Howe Sound
Desolation Sound
Greater Vancouver
Mighty Fraser Country
Sunshine Coast

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Howe Sound

Cutting deep into the Coast Mountain Range northwest of Vancouver, Howe Sound is a mini cruising ground in its own right. Rising abruptly from the water’s edge, the majestic mountains provide the recreational boater with stunningly beautiful vistas, especially in spring and early summer when the sparkling snow capped peaks contrast with the lush green of the lower, timbered slopes.

The nooks and coves along the shorelines of Bowen, Gambier and Keats Islands provide a host of anchoring opportunities while the protected channels between the islands with their gentle summer breezes, make these waters a sailor’s playground.

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. Pack a picnic lunch, pick up a trail map and enjoy an energetic hike to the summit of Mount Gardner with its dazzling view over Howe Sound.

The long finger-like inlets of Gambier Island’s southern shoreline can provide many days of pleasant adventuring for the cruising boater. Halkett Bay Marine Park is a popular weekend retreat that reveals a tiny shell beach at low tide and a vigorous 614m (2,014 ft) climb to Mount Artaban.

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Desolation Sound on the Sunshine Coast

Blessed with above average hours of sunshine, the stunningly beautiful scenery of the Sunshine Coast has made it one of the Northwest’s most sought after cruising destinations! The Sunshine Coast encompasses the coastal waters northwest of Vancouver, BC from the colourful town of Gibsons to Desolation Sound.

At the north end of the Sunshine Coast at the confluence of Malaspina Inlet and Homfray Channel is B.C.’s largest marine park, Desolation Sound Marine Park. With more than 60 km. (37 miles) of pristine shoreline, including many islands, inlets, coves, bays, lakes and waterfalls, Desolation Sound is a boater’s paradise.

Safe anchorage can be found throughout Desolation Sound. Favourite areas among Boaters within the park are Grace Harbour, Tenedos Bay and Prideaux Haven. Hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, diving and exploring are popular activities within these beautiful areas.

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Greater Vancouver

Burrard Inlet. Fully equipped deep-water marinas where you can charter or rent a boat or kayak, or take a tour with one of many tour companies.

Horseshoe Bay. Many tour and charter operations, as well as boat and kayak rentals.

Snug Cove. An easy cruise across Howe Sound from Horseshoe Bay to Bowen Island.

Indian Arm. A fjord with deep green waters below soaring peaks just off Burrard Inlet.

Fraser River. Enter on either of the Fraser River’s two arms safe for boating and follow the historic waterway inland in your own or rental boat, or via a tour.

Riverboat Cruises. From New Westminster, an authentic replica paddlewheeler takes you upriver to restored Hudson’s Bay log trading post Fort Langley. Other nature and historical tours follow the Fraser and beyond as far as Pitt Lake and Harrison Hot Springs.

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Mighty Fraser Country

Lakes. Cultus Lake 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. Water sports from fishing to water-skiing.

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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 boating holidays convenient. Popular spots include:

Gibsons. A short hop from Vancouver, it’s a popular port of call along the coast.

Princess Louisa Inlet. International yachters rank this fjord at the head of Jervis Inlet as “the most scenic natural anchorage”. Chatterbox Falls makes a spectacular sight ­ and sound -- tumbling 40 m. (130 ft.) into the inlet.

Sechelt Inlet Recreation Area. The sheltered waters of Sechelt Inlet offer eight wilderness campsites on remote shoreline, easily accessible by boat.

Desolation Sound Marine Park. At the north end of the Sunshine Coast, B.C.’s largest marine park with more than 60 km. (36 miles) of pristine shoreline, including many inlets, coves, bays, lakes and waterfalls.