Recently, we took the chance to explore the region from a different perspective with Vancouver Water Adventures. The UNESCO Biosphere & Bowen Island Boat Tour is a 4 hour Zodiac tour exploring Howe Sound.
Boarding the comfortable 12-passenger “Pearl of the Ocean” Zodiac from Vancouver Water Adventures’ Granville Island base, our guide Graydon gave interesting commentary and insight on the journey out of the False Creek slow zone. From the docks around Granville Island, out past the beaches of English Bay, the throttle turned up for a exhilarating zip across English Bay towards Lighthouse Park. The benefits of the plush cushioned, shock-absorber sprung seats really came into play as the Pearl leapt across the crest of the wake left by the Hullo Ferries. Slowing to a stop to not disrupt the nearby pleasure fishers, and to allow Graydon to relay a history of the local landmark. Then a short distance away we reached Grebe Islets a shallow-water collection of rocky outcroppings teeming with bird species and seals basking in the sun.
Next was another fun launch up to the centre of Howe Sound for an explanation on the significance of the UNESCO Biosphere. With the towering Mount Garabaldi and Black Tusk in the distance, taking in the magnificent waterfront homes along the shores, the verdant forests and sheer rock faces really highlighted the diversity of the sights experienced on the tour. After about two hours on the water Squamish was in sight, and Graydon turned the Zodiac for a zip back towards Bowen Island.
Arriving at Snug Cove, just before the BC Ferry arrived, the thirteen of us were soon followed by a steady flow of day-trippers walking up from the docks into the quaint village centre. With an hour-long break on the island for a quick bite or sip the ocean side park was perfect to enjoy and ice cream and more of the long weekend summer sun.
Back on the boat, we sped off for the final 30-minutes back to Granville Island, pushing the Pearl of the Ocean to zip across the water in another exciting ride through the busy Burrard Inlet before reaching English Bay and slowing to enter False Creek. One last wildlife experience came as two pairs of harbour seals greeted the boat in the Granville Island docks, capping off the awesome and recommended experience for locals and visitors.
Vancouver Water Adventures’ UNESCO Biosphere & Bowen Island Boat Tour is $159 per person (maximum 12 per tour), including expert boat pilot and guide, mandatory lifejacket (or cruiser suit for cooler weather), a drink or ice cream at Snug Cove. The tour runs daily until the end of October then weekends only through the winter. Tickets for this and all of the Vancouver Water Adventures, boat, Jetski, kayak and paddleboard trips or lessons can be booked in advance online at vancouverwateradventures.com