We just spent almost a week in Vancouver and I am convinced that anchoring in False Creek is the best way to enjoy the city. At least it was for us. We learned a few things last year when we anchored in Vancouver and that made this visit even better.

Sailing into English Bay
We anchored off of Charleson Park. We really enjoyed our anchorage because it was relatively quiet and we had interesting views from all sides. I preferred to look across the main channel at the boats going by and then on to David Lam park and downtown. False Creek is very busy with harbour ferries, the Aqua Bus, party cruises, Joe’s BBQ boat and of course other pleasure boats.

Our anchorage in False Creek
It felt like such a contrast to be living on a boat and feel so peaceful but yet to be anchored in the middle of the busy city of Vancouver.
We did everything we wanted to do in Vancouver and more. Our main goals were to visit Ellery’s brother Murray and use his place as a base to reprovision groceries, as well as have showers and do laundry. Our other main goal was to take the girls to Science World because we knew it would be a hit and it did not disappoint.

Maddie & Amelia checking out False Creek
Murray’s place is only a short walk from Science World so we would dinghy from Arctic Loon to a dock near Science World and then walk. After heading up to Murray’s the first time with Amelia in our single stroller and Maddie walking, I realized that if we wanted to see more of Vancouver, we should rent a double stroller. Sure enough, we easily found a company called Wee Travel and it was located only a short drive away from Murray’s place. Murray graciously gave us the use of his car as well.
This double stroller turned out to be a life saver in so many ways. I’m pretty sure Maddie had less tantrums because she got a rest often and a couple of times both girls fell asleep in the stroller at the same time!!! This meant that Ellery and I got cold drinks and got to talk without interruptions.
With the double stroller we not only did Science World but also the Maritime Museum, swimming at the Vancouver Aquatic Centre, Granville Island and a variety of kids playgrounds.
We would dinghy from Arctic Loon with the double stroller and a bag of kid stuff and lots of snacks to a dinghy dock close to where we wanted to go. Then we would expand the previously collapsed stroller, take the girls out of their lifejackets and get them in the stroller and lock up our dinghy and outboard motor.

Chari and the girls in the dinghy
My favourite part of being in Vancouver was visiting with family and friends. We had family onboard for dinner almost every night. Ellery’s brother Murray and his girlfriend Anouk joined us twice for dinner. Ellery’s father Bob and Murray came another night for dinner. This meant we got to try out our new Magma BBQ a few times, which we are quite happy with. We hosted Jonny a colleague and friend of Ellery’s onboard for coffee one morning and he brought us fresh pastries to share. I was also able to see my friend Erica at Granville Island one morning.
I found transiting through English Bay on our way into False Creek and then out again so interesting. There are at least half a dozen cargo ships out there, some full, some empty. There are heaps of pleasure boats, sailing, motoring and some anchored closer to shore. All of these very different boats, in size and type are moving past one another doing their own thing yet aware of each other.

Heading through English Bay into False Creek
We are all enjoying life onboard Arctic Loon in case you can’t tell! It is challenging of course but that is another blog post. Overall, I just love being with my family, being outside and exploring new places.

Ellery teaching Maddie how to drive the dinghy
– Chari