News Blog

Birdwatching from Your Boat

Common Seabirds of Vancouver Island   As you cruise around Vancouver Island and the neighbouring Gulf Islands of Canada’s west coast, you won’t be able to ignore the diverse population of birds soaring above you or swimming beside your vessel. Vancouver Island is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with so many different types flocking to and from […]

yachts in the marina

What’s the Difference Between a Boat and a Yacht?

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Clean a Fish While On Your Boat

It’s never the best part of the fishing experience, and it’s often a thankless task, but someone on board the boat has got to do it. We’re talking about cleaning your catch. Knowing how to clean a fish properly is something every fisherman should know how to do. It’s the first step in getting your […]

Boat Licence, Registration and Insurance

What Documentation Do I Need to Operate a Boat? One of the common questions we get from prospective boat and yacht owners is, “Do I need a licence to operate a boat?” The short answer is no, not in the spirit of having a driver’s licence, but you do need to demonstrate to the federal […]

Lures or Bait?

Lure or Live Bait? Understanding the Pros and Cons of Each When it comes to catching fish as quickly and effortlessly as possible, the question of which is better – artificial lures or real bait – depends on what you’re trying to catch and in what conditions you’re trying to catch it. Sometimes a lure is […]

Yacht Life: 8 Things You’ll Love About Living on a Yacht

What’s It Like Living on a Yacht? For many people, a property with an ocean view is the most coveted type of property there is. No matter the season, gazing out into the vast ocean and watching the sunset can be a breathtaking experience. But have you ever considered what this view would be like […]

ROAM – Clearing Customs by Boat

  The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency has announced the launch of a new streamlined, yet comprehensive way to clear customs for boaters travelling from Canada to the United States. ROAM (Reporting Offsite Arrival-Mobile) is an alternative method to the typical face-to-face customs clearing that most people are used to. Small pleasure craft arriving […]

Protected Anchorages in the Gulf Islands

The sun has officially set on summer, and winter is on the horizon. The “off-season” brings a plethora of wild and glorious weather to the Pacific Northwest. In an instant, things can change and even the most experienced boater may need to seek refuge. Below is a list of a handful of the many anchorages in […]

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 […]

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 […]