Vancouver by Sea
About Vancouver by Sea

Vancouver from the water.

Small group and private sailing experiences on the Salish Sea, led by experienced local captains with deep roots in Vancouver's waters.

Sailing with Vancouver by Sea
Our story

Built by sailors. Rooted in Vancouver.

Vancouver by Sea grew out of MacSailing, one of Canada's leading sailing schools operating from Jericho Sailing Centre since 1999. Developed by local sailors with decades of experience on these waters, VBS brings that same depth of knowledge to curated guest experiences.

Every outing is led by experienced local captains who know Vancouver's coastline intimately. The result is not a tour — it's an immersive time on the water, shaped by the day's conditions, guided by people who genuinely love this place.

1999
Operating since, through MacSailing
25+
Years on Vancouver's waters
4
Partner experiences available in 2026
1
City. Seen best from the water.
Vancouver by Sea on the water
Our approach

No fixed script. Every outing is its own.

Routes, pace, and timing respond to weather, light, and the moment rather than a predetermined programme. This creates experiences that feel genuinely immersive — grounded in nature, conversation, and a strong sense of place.

We work with partners who share these values: Indigenous-led cultural operators, museums, and conservation organisations whose expertise deepens what a day on the water can mean.

  • Conditions-led
    Every departure adapts to the day. Wind, light, tides, and pace all shape what the experience becomes.
  • Small and intimate
    Group sizes are kept small. The goal is connection — to the water, to the city, to the people you're with.
  • Safety first
    Operated with rigorous safety standards and trusted partners including Mustang Survival.
  • Environmental stewardship
    Informed by collaboration with Ocean Wise and Parks Canada. We care about the waters we sail.
Vancouver by Sea experience
Vancouver by Sea
Vancouver by Sea captain
Territory acknowledgement

Vancouver by Sea operates on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples. We recognise our responsibility to these lands and waters, and are committed to operating with respect, reciprocity, and ongoing support for Indigenous communities and their rights.

sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) · sel̓íl̓witulh (Tsleil-Waututh) · xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam)

Our partners

Experiences built with people who know this place.

Cultural partner
Talaysay Tours
An Indigenous-owned and operated company offering authentic cultural experiences on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples. Together we deliver the Salish Sea Journey — a land and water experience rooted in Indigenous knowledge, ecology, and stewardship.
Visit Talaysay Tours →
Museum partner
Vancouver Maritime Museum
The Vancouver Maritime Museum shares the stories, vessels, and coastal history that shaped this city. Together we've created the Vancouver Maritime Experience — a museum visit followed by a private sail along the coast.
Visit the museum →
Conservation partner
Ocean Wise
Our environmental approach is informed by collaboration with Ocean Wise, helping ensure our operations support rather than diminish the marine ecosystems we sail through.
Learn about Ocean Wise →
Safety partner
Mustang Survival
All on-water safety equipment is supplied by Mustang Survival, one of the world's leading marine safety brands. Guest safety is non-negotiable on every departure.
Learn about Mustang Survival →

Ready to get on the water?

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