Water Ways
Islands well stocked with marine services and fish
Boats tie up in Fulford Harbour.
Boaters can experience the best of all worlds when they cruise the waters of the Gulf Islands and southern Vancouver Island.
All islands have some docking facilities, with excellent marinas on several of them.
Fuel can be obtained in Ganges Harbour at Ganges Marina, at Poets Cove in Bedwell Harbour on South Pender Island, Silva Bay Resort and Marina on Gabriola, Montague Harbour Marina on Galiano, and at Maple Bay Marina across Sansum Narrows from Salt Spring.
Bedwell Harbour also has a U.S. Customs spot, which all border-crossing vessels must visit.
Maple Bay Marina hosts special events like the annual Wooden Boat Festival and Model Boat Show on the May long weekend.
For the Salt Spring Sea Capers festival, set for June 9 this year, classic wooden boats tie up in Ganges Harbour. Then on September 22-23, West Coast Workboat Association members hold their annual gathering in the same spot.
In addition to the May long weekend Round Salt Spring sailing race, the Salt Spring Sailing Club will be the spot for the 2007 Model Yachting Association’s International One-Metre Model Boat National Championships on June 1-3.
For boaters who like to fish, Gulf Islands waters offer a myriad of angling experiences for both amateurs and professionals.
A guided trip is highly recommended for ocean fishing and several outlets provide this service on the various islands. The Tourist Info Centre in downtown Ganges can help connect you to one of the local outfits. Visitors can also chat with local specialists at island marinas or marine supply outlets.
Saltwater fishing licences can be purchased at various outlets on the islands or online at www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/.
More information on ocean fishing and regulations is available at the Department of Fisheries and Ocean’s Pacific region website, noted above.
Freshwater fishing also requires a licence, which can be obtained for as little as $10 for a one-day permit.
See Government Agent’s Offices or www.env.gov.bc.ca/fw/fish for info.