Tour operator
Forbidden Vancouver Walking Tours
Award-winning storytelling walks of about two hours through Gastown, Stanley Park, Davie Village and downtown, covering Prohibition, crime, fires and hidden history.
Harbour Cruises
Sailing from the Denman Street dock in Coal Harbour, Harbour Cruises runs guided harbour tours, brunch and dinner cruises and trips up the Indian Arm fjord.
At a glance
- Type
- Harbour and dinner cruises
- Area
- Coal Harbour, Vancouver, Canada
- Official site
- harbourcruises.com
Good to know
- Guided harbour tours
- Brunch and dinner cruises
- Indian Arm cruise
- Private charters
Why we recommend it
Harbour Cruises has been running boat trips on Vancouver's waters for more than 100 years and describes itself as Western Canada's largest cruising company. Its cruises leave from the Denman Street dock in Coal Harbour, and they show the city from the water.
The Vancouver Harbour Tour is the classic choice for visitors, and the easiest to fit into a busy itinerary. It is a guided tour of the harbour's historical landmarks and waterways, with commentary on what you are passing, and it works well as an introduction on a first or second day. For a longer trip, the Indian Arm Cruise heads up the fjord of that name, away from the city.
Food is part of several cruises. The Vancouver Brunch Cruise runs at weekends and pairs a meal with city views, while the Evening Dinner Cruise combines dinner with the lights of the city and live music. In the festive season there are holiday cruises with seasonal menus. Outside food and drink are not allowed on dining cruises. The company also offers private charters and group events for between 10 and 60 guests.
The fleet has three vessels. MV Constitution is a paddlewheeler with 80 seats, renovated in 2025; MV Harbour Princess is a mid-sized boat seating 160; and MV Britannia, the largest, seats 210 and was renovated in 2026. Which boat you travel on depends on the cruise.
Plan ahead for practical details. Full payment is taken when you book, and you should arrive 30 minutes before departure, as boarding starts 15 to 20 minutes before the boat sails. Accessibility is limited, and most areas of the boats are not wheelchair accessible, so contact the company before booking if this matters. Students with ID receive a 30 per cent discount, and BC residents can buy a BC Harbour Pass.
Cruises suit families, couples and older travellers who want to see the city without much walking. Coal Harbour is where the seawall path begins its route around Stanley Park, so a cruise combines well with an afternoon walk or cycle in the park. Book by phone, on the toll-free line 1-800-663-1500 or by email.
Harbour Cruises FAQs
Where do Harbour Cruises depart from?
From the Denman Street dock in Coal Harbour; the office is at 501 Denman Street.
What cruises are offered?
The Vancouver Harbour Tour, a weekend Brunch Cruise, the Indian Arm Cruise, an Evening Dinner Cruise and holiday cruises.
How early should you arrive?
Arrive 30 minutes before departure; boarding starts 15 to 20 minutes before sailing.
Are the boats wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility is limited, and most areas are not wheelchair accessible.
Can you bring your own food?
No, outside food and drink are not allowed on dining cruises.
Are there discounts?
Yes, students with ID get 30 per cent off, and BC residents can buy a BC Harbour Pass.
Can you charter a boat?
Yes, private charters and group events for 10 to 60 guests are available.
How do you contact Harbour Cruises?
By phone on 604-688-7246 or by email to [email protected].