Vancouver and the Gulf Islands: boating safety
Last verified:
Vancouver is British Columbia's largest boating centre, with marinas in False Creek, Burrard Inlet and along the Fraser River, inside Canada's busiest port. Across the Strait of Georgia, the sheltered Southern Gulf Islands and Gulf Islands National Park Reserve are the main cruising ground, next to the US San Juan Islands.
Canada: all rescue numbers → On the rescue map → Print an emergency card →
Harbour and marinas
Port of Vancouver waters are shared with about 3,000 commercial ships a year. Carry a VHF radio and monitor channels 16 and 12, and give way to large ships even when you have right of way. Recreational anchorages are False Creek, Port Moody, Deep Cove and Bedwell Bay (North).
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (archived page) · Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (archived page) · Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (archived page) ▾
Weather
Environment Canada's marine forecast area for these waters is "Strait of Georgia - south of Nanaimo".
Environment and Climate Change Canada ▾
Local rules
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve mooring buoys are first come, first served, with a fee after 3 pm paid at the shore vaults. Only one boat per buoy and no rafting; boats up to 15 m in winds under 30 knots, up to 12 m in 30–37 knots.
Parks Canada · Parks Canada · Parks Canada ▾
Boats must stay 1,000 m from Southern Resident killer whales between Campbell River and Ucluelet (until 31 May 2027), and 200 m from other killer whales. From 1 June to 30 November all vessel traffic is banned in the Vessel Restricted Zones off North Pender and Saturna Islands.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada · Fisheries and Oceans Canada · Fisheries and Oceans Canada ▾
Operators of any recreational boat with a motor, even when sailing, need proof of competency such as a Pleasure Craft Operator Card. Visitors may use their home-country card, and need nothing if operating their own boat in Canada for under 45 consecutive days.
Transport Canada · Transport Canada ▾
Hazards
Take great care in the strong tidal currents of Active Pass (Galiano–Mayne), Boat Pass (Samuel–Saturna) and off East Point, Saturna. Freighters and passenger ferries run in all seasons.
Parks Canada · Parks Canada ▾
Hospital and medical
Vancouver General Hospital, 899 West 12th Avenue, provides emergency and trauma care for all of British Columbia.
Vancouver Coastal Health ▾
Arriving from abroad
Arriving from the US, report to CBSA at an open designated marine reporting site, either in person or by phone at a telephone reporting site. Only the skipper may leave the boat to call; everyone else stays aboard until entry is authorised.
Canada Border Services Agency ▾
Frequently asked
Who do I call in an emergency at sea near Vancouver and the Gulf Islands?
Call JRCC Victoria on +1 250-413-8933. On the radio: MAYDAY on VHF channel 16, or a DSC distress alert on channel 70.
How do I contact the harbour in Vancouver and the Gulf Islands?
Port of Vancouver waters are shared with about 3,000 commercial ships a year. Carry a VHF radio and monitor channels 16 and 12, and give way to large ships even when you have right of way. Recreational anchorages are False Creek, Port Moody, Deep Cove and Bedwell Bay (North).
Where do I get the marine forecast for Vancouver and the Gulf Islands?
Environment Canada's marine forecast area for these waters is "Strait of Georgia - south of Nanaimo".
Read before you sail
Nearby destinations
Local rules change. Spotted something out of date? support@vesselsos.com