A Guide to Chartering in Canada

Your yacht drifts past towering fjords, snow-dusted peaks, and endless forests. Canada, with over 151,000 miles of coastline—the longest in the world—is a playground for yacht charters, where tranquil anchorages, bustling harbors, and untouched bays create endless discovery.

On the Pacific coast, sail British Columbia’s Inside Passage, where orcas breach beside your yacht and waterfalls tumble from alpine peaks. Vancouver blends cosmopolitan sophistication with immediate access to wilderness.

The Atlantic Maritimes offer a different pace: Nova Scotia’s rugged cliffs, colorful waterfronts, and fresh lobster on deck, paired with quiet anchorages for serene evenings.

For true exclusivity, venture to the Arctic, where glaciers calve into icy waters, narwhals surface, and drifting icebergs create landscapes few yachts have ever seen.

Canada is more than a destination—it’s a journey of scale, majesty, and natural wonder, offering yacht experiences impossible anywhere else on Earth.

What are the must-see destinations in Canada?

British Columbia & The Inside Passage

This is Canada’s premier yachting region, where dramatic fjords, lush islands, and wildlife-rich waters create unforgettable cruising. Vancouver and Victoria provide cosmopolitan gateways with world-class marinas and dining. From there, yachts journey through the Inside Passage, a labyrinth of channels leading to remote anchorages and fishing villages. The scenery is wild, the wildlife abundant, and the sense of adventure unmatched.

Nova Scotia & The Atlantic Maritimes

The Atlantic coast offers a blend of seafaring tradition and rugged charm. Nova Scotia’s iconic lighthouses, colorful fishing towns, and Celtic heritage create an atmosphere steeped in history. The Bay of Fundy, famous for the world’s highest tides, offers unique sailing experiences. From Prince Edward Island’s red cliffs to Newfoundland’s dramatic fjords, the Maritimes bring warmth, culture, and authenticity to Canadian yachting.

Quebec & The St. Lawrence River

Quebec combines European elegance with natural beauty along the St. Lawrence River. The historic city of Québec, with its cobblestone streets and château skyline, provides a cosmopolitan stop steeped in culture. Upstream, whales congregate in Tadoussac’s waters, offering world-class marine encounters. Yachting here blends French-Canadian sophistication with striking river and coastal landscapes.

The Canadian Arctic

For the ultimate adventure, the Canadian Arctic offers an experience unlike any other. The Northwest Passage, long sought by explorers, is now accessible to well-equipped yachts during summer. Polar bears roam ice floes, while narwhals and belugas navigate crystalline waters. Remote Inuit communities welcome visitors with rich traditions. It’s a destination of rarity and exclusivity, where yachting meets pure exploration.

The Great Lakes

Shared with the United States, the Great Lakes provide a unique freshwater cruising ground. Toronto and Montreal serve as cosmopolitan gateways, while islands like Manitoulin and Mackinac offer historic charm. The lakes’ vast waters, sandy beaches, and picturesque towns create a distinctly North American charter experience with a Canadian twist.

What’s next:

Ready to chart new horizons? Canada offers a yachting journey like no other — where vast wilderness, vibrant culture, and refined luxury meet across three great oceans. From the fjords of British Columbia to the charm of the Maritimes and the majesty of the Arctic, every voyage reveals a new chapter of discovery.

With Opal Superyachts, you’ll explore a land defined by contrasts — cosmopolitan harbors paired with untouched wilderness, historic towns alongside modern luxury. Canada is not just a destination; it’s an odyssey of scale, beauty, and endless horizons.