News Blog

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

What do Canadians need for cruising to the US?

  Beginning in 2016, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has new procedures in place for for Canadian vessels visiting the United States. Canadian vessels are no longer required to purchase a U.S. Customs user fee decal. Instead, they must purchase a cruising license. Cruising licenses are valid for one year. Here is the press release from […]

Best Boating Apps

With hundreds, maybe even thousands of apps to choose from it can be quite difficult to know which ones work well and which ones are a flop. If you are looking to add some new boating apps to your tablet or smartphone, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of 6 awesome apps to help […]

Four Great Tips for Cooking on Your Boat

Cooking while at sea is part of the adventure. Prepare for your voyage as if you were camping in the woods: space is limited, as are fuel and refrigeration. Luckily, with a little planning and the following handy tips, your taste buds (and your guests) will be content and satisfied out on the boat! Use […]

10 Tips to Help Storm Proof Your Boat

Guests of Van Isle Marina know that we are fortunate enough to be protected from winter winds. However, it is always helpful to be aware of strategies for weathering a storm. Here are some tips to help keep your boat safe: Check the weather forecast. Be aware of how long you have to prepare for […]

Marina Videos – “Yacht Park – Maintenance & Storage Facility”

The video below is the next in the series, featuring Van Isle Marina’s Maintenance and Storage Facility.  Guests are able to haul-out for nightly, monthly or annual storage. The Yacht Park is fully paved and fenced with security key card access. We are able to haul-out up to 45 tons or 70 feet on either […]