Boating Destinations in BC's West Coast

Boating BC Assoc.

Boating in British Columbia offers a variety of freshwater and coastal destinations for all tastes. Below are a few destinations on the West Coast.

Broughton Islands

Slightly more remote than Desolation Sound, the Broughton Islands boast pristine wilderness, picturesque waterways, very few people and some great offbeat marinas - all surrounded by breathtaking mountains and steep glacial fjords. Remnants of historic First Nations' villages remain as a testament to their once-thriving hubs. Explore the famous Yuculta Rapids, Johnstone Strait and the Broughton Archipelago.

Desolation Sound

Desolation Sound, made up of Cortes, Quadra and Sonora islands (to name a few), is one of BC's most popular boating destinations because of its many gunkholes, breathtaking scenery, wildlife watching, plentiful shellfish and unusually warm ocean temperatures. From the many coves and bays of Grace Harbour or Prideaux Haven to Squirrel Cove and Grace Harbour, this is a cruiser’s paradise in the summertime. It is also a very popular area for boaters from around the world who can charter a variety of sail and powerboats in nearby Comox on Vancouver Island.

Great Bear Rainforest

Wildlife is abundant in this vast area of temperate rainforest. Bald eagles, Sitka deer and bears—grizzlies, black bears and the rare white Spirit Bear—are all found here. Spend days watching humpback whales, orcas, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoises and harbour seals and enjoy the sounds and sights in one of the most untamed areas of BC.

Gulf Islands

Made up of more than a dozen large islands and too many islets and anchorages to count, the Gulf Islands are BC’s most popular cruising grounds. Their popularity is in part due to their close proximity to the major population centres of Vancouver and Victoria. Lying at the southwest end of the Strait of Georgia, this cluster of islands is surrounded by sheltered waters, strong tides and dramatic coastlines. Saltspring Island is the biggest of the Gulf Islands and has the most amenities, activities, restaurants and provisioning options. There are also many marinas and activities for boaters on the Penders, Mayne, and Gabriola islands. These are detailed in the many popular cruising guides

Haida Gwaii

Formerly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Haida Gwaii is made up of magnificent groves of ancient cedar and spruce, secluded inlets, hot springs and white-sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see. Haida Gwaii is a world-class boating destination for the truly adventurous cruiser seeking remote wilderness and peace and quiet. Boaters will revel in the great outdoors, with unique temperate rainforests and pristine beaches.

Overshadowing all this are the people of the Haida First Nation who oversee and protect the many ancient village sites where totems still stand and attract visitors from around the world.

The area is also home to some of the world’s top sport fishing lodges where by day guests battle giant salmon and halibut and then return to luxurious accommodation and gourmet meals at night.

Sunshine Coast

Cruising the Sunshine Coast has a little bit of everything for boaters and offers good provisioning stops if you’re heading up to Princess Louisa Inlet, Desolation Sound and points further north. Gibsons is a busy community with lots of restaurants and gift stores, and the Gibsons Marina is a one-stop shop for boaters needing service, power, fuel or provisions. Further up the coast, central Pender Harbour is a lively destination for boaters with many marinas, restaurants and outdoor activities to enjoy. At the head of Jervis Inlet, Princess Louisa’s spectacular Chatterbox Falls is said to be one of the most dramatic and beautiful places on earth.

West Coast of Vancouver Island

Open to the great expanse of the Pacific Ocean, the west coast of Vancouver Island, from Victoria to Winter Harbour, is made up of numerous islands that front long winding inlets and protected waterways. Rugged is perhaps the best word to describe this coastline, which looks much as it did when European explorers first made landfall here. There are hundreds of anchorages boaters are likely to have to themselves, though there are small communities throughout. There is great fishing for salmon, bottom-fish, crabs and more, and endless stretches of sandy beaches perfect for beachcombing.

Originally published here.