WHETHER IT’S a day trip near Vancouver or a voyage around Vancouver Island, local residents have plenty of options available to them once they cast off from home. By Bruce Methven Contributing Writer Few saltwater locations in the world combine so much variety with such easy access as the coastal waters of southwestern B.C. These waters truly offer some- thing for everyone. Sea kayakers can quietly trace the shores of inlets and islands, sailors can test themselves against the elements while powerboaters can leave the bustle of the city far behind in a matter of hours. Lying alongside the southeastern corner of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands are one of the most popular and photogenic local cruis- ing destinations. With a gentle climate, sheltered waters, world-class fishing and more than 200 islands and islets offering a wide range of services, these islands are the perfect choice oating th fora week ora weekend away. There are fine restaurants on many of the islands, challenging golf courses, and a wide array of accommodations. The islands are home to many artisans, providing an excellent excuse to browse through the quaint craft shops. What better souvenir of a relaxing holiday than a unique work of art? For those staying aboard their vessels or opting to camp ashore, provincial marine parks abound. One popular marine park is Beaumont, in Bedwell Harbor on South Pender Island. With a resort hotel and marina nearby, as well as camping and pic- nicking facilities within the park boundaries, Beaumont offers vaca- tioning boaters a full range of choices on how to spend their time. Another popular marine park is Pirates Cove, at the southeast tip of De Courcy Island, Boaters must first successfully navigate the tricky entrance and then ensure that they have properly set their anchor in the rocky bottom before they can relax and enjoy the charms of this island getaway. The often crowded anchorage, Whistler sunshine DAYTRIPPERS LOOKING for a beautiful drive can head north on the Sea-to-Sky Highway to this resort village that bustles with activity throughout the summer. Here, visitors to the Whistler Golf Club find a challenge with a backdrop of mountains surrounding them. SH COLUMBIAC ER SPE $4 4 7 per person dbi. Blackcomb Lodge Mountainside Lodge $4 21 per person dbl. INCLUDES: 2 NIGHTS DELUXE STUDIO AND 2 DINNERS. (1 DINNER AT ARAXIS AND 1 AT TRATTORIA DI UMBERTO) a Located in the heart of Whistler Village, easy walk to shops, Valley 6a trails, golf, tennis. Cnly 1 1/2 hours North of Vancouver : * RESERVATIONS * 1-800-667-2855 m Vancouver area 664-5639 ay . + yey por MOUNTAINSIDE (&~ LODGE “&) RESERVATIONS 1-800-665-7174 Vancouver area 664-5643 Es ; ae, re a all happens in Whistler Village, July coast however, is a good indication that the care and attention required to spend some time at Pirates Cove is well worth the effort. There ure hiking trails to explore, good swimming end excel- lent scuba diving opportunities close by. Princess Margaret is one of the finest marine parks in the provincial system. The 450 acre (180 hectare) park is located southeast of Salt Spring Island on Portland Island. The combination of sandy beaches and fair weather anchorages makes Portland an ideal location for a pic- nic lunch. Unwary boaters should take note: the island should be approached with caution since it is surrounded by shoals and reefs. Numerous trails crisscross the island, offering boaters plenty of opportunity to stretch their legs. Scuba divers will know Portland as the site of the sunken 184-foot long (56-m) coastal freighter, G.B. Church, B.C.'s first artificial reef FORA RAGR OTS 2 HOWDY 3 2 PARDNER... Shucks, how's about you and me mosey into sunumer with a little ting around the Village Square? Hee....haw, that's right. times come BF again for the Whistler Country- Wester and Blues Festival! The fun 22 - 24, 1994, Where do we stay? Why, The Westbrook Whistler of course! a From just $79.00 a night, we'll enjoy g a luxurious one-bedroom suite with kitchen, gas fireplace and & breathtaking view. oO, make that call today and save me a twa step! n THE WESTBR@K whistler wd way from it all..dn the middle of it all TOLL FREE RESERVATIONS; t 800 661-2321 PTI TTI AL: asbdwsyeyshasungwaguansynace stat atdtrytrtttattattatets for scuba divers. The largest coastal marine park in the province is located 100 miles (161 km) north of Vancouver — an area of stunning beauty and warm waters with the misleading name of Desolation Sound. The majestic Coast Mountains tower over the park's 37 miles (60 66 The protected bays, rocky foreshores and heavily wooded islands provide good anchorage and fine gunkholing... 99 km) of shoreline. Despite the heavy summer usage, Desolation Sound remains home to many species of wildlife. The small community of Lund at the northern terminus of the coastal mainland highway serves as a con- venient source of supplies and tepairs for anyone exploring the more remote areas to the north. Immediately to the north at the entrance to Desolation Sound is a chain of small islands known as the Copelands that offer a good intro- *Guided Alpine Climbs Rock Climbing Courses #Ski Touring and Avalanche Awareness Courses 938-9242 #3 - 4241 Village Stroll Whistler, B.C. duction to the area. The protected bays, rocky fore- shores and heavily wooded islands provide good anchorage and fine gunkholing for small boats. Other popular destinations with- in Desolation Sound include Prideaux Haven and Tenedos Bay. During the summer months boaters are sure to find crowded conditions, but early and late season cruisers will be rewarded with more solitary experiences. With 30 marinas ready to wel- come boaters to its 100 mile (160 km) long shoreline, the Sunshine Coast is one of the closest and most convenient destinations. Coastal communities like Gibsons. Sechelt, and Pender Harbor offer all the amenities and atmosphere that make a summer trip come alive. Boaters heading up Jervis Inlet and through Malibu Rapids will enter magical Princess Louisa Inlet. Sheer cliffs rise 4,900 feet (1,500 m) out of the warm waters, making the inlc: a scenic destina- tion for self-sufficient explorers. At the head of the inlet, the beauty of Chatterbox Falls makes the journey worthwhile and pro- vides a spot to tie up. QVANco cS i=] = Sys we . : Displays on local history plus ‘ special temporary show Homefront: H Shipbuilding and the North J a Vancouver Community, 1939- § 1945. Opens August 10. Admission Free OPEN Wed.-Sun.: 12-5pm 209 West 4th, North Van. For information call: 987-5618 § # = This surnmer while you tour the Sea to Sky Highway, take | athe time to discover all that “Super Natural Sunny Scenic a Squamish” has to offer. The heart of Sea to Sky Country, a where the wind and water rise up to meet the surrounding a majestic mountains, Squamish is truly a recreation paradise. 3 = =Our business community offers a full range of services including accommodation, restaurants and shops. a STOP by the Chamber of Commerce/Travel InfoCentre E located at 37950 Cleveland Ave. or call (604) 892-9244 for y information on Squamish and other communities along the Sea to Sky Highway.