I had the spontaneous idea to spend one day on boat. Shot research on the Internet showed there are two locations in Vancouver where you can rent a boat - Granville Island and Horseshoe Bay. I decided for Horseshoe bay. Granville Island is located in city center and I had the feeling it would be much more fun to explore the ocean outside of the city.
Together with two friend we have spend almost all day on the ocean (OK not the open ocean, 'just' on one of the bays between mainland and Vancouver Island).
Before you rent a boat, you need to pass through 'boat driving license procedure'. It is not difficult, the main purpose to to scare you.
Once you pass, the ocean is yours. We had small boat for max. 4 people with the lowest power (40 HP, stronger were 60 and 75). I do not believe there is much difference. You always feel you go too slow until you hit bigger wave.
Once we left the harbour we started to practice the boat driving. It looks very simple, but even small boat can sometimes surprise you. Watch for waves! Looking on the map we planned to explore all islands in the bay. Soon we realised we do not have enough time or boat fast enough to manage this in one day. Plan changed and we started to search for nice place to have a picnic and swim. We found wonderful quite location.
We had lots of fun parking the boat without destroying it and hoping it will not swim away while we were enjoying the beach.
As you can see on the picture it was a stone beach. The entry into a water was very challenging because of the very slippery stones. My friends swam few strokes. I only dipped my feet and hands. The water was very cold and the stones very very slippery.
After lunch and swimming is time to explore more. Some of the islands are inhabited. It must be wonderful to have a cottage there.
I recommend everybody to have a boat trip when in Vancouver. It was worth the 220$ we have paid for 4 hours rental.
Enjoy summer, it is still not over and see you soon!
Together with two friend we have spend almost all day on the ocean (OK not the open ocean, 'just' on one of the bays between mainland and Vancouver Island).
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| Map of 'our' Bay - the star shows location of the Horseshoe Harbor. |
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| Boat Driving LIcense Material |
Once you pass, the ocean is yours. We had small boat for max. 4 people with the lowest power (40 HP, stronger were 60 and 75). I do not believe there is much difference. You always feel you go too slow until you hit bigger wave.
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| Leaving the Harbour |
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| Our beach on Anvil Island with rock entering the water on left side and tree trunks - perfect for picnic. |
We had lots of fun parking the boat without destroying it and hoping it will not swim away while we were enjoying the beach.
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| Safely parked boat. |
After lunch and swimming is time to explore more. Some of the islands are inhabited. It must be wonderful to have a cottage there.
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| This lovely place is for sale. |
I recommend everybody to have a boat trip when in Vancouver. It was worth the 220$ we have paid for 4 hours rental.
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| Amazing day! |
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