PYSpy is a fun summer Scavenger Hunt that wants to encourage you to get out on the water and share your experience. There is treasure to be won for those who venture out and capture the perfect moment. So get your crew together, hoist your sails, rev your engines, and explore the beautiful waters of the Pacific Northwest!
To enter, take a picture when you do something awesome (see the list below for guidance). Then post your photo on Instagram, tag @Pacific_Yachting and use the hashtag #PYSpy. The hunt ends September 31.
Participants will be entered to win prizes including YETI Gear. The more challenges you complete, the more entries you get, so start exploring!
If you’re not on Instagram, send your pictures to editor@pacificyachting.com with the subject line “PYSpy.” You’ll still be entered!
1. Hike
Boaters are privileged with unlimited access to hikes all along BC’s coast. If you’re looking for new adventures but not sure where to start, check out Pacific Yachting’s “Hikes in the Gulf Islands” series featuring 18 of the best walking trails by the Salish Sea (PY August 2018, July & August 2019). Show us the view from the trail!
2. Watch Wildlife
British Columbia is home to some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet and boaters have a front-row seat. Keep your camera handy to capture sea wolves and grizzlies roaming the shoreline, seals poking around your boat, sea lions lounging on a rock, humpbacks breaching or eagles keeping watch. (Get a sample of what’s out there in “Super Natural Broughtons,” PY February 2020.)
3. Fish
Take advantage of some of the best saltwater fishing in the world. Whether you’re trolling for salmon or halibut or digging up clams, we want to see your catch!
If you’re new to the pastime or find yourself short on luck, check out PY’s monthly Fishing Fix column for seasonal fishing tips. And when it comes to crabs, you can always count on Deane Hislop’s Gunkhole column to report on fruitful spots to drop the pots.
4. Boat-Camp
With far-flung vacations still off the table, why not explore a little more of your own backyard? Send us a pic from your campsite under the stars. There’s no shortage of secluded nooks and crannies along British Columbia’s coastline. For inspiration, check out “Small Boat Camping” (PY June 2019), or “Shore Camping” (PY June 2020).
5. Pick Fruit
Did you know that you can collect fresh fruit from 17 orchards within the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve? Settlers planted their favourites between the 1830s and 1960s, including apples, pears, cherries, plums, quince and nuts. Explore these historical orchards on eight islands in the GINPR and get taste of history for yourself! (Harvesting is subject to Parks Canada conditions.)
6. Shop Local
There’s never been a better time to shop local. Head to the many farmers’ markets and boutiques accessible to boaters including Ganges’ Salt Spring Island markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays, Nanaimo’s Downtown Market on Saturdays and Sidney’s Street Market, running Sundays for the 2022 season.
We are excited to see what you find and share with us. Happy Hunting!