Bon Voyage
Enjoyment of your boating holiday in safety is our priority.
Navigational challenges vary across British Columbia’s coastal regions. Generally, the Salish Sea region offers the least challenges, although commercial shipping lanes, ferries, tugs and fishing vessels must be respected. Charts are essential for informed and safe navigation. You are encouraged to engage in a certified boating course to prepare for a safe marine experience. The waters are largely protected, tides and currents are moderate. Marinas and harbours are abundant. With few exceptions, other boats will be nearby.
The Fjords, Islands, Passages region presents greater navigational challenges. Waters are more confined; tides and currents are locally strong enough to require proper timing and sailing skill. Safe ports are more scattered and other boats are less frequently encountered.
The Outer Reaches region presents different navigational challenges. The west coasts of Haida Gwaii and Vancouver Island are exposed to the full breadth of the Pacific Ocean. Seas can be rough any time of the year. Safe ports are scattered, but usually within 50 nautical miles. Other vessels will usually be within hailing distance.
To assist you to sail safely, we provide a link to the Environment Canada Marine Weather Forecast. On the map of Canada, click on the regions outlined on the Pacific Coast. Then click on the region you are boating in or to. Another resource you may wish to use provides forecasts for wind and swells.
For Boating Safety Information, please contact:
Office of Boating Safety, Pacific Region Tel: (604) 666-2681
Email: pa****@tc.ca
Website: http://tc.gc.ca/eng/marinesafety/debs-obs-menu-1362.htm
If you do not have your own Automatic Identification System receiver, you can view boat traffic below in real time.
We provide a link to Fisheries and Oceans Canada Chart Index. Click on the map and enlarge it until chart numbers appear. You must purchase charts. We recommend you do so in advance of your holiday.
Most ports have emergency rescue capability. VHF radio channel 16 is the emergency channel. Use *16 on your cell phone or 1-800-567-5111.
Transport Canada provides a Safe Boating Guide in English and French.
Happy and safe sailing from all of us at AHOY BC
Proudly Canadian.
C-Tow Marine Assistance Ltd. is proudly Canadian owned and operated. We know these waterways well, and assist thousands of boaters every year.
Largest fleet in Canada.
For over 40 years, C-Tow has been a boater’s best friend. We have grown from our humble beginnings on the West Coast of British Columbia to operating the largest on-water towing fleet in Canada. This growth has been achieved without compromising safety or customer service – which we know are important to you.
Committed to service.
At C-Tow, we aren’t content to just be Canada’s leading marine assistance company. We are also committed to providing unmatched personal service to our customers who depend upon us from coast-to-coast.
How does it work?
C-Tow offers 2 membership packages for British Columbia.
Our admiral package, at $250/annual, offers unlimited tows to the nearest point of safety, with coverage from Washington State to Cape Caution.
Our Captains package, at $190/annual, offers 2 tows per year to the nearest point of safety, with coverage from the Canadian Border to Desolation Sound.
Please visit www.c-tow.ca/memberships to sign up and read our terms of use.
Need Assistance?
Whether you are an active C-Tow member or haven’t heard of us yet – we provide 24/7 Emergency Towing and service calls 365 days a year.
To request a service call or tow, please download our app:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.a2z.ctow.marine&hl=en_CA&gl=US (Android)
https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/c-tow/id1001983653 (iOS)
or call
1-888-419-CTOW(2869)
See you out there!
