Located on the Saanich Peninsula, just north of Victoria this small village is bustling with beautiful scenery and attractions. Home to the Butchart Gardens, a short car ride away, this can’t miss stop along your journey offers magnificent colors and aromas along with a tranquil ¬environment to indulge in afternoon tea. Walk down the docks of the Brentwood Bay Resort, and experience the pure joy of yachting, meeting fellow boaters along your stroll. Enjoy an enticing dinner featuring local favors prepared by the chef. Choose to enjoy in the main dining area or on the aft deck. Finish the evening cuddled up next to the firepit onboard.
Walk along the smooth pebbled beaches surrounding the narrow inlet of Maple Bay. During your two-hour cruise onboard to this epic destination, you’ll pass between Salt Spring Island and Vancouver Island through the Sansum Narrows. The sweeping landscapes of evergreen trees and coastal cabins will evoke a sense of love for your surroundings. Spend your afternoon underwater, the protected inlet is ideal for diving. Jacques Costeau once admired the area as one of his favorite diving spots in the world. For a different activity, head to land where you can choose from four different golf courses a short drive away.
Continue your exploration of the Gulf Islands to the town of Ladysmith. Nestled along the eastern shores of Vancouver Island, you’ll be able to anchor on the 49th parallel where the US and Canadian border meet. The charming town with a rich history offers all the attractions you can think of. Hiking, shopping, kayaking, whale watching, fishing, and crabbing are just some of your options. Stroll down the docks, admiring the unique shoreline, and historic buildings. Some of the buildings may look familiar, multiple movies have shot scenes throughout the town. Return to the yacht for a scrumptious dinner, waiting for you on the aft deck.
A major city hub on the island of Central Vancouver Island, Nanaimo is known for its impressive nature and bustling harbour. Overlooking the Salish Sea and flanked by British Colombia's mega mountains, Nanaimo is pure scenic grace. It's a premier spot for seaplanes and boat tours to depart giving it a fun bustling edge that only adds to the appeal. Strolling along the harbour you can soak up the atmosphere and grab a gorgeous lunch at one of the waterfront spots. A heady mix of museums, restaurants, bars and boutiques will keep charter guests occupied but for those who want to immerse themselves in the wildlife wonders, there are whale watching adventures, the chance to snorkel alongside seals, picnic and swimming parks, and ample opportunity to take seaplane tours to see the sunshine coast from a different angle.
Your next destination is a favorite among local yachters. The cerulean waters are often dotted with white yachts in the summer months. Ganges is the largest town on Salt Spring Island and known for having a vibrant art scene. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a Saturday, walk to Centennial Park where you can discover local vendors at the market showcasing produce, baked goods, fresh flowers, art, and much more. Back onboard, lounge on the top deck, a great place for wildlife viewing. Whether looking towards land, water, or air you’ll easily spot wildlife of all kinds. Some of which may include tufted puffins, Tundra swans, sea otters, whales, bald eagles, and sea lions.
Enjoy the tranquility of Poet’s Cove, after a short cruise past Prevost Island and through Captain Passage. The archipelago located on South Pender Island is home to Poet’s Cove Resort & Spa. The seaside retreat offers spa packages that are sure to leave your feeling relaxed and reinvigorated. Visit one of the bars at the resort for cocktail hour before returning to the yacht for an extravagant last dinner, complete with champagne toast. Savor your last moments onboard while watching the sun sink in the distance. This quintessential yachting destination will welcome you back during your next stay.
The hip and hearty capital of British Columbia, Victoria is vivacious and real in every way. Brimming with impressive architecture dating all the way back to 1862, Victoria is the OG city on the blustery sweep of the Pacific Northwest. Also known as the garden city, you can explore this maze of blooming colour either on foot or by bicycle. The waterfront is impressive and the clanging harbour is the perfect spot to sit with a craft beer and watch the boats come and go. Cultural connoisseurs will adore the wealth of museums Victoria has to offer especially the Royal BC Museum. Art lovers will also be in their element with plenty of galleries to choose from. Breathe in botanical bliss at the gorgeous spring gardens of Butchart and sip a cocktail in grandiose surroundings at the fabulous Fairmont Empress.