Porteau Cove Boat Tours

Sunrise and sunset wildlife tours departing directly from Porteau Cove - golden-hour light on Howe Sound, 45 minutes from Vancouver

Book Your Tour

Skip the Drive to Squamish

Porteau Cove is the closest Howe Sound departure point to Vancouver - right off Highway 99 with its own boat launch. Meet us at the dock and be on the water in minutes.

Golden Hour on the Fjord

The two best times of day to be on Howe Sound

🌅 Sunrise Tours

Glass-calm water, mist lifting off the Sound, and the fjord to yourself before the day begins. Wildlife is at its most active in the early hours - this is the photographers' pick.

From $375 for up to 3 guests

Book Sunrise

🌇 Sunset Tours

Porteau Cove faces west across Howe Sound, and from the water the show is even better - alpenglow on the granite walls, golden light down the fjord, and the run home under a painted sky.

From $375 for up to 3 guests

Book Sunset
Want more time on the water? All three of our Howe Sound boat tour options run from Porteau Cove too: the 2-3 hour Wildlife Tour ($375 for up to 3 guests, +$79 per extra guest), the 4-5 hour Half-Day Explorer ($625 for up to 3, +$129 per extra guest), and full-day or custom charters.
Sunset over Howe Sound seen from a boat tour departing Porteau Cove Golden hour light on the mountains above Howe Sound near Porteau Cove Wildlife boat tour cruising Howe Sound between Porteau Cove and Squamish

About Porteau Cove

Porteau Cove Provincial Park is the last stretch of shoreline before the highway climbs toward Squamish - an oceanfront park famous for its pier, its scuba diving, and its sunsets. It's also home to one of the only public boat launches on the east side of Howe Sound, which is exactly where we'll meet you.

What You'll See

From the cove we run straight into the heart of the fjord: granite sea walls, waterfalls dropping into the ocean, and the islands of the lower Sound. Harbour seals, bald eagles, sea lions, and herons are the regulars, with dolphins and whales passing through as Howe Sound's marine recovery continues.

Perfect For

Campers staying at the provincial park, Vancouverites who want a Howe Sound tour without the full Sea to Sky drive, photographers chasing golden hour, and anyone marking a special occasion - there are worse places to propose than a sunset on the fjord.

Getting There

Porteau Cove is 45 minutes north of downtown Vancouver and 20 minutes south of Squamish on Highway 99. Free day-use parking is available at the park. We'll confirm the exact meeting spot at the boat launch when you book.

Rather explore on your own? Our Squamish boat rentals put you at the helm of an 18-foot RIB - or paddle the calmer corners of the Sound with a canoe or kayak from Squamish Canoe Rental.

Porteau Cove Tour FAQ

Are there boat tours from Porteau Cove?

Yes - we depart directly from the Porteau Cove boat launch, so there's no need to drive to Squamish. Sunrise and sunset wildlife tours are our specialty from this location.

How much does it cost?

The 2-3 hour tour is $375 for up to 3 guests, plus $79 per additional guest. The 4-5 hour Half-Day Explorer is $625 for up to 3 guests, plus $129 per additional guest. Full-day and custom trips are quoted per charter - call (604) 849-8898.

When should we book a sunset tour?

Sunset times on Howe Sound range from about 4:30pm in December to 9:30pm in June. We'll time your departure so you're in the best spot on the water for golden hour - just tell us your date and we'll handle the rest.

Can we combine a tour with camping at Porteau Cove?

Absolutely - it's the perfect combo. Book a sunset tour for your first evening or a sunrise tour before you pack up. The boat launch is a short walk from the campground.

Catch the Light

Tell us your date and whether you're a sunrise crew or a sunset crew - we'll take care of the rest.

Book a Tour (604) 849-8898