Boating in Vancouver: Feel the Vibe

Mosquito Creek Marina is a one-stop marine facility that combines all the marine services you need with the exciting “buzz” of west coast city life.

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Words by Steve Fennell

There are many small towns, villages, and rural out-of-the-way communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. While many are worthy of a visit with its charming atmospheres and scenic settings, there’s a certain allure to visiting larger cities and the full-service marinas that line the shorelines.

Many museums, professional sporting events, mainstream live entertainment and just the excitement of a big city downtown district are just some of the popular draws. If it’s a little more action and nightlife you’re looking for during your boating trip along the BC Coast, The Mosquito Creek Marina and Boatyard is the gateway to all of this and more.

Visiting this boating haven has many benefits, especially if you’re travelling from afar. Located in North Vancouver (or North Van as it’s locally known), and easily accessible from the Salish Sea and the Gulf Islands, the marina has an abundant of marine services. Plus, if you require boat parts, service, fuel, marine supplies, or more, you’ll find it here. 

For instance, the marina, which has ample transient moorage among its overall slip capacity of 530 vessels, is outfitted with all of the essentials including 30- and 50-amp shorepower, shower and laundry facilities, pumpout stations, to name a few of the amenities. All slips are also gated and secured.

For more specific needs, its fully-equipped boat yard has a 50-ton travel lift in the event your vessel needs extensive services or repairs, which can all be completed by the various ABYC master-certified tenants. From welding, machining and electronics installations to fibreglass repair and joinery, no job is too big, small or specific. Of course, certified engine mechanics for Cummins, MerCruiser, Volvo Penta, and Yanmar Marine are on-site.

If your boat is in top form, however, just relax in any one of its transient slips or venture out to enjoy what the city has to offer. What makes the marina extra convenient for visiting boaters is its accessibility to nearby attractions and services.

The recently completed Spirit Trail winds through the marina grounds and links Deep Cove to West Vancouver.  Popular among walkers, cyclists, and joggers, it’s leads to nearby Lonsdale Quay Market, restaurants, craft breweries, a hotel, grocery stores and shops along Esplanade Avenue.  Or, admire excellent views of downtown Vancouver at the nearby Waterfront Park.

To check out more of the “big city” and to find out why it’s so popular, take the City SeaBus to Downtown Vancouver. There’s a terminal close to the marina and the passenger-only ferry makes scheduled trips from the North Shore. It departs every 15 minutes during the day.

Downtown Vancouver is where you can find more action. Stanley Park is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and is where you can admire its many landmarks, monuments, First Nations totem poles, vibrant gardens or giant western red cedars, bigleaf maples, and Douglas firs – some are centuries old. In addition to the many attractions, families and couples alike will enjoy the Vancouver Aquarium, the many available tours that meander through the park, countless of walking trails, and dining options.

A nine-minute taxi drive away (traffic pending) is Granville Island, and the popular Granville Island Public Market. You’ll want to see this. Known as “the jewel in the Island’s crown” this indoor market has a fascinating assortment of food and produce stores, a vast selection of handcrafted products and unique gifts, and an array of seafood, fresh meats, baked breads, organic produce, dairy, and more. The market is perfect way to replenish your galley. 

Back at the marina, one development you’ll notice is its unique, modern float home community that was developed by Spirit Trail Ocean Home Development. Introduced in recent years, the float home community has become very popular and is considered the first residence of its kind in Canada. Devised as a viable option to live right on the water, residences include chic, multi-story dwellings with excellent views of the marina and Vancouver Harbour. However, don’t let the float home moniker fool you. These residences have several amenities including on-demand hot water, stainless steel gas appliances, spacious decks, comfortable, plush living spaces and more.

As there are many highlights when visiting The Mosquito Creek Marina and Boatyard it’s hard to see everything in one visit. Be sure to visit www.mosquitocreekmarina.com and www.tourismvancouver.com  for more information and to make the most of your time in Canada’s second largest city.