Holidays in Vancouver – Cycling and Sailing?

At Nanaimo Yacht Charters we often have people splitting their holiday between a yacht charter to enjoy the beautiful nature and the peace and quiet and some time in wonderful Vancouver. The most popular way of travelling for tourists and locals is by bike.

Vancouver is a fantastic place to get on your bike! The City of Vancouver have invested in over 450 km of bike routes comprising of bike paths and bike lanes on the roads. Investment is as a result of the Greenest City 2020 Action Plan. This plan was a visionary document to make Vancouver a global leader in urban sustainability. Amazingly, commuting by bicycle now makes up 10% of all trips.

There are all terrains from the flat areas of Stanley Park to mountain biking on the North Shore.

If you’re new to Vancouver and don’t like to plan, then you can simply get on a bike (with your helmet) and cycle. If you’re going outside of the downtown area  you may want to have a look at the City of Vancouver’s Bicycle Route Map & Guide. The map can be downloaded or picked up from a list of locations.  The website also provides information about road regulations and safety tips.

Many visitors head for the cobblestone streets of the oldest neighbourhood, Gastown. The area is a great place for food, fashion, coffee and people watching. Another popular area is the Chinatown and then on to Mount Pleasant, home of craft beer tasting rooms and boutique shopping.

The most famous bike routes in Vancouver is the paved pathway along the Stanley Park Seawall. It’s well sign posted and is fairly flat. If you’re looking for something more adventurous then north of downtown Vancouver is the North Shore which is known for challenging mountain bike trails; Mount Fromme, Cypress Mountain and Mount Seymour all have great trails which are well signed and established.

There are plenty of places to hire bikes around Stanley Park – mountain bikes, tandems, hybrids, mountain bikes and even electric bikes for those wanting to be on a bike but not have to push up the hills. There are rental places in Denman Street between Davie and West Georgia streets.

The City of Vancouver have also launched a public bike share system called Mobi which has pick up/drop off stations all around the downtown area.

1. Cycling in Stanley Park

2. Cycling the North Shore

3. Sunset Beach – False Creek – Kitsilano Beach

4. Central Valley Greenway

5. Jericho Beach – University of British Columbia – Pacific Spirit Regional Park

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The Best of Vancouver Island’s Events for 2019

As we start to come to terms with the fact that we are firmly in 2019, we at Nanaimo Yacht Charters thought we would look ahead at the year to come in Vancouver Island, and share with you what events we are most looking forward to. When planning your yacht charter holiday, it is always important to keep an eye on what is going on inland. There are many fantastic events happening this year, and so we thought we would pick our favorites each month to share with our guests. Whether you are sporty or arty, a music lover or a food devourer, we have got you covered in our guide to the best of Vancouver’s events for 2019.

January

On January 26th head to Spirit Bay Visitor Centre in Metchosin BC for the Telling Stories: Tales, Text and Testimonies event. As the title may tell you, this is an event for the bookworms among you. The day will be filled to the brim with Canadian Authors, Artists and Activists. The event starts at 11am and runs until 2.30pm. This year, Antanas Sileika, Paul Budra, Sheeba Sawyer, and Kris Obrigewitsch will be there to read from their books, plays, cultural and historical offerings, and give insights into sustainable development. Spirit Bay itself is worth the visit as a contemporary village 40 minutes from Victoria which prides itself on being culturally and environmentally significant.

February

This is the month that Nanaimo Mysteries kicks off at Nanaimo Museum. The event runs from February 15th right through until the start of September. You can visit Monday to Saturday for a thrill seeking time exploring some of the many mysteries and playing the investigator. Examples include public hangings, corrupt policemen, and unsolved murders! You get to explore the history of Nanaimo in a fun and interactive way, and also do some myth busting whilst you are at it!

March

March is the month for foodies on Vancouver Island. On March 7th the Culinaire event comes to town. Hailed as Victoria’s Premier Food Tasting Experience, it really is an event not to be missed if you are travelling the area at this time of the year. You can sample all of the best food and drinks local to the region here, and even learn new cooking methods from some of the many local chefs showcasing at the event. This year it is being held at the Victoria Conference centre and there is an afternoon or evening event for you to choose from.

April

In April, we have chosen an event for the ecological inspired among you… Enlichenment! If you fancy learning about lichens then these sessions will satiate that desire. You will learn about the local ecologies and also how lichens can be used in food, medicines and even tools! Don’t know what lichens are? No problem, they start with the basics. On March 23rd you can take the introduction to lichens session with the more in depth session happening on April 6th. We know many of our visitors have an enthusiasm for nature and this course is a great way to get to grips with some of the local ways.

May

May is the month that the Cultural Heritage Festival happens. It runs from May the 18th to June the 1st. It doesn’t have a single location which means that as you are cruising the coast you are likely to happen upon a little part of it. Tofino, the Pacific Rim Nature Reserve, and Ucluelet are the main areas for exploring the different art forms that represent the culture of the West Coast. It is an interactive festival for visitors and locals to get involved in cultural practices and learn about the histories. In 2019 the theme is around the Japanese Culture on the island.

June

Forgive us here as we have cheated a little, as this event actually runs the third Sunday of every month, but we think June is just the perfect time to do it. Take part in the open day at Wildwood Ecoforestry project and learn about the great work the Ecoforestry Institute do there. This is a great day out for the whole family, to get back to nature, explore the woodland, and learn a little about the importance of greenery at the same time. Tours are given for a small donation and all money goes towards the projects and preserving the unique property. Arrive on June the 16th at 1pm for your magical tour of these beautiful woods.

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Top 8 To-Do’s on Your Nanaimo Holiday

Whilst on a yachting holiday in Nanaimo you are sure to want to sample some of the best local sights and activities our beautiful city has to offer.

What we love most about Nanaimo is the diversity of what it has to offer. Relaxing on your yacht is undoubtedly one of the best parts of vacationing with us here at Nanaimo Yacht Charters, but also, we know how important it is to try new things. That is a very important part of taking a holiday. In this top tip to-do list we will walk you through some of the weirdest and wonderful experiences you can have here whilst holidaying. So in no particular order; let’s start with the weird…

Jean’s Cannery

This family business started over 50 years ago and is known for producing tinned pacific seafood goods. Our favourite is the honey-sweetened candied salmon. The Cannery is also renowned for working with companies who have strong sustainable fishing practices, something which is very important in these times. It is a fabulous place to visit to get a sense of heritage. The huge replica of a salmon can in the car park marks for a humorous selfie opportunity! It is the only commercial cannery left on the island and produces over 500,000 pounds of sport fish a year. Visitors can watch the process as well as stock up on products to enjoy on board the yacht later on.

Nanaimo Bar Trail

Now to the wonderful. If you want to let your hair down and see some of the sights at the same time, the bar crawl is for you. The Nanaimo Bar Trail is famed world-wide, with over 30 stops (if your stamina allows), at each of which you can sample some fabulous foods and beverages. Of course during your visit, you can sample one of the famous Nanaimo bars, deep fried if you like, alongside some chips. There are also dark cacao liqueur, coconut rum, and chocolate cocktails and it is during the bar trail you can find out some little nuggets of local knowledge from the regulars propping up the bars. A great social experience, and of course one for those who love a drink or are a bit of a foodie.

Floating Bikes

Chiliboats bike boats are properly weird and wonderful. These sea bikes have two pontoons which make it somewhat resemble a jet ski. But instead of standing, you can sit on a comfortable reclining seat or a traditional bike seat. Imagine a spin class on water and this is what you will get. So much fun. It is almost like walking into a gym and choosing which piece of equipment you want to use – I always go for the comfier sit-down version personally! It is kind of like a one-person pedalo.  It is a once in a lifetime sort of experience to try one of these on the beautiful Nanaimo waters.  

Petroglyphs

Found on the gorgeous Gabriola Island, the petroglyphs are ancient images carved upon the soft sandstone by the ancestors of the First Nations people. They include a number of fascinating depictions such as a sea-wolf, as well as things like killer whales and seals. The island is a mere 20 minutes away from Nanaimo. They are everywhere on the island, and you can see replicas in the Gabriola Museum’s Petroglyph Park too. The museum itself is also well worth a visit with its ever changing range of indoor and outdoor exhibitions which help visitors get to know the area.

Sturgeon viewing

An international Centre for Sturgeon Studies is the hub of sturgeon protection.Vancouver Island University’s International Centre for Sturgeon Studies is the hub of sturgeon protection. These creatures are absolutely fascinating, and have been part of the world’s ecosystem for over 200 million years. That is longer than the dinosaurs, and they are still here… just. Humans have brought this prehistoric fish to the brink of extinction; all varieties; all across the globe. The babies, known as fingerlings, look like baby dragons (great fun for Game of Thrones fans!), and as a threatened species are very worthy of the protection, and of your visit. They are the largest freshwater fish in North America, and they can grow up to 6 meters in length. The centre breeds them for research with the ultimate aim of species protection. There are a number of specimens on display here such as Tyra the 2.5 meter long female who was rescued from a pond in Chilliwack. The white sturgeon is an endangered species, despite being able to live for over 150 years at one time. All funds raised at the Sturgeon Centre go back into research and protection.

The Floating Pub

The Dinghy Dock pub offers visitors the most breath-taking harbour views of any establishment in the Nanaimo area. Moored off of Protection Island, this drinking hole can be reached by foot passenger ferry, or a little paddle over to 8 Pirate Lane (what an epic address!).

It is the only registered floating pub in Nanaimo, and its location provides an unforgettable experience for patrons. Visiting at dusk is the best time, so you can see the sun disappear behind the mountains whilst supping a nice cool beer – or whatever else takes your fancy off the menu. It is a novel experience that is for sure!

Snorkel with Seals

The Georgia Strait is where to be, if snorkelling with seals is what you seek.You swim through a narrow pass between the rocks and find a bunch of the cheeky furry creatures sunbathing and ready to swim with you. Snake Island is another great place to see the seals, and with its honeycomb rock formations, the scenery alone is worth the trip. You won’t have much luck with Harbour Seals as they are quite solitary but there are other varieties which will allow you to get a little closer. They are really smart creatures and inquisitive with it too. Get in with an experienced tour guide and you are in for a snorkel trip you will never forget.
Sea Kayaking

Now to end on an oldy but a goody. Renting a Kayak is a great way to get closer to the water whilst on your yachting holiday and really immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery here in Nanaimo.  Piper’s Lagoon Park is a great place to do just that. There is nothing better to take in the sea air from water level, and also to hopefully spot some of the lovely creatures that call those waters home. A new craze sweeping the area is mid-water meditation. Kayaking out to a serene spot and downing your oars to practice some mindfulness and really become one with nature. A fabulous day out for your holiday here in Nanaimo.

So, there you have it! 8 very different, and very unique things you can try here in Nanaimo whilst on your yachting holiday. From tinned fish, to preserving prehistoric fish. From floating pubs to floating bikes. And from snorkelling with seals to mindfulness kayaking. We have covered a lot, and we hope we have given you some inspiring ideas for your time in the city. We love to hear about all the things you get up to whilst holidaying with us, and so if you have any suggestions of places you have been which may not be well known, please do let us know.

Photo Credit: tourradar.com, dinghydockpub.com, research.viu.ca, tourismnanaimo.com, stjeans.com

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All About the Gulf Islands, British Columbia

The Gulf Islands are between Vancouver Island and the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. The Gulf Islands are normally split into the Southern and Northern Gulf Islands with the dividing line being between the city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island and the mouth of the Fraser River on the mainland.

Captain George Vancouver made his first recordings of the Gulf Islands in 1792, although First Nations people were already living there. First Nations people identify themselves by the nation to which they belong. In Canada it is usually aboriginal. In recognition of the original inhabitants, the Gulf Islands region is often referred to as the “Salish Sea”.

Captain Vancouver claimed the islands for the British Crown, and referred to them as being located in a “gulf.” The islands aren’t in a gulf but the name has stuck. As marine traffic between Victoria and the Fraser River area exploded it became clear that a new map of the Strait of Georgia was needed and so in 1858-59, another cartographic expedition, on the HMS Plumper was dispatched and more accurate maps produced. Pioneers of this time had now already started establishing places to live on the islands. American blacks and Portuguese arrived and built farms in the valleys of the north end of Salt Spring. Hawaiians, who had been employed by the Hudson’s Bay Company or living in the San Juan Islands when they became U.S. territory in 1872 also developed homes on South Salt Spring and some of the nearby islands. Soon settlers from other parts of the world heard about the Gulf Islands and sought to make their homes there.

Miners Bay on Mayne Island

By the mid 1850s gold fever had caught the attention of Canada. Miners Bay on Mayne Island became a bustling, lively port and one of the first Crown colonies. Not many years later, Salt Spring Island was engulfed by Australians, British and African Americans who were escaping slavery in the United States. Fruit orchards were developed and were hugely successful and evidence of these orchards can still be found. In 1872 the boundary between the United States and Canada was finally agreed and the Gulf Islands officially became part of Canada and the San Juan Islands part of the United States.

As you would expect, many of the islands, bays, harbors and viewpoints are named after Spanish and English explorers who arrived in the 18th century – Vesuvius Bay, Mayne Island, Plumper Sound etc.

Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park

In recent years the preservation of aboriginal life has become more of interest and in the summer of 2016, male and female welcome poles were brought to the seaside at Burgoyne Bay Provincial Park by members of the Quw’utsun First Nation. There is a beautiful Japanese garden at Dinner Bay Park on Mayne Island and the Heiwa Garden in Peace Park on Salt Spring Island. Both of these gardens have been developed to acknowledge the contribution the Japanese made to the development of the Gulf Islands. More recently, Salt Spring boasts a restored charcoal kiln which was used by the Japanese pioneers.

You’ll be sure to find on every island something of historical interest and find the things to do in Gulf Islands here.

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Wildlife in Desolation Sound, British Columbia, Canada

Desolation Sound Marine Park

Desolation Sound Marine Park is the largest Marine Park in B.C. and has over 6,350 acres of shoreline, water and wildlife. Locally, the park is referred to as having 3 major anchorage areas – Prideaux Haven, Tenedo’s Bay and Grace Harbour although there are many other safe anchorages protected by high cliffs, islands or mountainsides.

Prideaux Haven

This is easily one of the most beautiful anchorages in Desolation Sound. Get into your dinghy or kayak and go exploring the tiny coves, islands and inlets which make up this area.

Tenedos Bay

This bay is to the east of Mink Island in Homfray Channel. The most protected and favorite places to anchor are on the northern shore or at the head of the bay, near to Unwin Lake. There is an easily visible trail from the anchorage which leads you directly to Unwin Lake. This is a delightful lake to have a fresh water swim and is a great place to base yourself and explore by kayak Mink, Curme and Otter Islands. At Tanedos Bay there is also a campsite, pit toilets and an information board.

Grace Harbour

If you’re already in the area of Desolation Sound and think the scenery can’t get any better then sit back in the cockpit and be prepared to be wowed by Grace Harbour. Out in the Sound the weather may well be causing some waves but inside, enclosed Grace Harbour it is always calm. This is a small anchorage on the mainland of British Columbia and is accessed by Malaspina Inlet.

Throw out your anchor and relax or jump in your dinghy and find the path through the woods to a small lake. Bears and wolves live in the woods, but they will see you way before you see them. You’d be incredibly lucky to see them. Look out for old logging machinery – garbage or interesting, historic remnants to treasure. You decide!

From all of these anchorages watch out for incredible wildlife on land, in the sea and up in the sky.
Highlights are:
Birds of Prey:
Bald Eagles

Desolation Sound is lucky enough to have a healthy population of Bald eagles. You can recognize them by their white head feathers and their enormous nests. Their nests are built year on year as they return to the same location by the sea where they can feed on fish.

Ospreys

These birds are also known as fish hawks and are fantastic fish hunters.

They are expert at spotting and diving for fish and can be easily spotted by their black and white markings underneath.

Turkey Vultures

These are seen circling way up high. They live off dead animals and their amazing sense of smell enables them to easily find food. You can spot a turkey vulture by its gliding flight on the thermals which they use to conserve energy.

Shore Birds:
Cormorants

Cormorants are in abundance in Desolation Sound and you will see large groups on the shore or on floating logs.

When they’re not diving for food they spend a lot of time drying their wings. Unusually for diving birds their feathers are not waterproof which means they can dive deeper for fish but need to be looked after!

Kingfishers

As you’re kayaking or rowing your dinghy near to the coastline look out for the blue and white kingfishers. If you’re lucky you might see one diving for food. They take their time hovering over the water and then they seem to think, ok lets just go for it and throw themselves in the sea. 2 seconds later they’re out the water with more often than not a fish in their mouth.

Oyster Catchers

Oyster Catchers with their bright orange beaks and jet black feathers are masters of prying open shellfish. Strangely, they don’t eat oysters simply because their beaks aren’t strong enough to open the shells. Their main diet is infact mussels and limpets. Apart from their bright orange beaks they’re also known for their distinctive sounding “melody” which sounds like human screams.

Great Blue Herons

There are not so many Great Blue Herons, but you’ll spot these large birds by it’s majestic form as it wades through the shallow waters in search of food.

Mammals on Land

If you’re new to Canada it’s especially exciting to see some of the wildlife. In early spring black bears come down to the shore and feed on herring spawn and in the fall they hang out at rivers where they know there are salmon. They love the salmon for their rich meat and their need to increase their weight before they huddle down in their winter dens. The coastal grizzly bears are less common than the black bears but if you are very lucky can be seen in the North of Desolation Sound in the fjords.

River otters love shellfish, fish and if they can get them young sea birds. They sleep and nest on land in hollow logs or tucked away in accessible tree roots.

Minks are no longer farmed for indulgent fur coats for mankind. They are common in Desolation Sound, but are very shy and you are unlikely to see one. If you are lucky you may see one scampering across the rocks. They eat small rodents, fish, shellfish, frogs and birds.

Cougars and wolves are present in the forests of Desolation Sound, but you will be extremely lucky to see one. If you do see one it’s a good idea to keep your children and pets close. Never camp and leave food out.

Sea Lions and Seals

Spring or fall is when you are most likely to see Sea Lions. In the summer they seem to normally head south to California. Sea Lions have a distinctive honking noise. Look out for them resting on rocks or resting in the water with with their flippers in the air (to reduce heat loss). You’re more likely to see seals than sea lions. If you’re on the water and it’s hot with a low tide you’re likely to come across seals enjoying the hot weather. Huge colonies of seals gather near the cliffs on the western shore of Kinghorn Island and at Major Rock north of Lund.

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Vancouver National Park – Try 1 Week Hiking & 1 Week Sailing

If you’re a local with Vancouver National Park on your doorstep count yourself lucky. There aren’t many places in the world where you can easily hike and see such a diverse range of scenery and still be back in your car driving home to a hot bath rather than camping on the side of a mountain. At Nanaimo Yacht Charters we often have people arriving at our base who are making the absolute most of their holiday time and building in some hiking time to their holiday itinerary.

Like all National Parks there is a hiking etiquette which centres around leaving places as you found them and staying on the marked trails for safety reasons and to do the least damage to the precious environment.

Here are some of the favorite hikes of Vancouver National Park:

Garibaldi Lake – 18 kms

 
Garibaldi Lake

This is a firm favorite of the locals. The pinnacle of the hike is the lake. If the sun is out it is turquoise coloured water reflecting the alpine mountains and spectacular glacier. The view is awesome and well worth the first 6 km of pain to get there.

This hike starts from the Rubble Creek parking area just south of Whistler. The first 6 km is a gradual climb through forests of Douglas Fir trees.  After 6 km you arrive at a junction. If you want a shorter journey to the lake turn right. Turn left and it is an hour longer but you get to walk through the Taylor Meadows covered in alpine flowers through late summer and early autumn. Eventually you will reach the Garibaldi lake.

Panorama Ridge – 30 kms


Panorama Ridge[/caption]
The views from Panorama ridge won’t be forgotten. From the ridge you have views over Garibaldi Lake, Black Tusk and Helm Lake. Most people don’t try and complete the hike in 1 day and spend a night camping at Garibaldi Lake or Taylor Meadows and then make their way up Panorama Ridge on day 2.
Black Tusk – 29 kms

 

It is obvious why this mountain peak is called Black Tusk. The pointed peak is a landmark which has drawn many, many hikers.

Follow the trail to Taylor Meadows and walk past the camping area and eventually you arrive at a junction with a map and a wooden bench. Continue straight on and you will see a sign for Black Tusk. Prepare yourself for some uphill work! The last part of the trail actually disappears into a scramble over loose shale. The views over the entire area are worth the wait.

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What experience do I need for sailing in Vancouver?

If you are planning a holiday sailing in Vancouver, then it is definitely useful to know what sailing experience you need as it can be challenging sailing depending on what time of year you visit.

Sailing Area

The sailing in Vancouver ranges across a wide area, from the Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound, the San Juan Islands and the Sunshine coast, an area that stretches along the Strait of Georgia from Howe Sound to Desolation sound, with many communities to see and superb scenery to enjoy.

Sailing Conditions

Sailing in Vancouver the primary sailing season is from May through to September, however, a great mix of sailing conditions prevails throughout the year, so if you prefer to enjoy some more challenging conditions or varied sailing then you can sail throughout the year.

High Season conditions

From April to May, you can expect changeable weather. It is normal to expect strong winds in these spring months, but the weather is warming up and it is a beautiful time of year, with everything coming into bloom.  

The Summer months between June to September, you can expect around 8-12 knots of thermally generated winds and relatively dry conditions. Summer is a great time of year for sailing in Vancouver if you are a confident sailor, but have slightly less confidence in varied sailing conditions, as July and August offer light winds and typically lovely weather, so perfect for enjoying the stunning national and provincial parks in the area.

Low Season conditions
October is a very popular time for sailing in Vancouver, before the colder winter weather arrives, but it can be more challenging than the Summer months, so you will need to be a very competent and confident sailor, able to sail in more challenging conditions.

Mooring up

If you are sailing in Vancouver, then you will be be encountering different moorings and anchorages, so you will need to be very competent in mooring up as there are plenty of overnight moorings available for visiting yachtsmen, but it is mainly anchorages, so you will need to be proficient and confident in anchoring in many different bays and and coastal areas.

Tides

There are significant tidal ranges when you are sailing in Vancouver, so it is very useful to understand the tidal ranges in relation to navigation when sailing this cruising area. 

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