our Squamish boat rental is perfect for:
- Self-guided exploration -- Chart your own course through Howe Sound's islands, coves, and beaches
- Fishing trips -- Access the best fishing spots in Howe Sound at your own pace
- Photography expeditions -- Get to remote locations and spend as much time as you need for the perfect shot
- Beach hopping -- Discover hidden beaches and swimming spots only accessible by boat
- Group outings -- A fun and affordable way for a group of friends to get out on the water
A valid boating licence (Pleasure Craft Operator Card) is required. All rentals include safety equipment such as life jackets, a first aid kit, and navigation aids. We provide a full safety briefing and local area orientation before you head out.
Fishing Charters on Howe Sound
Howe Sound offers excellent fishing opportunities, and a fishing charter from Squamish is the easiest way to get on the fish. The waters around Squamish are home to several species of Pacific salmon, lingcod, rockfish, and Dungeness crab.
Popular fishing experiences near Squamish include:
- Salmon fishing -- Chinook, coho, pink, and chum salmon run through Howe Sound at various times from spring through fall
- Bottom fishing -- Lingcod and rockfish on the rocky reefs and drop-offs
- Crabbing -- Dungeness crab in the shallower bays and estuaries
- Prawning -- Spot prawn season (May) brings some of the tastiest seafood in BC
Whether you're an experienced angler or trying fishing for the first time, our Squamish fishing charters can be tailored to your skill level and interests. We know the local waters inside and out.
Water Taxi Service in Squamish
Need reliable water transportation in Howe Sound? Our Squamish water taxi service connects communities and destinations across the sound. Whether you're commuting to a remote cabin, getting dropped off at a trailhead, or need transport to an island property, we've got you covered.
Our water taxi routes serve:
- Squamish to Britannia Beach
- Squamish to Lions Bay
- Squamish to Porto Cove
- Squamish to Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay)
- Custom destinations anywhere in Howe Sound
We offer flexible scheduling with on-demand and pre-booked options. Our water taxi is the fastest and most convenient way to travel across Howe Sound, avoiding traffic on the Sea to Sky Highway.
Echo Falls Trailhead Shuttle
One of our most popular services is the Echo Falls boat shuttle. Echo Falls is a spectacular waterfall and hiking destination accessible via a 6 km trail with 950 metres of elevation gain. Our boat shuttle drops you off at the trailhead, saving you a long and difficult approach.
The Echo Falls shuttle is priced at $185 round trip for up to 3 passengers, with an additional $25 per extra person (maximum 6 passengers). It's the easiest way to access this hidden gem in the Squamish backcountry.
Planning Your Squamish Boat Trip
Ready to get out on the water in Squamish? Here are a few tips to help you plan:
Best Time to Visit
The peak season for boat tours in Squamish runs from June through September, when the weather is warmest and the days are longest. However, spring and fall offer their own advantages -- fewer crowds, excellent wildlife viewing, and dramatic moody skies.
What to Bring
- Warm layers -- it's always cooler on the water, even in summer
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Camera or binoculars for wildlife spotting
- Snacks and water
- Motion sickness medication if you're sensitive
How to Book
Booking a boat tour, ride, or rental in Squamish is easy. Call us directly at (604) 849-8898 or email info@squamishwatertaxi.com. We recommend booking in advance during peak season, especially for weekends and holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions About Squamish Boat Tours
Where can I rent a boat in Squamish?
Squamish Water Taxi offers bareboat RIB boat rentals in Squamish and Howe Sound. You can rent an 18-foot inflatable RIB with a 50 HP engine for self-guided adventures. A valid boating licence is required. Contact us at (604) 849-8898 to book.
What boat tours are available in Howe Sound?
Howe Sound offers scenic boat tours, wildlife viewing tours (eagles, seals, dolphins), fishing charters, diving excursions, and custom adventure charters. Squamish Water Taxi provides tours departing from Squamish to destinations including Britannia Beach, Lions Bay, and Porto Cove.
How much do boat rides in Squamish cost?
Boat ride prices in Squamish vary by service type. Water taxi rides depend on the destination and number of passengers. Custom tours and charters are priced based on duration and group size. Contact Squamish Water Taxi at (604) 849-8898 for a personalized quote.
What is the best time of year for boat tours in Squamish?
Squamish boat tours run from spring through fall, with peak season from June to September offering the warmest weather and calmest waters. Shoulder seasons (April-May and October) are excellent for wildlife viewing with fewer crowds.
Ready to Explore Howe Sound?
Book your Squamish boat tour, rental, or water taxi today. Call us at (604) 849-8898 or visit our contact page to get started.