When you hop aboard a Sea Vancouver tour, you get a front-row seat to one of the most stunning coastlines in the world!

As our Zodiacs cruise out of False Creek and head out toward Burrard Inlet, we cruise right by some of Vancouver’s most beloved beaches. While today these beaches are famous for volleyball and spectacular sunsets, their history is deeply tied to the earliest days of Vancouver’s maritime exploration and a few local legends

The Legend of Joe Fortes at English Bay

You cannot talk about the history of English Bay without mentioning the man who watched over it. Seraphim “Joe” Fortes was a sailor from Trinidad who arrived in Vancouver in 1885. He fell in love with English Bay, originally living in a tent on the beach before eventually moving into a small cottage near the water.

Long before there was an official parks board, Joe volunteered his time as a swimming instructor and informal guard for the bathers. He taught thousands of local children how to swim and was a true hero to anyone in distress in the water. He officially saved 29 lives, though historians believe the real number of rescues was much higher. The city eventually made him Vancouver’s first official lifeguard, and he remains a Vancouver legend today!

A Vancouver Favourite: Kitsilano Beach

Further along the coastline sits Kitsilano Beach, one of Vancouver’s most popular waterfront destinations. Known locally as Kits Beach, it offers beautiful views across English Bay towards the North Shore mountains and is a favourite spot for swimming, beach volleyball and relaxing by the water. From the water on our tours, Kits Beach offers a different perspective of the neighbourhood. You’ll spot its sandy shoreline and the iconic Kitsilano Pool, one of Canada’s longest outdoor swimming pools. Opened in 1931, the heated saltwater pool has been a Vancouver summer favourite for generations.

Today, Kits Beach remains an important part of Vancouver’s outdoor lifestyle, bringing together locals and visitors who come to enjoy the beach, take in the views and spend time along the waterfront.

More Than Just a Boat Ride

There’s plenty to discover along Vancouver’s coastline! On each tour, Sea Vancouver Crew members share facts and stories about the city’s history, local beaches and landmarks. You can get a sense of what Vancouver looked like to the early explorers who navigated these waters over 200 years ago.

It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective while learning a little more about what makes it so unique!