The coastal waters of British Columbia are considered to be amongst the finest boating destinations in the world, with over 27,000 kilometres of ocean coastline harbouring over 6,000 idyllic islands and islets, deep fjords and a plethora of sheltered and unspoilt bays and pocket beaches.  Swiftsure sailboats in Victoria’s Inner Harbour Photo: Russ HeinlThe Strait of Georgia, between the mainland and Vancouver Island, is protected from the mighty Pacific Ocean by the 450-kilometre long island, providing wonderfully sheltered waters for sailing and boating. The Gulf Islands, the majority of which lie in the rain-shadow of Vancouver Island, are exceptional cruising destinations with a near Mediterranean climate. Experienced sailors can challenge the Pacific Ocean on a trip around Vancouver Island, an unforgettable adventure exploring the incredibly rugged and remote west coast of the island. A magnificent and unique network of over 80 provincial marine parks protect the scenic coastline and marine ecosystems, stretching from Discovery Island at the junction of Haro and Juan de Fuca Straits in the south, to Kitson Island off Prince Rupert in the North. These pristine parks provide a chain of sheltered havens and secluded, cozy anchorages for all boaters cruising the west coast of British Columbia. Mooring buoys are provided, government floats are available for transient moorage, park dinghy floats are provided, and a number of the parks have rings installed for stern lines where swinging room is limited. Camping ashore is permitted in designated locations in most marine parks. In some places along the coastline, like Gambier Island on the Sunshine Coast, log booms are stored along the shoreline in logboom storage areas. Small craft are permitted to moor alongside the log booms for short periods of time. If you elect to stay overnight, be ready for the tug’s horn to jerk you out of the land of nod at any time of the night!  Swiftsure sailboats in Victoria’s Inner Harbour Photo: Russ HeinlThe most popular sailing and boating areas are the Queen Charlotte Islands, the Inside Passage leading north from Vancouver Island to Prince Rupert, Douglas Channel in Northern BC, and the Gulf Islands. Off the coastal mainland, Desolation Sound north of Powell River, Princess Louisa Inlet, Jervis Inlet and Howe Sound complete the list of the region;s best. Smuggler’s Cove, with it’s fascinating history, is considered to be the most popular anchorage on the Sunshine Coast The sailing season in BC is year-round, with coastal waters boasting an abundance of marine life, including sea lions, porpoises and orcas (killer whales), which provide great wildlife viewing and excitement under sail. Once securely anchored in your tranquil little haven, the crew can plunge overboard and swim, snorkel or dive in the warm waters, or dinghy ashore to dig for clams or beachcomb along the extensive tidal flats and pools. Many of the coastal areas and marine parks protect ancient middens, pictographs, petroglyphs and historical sites in areas steeped in First Nation culture. If you are on vacation to escape the grind of work, and you want to be pampered, then book a skippered sailing cruise in the Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound or the Queen Charlotte Islands. Relax and enjoy a real west coast sailing adventure on a charter that meets your needs, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Gulf Islands or explore the coastline and shores of Vancouver Island. The more adventurous can accompany a naturalist guide and embark on an outdoor adventure package combined with sailing or boating. British Columbia also boasts over 18,000 square kilometres of inland waters, with the larger lakes like Harrison Lake in southwestern BC; Windermere, Kootenay and Arrow Lakes in the BC Rockies, and Okanagan Lake in the Thompson Okanagan region. |