On the water · CANADA SPEEDBOAT TOURS
Every trip has one spare day. These 15 canada speedboat tours justify it, priced and timed so you can decide in minutes and get back to packing a dry bag.
Set out from Tadoussac or Baie-Sainte-Catherine in a 24 or 60-passenger Zodiac for two to two and a half hours on the St. Lawrence. Bilingual naturalists explain whale behavior while you watch for belugas, humpbacks, minke, and fin whales. Waterproof gear is supplied, but you still need warm layers, gloves, and closed shoes.
“Loved this excursion! Saw my first whales, couldn't be happier!”
Take a 45-minute jet boat ride through the lower Niagara River’s Class 5 rapids, enter Devil’s Hole, and spin through the 365° Hamilton Turn. Choose the Wet Jet for a full soaking or the Jet Dome to stay dry. An English-speaking guide adds river history and points out the differences between the Canadian and American sides.
“It was an amazing activity for the whole family. Lots of fun, loads of thrills and none stop action. Highly recommend”
Ride an open-top jet boat from Niagara-on-the-Lake into the Niagara Whirlpool’s white water. Your guide provides live commentary while the captain spins, surges, and splashes through the rapids. Ponchos are provided, but bring dry clothes and waterproof footwear. The ride does not show Niagara Falls.
“Staff was great!! One of the best experiences we’ve ever had as a family! Just wish we had bought the video of the tour but was too pricey”
Set out from Victoria Harbour in a 12-passenger open-air Zodiac with guides such as Gary, Mark, George, Raj, or Megan. You’ll wear an all-weather flotation suit, speed toward whale country, and watch for orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, otters, and more. The ride is lively and exposed, so dress warmly and expect some spray.
“We had an incredible me time on the zodiac. It was unforgettable. The highlight was seeing the pair of orcas gliding through the water near the shore as they made their way further out. Watching them in their own habitat was humbling -they were so close, it was surreal. At one point, we all thought a nearby harbor seal was going to become lunch but he wasn’t spotted and lived another day. There were several sea lions on some rocky outcrops I wish we had spent a few minutes with. I know it’s a whale watch but these guys were beautiful and impressive to see and hear. We had a…”
See Vancouver from a 12-passenger Zodiac boat on a 90-minute cruise through Burrard Inlet, Coal Harbour, English Bay, False Creek, and Stanley Park. Your skipper, such as Dawson, Jonah, Connor, Jake, or Thomas, provides city stories while you watch for seals, bald eagles, dolphins, and the occasional gray whale. Expect spray, wind, and a fast, close-to-the-water ride.
“That this experience is very informative about the city history and the tour guide Dawson was very educated and fun to be around..Do recommend.”
From Granville Island, this three-hour Zodiac ride crosses False Creek, passes Siwash Rock and Lion’s Gate Bridge, then heads through Deep Cove into Indian Arm for Granite and Silver Falls. A guide such as Marco, Dylan, or Ray provides local stories and wildlife spotting. The boat holds no more than 12 people and includes a warming suit.
“Friendly staff, excellent guide, beautiful ride, great playlist. We felt safe and in good hands.. Great way to get an overview of Vancouver from the water.”
Join Orca Spirit Adventures at Victoria’s Wharf Street harbor for a three-hour Zodiac trip on the Salish Sea. A certified marine naturalist such as Luke, Josh, Liam, or Mick drives the 12-passenger boat, using hydrophones and current sightings to seek orcas, humpbacks, seals, porpoises, and sea lions. Full flotation suits help keep you warm.
“Great boat trip out & got to see lots of humpbacks”
Set out from 1666 Duranleau St for a 90-minute Zodiac ride along Vancouver’s harbour, English Bay, Stanley Park, False Creek, and the North Shore. Your captain may be Dawson, Yas, Jake, Thomas, or another local guide. Expect lively commentary, speeds up to 55 km/h, possible bald eagles and seals, free photos, and a good chance of getting wet.
“We LOVED this tour. Captain Jake was amazing and very knowledgeable. Also just a fun boat captain…got our adrenaline up with a bit of speed out on the water. Always made sure everyone was comfortable. Pointed out bald eagles and seals along the way. Beautiful scenery and a lovely way to spend the morning on the water in Vancouver. We would definitely do it again!”
Saute-Moutons takes you from Old Montreal into the St. Lawrence for a choice of 20-minute spin boating, a 45-minute dry sightseeing cruise, or a 60-minute soaking ride through the Lachine Rapids. Guides such as Raphael, Noah, Tyler, and Eric are known for mixing safety instructions with lively commentary. Bring a swimsuit and towel for the wet ride.
“Very fun 360 spins 👍 But we never received our pics or videos that we paid for.”
Join Orca Spirit Adventures at Victoria’s Inner Harbour for a 3-hour-20-minute Zodiac trip toward Race Rocks. Guides such as Shannon, Tyler, Vicky, Gareth, and Phoenix lead small groups of up to 12 past Fisgard Lighthouse and marine wildlife. Expect spray, cold air, quick boat movement, and a real chance to see orcas and humpbacks.
“Shane gave a very enthusiastic, fun, and informative tour ! Saw both orcas and humpbacks, couldn’t ask for more ! Would def do again !”
Join Prince of Whales in Telegraph Cove for a three-hour Zodiac trip with up to 12 passengers. Guide Scottie may point out orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, dolphins, otters, and eagles while you speed across Johnstone Strait in a warm flotation suit.
“Fantastic Tour in all Aspects absolutely recommended. Great Guide, boat, friendly Staff. Best wahle Tour I ever had.”
From Lewiston, New York, you’ll spend 45 minutes on the lower Niagara River with a guide and captain such as Hannah and Adam. Choose the open Wet Jet for a full soaking or the covered Jet Dome to stay dry. Expect Class 5 rapids, Devil’s Hole, a 365-degree spin, river history, and big views, but not the Falls themselves.
“We had an amazing time. Captain Jason is a master! He's the best of the best no doubt. And Tori made the trip even more fun with her wit and charm. I definitely recommend it for anyone looking for excitement.”
Suit up in a complimentary flotation suit, then ride an open-air Zodiac from Victoria into the Salish Sea. Your English-speaking skipper may point out orcas, humpbacks, seals, sea lions, porpoises, eagles, and marine birds while explaining local ecology. Guides such as Jasper, Heather, Ian, and Tyson have led memorable outings.
“Amazing! Great fun on the zodiak and soooo amazing to see whales up close! Would definitely do it again.”
Ride 45 minutes upriver from Niagara-on-the-Lake through Devil’s Hole Class V rapids to the Niagara Whirlpool. The glass dome keeps you dry while your captain handles the waves and your guide explains the gorge, river, and local history. The boat does not visit Niagara Falls. Guides may include Chris, Vinny, Grace, Sara, or Jordan.
“Sara and Jordan was amazing. First time ever tryed the Dry jet Boat Tour and we had amazing time. Sara was so friendly and knowledgeable and her singing is to die for and the driver Jordan gave us a thrilling ride that makes you want to go on the wet side of the boat. Definitely will do this again and we hope to see Sara and Jordan do this tour again. Everyone needs to try this Dry Jet Boat Tour when they visit Nigeria Falls. Thank you for the amazing experience..”
Join Vancouver Water Adventures for a three-hour Zodiac ride from Granville Island through English Bay, past Stanley Park and under the Lion’s Gate Bridge, then up Indian Arm to Granite Falls. Guides such as Marco, Cassie, Ray, and Zach are known for clear commentary, local stories, and good boat handling. Survival suits and lifejackets are provided.
“an excellent 3 hour adventure with great sightseeing. Small vessel so not too many people/crowding. Driver/skipper was very nice and provided good commentary.”
