Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park – Anything but Desolate
With its warm summer waters, protected anchorages, and breathtaking scenery, Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park is one of British Columbia’s most sought-after boating destinations. Located about 144 km north of Vancouver, this 8,449-hectare park offers over 37 miles of shoreline to explore. While Captain George Vancouver famously gave it its gloomy name in 1792, boaters […]
Tides, Currents, and Safety: Navigating BC’s Waters with Confidence
When boating in BC, especially at popular Vancouver boating destinations, understanding tides and currents is more than just a detail — it’s essential for a safe and smooth voyage. The Pacific Northwest experiences some of the most dramatic tidal changes, with ranges from around two metres in southern BC up to over seven metres on […]
Sturt Bay, Texada Island
Sturt Bay, Texada Island A Scenic Spot on the Way to Desolation Sound If you’re cruising toward Desolation Sound, spots like Smuggler Cove, Secret Cove, or Pender Harbour probably come to mind right away. During peak summer, those harbours can be packed. That’s where Sturt Bay, tucked into the north end of Texada Island, […]
Dogfish Bay & Wakes Cove
Dogfish Bay & Wakes Cove – A Hidden Gem for Boaters Exploring BC’s Coast If you’re looking for a quiet, scenic, and slightly off-the-beaten-path boating destination in BC, Dogfish Bay and Wakes Cove Provincial Park should be on your radar. Located on Valdes Island, this area offers a unique mix of natural beauty, marine history, […]
Mill Bay Marina, Saanich Inlet
Mill Bay Marina, Saanich Inlet Looking for your next stop on the water? Mill Bay Marina, tucked into the scenic Saanich Inlet on southern Vancouver Island, is one of the most welcoming and well-equipped marinas on the coast. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or brand new to the boating lifestyle, Mill Bay is a must-visit […]
Q2 Boating Market Insights from Freedom Marine
Freedom Marine Leads Canada’s Premium Preowned Yacht Market in Q2 2025 Setting the Standard in Canada’s Luxury Yacht Sales At Freedom Marine, we have exciting news to share: in Q2 2025, we led the Canadian used yacht market for vessels over $1 million, outperforming the next closest brokerage by a full 73% in total sales […]
Crabbing & Prawning 101: How to Get Started in BC
Crabbing & Prawning 101: How to Get Started in BC If you’re boating in British Columbia and haven’t tried crabbing or prawning, you’re missing out on two of the coast’s most rewarding (and delicious) marine adventures. Whether you’re in it for the fun, the food, or both, here’s your easy 5-step guide to crabbing and […]
James Bay, Prevost Island
James Bay, Prevost Island One of the true joys of cruising comes at the end of the day—cold drink in hand, feet up, swapping stories about the day’s adventures while soaking in a gorgeous sunset. That’s exactly the vibe when you anchor in James Bay on Prevost Island, a peaceful gem in the Gulf Islands […]
New Vancouver (Tastsisnukwomi), Harbledown Island
Discovering New Vancouver on Harbledown Island As you cruise north through the stunning Beware Passage and round Dead Point on Harbledown Island, you’ll catch your first glimpse of New Vancouver. This is the ancestral home of the Da’naxda’xw First Nation. Traditionally, it’s known as Tsatsisnukwomi in the Kwak’wala language. This village beautifully blends rich history […]
Mound Island Anchorage
Mound Island Anchorage Imagine you kick back on deck, sunglasses on, the sun warming your skin. Meanwhile, birds sing overhead while gentle waves splash against your hull. Welcome to Mound Island Anchorage—a hidden oasis tucked between Mound and Harbledown Islands, just off Indian Channel and west of Blackfish Sound. It offers peace, protection, and the […]