water & beaches, Vancouver

If water skiing is not quite for you, you can experience almost the same thrill by being towed on a tube behind a boat. To be sure, the boat driver still requires some skill in maneuvering the boat, but the rider pretty much just has to hang on an enjoy the ride. It’s not just circular tubes any more either. An amazing variety of towable water sports devices are available.

If you're in the Kitsilano area, you can stop by and see the Kits Sailing Club. I'm in the process of getting a membership there, so if you find me, maybe I'll take you out sailing on the water this summer! I still need to pass a course, but once that's done, I'll be able to take a few of the boats out on my own.

Equipment: There are many boats at the Kits sailing club, but unfortunately, you need to be a member to use them. So, sign up now, or find someone like me to take you out!

Wreck beach is quite surprising. I lived for a full year just above it and let me tell you...lots of weirdos...

There's even some that live there year round...better not disturb them at night.

One thing that I'll remember for life is a hardcore nudist that was fully dressed except for a small spot somewhere in the middle of his shorts...quite surprising...

I was hijacked and taken aboard this 28ft sailboat for a evening of cruising the harbour. Jeremy, the skipper went out of his way to make this boating adventure one we will never forget.
It began by a cruise into the harbor around Stanley Park out in the bay watching the sunset below the horizon. It was a great experience and very romantic. About a 4 hour excursion but you can book longer.

Equipment: Bring Layers. It gets chilly!

Cooper Boating lets locals and visitors charter sailboats and powerboats from their central Granville Island Marina. The very friendly staff went out of their way to help a friend of mine visiting from California.

Too many people who set foot in Vancouver never get out into the amazing ocean that is so much a part of what the city is all about!

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Chartering boats and heading out onto the water is a fairly common in VanC. I took my sister and brother inlaw on a fishing trip.there are many companies orgaising group excursions around Granville Island and Steveston. We went with Bonnie Lee out of Granville Island. The trip lasts 5 hours min which allows plenty of time to catch the local Chinook Salmon. While on the water you'll get a great panoramic view of the city and you;ll see plenty of wildlife from the seals (who will try and eat your catch) to birds and maybe whales! figure on around $100 - $150 per person depending on the number in the group. Of course you need to be wary of the weather as the waters get get rough and of course the rain. The guides here are excellent and you can get your fish smoked, frozen, tinned or prepared anyway you like it for your trip home.

Summer; Vancouver's got a growing bike culture (both road and mountain), so if you're a roadie, definitely pack your bike to head out around Richmond or the North Shore mountains (90 km rides).

Off-roadies will definitely want to hit our North Shore mountains, or for the less vertically inclined, try the trails at UBC's (University of British Columbia) pacific spirit park.

Equipment: Helmets are mandatory - it's illegal to ride without one and you'll get a fine.

This is a very large swimming complex in Richmond (south of Vancouver). It has a large swimming and diving pool with a hot tub, wave and kiddie pools as well. Two large waterslides loom overhead. Off to the side are the sauna and steam rooms. I've been to many of the aquatic venues in Vancouver but this is one of the best and admission is VERY reasonable!

Equipment: swimming suit and towel. A quarter for locker use if you want.