Boating Activities in BC

Boating BC Assoc.

Just being on the water is an adventure! Boaters in British Columbia enjoy:

  • Quality time with friends and family
  • Fishing
  • Exploring historic sites
  • Gunkholing (exploring different anchorages away from the crowds)
  • Luxury destinations

Quality Time with Friends and Family

There’s something incredibly rewarding in the changes that come over friends and family when they go out boating with you for the first time. They quickly discover a whole new world of experiences. Whether it’s the thrill of catching a fish, learning to wakeboard or taking the helm for the first time, sharing these discoveries is a bonding experience not to be missed.

Boating is also a great way to spend time with your children or grandchildren. There are many tasks that can be assigned to teach youngsters responsibility and being out in nature and on the water is as much fun for you as it is for them.

With the stress of work and home left behind, friends and family begin to see the world from a different perspective, where enjoying the moment, each other’s company and the majesty of our natural environment become the truly important things in life. Chances are that the unforgettable memories of their first boating experience will soon have guests yearning for their own boat.

Fishing

BC boasts some of the world’s top saltwater and freshwater fishing for all levels of anglers. If you’re a beginner to the sport, going out with an expert professional fishing guide or visiting a fishing lodge is an excellent way to get your feet wet. Alternatively, do the legwork yourself and scout out renowned fishing locations such as Campbell River, Port Alberni, Haida Gwaii and Rivers Inlet.

Although not as exciting as catching a salmon, it’s hard to beat the taste of fresh shellfish. For this reason alone, Dungeness crab, red rock crab, spot prawns, oysters and clams are favourites for boaters, and they are easily caught in most areas along the BC coast.

Exploring Historic Sites

BC's history is rich in First Nations' culture and many artifacts, buildings and artwork remain from the hundreds of tribal villages that once dotted the coast. Ancient totem poles and remnants from long-abandoned longhouses can be visited in many locations and most require travel by boat to get there. Relics such as large middens (layers of broken clam shells left by centuries of First Nations habitation) have been dated at more than 6,000 years old.

Gunkholing

Gunkholing (exploring different anchorages away from the crowds) is a favourite activity for boaters in BC, because there is an almost unlimited number of them to explore! Find your own private cove to snuggle your boat into and enjoy a refreshing swim, sunbathe on a sandy beach, poke around ashore, beachcomb, collect shellfish and at the end of the day, relax with a glass of wine while enjoying a famous West Coast crimson sunset. The next day, pull up the anchor and go in search of your next adventure.

Luxury destinations

If you’re looking for a destination that offers world-class dining, casual drinks on a pub patio or perhaps a day at the spa while moored at a luxury resort, there are plenty of marine resorts that cater to boaters who want to enjoy the best of BC in a spectacular setting.

Originally published here.