Boating from West Vancouver & the North Shore: A Guide

West Vancouver faces some of the best cruising water in the world. Howe Sound starts at Horseshoe Bay, the Gulf Islands are across the Strait, and Desolation Sound is a few days north. For many families, a boat is as much a part of North Shore life as a ski pass. Here’s where boats are kept, where people go, and what you need to run one, from official sources.

Where to keep a boat

Fisherman’s Cove, West Vancouver. The sheltered cove off Marine Drive near Whytecliff is home to the West Vancouver Yacht Club and to commercial marinas, including the West Vancouver Marina at 5920 Marine Drive.
The yacht clubs. The Royal Vancouver Yacht Club has home ports at Jericho and Coal Harbour and seven offshore stations up the coast, and the West Vancouver Yacht Club is at Fisherman’s Cove. Both take new members by application. The private clubs of West Vancouver and Vancouver
At home. A waterfront home may have, or be able to get, its own dock, depending on who controls the water in front of it. Waterfront homes: docks, moorage and what to check

Moorage near the city is in demand, especially for larger boats. Ask marinas about waitlists early, ideally before you buy the boat.

Where people go

Howe Sound. Right at the door, with islands, anchorages, and Bowen and Gambier Islands close by.
The Gulf Islands. Across the Strait of Georgia, partly protected as the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Parks Canada’s mooring buoys are first-come, first-served, one boat per buoy, with no rafting and quiet hours from 10 pm to 8 am. Boaters are asked to keep at least 100 metres from islets and marine wildlife.
Desolation Sound. Further north, the provincial marine park is one of BC’s most popular boating destinations, with sheltered anchorages. There’s no drinking water, some anchoring areas are closed to protect eelgrass, and overnight camping needs a permit.

What you need to run a boat

Transport Canada’s rules:

Proof of competency. Anyone operating a motorized pleasure craft needs it, whatever the boat’s length or engine size, and even if the engine is a small electric motor or isn’t running. Most people get the Pleasure Craft Operator Card by passing a test with an accredited course provider. Transport Canada says a paper or electronic copy of the card isn’t acceptable, so carry the card itself.
A Pleasure Craft Licence for a boat with engines totalling 10 horsepower or more. Licences are valid for five years. Larger boats may be registered instead.
Young operators face horsepower limits: under 12 without direct supervision, no more than 10 hp; 12 to 15 without supervision, no more than 40 hp.

Questions people ask

Do I need a licence to drive a boat in BC?

You need proof of competency, usually the Pleasure Craft Operator Card, to operate any motorized pleasure craft. The boat itself needs a Pleasure Craft Licence if its engines total 10 hp or more.

Where can I moor a boat in West Vancouver?

Fisherman’s Cove has marinas and the West Vancouver Yacht Club. Availability is limited, so ask about waitlists early.

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General information, current as of publication, from Transport Canada, Parks Canada, BC Parks, the District of West Vancouver and the clubs. Rules change; check before you go.

Boating from the North Shore