Marcin Chadey
Wide open cruising on Desolation Sound.
Words by David Mailloux
Boaters are inspired when they discover something new – a location they didn’t know or an experience they didn’t expect, a jewel found along the way. Exploration leads to many rewards; satisfying one’s curiosity, allowing one’s spirit to investigate, to push personal boundaries, and owning the experience. Discoveries are shared with friends and family, and lead to charting the next journey…the next reward, another memorable experience.
Mike
Cruising near Langdale.
The BC Coast offers boaters majestic, untamed nature that simply amazes recreational boaters as it’s interspersed with funky beach towns, fishing villages, and welcoming wilderness lodges. Pick a cruising pleasure among the warm, hospitable Salish Sea, mazes of islands, fjords, and channels, or the open coast of Vancouver Island West and Haida Gwaii. Purchase supplies at one of the scattered communities or wilderness lodges and then explore in solitude.
No location offers more discoveries, more rewards, and more experiences than the Wild, but civilized coast of British Columbia. Discovering BC from the advantage of its coastal waters sets up boaters for new experiences with each charted course. The ahoybc.com website is designed to assist boaters to explore and find new discoveries.
Karen Neoh
Welcoming communities and marinas are found all along the BC Coast.
Civilized Charm, Worldly and Wild Beauty
Coastal regions offer different types of navigational and wilderness experiences and there are many directories to seek out new marinas, seaside communities, adventure charter tours, and more.
British Columbia’s unparalleled network of coastal marine parks and protected areas ensure boaters will get an eyeful of whales, seals, otters, grizzly and black bears, and the oafish moose. Whales breach nearby, grizzlies vie for salmon, and eagles soar and dive. These are some of the best fishing waters in the world and fishing pressure is low in the archipelagos, and more remote coasts where Chinook and other salmon abound. Pacific halibut, rockfish, and lingcod also lurk below the surface – just imagine the taste of fresh halibut right out of the water.
QCL Shooter
Of course, marine wildlife can be spotted throughout the region.
Enjoy the Enticing Flavours
Words by Dawn Postnikoff
The coastal waters of British Columbia are world-renowned for their remote beauty with hundreds of hidden coves and gorgeous beaches to explore. For myself and many boaters, it’s the extraordinary culinary experiences that dictate where to visit next. Of course, it’s also wise to always be on the lookout for that perfect little bay to drop anchor, but what to throw on the barbecue after arriving? What unique local products might be discovered, and what memorable pit stops will there be along the way?
Invariably the discussion revolves around the hidden gems and little farm markets to browse, breweries to visit, and award-winning restaurants that are just a stone’s throw from the water’s edge. Each coastal community has unique “must tries” as recommended by residents or a food experience that locals hope visitors will take in—and then take home to share with friends and family.
Blake Handley
Wine and dine to your heart’s content.
One of my favourite cruising memories was at Silva Bay on Gabriola Island, a few years before the Silva Bay Pub burned down. I was sitting in the cockpit of our 23’ Clipper, sipping my coffee and contemplating yet another dish of yogurt and granola.
My husband wandered up to the marina for a shower and returned with a plate of fresh waffles topped with local blackberries and farm-fresh whipped cream — he had found a food cart at the top of the dock. It was nothing fancy – a paper plate and plastic utensils – but it was unexpected and delicious, and still on my mind so many years later.
Destination BC Andrew Strain
The local cuisine is simple, yet fresh and delicious.
Coastal communities along the west coast of BC are picturesque, welcoming and so much fun to explore. They are also home to Saturday farmers’ markets with hundreds of local artisan producers, world-class breweries, distilleries, and wineries often within walking distance from a marina. There are pubs and restaurants serving produce from their own gardens and chefs who work with local fishermen, foragers, and producers to bring a “taste of place” to their customers.
To get away from the cockpit for a day, whether on foot, bicycle, or island shuttles that are commonly available at popular destinations, visit one of the many wineries or cideries, find a fresh-baked loaf of sourdough and some local blueberry preserves to go with it. Imagine a picnic with artisan cheese, smoked salmon, pepperoni, and some of the world’s finest oysters.
While boating is a great way to unwind and escape the city, now more than ever, it is also a way to visit BC’s coastal communities and support the local small businesses along the way. It’s surprising how the taste of the coast lingers. Discover something new. Explore a little further. Experience the taste of place. For more information visit www.ahoybc.com
Indigenous Tourism BC