Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Boating & Sailing
Sailing in Vancouver, Tourism BC/Cathy Lukovich photo
The Vancouver, Coast & Mountains region is home to some of the finest recreational boating playgrounds in the world. Explore serene coastal fjords, pristine marine parks and hundreds of islands, bays and coves – the opportunities are nearly limitless.
Local charter operations run modern fleets of power boats, and offer both bareboat charters and skippered charters, as well as cruise-and-learn boat trips. Yacht lovers can have an authentic nautical adventure on board a skippered one-day, multi-day or self-guided boat charter. Guided fishing or cruising trips are a perfect way to enjoy a day on the water.
Sailing and Boating Facilities
Many ports have resort marinas with a pub/restaurant, general store, fuel dock, laundromat and showers. It's recommended that boaters and yachters contact their chosen marina to confirm hours of operation and facilities. Public boat-launching facilities are also available at many freshwater lakes.
Most coastal communities in Vancouver, Coast & Mountains have public docks and moorage facilities that are open to all users. Visit the Harbour Authority Association of British Columbia for a comprehensive list of docks and amenities.
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Howe Sound
Cutting deep into the Coast Mountain range northwest of Vancouver, Howe Sound is a mini sailing ground in its own right. The nooks and coves along the shorelines of Bowen Island, Gambier Island and Keats Island provide a host of anchoring opportunities, while the protected channels between the islands create ideal conditions with gentle summer breezes.
The delights of Snug Cove and Mannion Bay on Bowen Island are only nine miles from the hustle and bustle of Vancouver’s Lower Mainland.
Sunshine Coast
Magnificent marine parks offer sheltered anchorages against a backdrop of forested uplands, steep mountains, waterfalls, secluded beaches and unspoiled islands. More than 30 marina facilities along the Sunshine Coast make sailing holidays convenient. Popular spots include Gibsons, Sechelt Inlet and Princess Louisa Inlet. International yachters rank Princess Louisa Inlet at the head of Jervis Inlet as “the most scenic natural anchorage.”
At the north end of the Sunshine Coast at the confluence of Malaspina Inlet and Homfray Channel is BC’s largest marine park, Desolation Sound Marine Park. It's a yachter’s paradise, and has more than 60km/37mi of pristine shoreline with islands, inlets, coves, bays, lakes and waterfalls.
Mighty Fraser Country
Several lakes in Mighty Fraser Country offer great sailing opportunities. These include: Cultus Lake Provincial Park near Chilliwack; Harrison Lake and Hicks Lake in nearby Sasquatch Provincial Park; Kawkawa, Ross and Silver Lake in the Hope area; Blue Lake at Boston Bar; and Nahatlatch Lake southwest of Lytton. Make the most of other water sports in the area, such as fishing, kayaking and canoeing.
Greater Vancouver
Fully equipped deep-water marinas can be found in Burrard Inlet in Vancouver, which is also home to sailing and cruising charters, harbour cruises, fishing charters and seasonal whale watching. Farther up the inlet is Indian Arm – a protected fjord with deep green waters below soaring mountain peaks.
Anchoring in False Creek
- Free anchorage is available in False Creek in Vancouver with a permit.
- A permit to anchor is available for a maximum of 14 days during the summer (April 1 to September 30) and a maximum of 21 days in the winter (October 1 to March 31). Download the False Creek Anchoring Permit Request Form.
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Ever dreamed of sailing? Adventure West will take you to see amazing sights around Campbell River, Discovery Islands & Desolation Sound. We offer daily sailing tours. We also feature sightseeing, sail & dine tours, kayaking, paddleboarding & many other exciting adventures.
You don't need any experience sailing & you'll have the opportunity to learn basic to advanced sailing skills while enjoying delightful snacks & meals & breathtaking scenery.
Sailing can be for everyone & with Adventure West it's affordable & easy.
Visit our website for trip ideas & for more information.
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34827 Brient Dr
Mission, British Columbia
V2V 6R8
Experience the Fraser Canyon like never before, join us for an exhilarating jet boat ride in some of BC most scenic country. We offer all levels of excitement including wild & wet rides through some of our most famous rapids in the country. Enjoy relaxing scenic tours with BBQ shore lunch or ride the waves in Sailor Bar Rapid. Step back in time & follow the foot steps of Simon Fraser as we travel the famous Fraser Canyon Discovery Route. Join us for one of our many Jet Boat Tours.
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1327 Beach Dr
Victoria, British Columbia
V8S 2N4
We offer both sailing as well as kayaking from Oak Bay, the "wild side of Victoria - only 15 minutes from downtown Victoria, |This area is a boaters dream featuring wild islands, protected waters, anchorages, and the most reliable winds to be found on Vancouver Island.
This area is noted for its marine wildlife & several marine conservation areas guarantee interesting encounters & sights. The snow-capped mountains surrounding are a bonus!.
Half-day, day & overnight sail & kayaking tours are offered. Your Skipper & paddling guides/naturalists are fully certified and have over 20 years cumulative experience in these waters.
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1519 Foreshore Walk
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6H 3X3
We are situated in British Columbia, Canada and specialize in bareboat sail and power boat charters. Alternatively, you can hire an instructor to help create unforgettable vacation memories aboard our late model charter yachts or do a customized 'Cruise & Learn' program giving you the skills to bareboat on your next charter. Our popular Yacht Lease program is a great alternative to owning a boat for a fraction of the cost of ownership. We can also organize a fishing charter with a professional guide and all equipment provided. Call us for more details!
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1696 Duranleau St
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6H 3S4
Granville Island Boat Rentals, located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, has one of the safest & most modern boat rental fleets in Vancouver. We have been servicing all of Vancouver's speed boat rental needs since 1982.
If it's zipping around the harbour you're after, or a peaceful, leisurely cruise, we have the boats for you & your friends. There is no better way to experience the magnificent waters of Vancouver.
Adventure awaits... look up and catch sight of a bald eagle or gaze down at a harbour seal. Boating in & around Vancouver is truly an unforgettable experience!
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$10 off a weekday boat rental
Receive $10 off your weekday boat rental. Not valid with any other offer.
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999 Gilford St
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6G 2N8
Simply Sailing is a Vancouver based, CYA registered Sailing School.
Our Approach to Sailing is Simple: Hands on learning on local waters on a forgiving boat. Taking sailing classes will give you an opportunity to explore the exciting world of sailing and become your own Captain.
Learning to sail is a very rewarding experience. You will love standing on the sailboat, the wind in your face and marvel at Vancouver's skyline and the mountains in the background.
Simply Sailing - Your start to an unforgettable adventure.
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We specialize in ISPA (International Sail & Power Association) sailing instruction around Vancouver Island. Whether you are intending to set out on a world voyage or charter a bareboat, our goal is to get you sailing with confidence & increase your skills to reach each ISPA level of sailing certification. We explore Desolation Sound, Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast or the West Coast to increase your knowledge & understanding of sailing in tidal waters around Vancouver Island and have fun.
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Other businesses with Boating & Sailing
This park is a yachter's paradise at the confluence of Malaspina Inlet & Homfray Channel with more than 60 km of shoreline, several islands, numerous small bays & snug coves. The forested upland offers trails & wilderness tent sites. It is a great location for power boating as well as sailing.
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Mansons Landing
Cortes Island, British Columbia
V0P 1K0
Cortes Island's only sea kayaking outfitter & Transport Canada certified sailing charter vessel. Kayak rentals, instruction & guided day trips. Experience paddling with the seals, visit a historic pictograph site or a night paddle with bioluminescence illuminating your every stroke. Cruise Desolation Sound or Mitlenatch Island on-board the 13 m (43 ft) schooner Misty Isles. Large pilothouse & ample seating - great family boat. Multi-day kayak mothership trips explore the remote areas of the Discovery Islands, Toba & Bute Inlets. Nestled at the entrance to enchanting Desolation Sound & located between Campbell River & the mainland coast of BC, the Discovery Islands dot the intricate waterways in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.
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Guided Kayak Day Trips
3, 4 & 5 hour guided kayak trips from May-September, departing from Hollyhock on Cortes Island.
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