No Boat? No worries.
Road trippers will find lots of ways to enjoy the sea, the seashore and the bounty of the sea. In this section we offer holiday suggestions and links to information on boat rentals, fishing, kayaking, beaches, parks and cultural attractions.
Most coastal regions and many islands are accessible by road and ferry. Go to our map of coastal regions. Visit the profiles of every coastal community to learn about marine attractions and activities.
Use our map search tools to find marinas that have campgrounds and kayak and boat rentals.
Find your beach 
Even killer whales like to frolic, credit Destination BC
You can reach just about everywhere in the Salish Sea region. A ferry from Horseshoe Bay will take you to the Sunshine Coast. Texada Island has ferry service from Powell River. There are ferries to and between the Gulf Islands and to Hornby and Denman Islands. Vancouver Island East can be reached from Horseshoe Bay or Tsawwassen ferry terminals.
Portions of the Fjords, Islands and Passages region are accessible by road. The highway to the north end of Vancouver Island accesses the Discovery Islands and Broughton Archipelago sub-regions. There is ferry service to the largest Discovery Islands (Quadra and Cortes). Prince Rupert and Bella Coola on the mainland have road access. So too does little Stewart, last call on BC’s coast.
Portions of the Outer Reaches region are accessible. The south end and north end of the Vancouver Island West sub-region have road access and mid-island can be reached at Tofino/Ucluelet, Port Alberni, Port Alice and Coal Harbour. There is a ferry from Prince Rupert to Haida Gwaii.
Plan your ocean adventure
Instructional Charters & Sailing Schools
We’ll take you through the steps in choosing a boat, a skipper-instructor and the appropriate School or Charter company to suit your needs.
Charter your Adventure – Luxury & Instructional Charters
For those who don’t own a boat — or even those who do — the best way to experience the wildness and wild life of British Columbia’s coast is an adventure tour charter.
Luxury Yacht Charters
A private luxury yacht charter is the ultimate way to experience the BC coast's unique combination of natural beauty, wildlife and culture, and one of the few ways to reach many stunning destinations.
BC Marine Trails
BC Marine Trails is a network of recreational sites used by kayakers and boaters as they explore the wild, but civilized, coast of British Columbia.
Marine Wildlife Viewing
The number one reason visitors come to British Columbia’s ocean coast is to view marine wildlife. Whales and other marine mammals can be seen year round.
Get On the Water
Find Your Flotation Device: there are many ways to get on the water close to sea life, find beaches and explore rugged shorelines.
Fishing
Make fishing part of your ocean experience. There are many ways to go ocean fishing if you don’t have your own boat.
Hiking, Beaches and Amenities
There is nothing more pleasurable than spending a day hiking the shoreline, enjoying a beach and a swim, then following it up with a sumptuous meal and refreshing beverage.
Parks and Culture
Scenic places and unique habitats are preserved in 155 national and provincial marine parks and park reserves. You can get to many of them by road or trail.
