The Best Boat Rentals in North Vancouver

For planning purposes, most small motorboats around North Vancouver start near $150–$200 per hour, mid‑size cruising yachts commonly run about $250–$450 per hour, and larger premium yachts can exceed $600 per hour. Sailboat charters often fall in the $250–$450 per hour range depending on size and crew. Pricing varies with the day of week, time of day, and demand, with peak summer weekends and fireworks nights at the higher end. Most captained charters include the licensed skipper, safety gear, and basic fuel for standard routes; taxes, marina pick‑up fees, and gratuities are usually extra. Many listings have two‑to‑three‑hour minimums and offer discounts on longer bookings.

You’ll find a good mix for different group sizes and budgets, including comfortable motorboats for sightseeing, sleek sailboats for a more hands‑on cruising feel, and motor yachts for celebrations with indoor cabins and deck space. There are also fishing-focused boats and guided tour vessels designed for relaxed harbor and inlet cruising. Availability changes with the season, but there are options for everything from intimate outings to larger group events.

Both are possible. Captained charters are the most convenient—your licensed skipper handles navigation, docking, and safety so you can focus on the fun. If you want to operate the boat yourself, Canadian rules require proof of competency for powerboats. That can be a Pleasure Craft Operator Card or, for short‑term rentals, a completed Transport Canada Rental Boat Safety Checklist provided at check‑in. You must carry your proof on board for the duration of the rental. If you’re unsure, choose a captained charter for a stress‑free day.

Common North Shore departure points include Mosquito Creek Marina near Lower Lonsdale and the public boat launch at Cates Park (Whey‑ah‑Wichen) in the District of North Vancouver. Many private tours also meet at Deep Cove North Shore Marina for cruises up Indian Arm. If you’re happy to start across the inlet, downtown Vancouver’s Coal Harbour and Granville Island are popular pick‑up locations with easy access to Burrard Inlet and English Bay. Your exact meeting point will be confirmed in your booking details.

Expect big views of the Vancouver skyline, the North Shore Mountains, and Stanley Park as you pass freighters at anchor in English Bay and sweep under the iconic Lions Gate Bridge. Cruising east brings you into Vancouver Harbour with sights like Brockton Point Lighthouse and the Shipyards at Lonsdale Quay. Heading north into Indian Arm reveals a fjord lined with forested slopes, granite cliffs, and seasonal waterfalls such as Granite Falls, with regular wildlife sightings of harbor seals and bald eagles. Westward routes toward Howe Sound offer island scenery and the chance to spot marine life in a UNESCO Biosphere region.

If you book a captained charter, you don’t need a license. To operate a powerboat yourself, Canadian regulations require you to carry proof of competency on board. This can be a Pleasure Craft Operator Card, recognized training certificate, or a completed Transport Canada Rental Boat Safety Checklist issued by the rental company at the dock. Keep your ID and any required checklists with you on the boat.

Yes, families are welcome on most charters. Every vessel carries approved lifejackets or PFDs sized for the number of passengers on board, and reputable operators keep child sizes available by request. Children should wear properly fitted flotation at all times, and note that inflatable PFDs are not approved for younger children. Tell your captain the ages and approximate weights of kids in your group during booking so the right gear is ready at boarding.

Bringing your own snacks and non‑alcoholic drinks is commonly allowed, and many boats provide coolers or a galley area. For alcohol, Canadian rules are strict: consuming alcohol on a boat is generally only permitted if the vessel has permanent cooking facilities, a permanent toilet, and sleeping accommodations, and is docked or at anchor. Captains may set stricter house rules, and glass and stain‑prone items are often discouraged to protect decks and upholstery. If you prefer, ask about catered menus prepared for the water.

Pets are accepted on a case‑by‑case basis. Some boats happily welcome well‑behaved dogs and may ask for advance notice or a modest cleaning fee, while others limit pets due to upholstery or allergy concerns. If you plan to bring a pet, mention the breed and size in your inquiry and pack a non‑slip mat, towel, water bowl, and a properly fitted pet PFD.

Charters run in light rain but will not go if the skipper deems conditions unsafe. Most owners will reschedule you or offer a refund per the listing’s cancellation policy when marine conditions deteriorate. Because local wind patterns can change quickly—especially with afternoon inflow winds in summer—your captain will check the latest Environment Canada marine forecast and make the call for safety. To keep your options open, consider weekday or morning start times and review the cancellation terms when you book.

Absolutely. The harbor and inlet scenery make an effortless backdrop for celebrations, and most yachts are optimized for groups of about 8–12 guests, with some vessels accommodating more. Two‑to‑four‑hour private cruises are popular for birthdays and bachelor or bachelorette parties. If your plans coincide with big summer weekends or special spectacles like the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks in late July over English Bay, lock in your date well in advance and allow extra time for marina pick‑ups.

The prime season runs from late May through early September, with the sunniest conditions in July and August. In Canada, the busiest boating long weekends are Victoria Day in late May, Canada Day on July 1, BC Day in early August, and Labour Day in early September. Shoulder months like June and September can be gorgeous with fewer crowds. For smoother water and easier parking, weekday departures and morning cruises are your friend. Summer afternoons often see thermal inflow winds in the inlets and in Howe Sound, which can make waters choppier and routes slower.

Two favorites are a cruise up Indian Arm to Granite Falls for towering cliffs and seasonal waterfalls, and a westward run toward Howe Sound for island views around Bowen and Gambier with chances to spot seals hauled out on rocky islets. Both routes pair dramatic mountain scenery with protected waters and can be tailored to relaxed sightseeing or longer explorations, depending on your charter length and group vibe.