Destination BC/Tom Ryan
Aerial view of Quadra Island
Ahoy BC
Boldly go: 70% of boaters never leave the Salish Sea. That means 80% of our coastal region remains for them to explore. These regions are more remote. There are fewer boaters and distances between communities and marinas are greater. The grandeur and solitude of the Broughton Archipelago and the power of coast and sea on the west side of Vancouver Island beckon all who have a pleasure craft.
There are three perceptions that block boaters from exploring remote regions:
- Number one is navigational challenges. It's true, one needs to be a seasoned skipper to safely explore endless island mazes or brave the exposed Pacific. Tidal rapids are most often the defining challenge, but with proper timing, passage is uneventful.
- The second perception is you are all alone. It's true there are fewer boats the further north you go, but you are never far from others. There is more civilization in the wet back than many think, with marinas and resorts within easy day-sailing distance. The hospitality comforts may surprise you and you will enjoy them all the more for the adventure.
- Poor weather is the third perception. Not true. For most of the boating seasons, air temperatures and rainfall in all but northernmost regions are similar to what's going on in the Salish Sea. True, once your out of the Salish, water temperatures are cooler.
Destination BC
Bamfield, Vancouver Island
In order to encourage boaters to boldly go, we will add content to our Vancouver Island West, Discovery Islands and Broughton Archipelago sections of our website. Island Coastal Economic Trust and Destination BC are our partners in this Remote Regions project. Look for information on every type of service, best anchorages and navigational tips in the near future.