Vancouver, BC Private Investigator & Detective Agency

Key Takeaways: Shadow Investigations Ltd.

  • Full-service private investigation agency serving British Columbia since 1990
  • Services include surveillance, OSINT, background checks, skip tracing, polygraph testing, digital forensics, and undercover operations
  • Surveillance costs approximately $500 for a half-day or $1,000 for a full day within the Lower Mainland
  • BBB A+ accredited since 1999, recipient of the 2025 Consumer Choice Award, and rated #1 in Vancouver by The Best Vancouver in 2024
  • Offices in Vancouver, Surrey, and Kelowna — serving all of BC including the Fraser Valley and Interior
  • Led by Janet and Nathan Helm with over 35 years of investigative experience
  • Free consultation: 604-657-4499

Last Updated: March 7, 2026

Shadow Investigations Ltd. is a full-service private investigation agency that has operated in Vancouver since 1990. We are BBB A+ accredited since 1999, recipient of the 2025 Consumer Choice Award, rated #1 in Vancouver by The Best Vancouver in 2024, and licensed under BC’s Security Services Act. Our investigators handle infidelity, child custody, insurance fraud, skip tracing to locate individuals, background checks, OSINT, and workplace investigations across Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and the interior of BC. Free consultations are available at 604-657-4499.

Types of Cases We Commonly Investigate

Each investigation is unique, with its challenges and opportunities. The following typical case types generally share similar objectives and investigative methods, allowing us to effectively and cost-efficiently achieve your goals.

Private Investigator Vancouver Infidelity Cases as a woman confronts her husband with the results from the infidelity case.
Cheating Spouse | Infidelity Cases
Infidelity Cases
Obtain concrete evidence of an affair to break the cycle of accusations and denials, and make informed decisions about your future together.
Learn More
Private Investigator Vancouver Child Custody Cases as a mother enjoys time with her child after a successful case.
Child Custody | Family Law Cases
Child Custody Cases
Ensure custody decisions are made in your child’s best interest, prioritizing their safety and emotional health with decisive evidence to support your claims in legal proceedings.
Learn More
Private Investigator Vancouver Spousal Child Support as a private eye examines paperwork.
Alimony | Spousal Support | Child Support Cases
Spousal & Child Support Cases
Obtain evidence for modifying financial support arrangements when someone is living with a new partner, has a new job, is earning unreported income, or is not using the support money properly.
Learn More
Private Investigator Vancouver Wellness Check Case as a teenager smokes a cigarette while in heavy contemplation.
Teen Activity Check | Wellness Check Cases
Wellness Check Cases
Obtain evidence about your child or loved one’s behavior, social interactions, and general well-being. For family members worried about potential issues like substance abuse, negative influences, or other risky behaviors.
Learn More
Private Investigator Vancouver Business and Corporate Cases as a group of employee are seated in a meeting room to present the workplace misconduct investigation findings.
Business | Corporate Investigations
Business | Corporate Investigations
Foster a positive work environment with investigative services involving workplace misconduct, fraud and theft, intellectual property protection, mystery shopping, & employee work obligation fulfillment checks.
Learn More
Private Investigator Vancouver Disability Fraud Case as a female employee reports a fraudulent injury claim.
Insurance | Employee Disability Fraud Cases
Disability Fraud Cases
Uncover disability fraud by investigating the legitimacy of reported injuries and detecting deceitful practices, ensuring only valid claims are compensated while maintaining fairness for all policyholders.
Learn More

Investigative Methods We Employ for Cases

Our team of skilled private investigators and specialists utilize a range of investigative methods tailored to meet the specific requirements of each case. This flexible approach enhances our ability to conduct thorough and efficient investigations, helping you achieve your case objectives.

During your free consultation, we will discuss the most suitable investigative methods for your particular case.

Private Investigator Vancouver Surveillance Services as a private eye obtains video evidence while seated in a surveillance vehicle.
Surveillance
Surveillance
Surveillance investigators obtain video evidence while documenting an individual’s activities and associations offering you the advantage of gaining clear and undeniable insights into situations of concern.
Learn More & Our Rates
Private Investigator Vancouver Lie Detector Test polygraph examination machine with a printout of the test results.
Polygraph | Lie Detector Testing
Polygraph | Lie Detector Testing
A polygraph examination, commonly known as a lie detector test, is a scientific method used to assess the reliability of an individual’s statements by measuring physiological responses.
Learn More & Our Rates
Private Investigator Vancouver Skip Tracing service for Locating Individuals as a magnifying glass lays on a keyboard symbolizing the search.
Skip Tracing | Locating Individuals
Skip Tracing | Locating Individuals
Skip tracing involves gathering, analyzing, and combining information from sources such as public records, databases, and bills to determine an individual’s current address.
Learn More & Our Rates
Private Investigator Vancouver Background Check being done for an employer as the female investigator is seated at a desk.
Background Checks
Background Checks
A background check may include verifying a person’s personal, professional, and criminal history. They can also play a crucial role in uncovering hidden assets.
Learn More & Our Rates
Business executives shake hands during an Acquisition business merger after seeing results from an Investigative Due Diligence Review.
Due Diligence Reviews
Due Diligence Reviews
Identify and assess risks, verify information, and ensure compliance before committing to a business acquisition or merger.
Learn More & Rates
Private Investigator Vancouver OSINT Investigator working at a computer while doing an open-source intelligence investigation.
OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence)
OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence)
OSINT investigators gather data from publicly available sources, preserve evidence for legal proceedings, and present the findings in detailed reports.
Learn More & Our Rates
Private Investigator Vancouver Digital Forensics specialist analyzing a mobile phone for an investigation.
Digital Forensics
Digital Forensics
Digital forensic specialists restore, preserve and examine data from electronic devices like computers and mobile phones while gathering evidence for investigations.
Learn More & Our Rates
Private Investigator Vancouver Witness Statement Interview being taken as the private eye smiles while taking statement.
Witness Statement Interviews
Witness Statement Interviews
A witness statement is a formally written and signed account provided by a witness or a victim detailing their recounting of events and facts relevant to an ongoing investigation.
Learn More & Our Rates
Private Investigator Vancouver Undercover Operation and pretext inquiry as a female undercover operative obtains audio and video evidence of her interaction with the subject of investigation.
Undercover Operations | Pretext Inquiries
Undercover Operations | Pretext Inquiries
Undercover operatives obtain audio and video evidence of interactions with the subject of investigation often leading to more candid revelations that they might not disclose under formal questioning.
Learn More & Our Rates

Private Investigator Vancouver Services for Lasting Peace of Mind

At Shadow Investigations, we understand the sensitive nature of our clients’ issues. We proudly offer discreet and reliable investigative services, prioritizing confidentiality and addressing your concerns with the utmost care and professionalism.

Our investigators utilize state-of-the-art tools, techniques, and extensive experience to gather the information necessary to help you make informed decisions.

Why Choose Shadow Investigations?

icon 1

Tailored Strategies and Plans
Customized investigative solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs, delivering relevant and actionable insights.

icon 2

Leverage a Wealth of Experience
Seasoned investigators across diverse areas to efficiently navigate complex situations and deliver accurate results.

icon 3

Transparent Communication
Responsive and clear updates throughout the investigation, enabling informed decisions based on timely and precise information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to hire a private investigator in British Columbia?

The cost of hiring a private investigator depends on the type of investigation, the hours required, travel, and the investigative methods used. Surveillance cases are typically billed hourly, while services like background checks or skip tracing may have flat-rate pricing. Shadow Investigations provides free consultations to discuss your case and provide a customized estimate before any work begins.

Is hiring a private investigator legal in Canada?

Yes. Hiring a licensed private investigator in Canada is completely legal when investigations are conducted within provincial and federal privacy laws. Licensed investigators can legally perform surveillance, background checks, workplace investigations, skip tracing, and evidence gathering for personal, legal, or corporate matters.

What types of cases does Shadow Investigations handle?

Shadow Investigations handles a wide range of personal and corporate investigations, including infidelity investigations, child custody cases, insurance fraud, workplace misconduct, background checks, digital forensics, skip tracing, undercover operations, and surveillance services throughout British Columbia.

Will my investigation remain confidential?

Yes. Confidentiality is a top priority. All investigations are conducted discreetly using licensed investigators, unmarked vehicles, and secure communication practices. Client information, evidence, and case details are never shared without authorization.