Set sail from U.S. waters and discover British Columbia’s Infinite Coast, where world-renowned cruising routes lead to vibrant harbours and unforgettable inlets and sounds – and it’s closer than you think! The Southern tip of Vancouver Island dips south to meet Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, and the Olympic Peninsula. There’s so much to explore in Canadian waters below the 49th parallel!
The Eastern Route offers a leisurely journey through the sheltered waters of Sidney, Brentwood Bay, Cowichan, and Nanaimo, featuring charming marinas, arts districts, and renowned culinary stops.
The Western Route showcases rugged wilderness and dramatic Pacific landscapes, winding from Victoria, Pedder Bay, and Sooke to Port Renfrew and Tofino, passing remote beaches, fishing hotspots, and old-growth forests.
Both routes are just the beginning. Options to extend farther north are plentiful, with stops on Northern Vancouver Island in Port Alice, Port Hardy, Port McNeil, and Telegraph Cove. Whether you’re looking to experience the local charm and hospitality in a range of coastal communities or embark on a full Vancouver Island circle tour or trip to Alaska, we invite you to use the itineraries below to start planning your voyage today and explore BC’s Infinite Coast your way.
Quick Links
Customs Information
Before setting course for BC’s Infinite Coast, your first step should be planning your connection with Canadian Customs. Boaters arriving from U.S. waters must report to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at a designated marine reporting site and obtain clearance before continuing their journey. Be sure to have passports and vessel documentation ready, along with details for all passengers and any goods being brought into Canada. Taking a few minutes to complete the customs process ensures a smooth, compliant start to your adventure, whether you’re exploring the communities that dot the east coast of Vancouver Island or heading around to the wild and remote communities of the west coast.
For more information, read our full guide: Reporting Canadian Customs.
EASTERN ROUTE
(Salish Sea Communities)
US Waters > Sidney > Cowichan > Nanaimo
AND BEYOND
Your Starting Point: US Border > Victoria and Sidney, BC
If you’re planning a trip along the Eastern side of Vancouver Island or across the Salish Sea to Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast, and beyond, the first point you’ll hit is the Southern tip of Vancouver Island. Many boaters choose to make port in Victoria, named the world’s best small city in the Condé Nast Travellers Reader’s Choice Awards. The Victoria International Marina stands out as the ideal option for many boaters and offers moorage for small and large vessels alike. Ashore, you’ll be met with a range of services and easy access to Victoria’s charming downtown. Make sure to have your camera handy as photo opportunities are plentiful, and this is just the first stop!
For those looking for a seaside hamlet to explore on their first stop, Sidney-by-the-Sea is a welcoming coastal community on the Saanich Peninsula where relaxed oceanside living meets everyday adventure. Framed by the Salish Sea, it offers a walkable downtown filled with local shops, cafés, bookstores, and galleries, all set just steps from the waterfront. Visitors can explore scenic shoreline paths, enjoy public art, or launch into the water for kayaking, boating, and island-hopping toward the Southern Gulf Islands. With a mild year-round climate and a strong connection to nature and culture, Sidney blends small-town charm with easy access to outdoor recreation, making it a natural gateway for discovering British Columbia’s coastal beauty.
Recommended places to dock near Sidney and the surrounding areas:
- North Saanich Marina
- The Marina at Brentwood Bay Resort
- Oak Bay Marina
- Poet’s Cove Marina (Pender Island)
- Montague Harbour Marina
- Victoria International Marina
Top Attractions in Sidney, BC:
- Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
- Sidney Pier
- Sidney Spit
- Beacon Avenue
- Lochside Regional Trail
Destination #2: Cowichan, BC
Distance from North Saanich Marina to Maple Bay Marina: 9.7 Nautical Miles
Just a short, scenic cruise through protected coastal waters, Cowichan is a destination that brings together adventure, wellness, and easygoing coastal living. Days can shift from paddling calm bays and exploring by kayak or paddleboard to hiking forested trails, cycling quiet backroads, or discovering local farms and vineyards.
Wellness is woven into the experience, with ocean views, fresh local food, Nordic spa experiences, and space to slow down and reset between outings. Whether you’re on the water or on land, it’s a place that encourages movement, exploration, and balance, all wrapped in a relaxed, natural setting where every day can be as active or as restorative as you choose.
Recommended places to dock in Cowichan:
Top Attractions in Cowichan, BC:
- Cowichan Valley Trail
- Kinsol Trestle
- Blue Grouse Estate Winery & Vineyard
- Setri Nordic Spa
- Cheminus Murals
See the Cowichan Region Showcase for a deeper dive into activity details..
Destination #3: Nanaimo, BC & the Snuneymuxw First Nation
Distance from Maple Bay Marina to Naniamo Boat Basin: 19 Nautical Miles.
Nestled on Vancouver Island’s east coast just north of the 49th parallel, Nanaimo thrives as a vibrant waterfront city where natural beauty, history, and modern amenities meet. Known as the Harbour City, Nanaimo welcomes boaters to British Columbia’s coastal waters, offering a perfect jumping-off point to access the Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound, and communities further up BC’s Infinite Coast.
Nanaimo welcomes visitors to explore its marina district, stroll the harbourfront walkway, discover its historic downtown, and wander through the Old City Quarter, both on and off the water. The city combines regional convenience with island relaxation, delivers exceptional dining, showcases shopping, features cultural attractions, and hosts events. Visit AHOY BC’s community showcase for Nanaimo to learn more.
This harbour city is home to the Snuneymuxw people, a First Nation of the Coast Salish People who have long navigated the waters of the Salish Sea. Nanaimo has many layers, and the Indigenous culture layer is one you don’t want to miss if you’re a boater. You haven’t really experienced Nanaimo until you’ve walked in the shoes of some of the first people, visiting their sacred places and experiencing their traditional ways of life by the sea. To learn more about connecting with the Indigenous culture of the Snuneymuxw First Nation, visit AHOY BC’s Snuneymuxw showcase and visit www.snuneymuxw.ca.
Recommended places to dock in Nanaimo and the area:
Top Attractions in Nanaimo:
- Newcastle Island Marine Provincial Park – now known as SAYSUTSHUN
- Harbourfront Walkway
- Neck Point Park
- Pipers Lagoon Park
- The Bastion
See the Nanaimo Showcase and Snuneymuxw Showcase for a deeper dive into on-shore experiences.
Go Full Circle…
Turn these incredible stops into a complete circle and include some of Canada’s top west coast destinations to truly explore British Columbia’s Infinite Coast. Read on below for details about the West Coast route, check out our circum-Vancouver Island route info, or start planning with AHOY BC’s interactive map.
Recommended places to Dock, in and around Northern Vancouver Island:
- Port Alice
- Port Hardy
- Telegraph Cove Resort
- Blind Channel Resort,
- South to Campbell River area > Brown’s Bay Resort , Discovery Harbour Marina & Gorge Harbour Marina Resort
- Further North from Port Hardy, near Bella Bella, is Shearwater Marina Resort
Where to next? Use our trip planning tools to chart your course. Or carry on to the Western route.
WEST COAST ROUTE
(Pacific Ocean Wilds)
US Border > Victoria/Sooke > Port Renfrew > Tofino
AND BEYOND
Your Starting Point: US Border > Victoria, Metchosin, or Sooke
Victoria, British Columbia’s capital, rests at the southern tip of Vancouver Island and is often called the “Garden City” for its abundant blooms and green spaces. This coastal hub pairs a lively arts and culture scene with a celebrated food and drink culture, all wrapped in a relaxed, seaside rhythm. When stopping in Victoria, the Victoria International Marina stands out as the ideal moorage option for many boaters, thanks to its location in the heart of the city and its ability to accommodate both large and small vessels.
For boaters looking to take the route less travelled, Metchosin and Sooke offer a rewarding next chapter beyond Victoria. These small-town destinations are shaped by an increasingly rugged shoreline, a welcoming coastal spirit, and the quieter rhythms of Vancouver Island’s west coast. As you make your way from U.S. waters toward the Pacific side of the Island, these destinations invite you to slow down, connect with local character, and experience the spirit of the coast before continuing north. From sheltered waters and scenic anchorages to trails, wildlife, and small-town hospitality, Metchosin and Sooke are ideal stops for those seeking a deeper connection to the people and places that shape BC’s Infinite Coast.
Places to dock near Victoria, Metchosin, and Sooke:
Top Attractions on the way to Metchosin, and Sooke, BC:
- Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites
- Hatley Castle & Royal Roads University
- Metchosin’s Farms, Galleries, and Artisan Community
- East Sooke Regional Park
- Sooke Potholes Provincial Park
- Sheringham Point Lighthouse
Destination #2: Port Renfrew
Distance from Pedder Bay to Port Renfrew: 37 Nautical Miles.
Port Renfrew is a rugged coastal escape on the southwest edge of Vancouver Island, where towering old-growth rainforest meets wild Pacific shoreline. Often called the gateway to some of British Columbia’s most spectacular natural landscapes, it’s a destination for travellers seeking raw, untouched beauty. From dramatic beaches and tide pools to ancient trees and world-class hiking, Port Renfrew offers an unforgettable West Coast experience shaped by nature at its most powerful and pristine.
Places to dock in Port Renfrew:
- Pacific Gateway Marina
Top Attractions in Port Renfrew, BC:
- Botanical Beach
- Avatar Grove
- Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
- Sombrio Beach
- Big Lonely Doug
Check out Port Renfrew for a deeper dive into activity details.
Destination #3: Tofino, BC
Distance from Port Renfrew to Tofino Resort Marina: 95 Nautical Miles.
The voyage from Port Renfrew to Tofino is one of British Columbia’s most memorable coastal passages, taking boaters along a wild stretch of Vancouver Island where ancient rainforests meet the open Pacific Ocean. This stretch of the island’s rugged southwestern shoreline is beyond the protection of the Olympic Peninsula, meaning dramatic headlands, remote beaches, and abundant marine wildlife create an unforgettable backdrop for the journey north.
Given the exposed nature of these waters, many skippers choose to break up the trip with a stop in Bamfield, a historic coastal community nestled within Barkley Sound that offers sheltered moorage, amenities, and a chance to explore one of the gateways to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Further north, Ucluelet provides another welcoming stopover, with full-service marinas, provisioning opportunities, and access to spectacular coastal trails before the final leg to Tofino. Whether completed in a single weather window or enjoyed over several days, this route rewards careful planning with some of the most spectacular cruising found anywhere along BC’s Infinite Coast.
Tofino is a place that stays with you long after you leave; it’s a true edge-of-the-continent destination where open Pacific swells, old-growth rainforest, and wide sandy beaches come together in unforgettable ways. For experienced boaters, arriving by water offers a deeper connection to the coast, from navigating Clayoquot Sound’s remote inlets and sheltered anchorages to discovering hot springs, wildlife, Indigenous culture, and the town’s celebrated food and surf scene. Wild, welcoming, and one of the truest representations of the spirit of BC’s Infinite Coast, Tofino is a must-visit for skippers ready to pair confident open-water cruising with one of BC’s most iconic coastal experiences.
Places to dock in Tofino:
Top Attractions in Tofino and along the route:
- Clayoquot Sound
- Hot Springs Cove
- Tofino’s Food Scene
- Meares Island and Indigenous Cultural Experiences
- Long Beach, Cox Bay, and Chesterman Beach
See the Vancouver Island West Showcase for a deeper dive into activity details.
Go Full Circle…
Ready to go further? Our Circle Tour lets you turn your route into a full coastal adventure, linking vibrant communities, quiet anchorages, and wild stretches of coastline into one unforgettable loop. Keep cruising, explore new waters, and complete the circle at your own pace. Check out our circum-Vancouver Island route info, or plan to extend your trip into the Salish Sea on the return leg with AHOY BC’s interactive map.
TRAINING & SAFETY RESOURCES
Plan Ahead, Cruise Confidently
The waters of BC’s Infinite Coast offer incredible rewards for prepared boaters. Port Renfrew is on the cusp of true Pacific Ocean experiences, so before setting out, make sure you’re fully prepared with big-water training and safety. The courses, safety, and voyage-planning resources available on AHOYBC.com help you connect with what you need to ensure you’re ready for the next leg of the journey. Build the skills and confidence needed to explore coastal British Columbia safely and responsibly with the following resources:
Boat Courses – CanBoat
PCOC – Pleasure Card Operator’s Certificate
CRYA – Instructional Courses
Safe Navigation Resources, Real-Time AIS, & Charts
C-Tow Marine Assistance
Marine Weather
EXTEND YOUR NAUTICAL ADVENTURE
BONUS Destinations
Embrace the chance to explore the enchanting destinations all across BC’s Infinite Coast, each one a unique stitch in the tapestry of BC’s coastal culture. As you make your way back Southward, the small-town charms of the communities that make up BC’s Sunshine Coast or exploring the big-city lights of Vancouver, offer new ways to connect with BC’s coastal culture.
Bonus Destination: Sunshine Coast
Stretching along British Columbia’s scenic mainland coast, the Sunshine Coast is a unique destination known for its charming seaside communities, sheltered waterways, and stunning natural beauty. Ferries, boats, or planes provide access to this region, where a relaxed coastal atmosphere invites visitors to explore boating, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Picturesque harbours and vibrant arts communities abound, while quiet coves and forested shorelines reveal the best of British Columbia’s west coast lifestyle.
Recommended places to dock on the Sunshine Coast:
- Sunshine Coast Hotel, Resort & Marina
- Pender Harbour Resort and Marina
- Secret Cove Marina
- Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority
Bonus Destination: Vancouver / Howe Sound
Vancouver and Howe Sound offer an exceptional blend of urban waterfront experiences and spectacular coastal wilderness. Boaters can explore vibrant destinations such as False Creek, Coal Harbour, and Granville Island before venturing north into Howe Sound, the southernmost fjord on North America’s west coast. Surrounded by dramatic mountains, forested islands, and abundant marine life, the region offers excellent opportunities for cruising, fishing, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventure. From the lively marinas and cultural attractions of Vancouver to the scenic communities of Bowen Island and Squamish, this area showcases some of British Columbia’s most accessible and breathtaking coastal scenery.
Recommended places to dock in Vancouver and Howe Sound:
AHOY BC TIP:
If Marina Resorts are what you are looking for, use the “Resorts Only” Filter Key on our Interactive Coastal Map – a great resource for efficient trip planning. Locate 16 Marina Resorts on BC’s Infinite Coast for a truly unique coastal stay.
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