Howe Sound: Afternoon Sailing Tour from Squamish & Coastal Views

5.00

(241 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

We stepped onto the boat at the Squamish docks, shoes squeaking on damp wood, and right away I felt that weird mix of nerves and excitement. Our guide, Dave (who had those sun-creased eyes you only get from years outside), handed out lifejackets with a grin—said something about “legendary winds” up Howe Sound. I just nodded, pretending I knew what that meant. The sailboat felt bigger than I’d pictured—40 feet is no joke when you’re standing on it. As we drifted away from shore, someone pointed up at Stawamus Chief looming overhead, and honestly, it made me feel tiny in the best way.

The wind picked up as we passed Shannon Falls (you could hear it before you saw it—like distant applause). Dave let us help raise the sails, which was harder than I expected; my hands still smelled faintly of rope hours later. He explained how the fjord’s shape funnels the afternoon breeze right through here. There were kiteboarders out too—tiny dots dancing against the blue—and he waved to one who shouted something back in what sounded like French. At one point he asked if anyone wanted to take the helm. My partner nudged me forward so I did it, heart thumping. It wasn’t graceful but Dave just laughed and said everyone steers like a drunk moose their first time.

I didn’t expect to feel so peaceful out there—the water was dark and glassy under us except when a gust hit and we’d lean into it together. We saw a seal pop its head up near the bow (I swear it winked at us but maybe that’s just wishful thinking). The air was cool but not cold; you could taste salt if you licked your lips. We sailed farther north than I thought we would, with mountains hemming us in on every side. Someone kept snapping photos but honestly, none of them will catch that feeling of being surrounded by all that space and sky. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic.