The Best Boat Rentals in Coquitlam

Expect small motorboats and pontoons around the Tri-Cities to start near $100–$200 CAD per hour, with many captained cabin cruisers and smaller yachts typically ranging from about $250–$600 CAD per hour depending on size, amenities, and day of the week. Fishing-focused trips often fall around $140–$200 CAD per hour. Rates usually include required safety gear and basic orientation; captained trips generally include the skipper and standard fuel for a set route, while self-operated rentals may charge fuel separately. Taxes, cleaning, and gratuities are often extra, and premium add‑ons like dockside pickup, BBQs, or party packages may increase the total. Booking a longer block or a weekday often lowers the hourly price.

You’ll find a good mix for local waters: comfortable pontoons for relaxed cruising, sporty bowriders and wake boats for swimming coves, cabin cruisers and small yachts for celebrations on the inlet, sailboats for scenic days under canvas, and guided fishing boats geared for the local salmon and crab grounds. Most trips run on Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm from nearby Port Moody or North Vancouver, with wilderness-style cruises available on Pitt Lake to the northeast.

In Canada, anyone operating a powerboat must carry proof of competency. Many renters bring a Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). If you don’t have one, most rental operators can complete Transport Canada’s Rental Boat Safety Checklist with you at the dock; that signed checklist serves as your proof of competency for the duration of the rental. Visitors can also use equivalent proof from their home country. If you book a captained charter, no licence is needed because a professional skipper operates the boat.

Popular departure points close to Coquitlam include the Rocky Point Boat Launch in Port Moody on Burrard Inlet, Maquabeak Park’s public boat launch on the Fraser River in Coquitlam, and the Grant Narrows boat launch at Pitt Lake in Pitt Meadows. Some charters also arrange pickups at Reed Point Marina in Port Moody by request. In summer, parking at Rocky Point fills quickly, so plan to arrive early or consider a weekday launch.

From Port Moody, most sightseeing routes head into Indian Arm, a steep-sided fjord with forested peaks, secluded coves, and landmarks like Twin Islands, the historic Buntzen powerhouses, and waterfalls such as Silver Falls and Granite Falls. Wildlife sightings often include bald eagles and harbour seals. If you launch on the Fraser and Pitt rivers toward Pitt Lake, you’ll trade urban skylines for mountain‑rimmed scenery and the marshes of the Pitt‑Addington Wildlife Management Area, with excellent birding and broad views of the Coast Mountains.

If you want a stress‑free celebration or don’t know local waters, a captained charter is the easiest option—your skipper handles routes, docking, safety, and timing. Self‑operated rentals suit confident boaters who hold a PCOC or prefer completing the rental safety checklist. Keep in mind that local waterways can have strong afternoon inflow winds in Indian Arm and river debris or currents near the Fraser and Pitt rivers, so many trip planners choose a captain for peak‑season weekends or larger groups.

Yes. Families regularly book boats in this area, and operators supply the required safety equipment, including appropriately sized lifejackets for adults and children. Tell your captain the ages and approximate weights of any kids so child‑sized PFDs are ready on arrival. Most captains welcome infants and toddlers but may recommend calmer morning departures and shorter cruises for the best experience.

Most charters allow you to bring snacks, picnics, and non‑alcoholic drinks, and many pontoons and cruisers have coolers or small galleys. Glass is usually discouraged, soft‑sided coolers are preferred, and BBQ use depends on the boat and fire restrictions. Policies on alcoholic beverages vary by operator and boat class, so confirm what’s allowed when you book and plan a designated ride home after your trip.

Many hosts are dog‑friendly, especially on pontoon and deck‑boat charters, but pet approval is always at the captain’s discretion. Ask in advance, bring a towel and leash, and consider a pet PFD. Around sensitive shorelines like Pitt‑Addington’s marshes and the islands of Indian Arm, keep pets under control and follow all local guidelines.

Safety comes first. Skippers check marine forecasts and may adjust routes or reschedule for high winds, lightning, heavy rain, or poor visibility. Many listings offer flexible weather policies with free reschedules when conditions are unsafe. Summer mornings are typically calmer on Indian Arm and Pitt Lake; booking earlier in the day gives you the widest window to cruise comfortably.

Absolutely. Pontoons and small yachts are popular for 8–12 guests, with larger yachts available for bigger groups. You can usually bring decorations, a cake, and your playlist; just let the host know what you’re planning. Dates around Canada Day weekend and local waterfront events—like Port Moody’s Golden Spike Days at Rocky Point Park and late‑July fireworks nights in Vancouver—sell out quickly, so secure those dates early.

Peak boating runs late May through early September, with the warmest, driest stretch in July and August. Local holiday weekends that fill fastest include Victoria Day (third Monday in May), Canada Day (July 1), BC Day (first Monday in August), and Labour Day (first Monday in September). Vancouver’s Honda Celebration of Light fireworks typically spans three nights in late July and books far in advance for on‑water viewing. If you prefer lighter crowds and smoother water, choose weekday mornings or shoulder‑season sunny days in June and early September.