Together we are stronger

A 2006 survey conducted by Genesis Public Opinion Research Inc. and Smith Gunther Associates found that the recreational boating industry in B.C. generated  $1.3 billion every year in direct and indirect impacts. Our own data estimate that just the daily spending by recreational boaters is $350 million annually.

British Columbia ocean tourism is large enough and mature enough to benefit from collaborative marketing. Marine tourism is recognized as a Sector and financially supported by Destination BC. Marketing BC’s coast as a world-class destination through a common brand and via collaborative marketing has appeal and reach.

What We Know

BC Ocean Boating Tourism Association surveyed all of BC’s coastal marinas in order to estimate the volume and distribution of marine tourism. We surveyed a small number of boaters (116) to obtain information on place of origin, travel characteristics and spending. Data provided here are fairly reliable estimates. There are no better data.

Data is for marinas and harbours that accept transient vessels (hosting marinas). Those that do not were not included in the survey.

Table 1: Number of Facilities by Region
Broughton Archipelago 12
Desolation Sound 3
Discovery Islands 24
Great Bear Rainforest 8
Gulf Islands 15
Haida Gwaii 3
Northern Passages 6
Sunshine Coast/Princess Louisa Inlet 22
Vancouver Island East 31
Vancouver Island West 16
Vancouver/Howe Sound 6

Table 2 shows total moorage space in each sub-region. Transient moorage space is shown, but the numbers don’t reflect availability of transient berths. Many marinas do not reserve space, but space is almost always available. The percentages show what portion of the total space each region has. The transient/total figure shows what percent of total space is devoted to transient vessels. So, while the transient space figures are misleading, a general appreciation of the importance of transient traffic is revealed.

For example: Broughton Archipelago, Discovery Islands and Gulf Islands have much  higher transient percentages than total moorage percentages, indicating relatively high levels of reserved transient moorage. Vancouver Island East and Vancouver/Howe Sound show relatively low levels of reserved transient moorage.

Table 2: Total and Transient Moorage Space by Sub-region
Region Total Moorage (ft) Regional Transient Moorage (ft) Regional Transient / Total
Broughton Archipelago 25,145 5% 13,825 11% 55%
Desolation Sound 3,940 1% 1,540 1% 39%
Discovery Islands 46,298 9% 17,330 14% 37%
Great Bear Rainforest 13,530 3% 4,882 4% 36%
Gulf Islands 27,844 5% 18,284 15% 66%
Haida Gwaii 4,400 1% 1,200 1% 27%
Northern Passages 11,120 2% 7,620 6% 69%
Sunshine Coast / Princess Louisa Inlet 40,682 8% 9,735 8% 24%
Vancouver Island East 206,654 40% 34,615 28% 17%
Vancouver Island West 36,664 7% 10,150 8% 28%
Vancouver / Howe Sound 100,121 19% 4,735 4% 5%
Total 516,398 100% 123,916 100% 24%

Table Three shows the number of over-night vessel stays (OVS) at marinas and harbours for each sub-region. The share of the market is shown in the next column. This information is a good indicator of the volume of marine tourism on the coast and in specific regions.

Table 3: Over-night Vessel Stays
Region Total Vessel Nights % of total Vessels Turned Away % of total
Broughton Archipelago 17,337 8% 904 13%
Desolation Sound 2669 1% 0 0%
Discovery Islands 31,351 14% 870 13%
Great Bear Rainforest 5985 3% 200 3%
Gulf Islands 36,940 16% 1,225 18%
Haida Gwaii 1060 0% 10 0%
Northern Passages 6470 3% 30 0%
Sunshine Coast / Princess Louisa Inlet 19,150 9% 1,077 16%
Vancouver Island East 66,842 30% 1,260 19%
Vancouver Island West 26,860 10% 890 13%
Vancouver / Howe Sound 9526 4% 265 4%
Total 224,190 100% 6,731 100%

Table Three does not show the number of vessel nights spent at anchor outside of a facility. Hence, for example, while visits to Desolation Sound are only 1% of OVS, we know that from BC Parks data that more than 15,000 OVS are spent at anchor there. Based on various data sources, we estimate that there are minimally four nights at anchor for every night spent in a marina or harbour.

Table 4 shows the place of origin of boaters. Roughly half of recreational boaters are from British Columbia. American boaters are the next largest segment (39%). Albertans are a significant segment. Many Albertans bring their boats to the BC coast on trailers and many moor boats permanently in BC.

Table 4: Origin of Boaters
Region BC Alberta Canada Rest US West US Rest World Rest
Broughton Archipelago / Johnstone Strait 39% 5% 0% 49% 2% 3%
Discovery Islands 45% 10% 1% 39% 2% 1%
Great Bear Rainforest 42% 8% 0% 44% 2% 2%
Northern Passages 40% 15% 2% 31% 4% 5%
Haida Gwaii 66% 1% 0% 28% 1% 1%
Vancouver Island West 55% 11% 1% 28% 1% 0%
Desolation Sound 45% 5% 2% 41% 2% 2%
Gulf Islands 62% 5% 2% 21% 6% 1%
Sunshine Coast / Princess Louisa Inlet 63% 3% 0% 29% 1% 1%
Vancouver Island East 50% 8% 0% 33% 2% 0%
Vancouver / Howe Sound 62% 1% 3% 30% 0% 1%
All Regions (weighted) 49% 9% 2% 37% 2% 1%

The highest percentages of American boaters are in the remote regions that lead to Alaska. The high percentages of Albertan boaters in the Discovery Islands, Northern Passages and Vancouver Island West reflect road and flight accessibility and the Albertan’s pursuit of the best fishing opportunities.

Visitor Surveys

We surveyed 116 vessel operators to learn about place of origin, trip duration and spending. The sample is too small to be accurate, but it is useful as an indicator.

Average trip length was 29 days and average spending per vessel night was  $185.00.

Main image at top of page: Gibsons Harbour