Destination BC Tom Ryan
Vancouver has a great choice of full-service marinas with a number of city attractions that are always accessible.
Words by Steve Fennell
Vancouver and nearby Howe Sound serve recreational boaters well. Both are easily accessible on the water, welcome countless visitors every year and can provide memorable cruising experiences.
One day you can be captivated by all of the vibes of Vancouver, while the next you can make the short run from its urban sprawl and observe the towering fjords in Howe Sound. What’s more, all in between are unique attractions, moorages, and opportunities for wide-open cruising.
Marinas, too, are available at both destinations. There are a number of options in Vancouver’s protected harbours or inlets, and you always have choices near or in Howe Sound. Reorganize, refuel, or plan a day of exploring. Here are a few ‘marinas of interest’ to plan your next trip in these exciting boating regions.
False Creek and Vancouver Harbour
Mosquito Creek Marina
With 500-plus slips and a plethora of services, Mosquito Creek Marina is one of the larger marine facilities in the Vancouver metro area. It’s easily accessible from Burrard Inlet and located on the north side of Vancouver Harbour.
Owned and operated by Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation, the economic development arm of the Squamish Nation, the Mosquito Creek Marina has a variety of new developments for 2023. A gated marina with 24/7 security, Mosquito Creek will be adding a new secure FOB system, an automated boatyard gate and 60-plus cameras, providing coverage of the parking lot, boatyard, dock gates, and even along the nearby Spirit walking trail.
During your visit this season, you’ll appreciate that the transient slips have 30- or 50-amp shorepower, dock boxes, and are conveniently located near the laundry facilities, showers, the fuel dock (with gas/diesel) and the pump-out station. Plans are also in the works for a new break wall and a new dock redesign in the near future.
Fyfe Photography
Mosquito Creek Marina on the north side of Vancouver Harbour is one of the larger marine facilities in the area and is easily accessible from Burrard Inlet.
In the event your engine(s) sustained damage during your travels, Mosquito Creek offers service for Cummins, MerCruiser, Volvo Penta, and Yanmar Marine. A 50-ton travel lift is also on-site as well as a variety of tenants that are ABYC master-certified. They can complete welds, machining, fibreglass repair, and re-wiring. Part supplies are even available.
What’s also appealing, the marina is near the Spirit Trail, which is ideal for walking and cycling and leads to a variety of local shops and dining options at the Lonsdale Quay Market. If you want to see more of Vancouver, take City SeaBus downtown. The terminal is close to the marina and the ferry makes scheduled trips throughout the day.
Online booking for transient moorage, travel lift services and more information can be found at www.mosquitocreekmarina.com.
Coal Harbour Marina
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Coal Harbour Marina is conveniently close to dining options, attractions, nightly entertainment, markets and many other services. Of special interest that’s close to the marina is the Vancouver Convention Centre, where you can admire public art, and Jack Poole Plaza, which was one of the staging areas of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Stanley Park is a convenient 10-minute walk or enjoy excellent downtown shopping, Science World and the Vancouver Art Gallery.
While you’re out and about, Coal Harbour Marina’s gated 24/7 security will provide peace of mind and it’s even sheltered from inclement conditions with the facility’s triple breakwater system. In addition to the 242 berths, the marina can accommodate boats from 9 to more than 91 m (30 to 300 ft) and guest moorage is available.
Additional services include 30, 50, and 100-amp shorepower, laundry and shower facilities, as well as arrival and departure assistance.
Fyfe Photography
Lynnwood Marina is a ‘one-stop-shop marina’ with a new 75-ton travel lift, a variety of marine trades, as well as gas and diesel.
Lynnwood Marina and Boat Yard
Also managed by the Nch’ḵay̓ Development Corporation on the northside of Vancouver Harbour, Lynnwood Marina and Boatyard is another full-service facility. While transient docking is not available, it does offer year-round and seasonal moorage with a choice of open and enclosed slips.
Billing itself as a ‘one-stop-shop marina,’ Lynnwood has a new 75-ton travel lift with marine trades on site that can complete fibreglass work, electronics installation, outboard repairs and there’s even an excellent parts supply store. Gas and diesel are also available.
For 2023, marina management has plans to add new washroom facilities, a dock gate, gazebo, as well as paving upgrades and a dock expansion.
False Creek
Burrard Civic Marina
Burrard Civic Marina, just one of the choices in False Creek, is situated at the mouth of English Bay, making it easily accessible for transient boaters visiting the area. The marina offers transient moorage for boats up to 12 m (40 ft) among its 423-slips and some of the convenient services include power, water, and free pump-out facilities. Recycling services for oil, oil filters, antifreeze and batteries are on site and the grounds are secured with card key access and manned security.
Once you’re tied off in a slip, explore the immediate area with your tender as short-term dinghy docks are available at David Lam Park, Stamps Landing, and Creekside Park. The popular Granville Market is also nearby with boat slips available. Stanley Park, too, is about a 10 to 12-minute drive as are several other exciting downtown attractions to experience.
West Vancouver and Howe Sound
Navigating northwest from any one of the Vancouver marinas will lead to Howe Sound. Once you round Point Atkinson and enter Horseshoe Bay, you’ll be among North America’s most southern Fjords with opportunities to enjoy full-throttle cruising, fishing, and excellent kayaking.
Although there are many anchorages amongst the scattered islands, the local marinas are just as accommodating. They all serve as a great home base and if you’re new to the area, friendly staff are more than willing to suggest local destinations to visit.
Casey Raine
A fourth-generation family business on Horseshoe Bay in West Van, Sewell’s is located just across from Bowen Island in Howe Sound.
Sewell’s Marina
Sewell’s Marina is a fourth-generation family business on Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, just across from Bowen Island in Howe Sound.
A full-service marina with designated transient slips, Sewell’s has a fuel dock with mid-grade gas/diesel, and a launch ramp while rentals, boat tours, and even fishing charters are available. The Lookout Coffee Shop is a favourite among boaters and offers scenic views of the water. Many visiting boaters often take a short stroll to any one of the nearby dining choices in West Vancouver. A nice option is the Olive and Anchor Restaurant, just minutes from the marina.
Another popular attraction for 2023, which neighbours Sewell’s, is Horseshoe Bay Park. Following an extensive revitalization project in recent years, the park will reopen this spring with new lookout structures on the water, landscaping, a playground, and washroom facilities. Decking and seating areas are other new additions.
Sunset Marina
Further north in Howe Sound is Sunset Marina, located just southeast of Boyer Island and across from the northern tip of Bowen Island.
This Howe Sound marina can accommodate boats up to 24 feet, has a fuel dock with marine-grade gasoline (diesel is not available) and its launch ramp is open 24/7. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking is even available and all vehicles must be registered at the front gate or the marina office.
Need boat or engine repair? Certified Mercury techs offer service or unexpected mechanical repairs while fibreglass work and engine rebuilds are also available. For more information about the possibility of transient docking when visiting the area, be sure to contact the marina before your visit at www. sunsetmarina.ca
Casey Raine
Cruising Howe Sound near Sewell’s Marina.
Union Steam Ship Co. Marine Resort
The Union Steam Ship Co. in Sung Cove is the largest marine facility on Bowen island and with its deep, protected waters, it can accommodate a wide range of boats all year.
For instance, there's moorage on stable floats to accommodate boat lengths from 3 m (10 ft) to 61 m (200 ft) and you'll appreciate the 30- and 50-amp shore power, showers and laundry facilities, a pump-out station and WiFi. An on-site chandlery is also open if you need parts or other boat gear.
The resort has a great Company Store with gifts, clothing, shoes, souvenirs, and housewares. One of the recent upgrades is the addition of solar power systems on all the buildings on its grounds, providing a clean, green source of energy for boaters and guests.
Reservations are available (and recommended) and once you’re here, enjoy Doc Morgan's Restaurant and Pub and more dining (and shopping) options are nearby. Plan your trip accordingly to visit the seasonal Bowen Island Farmers' Market that sells artisan crafts, baked goods, and local produce. Visit www.bcfarmersmarkettrail.com for hours of operation and slip availability.
It's also worth the trip from Vancouver (or other coastal destinations) to experience some of Bowen Island's upcoming events. On June 10, 2023, is the Round Bowen Race, which is the largest single-start sailing race on the West Coast. Some of the additional highlights include a BBQ and live entertainment. On July 22, 2023, is the second annual Canada Snug Cove Music Fest while on August 20th is the long-standing Dog Days of Summer, a fundraiser for the Coast Animal Welfare & Education Society (CAWES).
When visiting Bowen Island keep in mind that marine gas or diesel is not available so it's best to fuel up at the marinas in Horseshoe Bay, Gibsons, or Vancouver before your visit.