Central Harbour is a distinct hydrological region within the larger Burrard Inlet, located between the Outer Harbour and the Inner Harbour. Its shoreline is less developed than the Inner Harbour, featuring mostly natural or semi-natural armoured shoreline such as riprap. This area is part of the traditional territory of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, who have cultural and spiritual practices tied to the waters, including traditional shellfish harvesting, emphasizing the need for safe, clean water. For paddlers, this indicates a working waterfront with a mix of natural and developed shorelines. Water quality is a noted consideration, as studies have identified elevated levels of contaminants like PBDEs in mussel tissue within Central Harbour, suggesting paddlers should be aware of potential water quality issues and avoid contact with or harvesting from contaminated areas. The harbour is exposed to the broader conditions of Burrard Inlet, meaning paddlers must be prepared for significant wind, tidal currents, and substantial commercial and recreational vessel traffic. There are no specific paddling access points, facilities, or regulations mentioned for Central Harbour itself, so paddlers should plan launches from established sites in adjacent areas like the Belcarra Picnic Area or Admiralty Point, understanding they will be entering a busy, exposed marine environment. The area near Admiralty Point and Whiteshell Bank offers points of interest such as a beach and a cape.