What to know about renting a boat in Vancouver

Boating season in Vancouver is abundant with activities that make the English Bay special. Renting a boat and enjoying the coast and waterways of Vancouver is a must. Cruising the English Bay on a pontoon, renting a motorboat for a day, or whale watching are all fantastic choices to try while in Vancouver.

A yacht charter with a professional captain will take you to all the best spots around Vancouver. Boating gives you a unique perspective on the city from the deck of a boat. You can customize your experience to include food and beverages, making for a comfortable day of cruising. It’s a great choice for events like bachelor and bachelorette parties, family get-togethers, and corporate gatherings.

A Fishing charter leaving from Vancouver is a fun way to spend a day. With a professional guide, you’ll get a chance to reel in some impressive fish - Chinook Salmon, Sturgeon, Steelhead, and Trout to name just a few. These fishing charters come with all the tackle, equipment and bait that you’ll need. Your guide can take you to the best fishing spots so you’re guaranteed a successful day fishing in Vancouver! For more information check out our Vancouver Fishing Charter Guide.

For active and outdoorsy travelers, renting a Kayak or a stand-up paddleboard is a way to get some exercise and explore the shoreline. You can rent a kayak or paddleboard on your own and paddle yourself around, or embark on a guided adventure. There are even yoga class offerings on stand-up paddleboards!

Boating Events in Vancouver

There are many boating events that take place in Vancouver throughout the year, especially during the summer months. The Vancouver Boat Show is a massive exhibition every January that features lots of exhibitors, vendors, and other events.

The Canadian International Dragon Boat Festival is in Vancouver every June. It’s an exciting celebration, the largest of its kind in North America. During the races, there are loads of family-friendly events, food vendors, live entertainment and other activities going on.

Several sailing regattas bring sailors together to compete in Vancouver during the summer.

Other Things To Do in Vancouver

While on land in Vancouver, there are many museums, entertainment venues, and other activities to experience. It’s known for having many comedy clubs, so check out a show while in the city. Sports games, especially hockey, draw the biggest crowds to Vancouver and create an exciting atmosphere in the city.

Cultural events and festivals are a common occurrence in Vancouver. These fun events include the Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown, Vancouver. This is an exciting and colorful event in this part of the city. The EAT! Vancouver food festival is another fabulous event that brings celebrity chefs and emerging food trends to the city.

Marinas in Vancouver

A few of the top marinas in Vancouver include the Coal Harbour Marina, Burrard Civic Marina, Quayside Marina and Bayshore West Marina. Not only do these marinas provide all the amenities a boater needs, they offer gorgeous views of the mountains in the distance. Most of the marinas are conveniently located near downtown, so it won’t be difficult to get from your accommodation to your boat.

About Vancouver

Vancouver is the largest city in Western Canada located in British Columbia. It’s one of Canada's most beautiful cities. It’s a traveler's paradise. With mountains, water all around, and a magnificent skyline, this seaport city is a popular destination year round.

Vancouver boasts of several beaches with English Bay Beach being the most popular in the downtown area. Bordered on the east by the Stanley Park Seawall, the beach offers a café, concessions and kayak rentals.It’s a gorgeous city that sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. It has a very high standard of living and is considered one of the best places to live. Three primary districts divide the city, the city center, the eastside, and the westside. Within these divisions, there are diverse and interesting neighborhoods to explore.

The best time of year to visit Vancouver is during the months of April through October. The summer is a beautiful season, with sunny skies, warm temperatures, and the city seems to come alive with people enjoying the outdoors. The ocean breeze keeps the city from ever getting too hot and humid. Winter in Vancouver is pretty mild with lighter rain than other parts of the Pacific Northwest.

To get to Vancouver, the easiest way is to fly into the Vancouver International Airport. From here you can take the SkyTrain - the public transport system that will get you downtown, or take a taxi to your accommodation. A train is a scenic option if you’re coming from another part of Canada, although this option can be pricey.