British Columbia is a paradise for boaters, however you like to enjoy the water. Its 26,700 kilometers of coastline and thousands of lakes make British Columbia an essential destination for holders of Canada’s Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC), commonly known as a “boating license”. With secluded inlets, majestic fjords, and hundreds of islands, the scenic British Colombia coastline is justifiably popular among recreational boaters, and the temperate BC climate makes it possible to boat year-round. The shallow inlets and coves of Desolation Sound are much warmer than other areas in the province, making it a beloved ocean boating spot. The Gulf Islands and Broughton Islands are ideal vacation destinations with many opportunities for sailing and cruising between charming seaside villages, forests, beaches, fishing waters, anchorages, marinas and Provincial Parks. An abundance of marinas and smooth waters ideal for swimming or water skiing make Okanagan Lake another popular holiday destination. The many vineyards on the lake’s shores add to the attraction. Lake Cowichan is a recreational boating hotspot that is great for water skiing, wake boarding and windsurfing. It also has beautiful sandy beaches if you prefer to take it easy. Meanwhile, Shuswap Lake is known as the houseboat headquarters of Canada. Fishing enthusiasts are well served at Atlin Lake—the largest natural lake in BC—and Harrison Lake, that have an abundance of trout and whitefish.