The Joys of Boating in Vancouver

Marinas, anchorages, and services provide perfect day trips or multi-day adventures in and around one of Canada’s most western cities.

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Words by Steve Fennell

The city of Vancouver has a great vibe that welcomes recreational boaters every summer. If you’ve never visited ‘Van,’ it might be hard to imagine what the appeal is of boating along the shores of Canada’s third-largest city. However, accommodating, full-service marinas and boat launches both provide access to many attractions on land and a variety of destinations on the water.

Weeks can be spent exploring the entire BC coast, but for transient boaters passing through the area or those with a boat in tow looking to spend a few days exploring the area, this city by the sea has many wonderful destinations that are never too far from a slip and still offer a true sense of adventure.

False Creek

Coming from the north or south on the Strait of Georgia, False Creek is accessed via the Burrard Inlet and English Bay where you can find a variety of marinas and/or anchorages. Although anchoring is not permitted within the navigable channel, there are designated areas to stay on the water.

If you plan on visiting for more than eight hours, anchoring permits are required. They can be obtained from the Heather Civic Marina at no cost and allow you to anchor for a maximum of 14 full or partial days of 30 days during high season (April 1 to September 30) and 21 days of 40 days in low season (October 1 to March 31). Transient docking is also available at the marinas with many services and amenities.

Once at an anchorage, there are several designated dinghy docks along the shore and the marinas where you can visit some George Wainborn and David Lam parks, or make the short trip to popular Stanley Park, which is about a 10-12 minute Uber or Lyft ride from most of the marinas in False Creek.

While you’re out and about, the Granville Island Public Market is the place to buy fresh produce, meats, and seafood and the area also has art galleries, craft breweries, great dining options and more - it’ll be a morning or an afternoon well spent.

When you’re cruising through False Creek, always be alert for tenders or paddle boats and adhere to the designated five-knot (max) speed, which is marked at the channel’s entrance.

Deep Cove

If you cruise north on the north side of Burrard Inlet and motor under the Lions Gate Bridge, you’ll find yourself in Vancouver Harbour in the North part of the city. The bridge stands 111 m (364 ft) and stretches 1.5 km (.9 mi) and is considered to be the longest suspension bridge in Western Canada.

The harbour has several full-service marinas if moorage or fuel is needed but if you keep on the throttle, you’ll come to the shores of Deep Cove. Located south of Indian Arm, this sheltered area is quiet and well, just beautiful. There’s a marina, yacht club with reciprocal privileges, and great opportunities to drop anchor for an afternoon or longer.

Deep Cove North Shore Marina offers transient moorage for boats up to 20 m (65 ft) with shorepower as well as water, fuel and restrooms. It’s also just a short walk (about 15 minutes) to Deep Cove’s downtown district where there’s a choice of dining options and unique shops.  If you arrive in Deep Cove with a boat in tow, a launch ramp is located at Cates Park/Whey-ah-Wichen and the Gallant Wharf offers moorage. The former is the largest waterfront park in North Van.

To further explore the area, hike part of the Baden-Powell Trail, which leads from Deep Cove to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. While you don’t have to hike the whole 48 km (30 mi), this portion lends great views of the area.

Bowen Island

Visiting Bowen Island will feel like you’re escaping the busy metropolis but it’s still considered part of Metro Vancouver, minus some of the congestion and city stress.

Located in Howe Sound across from Horseshoe Bay, Bowen Island is approximately 6 km (4 mi) wide and 12 km (7 mi) long and has three marinas in Snug Cove, which are open all year and approximately 5.6 km (3 nautical mi) from the Horseshoe Bay Marina in West Vancouver.

The largest facility, the Union Steamship Company Marina, offers moorage with stable floats for boats between 3 m (10 ft) and 61 m (200 ft), 30-/50-amp showepower, and many amenities. It’s the only marina on the island with reservations available, which is recommended during the busy summer months and weekends. Day moorage is also available and where you can relax at the Doc Morgan's pub and restaurant.

Another mooring option includes Snug Cove Dock, which has limited day use and overnight moorage and monthly moorage from September 16 to June 15. All moorage fees must be paid in advance and payment envelopes are at the Wharfinger Shack at the top of the ramp.

These facilities are considered to be ‘the jumping-off point’ to the area’s activities and attractions. For example, The Union Steamship Company Marina and Bowen Island Marina and Pier are nearby to a number of dining options, art galleries, and unique boutiques.

Outdoor adventure is also game with many opportunities to go hiking, biking, and kayaking. There’s even the Bowen Island Golf Club, a nine-hole track where you can practice your game amongst incredible views.  (*Ed Note: Gas/diesel is not available on the island and many refuel at the marinas in Horseshoe Bay, Gibsons, or Vancouver.)

www.tourismbowenisland.com

English Bay

With many boat launches along the shore and with easy accessibility from the Strait of Georgia or Burrard Inlet, English Bay offers a great cruising experience with water-to-shore views of Stanley Park, the North Shore Mountains and English Bay Beach, which is one of the most popular strips of sand in the city.

On calmer days - and especially evenings -  perhaps throw the throttle back and casually idle along the shore to enjoy the scenery - the sunsets can be pretty stunning just before night falls. If you venture further around the bay, you’ll see the shore dotted with yacht clubs and more beaches including Jericho Beach Park on the south side of the bay, Spanish Bay Beach, and Locarno Beach.

Before cruising or planning a day trip on English Bay, keep in mind to stay alert for paddle boats, or tenders and always give a wide berth to commercial and government vessels.

www.vancouver.ca

These are just a few of the destinations in and around the city of Vancouver to visit whether you’re just passing through the area or staying to enjoy the city life for a few days. For more trip ideas and places to visit on the water check out www.hellobc.com or www.portofvancouver.com For a list of pumpout stations in the area be sure to visit www.vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/sewage-pump-outs.aspx