Resources

OUR CRUISING GROUNDS

Surrounded by mountains, ocean and forest, Vancouver is a destination in itself. Often hailed as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, guests can ski and sail in the same day and still enjoy an evening on the town.

Our location on Granville Island is the perfect location for you to start and finish your vacation. Every service imaginable is within walking distance from our docks, and it’s only five minutes from English Bay and the start of your cruising. In addition to our main base in Vancouver, Cooper Boating has two other strategically located bases, offering easy access to all three of the major cruising grounds on the coast.

Gulf Islands

Minutes from an international airport and major BC ferries routes, our base in Sidney provides direct access to one of BC’s most popular destinations for holidays of all kinds. With public markets, cultural fairs, popular marinas, secluded anchorages, and stunning marine parks, the Gulf Islands have it all. Their position in the lee of Vancouver Island gives them a drier climate than most of the coast.

Active Pass
9	Ganges
6	7	Montague Harbour
37	33	30	Nanaimo
26	25	18	12	Pirate's Cove
17	17	11	24	9	Porlier Pass
29	29	23	13	7	12	Silva Bay
23	21	16	18	11	13	25	Telegraph HBR
40	39	39	65	59	15	42	51	Victoria

DISTANCE IN NAUTICAL MILES

Desolation Sound

Our base at Powell River is the closest full service charter base to this cruising mecca. Spectacular from sea level to the snow-capped Coast Mountains, 2,400 meters above, BC’s largest marine park has wildlife from orcas to black bears to bald eagles. Fish for chinook, coho, pink and sockeye salmon as you explore a labyrinth of coastal fjords and snug anchorages. The Sound has opportunities for hiking, freshwater swimming, rock climbing, kayaking, camping, and peace and quiet that few other places can match.

Bute inlet
28	Gorge Harbour
28	31	Pendrell Sound
35	25	34	Powell RIver
25	21	12	27	Prideaux Haven
17	16	9	21	7	Refuge Cove
16	17	19	24	10	4	Squirrel Cove
24	17	14	25	5	8	11	Tenedos Bay
15	34	15	39	15	12	22	17	Toba Inlet

DISTANCE IN NAUTICAL MILES

Sunshine Coast

From Vancouver to Desolation Sound lies a beautiful stretch of water blessed with scenic inlets and sounds for cruisers to explore. Towns and shops dot the Coast, providing for cruisers’ needs, while marine parks offer secluded anchorages and moorings with spectacular sunsets over the Strait of Georgia to the west. Venturing into Howe Sound or Jervis Inlet, cruisers can explore deep fjords created by towering mountains, surrounded by lush forests, streaming waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.

Vancouver
10	Snug Cove
12	11	Gibsons
32	32	22	Secret Cove
40	40	29	8	Pender Harbour
62	60	50	28	22	Powell River
32	27	22	22	35	57	Nanaimo
25	23	24	35	43	65	17	Porlier Pass
85	80	70	48	40	55	66	83	Malibu Rapids

DISTANCE IN NAUTICAL MILES

Itineraries

Accomplished boating guide authors and sailors, Anne and Laurence Yeadon-Jones have produced several Dreamspeaker Guides that now provide the most comprehensive and detailed coverage of the Pacific Northwest.

Over the last 27 years, the Yeadon-Joneses have logged thousands of cruising hours charting, recording and photographing their travels. As passionate ambassadors of the Pacific Northwest’s unspoiled cruising waters, their Dreamspeaker Guides are filled with meticulous hand-drawn charts and vital information that lead boaters safely into busy harbours, marinas and sheltered anchorages.

“Laurence and Anne have been travelling all around our region compiling some great information information for cruisers including where to go and what to see. Laurence’s detailed water colours couple with Anne’s words and photos to make something great for planning and remembering the journey later.”

Dawn, Sidney crew

newbie itinerary

A FOUR-DAY NEWBIE CRUISE IN HOWE SOUND

in the entrance to HOWE SOUND lie three diverse islands BOWEN, GAMBIER and KEATS ~ summer breezes that blow between the islands make HOWE SOUND a sailor’s delight

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sunshine coast itinerary

A SEVEN-DAY SUNSHINE COAST CRUISING ITINERARY

A seven day cruise to Pricess Louisa Inlet. The Sunshine Coast is reputed for it's stunning marine parks, waterfalls, and snug, hideaway anchorages. You are never too far from an inviting beach, hiking trail or swimming hole.

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Gulf islands itinerary

A SEVEN-DAY GULF ISLANDS CRUISING ITINERARY

Each destination in the Gulf Islands offers its distinctive character and local specialties, - community markets selling organic produce to vineyards offering a personal wine tasting experience

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desolation sound itinerary

A SEVEN-DAY DESOLATION CRUISING ITINERARY

Desolation Sound Marine Park provides one of the most spectacular boating destinations in the world! This cruising region is a maze of interconnecting waterways, tidal rapids and large tracts of accessible wilderness.

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Tips & Tricks

When it comes to boating there is no substitute for experience. But, having knowledgeable people to turn to does help a lot. Whether you are returning to the water or just starting out we have put together a collection of Tips & Tricks to keep you safe, learn something new, and most importantly have fun.

Below is a collection of Tips & Tricks that we have learned over our many years out on the water. But, we also love to learn new things so if you have any Tips & Tricks of your own feel free to share them with us on Social Media or by sending us a message. We love hearing from people in the Cooper Community!