44Point Grey and Point Atkinson to the north mark the 3 1/2 mile wide
entrance to Vancouver Harbor. Spanish Banks extend out for 1/2 miIe; a light
and belI mark the northwestern edge of this bank which is covered at high
water. The outer harbor inciudes English Bay and it Is used an anchorage for
freighters as well as by myriads of pleasure boaters from the city for ree rea-
tional use. The Royal Vancouver Yacht Club Station, protected by breakwaters,
lies midway along English Bay.
Most Vancouver marinas are in False Creek (between the downtown city center
and the residential area of Kitsi1ano) and Coal Harbour (east of First Narrows,
tucked behind Stanley Park). Other marinas are in Burrard Inlet and Indian
Arm, but they are Iess convenient for the transient boater.
The Burrard Street bridge marks the boundary between False Creek and
English Bay. The distinctive buiIdings of the ~aritime Museum (large A-frame)
and the McMillan-B10edel Planetarium and Museum complex (onion-shaped) are
easily identified on the south shore west of the bridge. Both the Burrard and
Granville Street Bridges (to the east) have a clearance of 90 feet. The north
bank of False Creek is the site of EXPO 86 -- a world's fair with a
transportation and communication therne held in 1986.
The Burrard Civic Marina, Coast Guard Station, and a fuel barge are to
starboard just before passing under the Burrard Street bridge (westernmost of
the two bridges). Strong tidaI eurrents fIow through this passage. Transient
moorage is not available at this marina.
Fisherman's Wharf lies between the two bridges. In winter this is filled
with fishing vessels, but in summer space is rented to pleasure eraft --
transient vessels can try for space here. A harbormaster's office is near the
gate at the south side of the complex. Several other marinas are within False
Creek but space is usually taken by Ioeal boats.
The entrance into Vancouver Harbor proper is through First Narrows and
under Lions Gate Bridge (clearance of 200 feet). Tidai currents of up to 6
knots run through the Narrows. Large vesseis have the right of way through
First Narrows because of their limited manoeuverability in confined passages.
The magnificent green expanse of Stanley Park (1,000 acres of woodland and
park facilities) is we11 worth visiting. The lighthouse at Brockton Point
marks the eastern tip of the Park. After rounding the buoy which marks Burnaby
Shoal turn southwest to enter Coal Harbour, where mooring is available. Fuel
barges are anchored on the eastern side of Stanley Park. On the Stanley Park
side are the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club Station and the Vaneouver Rowing Club
facilities -- both private clubs with which reciprocal club arrangements may
allow guest rnoorage for transient boats. On the Vancouver waterfront there are
moorings at the Bayshore Inn (the home of many charter vessels) or at the
marinas towards the west (reiatively less expensive moorage).
The sketch map indicates the Iocation of the various attractions in
Vancouver. Tourist information offices, hotels, and most businesses wi11 be
glad to give assistance and advice for visiting centers of interest or
generally finding one's way around this beautiful city.