In this month’s issue, our feature “Dockside Dining Extravaganza” profiles one of the most enjoyable days on the water the editorial staff at PY can remember. Having fun is what boating is all about, and we most often associate that with going off in our yachts overnight, for the weekend or longer. The trip we wrote about lasted from just before noon to dinner time (and into the night for a few hardy souls), and we sure packed a ton of fun into those hours. We set out in three beautiful new powerboats from three Coal Harbour yacht brokers. Aboard were staff from the brokerages, a number of restaurateurs and a few friends—about 16 of us in all.

The idea was to test what we imagined to be the perfect Vancouver-area daytrip— an adventure that could be shared with a group of friends or business associates. We wanted a voyage that would almost guarantee that guests—regardless of their boating experience or susceptibility to seasickness—have an entertaining and fun-filled day afloat. The trip wouldn’t be weather dependent, nor require stocking the boat with food or the added complexities of overnighting. After all, just because we want to impress friends or colleagues doesn’t mean we have to spend the whole weekend with them!

There are few places in the world with as much shipping traffic and as many fascinating things to see as Vancouver Harbour. Yet the harbour also offers seclusion and spectacular views, such as those up Indian Arm. We should take pride in what we have. While we may have become used to it, there’s plenty of world-class “wow” factor between Coal Harbour and Indian Arm for those who don’t have access to boats.

We wanted to combine a harbour tour with a gourmet dining experience—two activities everyone can appreciate. While most people won’t want to go to quite as many gourmet dining establishments as we did (oh, but the food was soooo good!), we wanted to sample and be able to suggest a variety of options.

Even for those who’ve cruised the harbour many times, there’s always something new to find when travelling with other boaters or someone with a different perspective. Learning new things and sharing what we know is both educational and fun, and it’s just as rewarding to share the sights and sounds as it is to see guests soaking it all up. I love that look of awe and joy that first timers, or those with little experience, get from taking the wheel or just sitting alone on the foredeck gazing out as the world goes by. Who doesn’t enjoy the feeling of the wind in your hair (in the summer anyhow), the gentle rocking of the boat and the promise of your next destination on the horizon?

Add fine dining to the mix, and heaven isn’t too far away. There are a number of waterfront restaurants in Vancouver—far too many for us to have visited—and elsewhere on the coast. For those who don’t want to spend time at a restaurant, several establishments (the Cannery is one) offer picnic baskets.

And if all goes well, at the end of the day, guests will go home basking in the glow from a great day on the water, and everyone will have had plenty of fun. There’s no better way to enjoy boating than to share that experience with people who don’t have their own boats or the opportunity to get out on the water. Although a trip in the harbour may be routine for many, it may well prove an unforgettable day for guests. Share the joy!