Located in the center of Howe Sound, Bowen Island, is a haven for rest and relaxation. A short cruise from Vancouver the island escape offers outdoor activities like biking, kayaking, paddleboarding, beachcombing, golf, scuba diving, and much more. Start your morning with a brisk walk around Crippen Park, you’ll be able to see your yacht throughout your stroll. For a unique wellness experience go to Nectar Yoga for rejuvenation in an unspoiled nature setting. Visit some of the local art galleries and grab award winning chocolate at Cocoa West Chocolatier before departing for Secret Cove, your next exquisite destination.
The sheltered harbour of Secret Cove is located north of Sechelt near the entrance of Smuggler Cove Marine Park. This popular summer destination provides a remote atmosphere while maintaining the amenities and conveniences of a much larger community. The mild climate makes this an ideal location to spend the day fishing. With year-round fishing for chinook salmon and seasonal fishing for coho and sockeye salmon, you’re sure to catch a delicious dinner during your adventures. Keep your eyes out for whales passing by, you may see orcas breach in the water beside you.
The next stop along your epic journey is Pender Harbour, a favorite among local yachters. The calm azure blue waters invite you to paddleboard or kayak around the tranquil protected bay. For a more adventurous afternoon, try cold-water scuba diving. The tide, well below the surface, rushes through the narrow inlets and makes for a truly unique underwater experience. After enjoying all the ocean has to offer, head to shore where you can explore the quaint resort or walk along the forested trails. End your day by enjoying cocktail hour on the top deck where you can look across the staggering landscapes.
The 4-mile-long Princess Louisa Inlet is considered to be the “holy grail” of yacht cruising by yachting aficionados around the world. Accessed by the Malibu Rapids, the inlet is surrounded by 3,000-foot-tall mountains that plunge vertically over 600-feet below the depths of the water. You’ll feel as though you’re entering a cathedral as the Captain and crew slowly navigate through the waters. Once you clear the Malibu Rapids and continue cruising, you’ll be treated to stunning landscapes featuring dramatic waterfalls streaming down the breathtaking mountainsides.
Once your yacht is secured behind MacDonald Island, you’ll have the opportunity to take the tender ashore for an up-close view of Chatterbox Falls. No matter how many times this exquisite destination is visited, it always astonishes all who experience the sheer cliffs and natural beauty. A location this stunning deserves a longer stay, spend a couple of nights anchored in this serene inlet.
After enjoying the majestic scenery of Princess Louisa Inlet return through the Jervis Inlet to Garden Bay. Located just South of Garden Bay you’ll experience a similar tranquil setting. The small village of 330 people was originally occupied by the Coast Salish First Nations. The rich history of this destination will leave you amazed. Take the tender across the bay to the Painted Boat Resort and Spa where you can spend the afternoon getting pampered. Their wide range of treatments are inspired by the ocean’s bounty and will leave you feeling refreshed. Take advantage of the jacuzzi, pool, glacier shower, and sauna before before catching a seaplane home.