Coal Harbour Marina

Coal Harbour Marina – Vancouver’s Urban Dockside Gem

Set against the stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains and glassy skyscrapers, Coal Harbour Marina is one of Canada’s most prestigious urban marinas—an oasis for yachtsmen in the heart of downtown Vancouver, British Columbia. It offers a rare combination of luxury, location, and accessibility, where the bustle of a world-class city meets the tranquillity of a Pacific inlet. Whether you’re staying overnight, laying up for the season, or beginning a voyage north to Alaska, Coal Harbour Marina is a top-tier gateway to the Pacific Northwest.

Location & Layout

Coal Harbour lies at the foot of downtown Vancouver’s financial district, nestled between the world-renowned Stanley Park and the Vancouver Convention Centre. The marina is part of the Westin Bayshore complex and is managed by the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. Its central location makes it the marina of choice for sailors who want immediate access to urban amenities without sacrificing the serenity and security of a well-maintained harbour.

Coal Harbour Marina boasts approximately 242 slips, accommodating vessels from 30 feet up to 330 feet in length. The marina is protected by a floating breakwater, and its inner basin remains calm even during the region’s winter storms. Average depths at low tide are approximately 4.5 to 5 meters, and access is available year-round. Larger yachts, including superyachts, will find ample space and professional handling on arrival, though advance booking is essential during peak months.

Services & Facilities

Coal Harbour Marina delivers a full complement of modern yachting services:

Shore Power: 30A, 50A, and 100A power is available at most slips.

Water Supply: Fresh potable water is supplied to all berths.

Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided, although many long-term users opt for their own connections due to occasional signal limitations.

Black and Grey Water Pump-Out: Dockside services are available on request.

Security: 24/7 gated access with CCTV surveillance, professional dock staff, and secure mooring.

Fuel & Maintenance: While the marina itself does not offer a fuelling dock or shipyard, these services are available nearby in False Creek or at North Vancouver’s shipyards. Minor repairs and provisioning can be arranged via marina management.

Additional services include laundry, showers, lockers, recycling, parking, and concierge assistance. The marina is pet-friendly and located adjacent to Vancouver’s extensive seawall, perfect for a morning run or dog walk.

The Lifestyle

What truly sets Coal Harbour Marina apart is its unbeatable location. Within minutes, guests can walk to fine dining, boutique shopping, theatres, museums, and high-end hotels. The marina is a short stroll from the Vancouver Aquarium, Canada Place, and Gastown, and just a 10-minute drive from the Vancouver International Airport (via seaplane or taxi).

Sailors often remark that the marina is not only a docking point but also an immersive city experience. Imagine sipping coffee from your cockpit as seaplanes take off across the water, cyclists roll by on the promenade, and the sun rises behind the Lions Gate Bridge.

Coal Harbour’s neighbouring cafés and bars—like the Lift Bar & Grill, Cardero’s Restaurant, and the waterfront TapShack—are popular haunts for crew and visitors alike. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet evening onboard, the surroundings offer a cosmopolitan charm rarely found in marinas.

For Cruisers and Explorers

Coal Harbour is not just a pretty face. It’s a strategic starting point for long-range cruisers heading to the Inside Passage, Desolation Sound, Haida Gwaii, or the remote coastlines of Alaska. Many yachts winter here before launching spring expeditions up Canada’s wild western seaboard. Charter captains and international cruisers alike use Coal Harbour as their North American base.

The customs clearance process is efficient, and the marina office is well-versed in supporting international arrivals. Provisioning is convenient, with grocers, wine merchants, and chandlers within walking distance or a short delivery drive away.

Community & Events

As a Royal Vancouver Yacht Club location, Coal Harbour Marina fosters a close-knit but welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re new in town or part of the regional cruising circuit, there’s a community feel among the resident boaters and marina staff.

While not as event-heavy as club-based marinas, Coal Harbour sees its fair share of visiting regattas, flotillas, and international yachts throughout the season. Social events, crew dinners, and impromptu dockside gatherings are common, particularly in the summer.

Final Thoughts

Coal Harbour Marina is not the cheapest marina in British Columbia—but it may well be the most rewarding. It offers the rare ability to moor your yacht in a truly world-class city without sacrificing tranquility, service, or security. From here, you can dine on sushi, hike a rainforest trail, ski in Whistler, or set sail to one of the world’s last great wilderness coastlines—all within a day. It’s a marina that understands what sailors need but delivers much more: convenience, class, and connection to one of North America’s most livable cities.

Whether you’re a circumnavigator, a seasonal cruiser, or a casual coastal explorer, Coal Harbour Marina is one of the finest berthing choices on the West Coast of Canada.