About Your Guide

Dan Van Alstine

Independent Guide

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Comfortable

Quality

Captain Dan has spent years fishing and exploring the waters surrounding Northwest Bay, Nanoose Bay, Parksville, and the Salish Sea, and he loves sharing this incredible part of Vancouver Island with his guests.

A Transport Canada-certified captain with SVOP, SDV-BS, ROC-M, and First Aid certifications, Dan puts safety first while keeping every trip relaxed, welcoming, and personal.

Whether you're hoping to catch your first Chinook, spend a full day chasing salmon, search for wildlife, or enjoy a quiet evening cruise, Dan will tailor the experience to your group and do everything he can to make your time on the water memorable.

About Your Guide

Dan Van Alstine

Independent Guide

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

A 55-pound Nile perch caught in the Nile River near Murchison Falls, Uganda—upriver from where Ernest Hemingway crashed his plane and downriver from where Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn filmed The African Queen. Definitely a fishing trip I’ll never forget.

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

BBQ’d fresh local Chinook and Coho salmon, Pacific spot prawns tossed in lemon-garlic butter, Dungeness crab, herb-roasted baby potatoes, and a Greek salad.

What’s your favorite band?

Oasis. I saw them in ’95 and ’96—the ’96 show lasted all of three songs before someone threw a shoe that hit Liam Gallagher in the face and the band walked off stage. I’ve been an Oasis fan ever since.

What’s your favorite movie?

The Lost Boys. I’ve loved it since I was a kid—the soundtrack, the humour, the vampires, and that classic ’80s feel. It’s one of those movies I can watch over and over again.

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

BBQ’d fresh local Chinook and Coho salmon, Pacific spot prawns tossed in lemon-garlic butter, Dungeness crab, herb-roasted baby potatoes, and a Greek salad.

What’s your favorite band?

What’s your favorite movie?

The Lost Boys. I’ve loved it since I was a kid—the soundtrack, the humour, the vampires, and that classic ’80s feel. It’s one of those movies I can watch over and over again.

What’s your favorite sports team?

Unfortunately, the Vancouver Canucks. It’s been a lifetime of suffering, with just enough success sprinkled in every 14 years or so to keep me coming back.

What’s your drink of choice?

Diet Coke. Probably more of it than i’d like to admit.

What was your last halloween costume?

Superman. The costume may have been slightly more convincing than the superhero.

What do you want for Christmas this year?

To have all of my kids and family together in one place. That’s really all I need.

How did you get started guiding?

Some of the best days of my childhood and early adulthood were spent fishing, and some of the best days of my life still are. I love being on the water and sharing that experience with other people, so becoming a guide just seemed to make sense.

What makes you different from other guides?

Every trip is about more than just catching fish—it’s about the experience and the stories you take home. On one of my recent trips, a client reeled in a spring salmon only to discover a four-foot spiny dogfish had grabbed onto it on the way up! We couldn’t keep the dogfish, so both went back into the ocean. You never know what’s going to happen out there, and that’s part of what I love about taking people fishing.

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Salish Sea Salmon Fishing

NEW Nanaimo E, Canada 1 - 4 People 4 - 8 Hours From $525

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

About Your Trip

Experience the salmon fishing of British Columbia's Salish Sea with Captain Dan on a private charter departing from Northwest Bay, just south of Parksville.

Choose between a 4–5 hour half-day trip or a 7–8 hour full-day adventure depending on how much time you want to spend chasing salmon. The half-day is an excellent option for families, visitors, and first-time anglers, while the full day gives serious fishermen more time to cover water, work productive tides, and adjust throughout the day as conditions change.

Salmon are the main event, with Chinook being one of the area's signature targets. Dan has spent years fishing the waters surrounding Nanoose Bay and Northwest Bay and will plan your day around the season, tides, weather, and current fishing conditions. Depending on what's happening on the water, that could mean moving to different areas throughout the Salish Sea in search of productive fishing.

You'll fish aboard a spacious 33' Sea Ray Sundancer powered by twin MerCruiser 5.0L V8 engines. The boat's stable offshore design, comfortable seating, and spacious layout provide plenty of room for groups of up to 4 guests to fish and enjoy the surrounding Vancouver Island scenery.

Rods, tackle, bait, fuel, and required onboard safety equipment are included, and Dan will clean and bag your catch after the trip. Guests should bring their own food and drinks, weather-appropriate layers, and a valid BC Tidal Waters fishing licence.

Half-day trips are available with morning and afternoon departures, while full-day trips head out in the morning. Whether you're looking to catch your first salmon or dedicate a full day to exploring this incredible fishery, Dan will tailor the experience to your group and the conditions.

Amenities

Water Type

Inshore, Nearshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Live Bait

Live bait is included for this trip.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 7 days before the trip.

Languages

English, French

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Boat

Boat photo for Salish Sea Salmon Fishing

Boat Type: Cuddy Cabin
Boat Manufacturer: Sea Ray
Boat Length: 33'
Boat Restroom: No

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Cuddy Cabin
Boat Manufacturer: Sea Ray
Boat Length: 33'
Boat Restroom: No
Additional Amenities: Spacious deck, comfortable seating, stable offshore design, fishing equipment and tackle, bait, safety equipment, fuel, experienced captain/guide, fish cleaning and bagging.