Boating
Boating and cruising coastal waterways is both a pastime and a passion for many on the Sunshine Coast.
Our boating season is year-round, with unspoiled anchorages and protected bays waiting to be explored by adventurous boaters. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound while at sea, with an abundance of marine life in the area including sea lions, porpoises, and orcas.
Our waters are easily reached from Vancouver-area marinas, or from the Gulf Islands and United States. Many harbours have commercial marinas where you can dock your boat, get supplies, rent a boat or kayak, get a meal, or sign up for excursions.
Visitors without a boat can get out on the water with local operators while they're here. Boat tours and trips vary in terms of length of time and the spots they visit. Book a tour of Desolation Sound, Pender Harbour, Princess Louisa Inlet, and other popular locations; keep in mind that some operators offer custom tours as well. Small, passenger-only ferries are also a common way to get to many of the islands on the Sunshine Coast, including Gambier Island and Savary Island.
Boating Resources
- AhoyBC.com - Explore an interactive boating map and links to a wide variety of boating and trip planning resources.
- Clean Marine BC - Vessel Sewage Pump-out Info - The Georgia Strait Alliance has put together information on pump-out services along parts of the BC coast.
- Responsible Boating - The Boating BC Association has put together resources on responsible boating, including safety and etiquette tips.
- Entering Canada by Boat - Find information about entering Canada by boat via the Canada Border Services Agency.
