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 […]
Sucia Island Marine Park
There’s something very special about Sucia Island Marine State Park’s incredible beauty, many bays, coves, beaches, and trails. Its shoreline is the product of Mother Nature’s artistry with smooth sandstone curves, rounded arches, and honeycomb hollows, plus six bays possessing their own unique personality. You can spend a week at a time here and every […]
Thurston Bay Marine Provincial Park
Thurston Bay Marine Park’s 531-hectares is located on BC’s South Central Coast in the Discovery Islands area on the westside of Sonora Island. Accessible only by boat via Nodales Channel, boaters can reference marine chart #3539 and #3543 for more information on the area. The park is in the traditional territories of the Homalco, K’omoks, […]
Anacortes, Washington
During the past few years, the Port Commission and city leaders have taken steps to increase Anacortes’s appeal to boaters. With the latest improvements to Cape Sante Marina and historic downtown, and as a result Anacortes is considered a cruising destination by boaters. The marina’s features include roomy fairways, wide stable concrete floats for boats […]
Preparing for Extended Cruising
If you are new to extended cruising – more than a week or two into unknown waters – it can be a lot to take in with everything that needs to be done and learned. The combination of the internet, classes, podcasts, YouTube, and experienced boater friends has made it easier than ever to gain […]
Portland Island
A popular anchorage in the Gulf Islands is Portland Island, located less than 5-nm north of Sidney. Good anchorage is in Royal Cove on the north end of the island and Princes Bay on the southern side of Portland Island. The entrance into Royal cove is unobstructed and offers protection from the northwest by Chad […]
False Creek
Considered one of the most livable cities in the world, Vancouver boasts spectacular mountain views, an amazing collection of beaches and parks, and a bustling urban core famous for its diversity. On any given day, False Creek, located at the heart of Vancouver, is active with a lively mix of watercraft, from mini-ferries, rowing shells, […]
Build a Comprehensive Owner’s Manual
There is no more important and useful tool for a boat owner than the owner’s manual supplied by the manufacturer. But all manuals are not created equally, so it makes sense to verify that what you have is what you will need to properly maintain the boat or rely on in case of an emergency […]
Enjoying Thanksgiving on Your Boat – Tips and suggested fail safe recipes
There’s nothing quite like Thanksgiving on your boat. With fewer boats on the water, vivid fall foliage and crisp air temperature, the boat is a relaxing way to spend a Thanksgiving. Preparing Thanksgiving dinner aboard can be tricky in a small galley, but with planning, and preparation, you can have a delicious feast. A key […]
Off-season Cruising Tips – A Time for Solitude and Serenity
The off-season cruising months offer a respite as anchorages are deserted, marinas and marine park docks become our own, there’s no jockeying required at the fuel dock and wildlife is unencumbered by the usual steady stream of boats. It’s their domain now. Wildlife is unencumbered with less boating traffic. After Labor Day, […]