SunCruiser West Coast 2019
The BC Coast and Pacific Northwest: A True Boating Getaway
Words by Steve Fennell
As we once again bring you all the greatest destinations and exciting attractions of the British Columbia Coast and the expansive Pacific Northwest, these regions consist of all the natural beauty they encompassed when our first issue rolled off the press in 1997.
The ability to pack up, untie your lines, and head into the great expanse of the Pacific Ocean where you can escape to absolute tranquility at a moment’s notice is one of the main reasons this region is so popular among recreational boaters. You might hear a whale call, witness a family of seals slip in and out of the water, see an eagle soaring over head, or all kinds of wildlife meandering along the shoreline – all among pure nature at its finest.
It doesn’t matter where you start your journey. Escaping the mainland provides a great beginning to any destination regardless of how long or short it is. Whether you disembark from the metropolis of Vancouver or the series of smaller communities to the north or south, each is a gateway to unlimited adventure.
For instance, the Sunshine Coast is a destination all its own that will take you to places you’ve only read or heard about – and it’s ten times as exciting in person. Top spots like Jarvis Inlet, Copeland Island Marine Park, Desolation Sound – to name just a few – will keep you occupied and at ease for days. With many chances to drop anchor in quiet cove or inlet, why not wet a line for salmon or do some exploring in a kayak or tender? Trust us, you’ll be glad to you did. Many areas also offer moorage with easy access to trail heads for further exploration and discovery.
While it is all about the nature, don’t despair if you need a break from the helm or you’re hungry for some civilization. West Coast hideaways such as Salt Spring Island, the towns of Sidney and Galiano, Powell River, plus the many ports on Vancouver Island all provide great places to moor your vessel, take in some shopping or taste the local cuisine. If you’re a seafood lover – or serious foodie for that matter – you’re in luck. This is where you can savour the fresh catch of the day (that’s commonly caught just hours before it hits your plate) or indulge in a platter of oysters with a cold pint of a local craft beer. The choices – in a few words – are plentiful.
Cruising down along the BC coast will land in you south of the border in Washington State where many more destinations await. Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, and the boating friendly ports such as Port Townsend, Bellingham, Anacortes, even the large city centre of Seattle are all worth a visit.
If you’re not sure where to go or not familiar with a certain region or town, one of the great concepts of SunCruiser West Coast is our illustrated maps and detailed information about all the moorages, passageways, services, and amenities you require as a boater. Hazards, underwater obstructions even the location of select mooring balls are provided in full detail.
Boating the British Columbia Coast and the Pacific Northwest affords many opportunities to see this region up close and personal. Perhaps one of the greatest aspects of these regions, however, is you can’t experience it all in just one trip, which means you need to plan a different destination with every outing – or simply enjoy a personal favourite – season after season. – Steve Fennell
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