British Columbia is undoubtedly one of the world’s best places to explore by boat. No matter where your voyage takes you, you’ll find plenty of protected harbours, sandy beaches, incredible scenery, and friendly communities. The boating season here can extend well into fall, and the warm waters in this region keep boaters returning year after year.
If a voyage on North America’s most spectacular cruising waters sounds like your perfect getaway, but you’re not sure where to start, we’ve put together a highlight-reel itinerary to help you get the most out of a late-season trip to Southern Vancouver Island, the nearby Southern Gulf Islands…and further, should you desire.
Start by arriving at your travel gateway
Begin your exploration of North America’s most spectacular cruising waters by heading to Victoria International Marina, located in the beautiful Victoria Harbour, perfectly positioned as a jumping-off point to explore BC’s South Coast and beyond.
The full-service 28-slip marina sets the standard in upscale security and safety, amenities, concierge services and crew facilities. Amenities include moorage for boats 65’ and larger, an on-site concierge, an exclusive reception lounge, crew lounge, and oceanfront event space. Visitors can also find servicing, detail, provisioning, pilotage and more.
Alternatively, the Village Marina is a fantastic choice for smaller vessels and is conveniently located close to a range of attractions (plus the CRAFT Beer Market is right next door…).
While you’re positioned adjacent to the incredible city of Victoria, take some time to explore! Here are a few top recommendations:
- Eat at Boom and Batten (100m walk) or Lure at the Delta Oceanfront: Discover fresh and local taste along the waterfront.
- Have a beverage at Wind Cries Mary in historic Bastion Square: The rotating house cocktails menu is simple yet stunning, with ingredients like beeswax, eucalyptus, chrysanthemum, and olive leaf for something different yet delicious.
- Experience Canada’s Oldest Chinatown: Begin at the Gate of Harmonious Interest, the ornately decorated arch marking the entrance to Chinatown’s centre on Fisgard Street and explore the vibrant shops, stopping off at Fantan Alley, one of the narrowest streets in Canada
- Bonus: Hit one, two, or all of the activities above (and more) by taking a water taxi around the harbour with Victoria Harbour Ferry or book a guided pub crawl tour through Hidden Victoria
Of course, there are many more things to do in and around Victoria, so plan a few days to explore! Visit Tourism Victoria to learn more.
Explore the stunning Southern Gulf Islands
Approximately 38 nautical miles from Victoria International Marina, you’ll find Saltspring Island, the largest and southernmost of the Southern Gulf Islands. From here, you can tour around the five main islands and a multitude of safe harbours, parks, friendly communities, and fantastic beaches. Find local marinas to stop in for the day or stay for a while and really get to know the individual character of each island.
- Eat at Moby’s Pub on Salt Spring Island: Enjoy events seven nights a week while you nosh on coastal eats, local beers, and take in a one-of-a-kind view of the West Coast. Moor at Saltspring Marina – 1 min walk
- Have a drink at Mayne Island Brewing Co.: Focused on small-batch ales and lagers, sit down for a tasting flight and accompanying charcuterie boards for a delightful afternoon. Moor at Horton Bay – 7 min ride on Mayne Island Community Bus
- Experience Galiano Island on 2 wheels with Galiano Adventures: Rent a moped or e-bike and take your time exploring this beautiful Island. Moor at Montague Harbour Marina, 1 min walk.
- Bonus – take an Indigenous-focused paddling tour with Dog Mermaid, located at Poets Cove on Pender Island or check out one of their fantastic retreats! Moor at Bedwell Harbour – 1 min walk
If you’re interested in extending your exploration of the Southern Gulf Islands, consider a stay on Pender Island. Poets Cove on South Pender offers 110 deep water slips for boats of up to 100 feet. On shore, you’ll find a beautiful resort, complete with a market, two dining options and a one-of-a-kind spa that features a eucalyptus steam cave and hot tub. On North Pender, Port Browning Marina is an idyllic stop where you’ll find overnight moorage, a convenience store, laundry and shower facilities, tent and RV camping, seasonal outdoor pool, ATM, WiFi, kayak rentals, a restaurant, and convenient access to local shopping. Alternatively, Montague Harbour on Galiano is ideal for overnight anchorage with access to a well-stocked general store and market or Page’s Resort Marina, also on Gabriola, can accommodate vessels up to 75 feet with all the amenities and services you need to rest comfortably and restock for your furthered explorations of BC’s coastal waters.
This is just a small selection of the many things to see and do in the Southern Gulf Islands, so if you’re the type of traveller who likes to make the most of every day, you’re sure to find more ideas here.
Explore Further up the Salish Sea…
If you’re looking for a longer voyage, then hopping from the Gulf Islands to continue north to explore the Salish Sea is a breeze! Sheltered by the mainland on one side and Vancouver Island on the other, this cruising route is ideal for all kinds of seafarers and is a perfect spot for extending the season into fall. Plan a circle tour including the Sunshine Coast and central Vancouver Island, or stay to the western side of the Strait of Georgia up to Nanaimo for a shorter trek before circling around the eastern edge of the Gulf Islands for a different viewpoint on the return journey.
- Eat a Nanaimo Bar! Explore the Nanaimo Bar Trail for diverse culinary creations inspired by the legendary Nanaimo Bar. Moor at the Nanaimo Boat Basin and stroll into town to get started!
- Have a drink at Shelter Point Distillery, 30 min walk from Salmon Point RV Resort and Marina, Campbell River
- Golf at Fairwinds, staying at their local community marina!
Continuing north, consider stopping at Brown’s Bay Resort in Campbell River to relax, fuel up, and talk to the locals about where to drop a line in some of the best fishing waters in the world.
The options are endless…
Depending on the time of year, boaters can keep heading up the coastline, winding through the Inside Passage and stopping at Blind Channel Resort for 2000ft of sturdy dock space, clear, UV-treated spring water, power and more in a peaceful setting. Further north, spend time in the Broughton Archipelago or continue past the northern tip of Vancouver Island and voyage into the Great Bear Rainforest. We highly recommend booking a stop in at Shearwater Resort, an Indigenous wilderness resort owned and operated by Heiltsuk Nation. Here, you’ll find a fabulous resort, fishing packages, eco-tours and moorage.
Those looking to circle back around and head south are invited to stop in at Union Steamship Marina on Bowen Island for impeccable overnight moorage and an opportunity to explore the Company Store on the Boardwalk and the Chandlery. The small-town charm on Bowen Island is contrasted by the bright lights of Vancouver just a short sail away where you can moor in the heart of the city and next to world-famous Granville Island at the False Creek Harbour Authority.
For wilder adventures, consider heading around Vancouver Island to explore the seas of Western Vancouver Island, stopping off at Tofino Resort & Marina, located in one of only 19 UNESCO Biosphere Regions in Canada.
Need even more inspiration to visit North America’s most spectacular cruising waters? Explore a selection of circle tours or visit our interactive map to get started.
