Vancouver destinations ???

[Frank]

I plan to have my boat taken to Vancouver in July 06. Hope to spend 8-10 weeks exploring. Prefer scenery to crowds..hope to see mountains,waterfalls,wild life and totem poles. Enjoy the odd 'night on the town...maybe at the start and finish.Will have boat in N Vancouver to start.Any advice..local knowledge..'must see' places etc apprec.Thanks  Frank

[The Edge]

Frank,

     I live in Squamish, the head of Howe Sound, just a 45-min drive north of Vancouver.  We have a yacht club, government dock and a launch ramp. 

     I have explored Princess Louisa Inlet, Chatterbox Falls.  I have also explored the B.C. coast to just north of Campbell River and DESOLATION SOUND. 

     What kind of boat and how much time do you have?  Why are you starting in N. Vancouver?  I would be more than happy to give you some suggestions.

[Frank]

Hi..I plan on n vanvouver strickly because i have no local knowledge and needed a storage yard where the trucking company could drop off the boat with a boat yard close by with a travel lift.I found both on the internet close to each other and reasonable in n vancouver.I plan on leaving the boat out there and flying out every year for a Aug-nov cruise.The yard i found was $100 per month storage and the boat yard was $80 per launch.ANY...please ANY better ideas much appreciated.I could ramp launch the boat but rietreval is real hard PLUS I would need to drive out...not fly.(I get a ton of airmiles yearly)so its not worth it. I hope to do princess louisa inlet,desolation sound and hopefully further N too. Will have 6-10 weeks yearly. Picture yourself wanting to explore beautiful remote places BUT needing a home base to store the boat(with a lift),easy to stock up supplies,close to a airport etc. Any help apprec. Thanks   ps..its a 'flicka'

[The Edge]

Frank, It sounds like you have done your homework. ;)  What yard are you planning to use in N. Van?  Perhaps I can get some local knowledge about it for you. 

[Frank]

 That info is at the office.The storage is at a power boat builders yard.I'm not 'sold' on leaving it there.he was honest enough to tell me of break ins last year. The travel lift/boat yard is around the corner 2 blocks away.I'll post names once back at the office.I looked on the map...Squamish is 'just up the bay'. I presume you would have a far bit of local knowledge. How far north have you cruised ??? How long to get there?? Thanks    PS..merry xmas   PSS  I read a previous post about 'time' concerns...I hear ya..dido

[The Edge]

Frank,

     There are some good places.  There are some not-so-good places.  Please let me know and I'll do what I can to help you.  I'm off to Honduras for a month (maybe 4) come Jan 4th.  So please get back soon.  I am going to No. Van early tomorrow, Tuesday, so please let me know ASAP and I'll try to check it out personally.  We are all in "this boat together", so to speak.  I also have contacts.

Happy holidays,

[Frank]

I won't be back to the office until late week(42 miles away)I'll try to find it on the net.As the storage will be temperary ...from june until I get out there about aug...I am more concerned about the 'winter home' and cruising hints. Have a great time in your travels !! Thanks

[Frank]

I hate the 'stress' of work...not work itself. Thats why I love boats...different type of work.  Anyway,I'm back in the office...the boat storage is in the yard @ 'Hurston Craft' ....@ $100 per month it seamed reasonable.He did admit to thefts though.

[The Edge]

Frank,  You are welcome to leave valuable items at my place.  You will enjoy the B.C. coast.  In the past, we get virtually no rain during July and AUGUST.  September is a fantastic month here, too.  Did I mention that the water temperature in Desolation Sound is 82 degrees in August? :o

[Frank]

That surprises me.I expected colder. From what I have read...it is 'busy' until school goes back in. With that in mind ,I'd planned on 'later' times ei mid Aug -mid oct. so I'd hopefully miss the crowds.Again..I have NO experience out there..only what I've read.So..hearing the water is that warm in Aug. is a welcome bit of info. How is Sept and Oct. weather,air temps etc ??? ? PS...thanks for the storage offer

[The Edge]

Frank,  Desolation Sound...

     The water temperature WAS one of the best kept secrets ;) .  There was lots of room for my Mac (3' draft with cb up and 9" draft with rudders and o/b up :D) so I didn't have any problems finding a place to anchor.  I always was the first one out and the first one in to a new anchorage so I had my pick.  I would then sit back for the rest of the afternoon and watch everyone else anchor ;).  The further North you go, the less crowded. 

     September is the best month as far as I am concerned.  The first two weeks in Sept are usually in the low 70's and sunny.  By mid September, there are more rainy days.  October can be wet :(.  It is mild here year round, usually in low 50's this time of year.  However, it has been raining for the last month :'(.  I can't head south fast enough.

      The weather pattern changes drastically once you get north of Vancouver Island.

     When you and your wife come out, we'll have to get together with the charts.  Maybe we'll be a flotilla from time to time :D.

Happy New Year,

[Capt.Ron]

Some of the best sailing along the Protected portion of the Coast is in September and October, beautiful sunny days, not too hot, crowds have mostly returned south by then. If you really want to get away from the crowds and see some wildlife, then head for the Broughton Archipelago, near the North end of the Island, East side of Queen Charolette Sound.... fantastic. From every variety of Sea Life to Grizzly Bears and Bald Headed Eagles........

Ron

[Frank]

Thanks Ron.What are the currents like?? Temps in Oct?? Anchoring?? etc

[Capt.Ron]

Frank, I sent you a reply to your PM, check yours... the currents are always a consideration when transitting these channels, Temepratures can be very nice, typically 18 to 20 degress celcius, Anchoring is good once in the Islands of the Archipelago, but reasonably few while enroute from Campbell River to Port MacNeil. Again check your Waggoneers and Charlies Charts guide books, you can pick up offical charts for navigation while in Campbell River, Port MacNeil, and Sointula at the Co-op store.

If I can be of any further assistance, just let me know.

Ron

[The Edge]

Frank,  What kind of anchor do you plan to use?  How much chain and rode?  It is not uncommon for the bottom to drop off sharply.  I would recommend 300' of rode and a 400' stern tie (to trees, canyon walls).
We have 15 -/+ tides.  Yipppeee 

[Capt.Ron]

Very good suggestion Sarah, I had pm'd Frank on some info, I had mentioned our tides, but I had neglected to suggest the length of rode he may require, let alone the usefulness/practicalness of stern tying. As you mention, the bottom drops rapidily in many areas, making a standard anchor system less than adequate. I would recommend heavy ground tackle, with chain, then rode, CQR is my choice.

I should point out that over the years, I have fouled our anchor at more than one beautiful anchorage along this Coast, a seemingly innocent bay, with old discarded logging cable thrown overboard, makes for an un-pleasant surprise the next morning.

[Frank]

My 20 ft has a 22lb delta fastset,33lb bruce type and a 12lb danforth style...50 ft chain ea , BUT...BUT, thanks ..not near enough rode.Thanks for the ideas.