Enjoy a boating adventure surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery on the planet in the Vancouver region of British Columbia! See snow capped mountains and marine wildlife that includes eagles, porpoises and whales. Journey to any of the hidden inlets, hundreds of neighbouring islands or marine parks. The coast features many marinas offering chartered excursions and tours. Visitors possessing a BC boating license often charter sailing vessels from local yacht rentals and embark on a private sailing adventure.

Image Source: Tugboat Cruise.com

Chartered Tours
Chartered tours last from a few hours up to two weeks, with land based attractions on the itinerary. Indulge in an intimate evening and see the city lights from the deck of a chartered yacht while enjoying a multi-course meal provided by a cruise ship restaurant. Daytime lunch cruises travel through the harbour, toward the Burrard Inlet and then journey northward to the coastal mountain range. Glaciers carve the picturesque scenery here that includes varying landscapes covered by thick, lush forests.

Companies also offer cruises during holiday occasions including the Celebration of Lights cruise during the summer. While dining on the ship, passengers have a unique view of fireworks displays provided throughout July and August. The Carol Dinner cruise offers a memorable way to celebrate the Christmas holiday. Guests board a festively decorated ship and participate in a fun-filled evening of Christmas caroling after feasting on a traditional ham or turkey dinner.

Sight Seeing

Image Source: Inside Vancouver

Spend an entire day or weekend sailing from Vancouver to Victoria and see the sights by land and sea. Stop at the world renowned Butchart Gardens, which encompasses 55 acres of beautiful flowering plants. The garden features a vast array of plants providing colourful seasonal displays. Journey onward to the London Wax Museum and see hundreds of amazing exhibits. Multiple day cruises offer sailing adventures to different locations each day.

Sail to the site where killer whales frequent and frolic. Cruise to an ancient island and see forests filled with centuries old trees measuring more than 6 metres (20 feet) in circumference. Visit the native Cowichan peoples, who proudly share their culture and invite guests to a traditional salmon meal. Extended cruises offer the chance to venture into the Rocky Mountains, where trains take guests to wildlife watching sites at the Banff and Jasper National Parks. Guests have the chance to bathe in the warm waters of natural mineral spas, visit historic wineries and sample the products. Travel via ship through passages used to journey to Alaska. Luxury cruises travel to many different destinations around the coast.

Boat Rentals

Image Source: Boat Rentals Vancouver

Those choosing to captain a cruising or sailing vessel have the option of renting a sailing or powered yacht at many locations around Vancouver. Vessels range in size from 27 to 50 feet in length and contain modern electrical and computerized technology, which makes navigation and sailing a breeze. Boats come fully equipped with dinghies, galley utensils, heaters and safety gear. Many yachts have sleeping quarters that accommodate four to eight guests. Rent a yacht for a day and sail to Bowen Island. Use the boat for a week long adventure, sailing to such popular destinations that include the San Juan Islands or Desolation Sound.

Rental companies typically provide sailing enthusiasts with familiarization concerning specific features and operations of each yacht. Facilities also offer budding sailors the opportunity of obtaining licenses by providing specialized instruction. Courses include the chance to obtain certification as a crew member, day skipper or coastal captain.

Happy sailing!