Luxury Yacht Charter Guide to British Columbia
One of the greatest outdoor destinations in the world, British Columbia is all spectacular scenery, historic cities, legendary harbours, and a whole host of islands just waiting to be explored. Cruising the inside passage, kayaking alongside whales, soaking in hot springs, sipping ice wine, and devouring some of the finest foods known to man – this is only a hint of what’s waiting when you set sail for British Columbia.
Reasons to Charter a Yacht in British Columbia
Endless Islands
Beautiful B.C boasts no less than forty thousand islands to explore making it a yacht charter paradise. From feasting on culinary cool at the shimmering Saltspring Island to summer days cruising the delights of the Desolation Sound, finding voracious fun on the larger than life Vancouver Island, and slipping into gorgeous green inlets, you feel as though you could sail for centuries and barely scratch the surface of British Columbia.
A Wild World
Grizzly bears devouring salmon on the shores, whales breaching the water, spirit bears beneath the glaze of the Northern Lights, puffins in the park, beautiful bison, and all the pine and fir you could ever wish for permeating the air, British Columbia is truly a wild and wonderful world. Being immersed in this natural playground can be a dream come true – kayaking, hiking, deep sea fishing, climbing, and even heli-skiing; anyone clamouring for their fill of nature, will find B.C serves up a feast.
Chic Cities
British Columbia is home to some of the most incredible cities in North America. Vancouver is a firm contender with its hip neighbourhoods, exceptional museums, trendy bars and restaurants, easy mountain access and the beach right on your doorstep. Historic Victoria is another slick city with its pretty harbour and happening scene.
Where to Visit in British Columbia
Victoria
A charming harbour with bobbing boats, afternoon tea in ritzy hotels, and bicycles ringing through the streets – Victoria is a vibrant summer haven. For those charter guests who adore their city cosy, you will love Victoria. Brimming with pubs, flourishing gardens, soft temperatures, and horse-drawn carriages clomping down the road, Victoria has a sense of old-fashioned romance that cannot be found elsewhere. That doesn’t mean it loses its chic edge either; trendy dining, boutique bliss, and beach life also add to the tapestry.
Tofino
One of the best spots to surf in Canada, not to mention prime territory for catching dramatic storms and seeing bears surrounded by Pacific glory, Tofino is nothing short of tantalising. The Clayoquot Sound is a sublime spot for sailing, kayaking, and catching sight of dolphins and whales in the clear, cold waters. The Clayoquot Sound is also home to some of the finest idyllic wilderness retreats Canada has to offer, including the royal family honeymoon favourite of the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort with its antique stuffed safari tents, spa delights, and five-star adults only summer camp vibes.
Desolation Sound
The Desolation Sound is another wondrous spot for your wilderness list when chartering around British Columbia. There’s a feeling of sailing into a final frontier as you traverse the sweeping fjords flanked by misty mornings and tumbling falls. You can find out all about the local tribes and historic pioneers at the well-pieced-together Cortes Island Museum and Archives Society. Hike waterfalls, take gourmet picnics on velvet green shores, splash in waters that know how to hold their sunshine warmth and dine on fresh salmon.
When to Charter a Yacht in British Columbia
The soft summer months are the best time to set sail around the fjords and coastline of British Columbia. During the summer, the skies stay light later, the temperatures are welcoming, and flora and fauna thrive. Spring is another sublime choice, and Autumn sees those rare russet colours. While B.C winters aren’t as harsh as other parts of Canada, it is still too cold for sailing.