Boating & Sailing

With an almost limitless number and variety of waterways—from Indian Arm near Vancouver, up Howe Sound and the Sunshine Coast, across Georgia Strait to the Gulf Islands, and on to Vancouver Island, southwestern British Columbia is a boater's paradise. And much of this territory has easy access to marine and public services. One caution: this ocean territory is vast and complex; maritime maps are required. And one should always consult the Environment Canada marine forecasts (www.weatheroffice.gc.ca).

Blue Pacific Yacht Charters. This company rents motor- and sailboats for use between Vancouver Island and Seattle. 1519 Foreshore Walk, Granville Island. 604/682-2161 or 800/237-2392.

Cooper Boating charters sailboats and cabin cruisers, with or without instructing skippers. 1620 Duranleau St., Granville Island. 604/687-4110 or 888/999-6419.

Canoeing & Kayaking

Kayaking—seagoing and river kayaking—has become something of a lifestyle in Vancouver. While many sea kayakers start out (or remain) in False Creek, others venture into the open ocean and up and down the Pacific Coast. You can white-water kayak or canoe down the Capilano River and several other North Vancouver rivers. And paddling in a traditional, seagoing aboriginal-built canoe is an increasingly popular way to experience the maritime landscape.

Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak Rentals. Ocean-kayak rentals, guided trips, and lessons for kids and adults are all available at their North Shore base, from June to September. 2156 Banbury Rd., North Vancouver. 604/929-2268.

Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre. Lessons and rentals are offered year-round from Granville Island, and from early May to early September at Jericho Beach and English Bay. 1668 Duranleau St., Granville Island. 604/689-7575 or 888/425-2925.

Lotus Land Tours. Kayaking tours in Indian Arm are offered between May and October. The five-hour trip costs C$165 and includes a salmon barbecue lunch and hotel pickup. The company also offers kayaking day trips in the Gulf Islands, including a floatplane flight back to Vancouver. Experience is not required. 604/684-4922 or 800/528-3531.

Sea to Sky Kayak Center. These white-water specialists rent white-water, sea, and touring kayaks. They also provide instruction in sea kayaking and white-water kayaking on the Capilano and Seymour rivers, and offer introductory trips. 123 Charles St., North Vancouver. 604/983-6663.

Takaya Tours. A trip with Takaya is a unique experience: you can paddle a 45-foot Salish oceangoing canoe while First Nations guides relay local legends, sing traditional songs, and point out ancient village sites. The two-hour tours cost C$54 and leave from Cates Park in North Vancouver, and Belcarra Park in Port Moody. They also have trips up Indian Arm on motorized kayaks. Reservations are essential. 604/904-7410.

River Rafting

Snowmelt from the coastal mountains, and broad rivers that run through the Pemberton Valley, north of Squamish, provide some of the best white-water rafting in British Columbia.

Canadian Outback Adventure Company. White-water rafting and scenic, family-oriented (not white-water) floats are offered on day trips from Vancouver. A white-water day trip costs C$155 per person; family trips are C$95 per person; transportation to and from Vancouver is available for an extra C$40 per person. 604/921-7250 or 800/565-8735.

Lotus Land Tours. This company runs river-rafting day trips from Vancouver to Whistler, including return transportation, guided rafting, and a barbecue lunch. 604/684-4922 or 800/528-3531.

Windsurfing

The winds aren't heavy on English Bay, making it a perfect place for learning the sport. If you're looking for more challenging high-wind conditions, you have to travel north to Squamish.

Windsure Windsurfing School. Sailboard rentals and lessons are available between May and September at Jericho Beach, in Kitsilano. 604/224-0615.