Essential Weather and Tide Resources

Before setting out on a boating adventure in the Pacific Northwest, it’s crucial to be well-prepared for weather and tide conditions. Having reliable sources of information can make the difference between a safe, enjoyable trip and a potentially hazardous situation. Here’s a comprehensive list of the best weather apps, YouTube channels, weather stations, tide stations, and websites to check before boating in this unique region.

Weather Apps

1. Windy
   • Features: Detailed wind, wave, and weather forecasts specific to the Pacific Northwest.
   • Availability: iOS, Android
   • Description: Windy offers a comprehensive look at current weather conditions with real-time updates and detailed forecast models. It’s particularly useful for boaters to see wind patterns and wave heights in the Pacific Northwest.
   • Visit Windy
2. PredictWind
   • Features: Wind forecasts, weather routing, and alerts tailored for the Pacific Northwest.
   • Availability: iOS, Android
   • Description: PredictWind specializes in providing accurate wind forecasts and weather routing, essential for planning safe and efficient routes in the region.
   • Visit PredictWind
3. MyRadar
   • Features: Real-time weather radar, forecasts, and severe weather alerts for the Pacific Northwest.
   • Availability: iOS, Android
   • Description: MyRadar provides real-time radar images and forecasts, ensuring you stay updated with the latest weather changes in the Pacific Northwest.
   • Visit MyRadar
4. FishWeather
   • Features: Specialized weather forecasts for fishing and boating in the Pacific Northwest.
   • Availability: iOS, Android
   • Description: FishWeather offers wind, wave, and weather forecasts specifically for fishing and boating enthusiasts in the region.
   • Visit FishWeather

YouTube Channels

1. Live Webcam of English Bay
   • Content: Live, real-time view of the water in English Bay.
   • Description: This channel provides views of English Bay Vancouver, Kits Beach, Vanier Park, Sunset Beach, Westend, False Creek, and the Granville Island Ferry, Vancouver, Canada.
   • Visit English Bay Webcam on YouTube
2. Live Webcam of Point Atkinson
   • Content: Live, real-time view of the waters around Point Atkinson.
   • Description: View live video of the water state around English Bay Vancouver, including English Bay, Point Atkinson, West Vancouver and False Creek, Vancouver, Canada.
   • Visit Boating With Boogaboo on YouTube
3. Missy Goes Boating – Weather Page
   • Content: Nine live video feeds.
   • Description: 24/7 water webcams for Vancouver, Friday Harbour, Victoria, Nanaimo, Parksville, Departure Bay and the White Rock Pier.
   • Visit Missy Goes Boating – Weather

Weather Stations

1. NOAA Weather Stations
   • Features: Real-time weather data and marine forecasts specific to the Pacific Northwest.
   • Description: NOAA operates a network of weather stations providing up-to-date information on wind, temperature, and marine conditions along the Pacific Northwest coast.
   • Visit NOAA Weather Stations
2. Logia 7-in-1 Weather Station
   • Features: I have one installed at my house, and it connects to both Weather Underground and Weathercloud to provide community-contributed weather data.
   • Description: WeatherFlow provides localized weather updates, which can be particularly useful for specific boating areas in the Pacific Northwest.
   • Visit Amazon to Purchase
   • Visit Weather Underground or Weathercloud

Tide Stations

1. NOAA Tides and Currents
   • Features: Tide predictions, current data, and historical records for the Pacific Northwest (USA).
   • Description: NOAA’s tide stations provide accurate and up-to-date tide predictions and current data, essential for safe boating navigation in the Pacific Northwest (USA).
   • Visit NOAA Tides and Currents
2. Tide Chart
   • Features: Detailed tide charts and predictions for the Pacific Northwest.
   • Description: This site offers detailed tide charts and predictions, helping boaters plan their trips around favourable tide conditions in the Pacific Northwest.
   • Visit Tide Chart

Websites

1. Weather.gc.ca
   • Features: Comprehensive weather forecasts, alerts, and marine conditions specific to the Pacific Northwest.
   • Description: The government of Canada’s official website is a trusted source for weather information, offering detailed forecasts and marine conditions for various regions in the Pacific Northwest.
   • Visit Weather.gc.ca
2. Weather To Boat
   • Features: Includes marine forecasts, pre-departure lists, an interactive planner, marina locations and much more.
   • Description: More than just a weather app, this is a free, powerful boater’s app that provides lots of information to help make your boating experience safer and more enjoyable. Get all the key information you need in one place.
   • Visit Weather To Boat
3. Windfinder
   • Features: Wind forecasts, weather reports, and live wind maps for the Pacific Northwest.
   • Description: Windfinder offers detailed wind forecasts and real-time wind maps, which are particularly useful for sailing and boating enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest.
   • Visit Windfinder
4. Tides4Fishing
   • Features: Tide charts, fishing activity predictions, and weather forecasts for the Pacific Northwest.
   • Description: This site combines tide information with fishing activity predictions, making it a great resource for anglers who are also boating in the Pacific Northwest.
   • Visit Tides4Fishing
5. Navionics (Garmin Website & App)
   • Features: Nautical charts, weather forecasts, and tide information for the Pacific Northwest.
   • Description: Still my favourite! Navionics provides detailed nautical charts along with weather forecasts and tide information, which are essential for navigation and planning in the Pacific Northwest.
   • Visit Navionics

Conclusion

Being well-prepared for your boating adventure in the Pacific Northwest involves more than just checking the weather. By utilizing these apps, YouTube channels, weather and tide stations, and websites, you can ensure you have all the necessary information to make informed decisions and stay safe on the water. Whether you’re navigating the calm waters of Puget Sound or braving the open Pacific, these resources will help you enjoy your time on the water to the fullest.