British Columbia boating is a sightseeing adventure on water discovering or rediscovering hidden coves, islands and bays. Whether your on the ocean or cruising some of our large lakes, boating is an ideal way to view our wilderness, watch our wildlife, visit small villages and locate remote channels, islands and islets.

Recreational boaters arrive in BC in many ways. Some visit our lakes and oceans with boat in tow. Others arrive on board a boat from the ocean waters to south and north of British Columbia. And then some boaters arrive with no boat in tow but in their hand is the rental paperwork for the boat waiting at some docks near by.

One of the most comforting and relaxing ways of boating in the province is by signing up for one of the many local boating tours. Many of the communities on the ocean and on the larger lakes have tour companies providing sightseeing adventurers. The overnight tours, especially on the ocean, can be an all inclusive vacation aboard a large yacht or on one of the historic ships which operate in the region.

On the westcoast of BC the Pacific Ocean is your guide. What makes the region a popular destination for boaters is the amazing wildlife, the wilderness scenery, the small ocean villages, the vast sandy beaches and the over 6000 islands. Most of the major communities on the westcoast operate marinas. Some are bare bone gas only marinas while others have showers, power, internet, gift shops, restaurant and pubs.

On the smaller lakes in BC where motorized boats are permitted boaters enjoy day trips leading to small beaches, hidden coves, historic artifacts or small islands. On the larger lakes and reservoir lakes in the province boating can lead to neighbouring communities, wilderness campgrounds, parks, historic artifacts and islands. Many of the communities on the larger lakes operate marinas.

The most crowded days on the water, the peak season of boating, begins in April and usually ends in October. And on both the lakes and the ocean the summer months of July and August are the most popular. Be aware it is during these peak summer months where it is more difficult to secure moorage at a marina.

No boating adventure should be attempted without the proper equipment when cruising BC waters. The dangerous swells, the unpredictable weather and rocky coastlines require all boaters to be proficient in the use of a compass, depth sounder, VHF radio and navigation charts which are available at most marinas.

On the westcoast of BC boating is enjoyed on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the Sunshine Coast, Queen Charlotte Islands, in Prince Rupert in North BC and from Bella Coola in the Cariboo-Chilcotin-Coast region. Some of the more popular ocean boating destination routes include the Broughton Archepeligo, Desolation Sound, Kingcome Inlet, Nootka Sound and the Princess Louise Inlet.

There are many lakes popular for boating in BC. Some of the more recognized and popular lakes for boating include Lake Cowichan on Vancouver Island; Okanagan and Skaha Lakes in the Okanagan Valley; Revelstoke, Upper and Lower Lakes in the Kootenays and Shuswap Lake in the Thompson-Shuswap region.

Thank you for planning your boating adventure with us on our BCeh.com Travel Planning Network!

Be well and enjoy,

The EH Team.