British Columbia

[RichardElliott]

You can really enjoy the CAN gulf islands in only one week, using Sidney or Bosun''s Charters nearby. Swimmable water and gorgeous scenery.

[Viceroy]

With only one week and an "iffy" crew, you might be better off using your car and the ferry system to explore B.C. waters. Anacortes to Victoria, Gulf Island ferry routes from Sidney to Saltspring or others. Back on Vancouver Island, drive up to Courtney/Comox thence across to Powell River and down the Sunshine Coast to Vancouver. You''ll get some "sea/see-time" and lots of time to explore. And your US$ vs CA$ exchange rate is very much in your favour. Good Luck. Cheers, Richard.

[magnusmurphy]

One other thing to consider is to circumnavigate Saltspring Island. I did it in a week with my young family two years ago. ( it was my daughters'' first sailing experience (at the time 5 and 7) and they had an absolute blast.
We reserved marinas for most of the evenings, tied up to a mooring ball once or twice, and made sure the kids were on the beach at three pm at the latest. It was relaxing, beautiful and altogether a fantastic experience. We started in Sidney and the first marina on Saltspring can be reached in a few very short hours. Saltspring is also the most "developed" Island with an eclectic and "artsy" population and small towns, which your wife will enjoy.

Just another thought...

Magnus Murphy

[foredeckman]

I have sailed in that area for many (20) years. Sidney is a good place to start from. I don''t know anything about charter companies anymore, but if there are any there then I suggest looking into it. You can cruise up to Nanaimo (thru Dodd narrows) which can be fun, and go back up into Buchart gardens area and all of it is less than a day sail away from anyplace else. So, if you only have a week, then go for it. You will want to come back for a longer trip. The west side of Vancouver Is. : you''ll need a couple of weeks. Also see what is available out of Victoria, BC. you then have the option of Can. or WA state islands. Plus don''t overlook the Dungeness crab. If you''re there during season.