Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Along its length are forested coves, sandy beaches, beautiful marine parks, and facilities
specifically designed for boaters—many accessible only by water.
Yachties and yachties-to-be should make reservations with
Cooper Boating
(1620
Duranleau St., Granville Island, 604/687-4110 or 888/999-6419,
www.cooperboating.com
)
, which boasts Canada's largest sailing school and also holds the
country'sbiggestfleetforcharters.Forthosewithexperience,Cooper'srentsyachts(from
$380 per day for a Catalina 28) for a day's local sailing, or take to the waters of the Strait
of Georgia on a bareboat charter.
The tidal waters of the Pacific Northwest offer some of the world's best fishing, with
lodges scattered along the Strait of Georgia catering to all budgets. And although most
keen anglers will want to head farther afield for the best fishing opportunities, many top
fishing spots can be accessed on a day trip from Vancouver. The five species of Pacific
salmon are most highly prized by anglers. The Chinook (king) salmon in particular is the
trophyfishofchoice.Theycommonlyweighover10kilograms(22pounds)andareocca-
sionally caught at over 20 kilograms (44 pounds); those weighing over 12 kilograms (26.5
pounds) are often known as “tyee” (chief, in the Chinook language). Other salmon present
are coho (silver), pink (humpback), sockeye (red), and chum (dog). Other species sought
by local recreational anglers include halibut, lingcod, rockfish, cod, perch, and snapper.
A tidal-water sportfishing license for residents of Canada, good for one year from
March31,costs$24($13forthose65andover);fornonresidents,thesameannuallicense
costs $115, or $8 for a single-day license, $22 for three days, and $35 for five days. A
salmon conservation stamp
is an additional $6.72. Licenses are available from sporting
stores, gas stations, marinas, and charter operators. When fish-tagging programs are on,
you may be required to make a note of the date, location, and method of capture, or to
record on the back of your license statistical information on the fish you catch. Read the
current rules and regulations. For further information, check the website of
Fisheries and
Oceans Canada
(
www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca
).
The
Sport Fishing Institute of British Columbia
(604/270-3439,
www.sportfishing.bc.ca
)
has an online database of charter operators and fishing lodges,
and details license requirements.
Freshwater fishing takes place in the larger mountain lakes on the North Shore. Here
you'll find stocks of rainbow trout, kokanee (a landlocked trout endemic to British
Columbia), andDollyVarden.Separate licenses arerequiredforfreshwater fishing,andas
