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Background

In 1962, Bob Wright started a small company with $600 and a dream. He built a marina for pleasure boats at Oak Bay, Victoria, British Columbia. Over forty years later the Oak Bay Marine Group operates eight holiday and fishing resorts, as well as marinas, restaurants, tourist attractions and gift shops and is considered the leader in the holiday and sport fishing industry in North America. Today, we are proud to be a Canadian company employing over 1,000 staff and management each year.

Here are some of the highlights:

1962
Oak Bay Marina, in Victoria, British Columbia begins operation.
1967
Pedder Bay Marina opens in Metchosin, outside of Victoria. This full service marina has moorage, fuel docks, a boat launch, boat rentals, guided fishing charters, a tackle shop and gear rental. The marina continues to welcome local residents and tourists seeking moorage, fishing adventures and nature cruises in the straits of Juan de Fuca.
1972
Oak Bay Marine Group acquires controlling shares of Pacific Undersea Gardens, in Victoria, an underwater aquarium and live dive theatre on the bottom of the sea. This attraction, located in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, is home to the largest collection of local marine life anywhere. The attraction is popular among school groups, local residents, and tourists and is a great place to host a birthday party.
1978
The MV Marabell welcomes its first fishing guests to Hakai Pass, British Columbia. This classic minesweeper encountered wartime duty and is rumoured to have sunk a Japanese submarine. She was purchased and refitted by the Oak Bay Marine Group and began her new life as a floating fishing resort. Today she spends her time anchored at Langara Island in the Queen Charlotte Islands.
1979
The Canadian Princess Resort opens in Ucluelet, British Columbia. Formerly the William J. Stewart, the ship was built in 1932 and served 43 years as a hydrographic survey ship. In the 1980’s, shore side accommodations were built to offer variety to anglers. The Canadian Princess Resort continues to be a popular destination for anglers and adventurers alike.
1980’s
North Saanich Marina, north of Victoria, begins operations as a full-service marina.
1985
Mariner’s Square opens in Newport, Oregon. Wax Works, Undersea Gardens and Ripley’s Believe it or Not! are the three attractions located on Newport’s historic bay front. These attractions, owned and operated by Oak Bay Marine Group, welcome thousands of visitors annually.
1985
King Salmon Resort in Rivers Inlet, British Columbia, under the control of Oak Bay Marine Group, welcomes its first guests. The resort has developed a loyal following among anglers who enjoy the beautiful location, friendly service and outstanding trophy salmon fishing. In 1998, Oak Bay Marine Group purchased the property.
1986
Wickaninnish Restaurant opens on Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park. Wickaninnish means ’roaring water’s and is quite appropriate as this long, sandy beach is susceptible to violent storms and pounding surf from the North Pacific Ocean. No visit to the west coast is complete without a stroll along this spectacular and rugged shore and a fine meal in the Wickaninnish Restaurant.
1988
MV Charlotte Princess goes into service at Langara Island in the Queen Charlotte Islands. She began as a light ship, served as a pleasure yacht and was converted into a world-class floating fishing resort ship by Oak Bay Marine Group. Today, she operates as one of the world’s most desirable sport fishing resorts.
1988
Painter’s Lodge re-opens in Campbell River, under the ownership of Oak Bay Marine Group. Originally built in the 1920’s by E.P. Painter, the lodge became the summer playground for the Hollywood set and is well known for its spectacular fishing adventures. In 1985, the original lodge burned to the ground and a new lodge was constructed in its place. Today, Painter’s Lodge welcomes guests from around the world, and continues to be a favourite destination among anglers, families, adventurers and celebrities alike.
1991
Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort joins Oak Bay Marine Group as the company’s first resort property outside of Canada. 20 colonial style bungalows line the four miles of private white, sandy beach along the Caribbean. Built in simple elegance, Cape Santa Maria is the perfect escape from the pressures of the outside world.
1993
MV Salmon Seeker welcomes its first guest. Located in Kano Inlet, on the west coast of Graham Island in the Queen Charlottes, this remote floating resort offers extreme fishing adventures to people seeking a fully-guided fishing experience. The former ice breaker, trading vessel and oil survey ship now welcomes 28 guests to some of the best salmon and halibut fishing in the world.
1994
The Marina Restaurant, located at the Oak Bay Marina, re-opens under the Oak Bay umbrella. With a first class menu specializing in local seafood, the Marina Restaurant offers excellent views of Mt. Baker, the Oak Bay Marina and the straits of Juan de Fuca as well as spectacular service.
1998
April Point Resort & Spa on Quadra Island, British Columbia becomes the latest acquisition for Oak Bay Marine Group. Directly across the Discovery Passage from Painter’s Lodge, April Point Resort has ocean front accommodations in a natural setting. A Sushi Bar and dining room compliment April Point’s diverse offerings, including sea kayaks, heli-tours, scooters and salmon fishing.
2002
Oak Bay Marine Group celebrates 40 years of providing anglers with the finest saltwater fishing adventures in British Columbia. This tradition of excellence extends to marinas, restaurants and attractions, all operating under the Oak Bay Marine Group umbrella. Happy Anniversary!
2004
Oak Bay Marine Group acquires Ladysmith Marina in the town of Ladysmith on Vancouver Island’s east coast.
2004
Oak Bay Marine Group begins constructing the Villas at Cape Santa Maria. These villas, built on the resort’s private beach, are for sale.
2005
April Point Resort is completing construction of the new Aveda Spa. Offering an assortment of body care treatments, massages and hand & foot care, the Spa at April Point combines the quality of Aveda products with the beautiful surroundings of April Point for a relaxing and memorable experience.


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