The extensive cruising area along Mainland BC from Boundary Bay to the south, and Lund to the north, is known as the Sunshine Coast and offers a wide variety of destinations.
The border town of White Rock, BC on the east side of Boundary Bay is lined with cafes and shops along a sandy beach, accessed by a public pier. Heading north, the Fraser River offers charming fishing villages along its banks like Steveston located inside the river delta, and New Westminster farther up the river. River current and river sediment extending off shore bring new challenges and experiences for the boater.
The metropolitan city of Vancouver has beautiful parks and bike paths surrounding its waterways, providing convenient access for boaters to hike and bike throughout the city. Restaurants, museums, and shops abound and are accessible from all marinas. A short distance away is Indian Arm, with charming bedroom communities, offering a more remote feeling.
Cruise a short distance north from Vancouver into How Sound, and boaters find themselves in a different world, with stunning scenery and fewer boats. Bowen Island and the charming community of Gibsons at the mouth of How Sound are favorite stops.
Continuing north along the Sunshine Coast, Pender Harbour is a delight with its many coves, nooks, and crannies, where boaters can spend a week or more anchoring in multiple locations, or mooring at a number of different government docks and private resorts.
Princess Louisa Inlet is one of the most sought-after destinations, with its granite-face cliffs and stunning Chatterbox Falls. The park dock and mooring buoys provide convenient overnight stays. The community of Egmont, on Sechelt Peninsula, serves as a good jumping off point.
Next stop, Powell River, is a good refueling and reprovisioning stop. The town has a marine supply store, a lovely beach, and some great restaurants. From Willingdon Beach on the north end of town, a bike path leads along the waterfront through a lovely forest, with numerous pieces of historic logging equipment on display. At the north end of the Sunshine Coast is the small community of Lund, serving as the gateway to Desolation Sound.
Photos: Lorena Landon
