News, views, opinions and reviews from Van Isle Marina, one of the largest full service marinas in British Columbia.

Bird Watching in Sidney B.C.

Previously, bird watching has been known as your “Grandmother’s hobby”, but more recently it has become a wildly popular past-time for all ages. Due to Sidney’s many ecological reserves and parks, local birdwatching has taken off. With Vancouver Island’s mild climate, there are large selections of birds who permanently nest, as well as migratory birds who only show themselves seasonally.

Keep an eye open for bird sanctuary signs like the one below that indicate areas for bird watching. Frequently there are information signs with listing common species to the area and information on their habitats.

 

Check out our local favourite spots below:

Robert’s Bay – Shoal Harbour Bird Sanctuary

 

 

Robert’s Bay is only a few steps away from Van Isle Marina. It is home to many native shrubs and trees that provide hunting grounds and nesting sites for many mammals, not just birds! The mud flats at Robert’s Bay are an important part of the local ecosystem as many mud shrimp and small creatures are found here, which feed many birds. The ever first photo documented record of the rare Laughing Gull in British Columbia took place here!

Common birds:

  • Harlequin Duck
  • Great Blue Heron
  • Bonaparte’s’ Gull

Land’s End Road

 

Land’s End Road is the northern-most point of the Saanich Peninsula, mostly commonly known for being home to the Swartz Bay Ferry terminal. This area is also home to a significant amount of birds who rely on the sandy beaches and low tides to feast. The dense forests surrounding the area provide shelter from the elements and provide perches to nest.

Common Birds:

  • Black Oystercatcher
  • Bald eagle
  • Killdeer

Victoria International Airport

 

Even with constant airplanes passing over, sightings of rare birds are frequent in this area! The airport is the only place in North America that you can spot Skylarks. The Victoria International Airport Authority has worked alongside the Victoria Natural History Society make the lands that surround the airport more of a suitable habitat for the Skylarks. As these birds are ground nesters, initiatives include mowing specific plots of land to make the area more suitable to nests. The 9 km pathway around the airport is a great way to see birds by foot or by bike.

Common Birds:

  • Black-capped Chickadee
  • Bald Eagle
  • Northwest Crow

Sidney Spit

 

During Fall and Spring migrations, Sidney Spit is a birder’s paradise. Due to recent efforts to better preserve the spit and surrounding area, Purple Martins have made a comeback and can be seen in the nesting boxes along the docks.

Common Birds:

  • Purple Martins
  • Nighthawks
  • Marbled Murrelets

Are any of your favourite bird watching locations on the Saanich Peninsula? Let us know in the comments!

 

A New Way to Travel – Northstar Air Tours

Vancouver Island is a big and beautiful place. The Island stretches 460 kilometers in length and 100 kilometers in width for a total of 32,134 km2 in area. We are surrounded by some of the most pristine and beautiful coastlines in the world, attracting people from across the globe. Our forests are dense and populated by hundreds of thousands of different species, some of which are exclusively ours. A major criticism that Islanders express is that we are limited in means of travelling on, off, and around the Island. A few different methods of travel, such as ferry and float plane are available, but these can sometimes be inflexible and unreliable.

Northstar Air Tours have opened a departure base at the Shell Aero Centre at Victoria International Airport – approximately 10 minutes from Van Isle Marina. Their They offer scheduled trips from Victoria to Friday Harbour and Eastsound and back, at reasonable rates and times. They also offer charter trips to many different locations, including the San Juan Islands, Tofino and more. Imagine having the flexibility of being able to have your guests meet you partway through your trip, at your convenience! Their fleet of planes, “Super Q Islanders” can take off and land in grass, gravel or paved runways. These planes have ample room and storage for up to 9 passengers.
For more information, please visit Northstar Air Tours website at https://www.northstarairtours.com/.

Spring Boating Start-Up Checklist

Spring is in the air; is your boat ready to get back to cruising? If you did winterize your boat, you saved yourself some spring boat prep time and possible headaches now, which means the road between your boat and the water is shorter! Although it is always best to winterize a boat before putting it into storage, if you didn’t, don’t worry. Here are some tips to get your bow pointed in the right direction:

Have Your Manufacturer’s Manual Handy

If you have a copy, fantastic. If you don’t, it would be a good idea to get one. You’ll need it to replace fluids and parts properly. Never take apart anything without consulting the manual first.

De-winterizing Your Engine

This will be the biggest and messiest task, so it is recommended that you start here. If you didn’t change the oil at the end of last season, do so now. At the same time you change the oil, be sure to change the oil filter. Change the oil in the transmission or the outboard’s lower unit as well. Next, fill up the cooling system. Be sure you examine the hoses for any cracks and empty out the strainer. Finally, check the batteries and replace them if needed. Use a battery tester to check out the amps and volts and perform a thorough engine test.

Inspect the Canvas & Vinyl

Check your bimini top, seats, covers, and other vinyl and canvas items for tears, mildew and dirt. Repairs tears and holes, and then clean with the proper cleaner for canvas and vinyl.

Inspect the Hull and Propellers

Check the hull for abrasions, scratches, gouges, etc. and repair if needed. Inspect and replace zincs if necessary. Touch up or replace bottom paint. Check the propellers for dings, pitting, cracks and distortion.

Clean and Wax the Hull

First clean your boat’s exterior using a marine safe cleaner from a marine supply store. Van Isle Marina is also able to supply or order in almost any product you may need. Then, wax the hull as necessary.

Polish the Metal and Teak

Metal and teak are referred to as ‘brightwork’ and enhance the look of your boat. Also, prolonged neglect of metal and teak can compromise the integrity of the materials. To protect the metal, use a metal polisher. For teak, it is usually recommended that you sand it and then apply stain and varnish.

Test All Electronics

Bring all the electronics back on board and do a thorough test to be sure they are working properly. Test the radio, GPS, compass, depth finder, and any other marine electronics.

Clean the Interior

Whether you have an open deck or cabin with full galley, clean the area thoroughly to remove dirt and debris.

Van Isle Marina’s Yacht Park is available to help you with any springtime preparation you may require.  Our Sea-Lifts and Brownell submersible trailers can haul-out up to 70 feet or 45 tons.  You can book a full or half haul-out depending on your needs.  Half Haul-outs are convenient for inspections, zinc changes or marine surveys.  If you have never been to the marina before, our videos are an excellent introduction to the haul-out process.

Five Hikes in the Gulf Islands

At Van Isle Marina, we are fortunate to be located in the heart of the Gulf Islands, one of the best cruising grounds in the world. There are more than 200 islands in the region, each different than the last. The sheltered waters of the islands are wonderful for fishing, swimming, and sailing, while the isolated forests are perfect for hiking and camping. Below are five of the most popular hikes in the area, and are, of course, only accessible by boat!

Princess Margaret Perimeter Trail (Moderate – 7.2 km)

Located on Portland Island, (nice and close to Van Isle Marina!) the Princess Margaret Perimeter Trail is one of the most highly rated hiking trails in the Gulf Islands. It is a dog friendly loop trail that follows the shoreline around the island, showcasing the pristine white seashell beaches. If 3 hours is a bit too long, there are cross island trails that can shorten the hike to 1 hour. There is a dinghy dock located on the North side of the island at Princess Bay and Royal Cove for the convenience of local boaters.
Estimated time to complete this hike: 3 hours

Tumbo Island (Easy to Moderate – 3.5 km)

Take a step into seclusion on this quiet island to enjoy an easy hike through a few of British Columbia’s various ecosystems; garry oak and douglas fir forests, marshes and coastline. While you are walking, try to spot the remains of the coal mine that inhabited the island in the 1900s! This island’s name comes from “tombolo” which is a sand, shingle and driftwood bar.
Estimated time to complete this hike: 90 mins

Mt. Norman Hike (Difficult – 1.5 km)

On the southwest side of Pender Island is a short but very steep trail, leading to amazing views of the Gulf Islands, Olympic Mountain Range and Mt. Baker. There is a boardwalk and viewing platform, so you can relax and truly enjoy the beauty that you worked plenty hard for! The elevation gain is 199 m, so this trail is not for the faint of heart.
Estimated time to complete this hike: 60 minutes

Russell Island Trail (Easy to moderate – 1 km)

Russell Island is the closest you can get to feeling like you are in Hawaii, without being in Hawaii. In fact, during the mid-19th century it is estimated that at least 1000 Hawaiians came to the Pacific Northwest and some even settled on Russell Island. Take a walk around the island on the well maintained trail to experience a near-tropical environment, and to see the artifacts left over by the Hawaiian residents.
Estimated time to complete this hike: 30 Minutes

Roe Lake Trail (Moderate – 1.2 km)

Located on Pender Island, Roe Lake is a small fresh water lake on the western side of the island. The area is local to many wildlife including deer, beaver and plenty of wild birds. On any given day in the summer, the area is enjoyed by plenty of picnickers and families, as there is an easier 0.5 km trail accessible from Magic Lake Estates. The full 1.2 km trail is accessed through Shingle Bay Rd.
Estimated time to complete this hike: 55 minutes

Enjoy your hiking on the Gulf Islands!

Tips for Cool Weather Cruising

The lure of the open water, even during cold weather, can be overpowering. In locales (like ours!) where year-round boating is possible, do not let the cold keep you from experiencing a different — and exciting — facet of boating. Extra preparation and precautions should be taken before heading out on the water when the thermometer heads downward.

Layer, layer, layer – You’ve likely heard this from your local weather forecaster several hundred times over the past few years, but layering truly is one of the best ways to stay warm. That’s because each piece of clothing traps a layer of insulating air. And as the temperature or your activity level changes, you can shed a layer at a time until you’re comfy again. Dressing properly is key to enjoyable winter cruising. Start with long underwear and add layers. Though scientists recently debunked the belief that the most heat escapes through the head, it’s still advisable to wear a warm hat and warm, water-resistant gloves. Some winter cruisers invest in exposure or flotation suits. Similar to ski suits, they are insulated and keep boaters warm over just a layer of light clothing.

Ship Shape – Check the boat’s furnace to ensure you will be nice and cozy inside the boat. Carry additional fenders and lines.

Watch out for wind – In the winter, storms tend to roll in fast and leave in a hurry. Don’t forget to check the weather well before you head out. If you’re caught in the wind, make sure you’re ready. Careful and safe boating is very important for the safety of your passengers. Take it slow and watch out for fellow boaters.

Entertain Yourself – The days are short and the nights are long. If you plan to spend the night in a remote bay, bring books, videos and other entertainment.

Ready the Crew – Make sure each crew member has the proper cold weather clothing for comfort inside or outside the boat. Bring an umbrella, they are useful for hustling from the boat to the pub or marine store.

Plan a Staycation – Bring all your favourite foods, beverages, books and games and spend a night or two at your home port.

Though winter cruising may seem unappealing to the unfamiliar, the hardy few who do it know it offers a chance to experience familiar waters in new ways. The landscape takes on a new cloak, the crowds thin out and well-known places feel somehow different. And there are few pleasures better than curling up in a warm salon with a book on a rainy winter day.

Seven Cozy Places to Evade the Winter Chill in Sidney, BC

 

Sea Glass Waterfront Grill: We are a little biased when it comes to our beloved onsite restaurant so don’t take it from us! Here is what Charlene B. from TripAdvisor.ca (where Sea Glass is rated as the number one restaurant in Sidney!) had to say:

From soup, salad, flat breads, burgers, steak, seafood and the always awesome chicken and waffles (!) there is something for everyone and the price points are reasonable considering taste delight of each and every bite. And dreaming that one of the yachts moored within sight will whisk you away after dining is worth the price of admission.

 

Tanner’s Books: A bookstore and more! After 35 years, Tanner’s has grown into a full-service bookstore with new releases, bestsellers, and new books in over 50 fiction and non-fiction categories. Come in and browse the largest newsstand on Vancouver Island – over 2000 magazines and 40 newspapers from Canada, The United States, and Great Britain. And don’t miss the games, puzzles, calendars, souvenirs, greeting cards, and more!

Quince Café & Ice Cream: Quince is a delightfully quaint cafe and ice cream shop specializing in handmade, made-from-scratch baking and lunch items, with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. Stop by for a bite, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

Bistro Suisse: A cozy and intimate bistro serving Swiss & other European fare along with beer & wine. The friendly atmosphere is amazing, the decor beautiful, the service is immaculate, and most importantly – the food is superb.  The best schnitzel you will ever eat!

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea: Explore the mysteries of the Salish Sea – one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world! As the only aquarium on Southern Vancouver Island, the Centre displays the natural beauty and ecological diversity of the local Salish Sea through 28 aquarium habitats holding over 160 live marine species and over 3,500 animals including a giant pacific octopus, wolf eels, and pacific salmon. The Centre is also home to a rare, fully-intact killer whale skeleton, a unique collection of Coast Salish Indigenous art, a fun ‘hands-on’ Touch Pool experience, and a Salish Sea Store with one-of-a-kind, locally sourced and environmentally friendly arts, jewelry and crafts.

 

Star Cinema: The Star is a comfortable, cozy and friendly family run cinema. The movie selections are always current with all ages considered. Their popcorn is second to none – they only use real butter!

 

Victoria Distillers: Nationally acclaimed maker of fine spirits, known for delectable, small-batch gins, vodkas, whiskies and flavourful bitters. Their tour & tasting experience guides you through the entire distillation process and around two gleaming copper pot stills. From selecting the botanicals, to the blending and bottling, to the hand-numbering of each small batch. Following a tour, visitors are invited to taste all their premium spirits neat (including their award winning Victoria Gin.)

Sidney has many more fantastic restaurants, coffee shops, book stores and boutiques to escape the winter chill. Where are your favourite places to go?

 

Top Ten Tips for Boating and Marina Etiquette

Boating, as a recreational sport, has been around for over 300 years. During this time many customs and traditions have been developed; traditions that, over generations, have become the unwritten rules of the road. Just like being on land, we need to be good neighbours; help others when they need it, tidy up after ourselves and be respectful of the people and environment around us.

Top 10 Boating Etiquette Tips

  1. Watch Your Wake: You’re responsible for making sure that your wake isn’t causing harm to your fellow boaters. Not only can big wakes in small, crowded places be dangerous, it’s a definite way to anger your neighbours. Be sure to respect the wake rules to keep marine life and everyone else on the water safe and sound.
  2. Lend a hand: While there is almost always a Van Isle Marina employee nearby to help, you should be prepared to help your fellow boaters. This unwritten boating law will say a lot about what kind of boater you are and will be really helpful to those in need of an extra hand.
  3. Respect your neighbours: If you have blasting music and lots of loud friends on board, be courteous to others on the water and leave plenty of space.
  4. Always stop to help, if you see someone in trouble.
  5. Keep it tidy: No matter if you’re at the marina or anchorage, be sure to clean up your space and pick up all of your trash, dock lines, and equipment. Your neighbours and local animals will appreciate a clean, hazard-free space.
  6. Move along: Whether you’re on a fuel dock or boating ramp, be efficient. Delegate tasks and be prepared so that you can get out of the way of others and out on the water. Our Fuel Dock staff are there to help you get on and off the dock in safe, timely manner.
  7. Turn off your Radar: Ensure if it’s not being used that you turn all your radar equipment off. Radar waves can be harmful to anyone who is exposed to them.
  8. Select your anchorage carefully: giving yourselves and your new neighbours ample room. Remember winds change, anchors line tangle and hulls and dinghy’s can easily bang into each other.
  9. If you use the head, use your head: ensure that it goes into your holding tank, not overboard.
  10. Be thoughtful at night; don’t run your generator around the clock, paddle rather than motor to shore and back and be conscious of your activity and noise levels.

Whether underway, anchoring, mooring, docking at a marina or cruising with friends, as in most aspects of life, respect and courtesy go a long way! Being part of the boating community means knowing and following good boating etiquette. When you know the common expectations that have developed over centuries of boating, it will help make your experience a positive one for everyone on board.

Simple Tips for Docking Your Boat Like a Pro

Pulling into a marina without knowing exactly how to maneuver your boat is one of life’s least pleasant experiences. Guests of Van Isle Marina are able to simply give a call to our Front Desk or Fuel Dock to request some assistance but not every marina functions this way! By using these tips, everyone from a rookie to an old salt, can learn to dock like a pro.

  1. Mind the wind: If it’s blowing from the pier, approach at a steep angle, using reverse gear and prop torque to swing the stern toward the dock. If it’s blowing toward the dock, plan to come “alongside” a boat width or more away, allowing the wind to push you all the way home.
  2. Go slowly: This one goes without saying. The so-called cardinal rule of docking a boat is “Never approach the pier any faster than you’re willing to hit it”. Just in case, always approach solid objects slowing enough that if your docking job turns into a ramming, the results won’t be tragic.
  3. Reduce the sail area: Particularly on a small boat, this can have a dramatic effect on how easy or how hard it is to dock. A Bimini top or an enclosure can act like a sail on a powerboat, and throw you off.
  4. Never kill the engines until all the lines are secure: Many people who don’t know how to dock a boat well make the mistake of shutting down as soon as the boat is in the slip, but you never know if a crew member is going to drop his or her line(s), or when a piling will slip out of reach.
  5. Always look before you leap: Even if you have backed into your slip 100 times before. The biggest issue here is mooring lines. If any lines of yours or a neighboring slip fell into the water, current could stretch it out across your path. Tangle a mooring line in your propeller, and that docking job will go south in a hurry.
  6. Learn the pivot point: An outboard or stern drive will steer from the stern, while many inboards will steer from a point forward of the transom. Learn your boat’s pivot point to determine your turning ability in tight quarters.
  7. Don’t be afraid to try again: This is especially important for sailboats, single-screw inboards, and other boats with a limited ability to maneuver. If the approach doesn’t seem to be going well don’t worry about having to circle back for another try.
  8. Always turn the wheel before applying power: Not during – or after- that way, you won’t get a blast of forward or reverse before the blast of the port or starboard kicks in.
  9. Short bursts instead of steady power: This allows you to maneuver the boat without building up a lot of momentum, which can quickly get out of control.

Practice makes perfect: Much like when you practiced driving a car in an empty parking lot, nothing makes you more confident than repetitive practice!

Basic Boating Lingo for Beginners

Before venturing out into open waters, it’s important to have a basic understanding of common boat terms associated with the positions and directions of your boat. To the uneducated ear, even the simplest of boating terms can sound like a second language. Knowing these terms will make it easier to communicate with people aboard the boat as well. We want to make sure that you have the best experience possible on your boating journey, so here’s our list of 10 basic boating terms.

Stern: The back of a ship. If something is located at the stern, it is at the back of the boat. The stern is also known as the aft.

Bow: The front of the ship is called the bow. Knowing the location of the bow is important for defining two of the other most common sailing terms: port (left of the bow) and starboard (right of the bow).

Port: Port is always the left-hand side of the boat when you are facing the bow. Because “right” and “left” can become confusing sailing terms when used out in the open waters, port is used to define the left-hand side of the boat as it relates to the bow, or front.

Starboard: Starboard is always the right-hand side of the boat when you are facing the bow.

Leeward: Also known as lee, leeward is the direction opposite to the way the wind is currently blowing (windward).

Windward: The direction in which the wind is currently blowing. Windward is the opposite of leeward (the opposite direction of the wind).

Beam: The greatest width of the boat.

Draft: The depth of water a boat draws.

Dinghy (or Tender): A small open boat. A dinghy is often used as a tender for a larger craft.

Fender: A cushion, placed between boats, or between a boat and a pier, to prevent damage.

5 Tips: Green Boating

The boating lifestyle is a great way to spend time with family and friends, enjoying the water. And as boaters, it is our shared responsibility to help keep the waters and resources that we use healthy for generations to come. Here are some tips of how to get started “boating green” today.

Fueling
Proper fueling procedures are important to keeping oil and gas out of our waterways. Oil and fuel in the water can impact bottom sediment, marine life and shore birds. You are responsible for any environmental damage caused by your fuel spill. So…preventing spills will be beneficial for you and the boating environment. When fueling, prevent spills by filling fuel tanks slowly and catching drips and spills with absorbent pads or rags. Don’t ‘top it off’ or overflow your fuel tank. Leave the tank ten percent empty to allow fuel to expand as it warms.

Sewage
On-board sewage management is not a fun thing to think about, but it is a necessary part of your boat’s system. When tied up to the dock, use onshore facilities. Encourage guests to take advantage of the onshore restrooms before you set out for a day trip. Obey the law-keep untreated sewage out of all coastal and inland waters.

Waste Management & Recycling
To reduce your impact on the environment, it’s important to properly dispose of your boating waste and recycle when possible. More than an eyesore, trash in the ocean is one of the world’s most pervasive pollution problems. Make a rule that nothing goes overboard and make a rule that all your waste comes back to shore into the proper trash or recycling receptacle.

Maintenance
Regardless of your boat’s size and systems, routine inspections and maintenance can alert you to potential problems. Prevent Oily Discharge from the bilge. Keep your engine well tuned to prevent fuel and oil leaks. Place an oil absorbent pad in your bilge and under your engine where drips may occur. Check the pads often; don’t let them clog the bilge pump, and dispose of them as hazardous waste at a marina or local hazardous waste collection center.

Boating Ecosystem
For many, one of the greatest joys of boating is being able to immerse themselves in nature. Whether you enjoy scenic landscapes, birds and wildlife viewing or you are an avid recreational angler, boating provides an escape from day to day life and an entry into the natural world. Maintaining a healthy ecosystem benefits us all. It’s important to know how to be a sustainable angler and to be aware of the impact of invasive species.

250 656 1138

2320 Harbour Road, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 2P6

Home

Marina Services

Media

Marina Layout

Yacht Sales

About Us

Contact Us

©2024 Van Isle Marina | Design by Caorda