Boating and Sailing

Each island posted on this Gulf Islands tourism website provides a list of boating and sailing destinations, marinas and protective coves for open water moorage. Each boating destination includes a detailed description, the marine services available and in most cases pictures.

The Gulf Islands are often a destination on many boating adventures. Every island has a marina and provides open water moorage opportunities in some of their protected bays and coves. Each island marina provides anchorage opportunities for visiting boats.

Marina services may or may not include power, showers, fuel pumps, pubs, restaurants, accommodations, fish storage, tackle shops and marine mechanics. Moorage is limited on some islands. It is wise to plan well in advance if moorage is a priority.

All international boaters must check in with Canada Customs when entering Canadian waters. Bring your passport.

During peak summer periods the islands are very busy boating destinations. All who bring their own boats should be experienced with west coast weather with all the proper gear like maps, tidal charts, gps, life jackets and a marine radio.

For visitors who are boatless there are boat tours exploring the Gulf Islands departing from Vancouver, the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island. Boat tours are ideal for wildlife watching. There are day cruises and multi day voyages. Multi day boat tours include accommodations, meals and interpretive captains.

Some Gulf Island boating destinations provide an opportunity for fishing, scuba diving, beachcombing, wilderness camping, sightseeing, wildlife watching and birdwatching. Here are a few notable Gulf Island marine routes and boating destinations.

North Gulf Islands

• Broughton Archipelago Marine Route is a very large group of of islands popular for multi day boating adventures. There many secluded bays, protective coves, ocean channels and many, many Islands.
• Desolation Sound Marine Route is a popular multi day marine route exploring near the Copeland Islands, West Redonda Island and East Redonda Island while navigating the currents of Waddington Channel, Homfray Channel, Lewis Channel, Pryce Channel and Toba Inlet.
• Discovery Islands Marine Route is a popular boating route exploring Cortes, Quadra, East Thurlow, Sonora, Maurelle, Read, West and East Redonda and Stuart Islands.

Central Gulf Islands

• Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park near Denman Island , also known as Tree Island, is a refuge for boating and sailing. The park protects over 140 species of wildflowers and includes some beautiful sandy beaches.

Southern Gulf Islands

• Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is a marine park protecting the sensitive eco systems in the southern Gulf Islands Archipelago. The archipelago covers 35 square kilometres of land including 15 islands and 30 islets plus 26 square kilometres of ocean. It is a very popular destination for boating and sailing.
• Montague Harbour Regional Park Reserve on Galiano Island is one of the more popular moorage destinations for boaters in the Southern Gulf Islands. There is a large marina with services and a sandy beach.

Enjoy the cruise EH!

The EH TEAM