FRENCH CREEK

• Latitude: 49.34944
• Longitude: -124.3565
• West Coast Canada
• Marina in Canada

Location: French Creek BC Canada

Marine Port: French Creek, Canada

Description: French Creek is a smaller, yet significant marine port located on the east coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. This facility serves as both a commercial and recreational hub, operating near the communities of Parksville and Qualicum Beach. It is particularly known for its ferry service connecting Vancouver Island to Lasqueti Island, along with various maritime activities.

Specifications:

1. Location:

   • Latitude: Approximately 49.364° N
   • Longitude: Approximately 124.343° W
   • Closest Major Cities: Parksville, Qualicum Beach

2. Facilities:

   • Ferry Terminal: Regular ferry service to Lasqueti Island.
   • Marina: Provides mooring for recreational vessels, commercial fishing boats, and other marine vessels.
   • Boat Launch: Available for public use, supporting recreational boaters.
   • Fuel Dock: Offers fueling services for marine vessels.
   • Maintenance Services: Basic repairs and services available for boaters.
   • Storage: Options for boat storage, including dry stack and wet slips.

3. Port Services:

   • Customs and Inspection: Limited facilities for Customs and Border Protection for international vessels.
   • Transportation Links: Road access directly connects to major highways for land transportation of goods and passengers.
   • Fishing Industry Support: Includes offloading facilities and support for commercial fishing operations.
   • Emergency Services: Equipped with basic emergency response capabilities; linked to local law enforcement and coast guard.

4. Usage:

   • Commercial: Supporting industries such as commercial fishing, aquaculture, and water transportation.
   • Recreational: Popular for sports fishing, boating, and water-based tourism.
   • Passenger Services: Regular passenger ferries serving routes to nearby islands.

5. Navigation:

   • Channel Depth: Variable, with regular dredging to maintain safe navigational depths.
   • Approach: Marked with navigational aids; recommended to check updated nautical charts for exact details.
   • Weather Considerations: Subject to typical Pacific Northwest weather patterns, including fog, rain, and occasional storms.

6. Environmental Considerations:

   • Eco-Friendly Practices: Initiatives in place to protect local marine ecosystems and reduce pollution.
   • Waste Management: Facilities for waste disposal and recycling, particularly for hazardous materials like oil and batteries.

7. Points of Interest:

   • Fishing Spots: Popular for local and visiting anglers targeting species like salmon and halibut.
   • Dining and Amenities: Close proximity to local eateries, shops, and tourist accommodations in Parksville and Qualicum Beach.

Additional Information: French Creek’s relatively small size compared to major ports like Vancouver allows it to cater specifically to niche maritime activities while fostering a tight-knit local community of marine enthusiasts and professionals. Whether you're ferrying to Lasqueti Island, engaging in commercial fishing, or enjoying recreational boating, French Creek is equipped to support a variety of maritime needs.

For the most up-to-date information, contacting the local port authority or marine operations center is advisable, as services and conditions can change.