與北美西岸的其它大海灣不同，布勒内灣可容許任何大小的蒸汽船方便進出，灣内大部分水域的深度亦足以讓船隻停泊。它也接近[[菲沙河]]，兩者之間可開拓道路來連接，而海灣也成為[[加拿大太平洋鐵路|太平洋與加拿大鐵路]]的終點站；種種因素令此内灣更具重要性。内灣可細分成三個不同的海港：英吉利灣，即外港；在第一海峽鄰的溫哥華（前稱高豪港）；以及位於内灣東端的滿地寶。{{noteTag|name=BCPilot|1=原文為：「Burrard inlet differs from most of the great sounds of this coast in being comparatively easy of access to steam vessels of any size or class, and in the convenient depth of water for anchorage which may be found in almost every part of it; its close proximity to Fraser river, with the great facilities for constructing roads between the two places, and its having become the terminus of the Pacific and Canadian Railway, likewise add considerably to its importance. It is divided into three distinct harbours, viz., English bay or the outer anchorage; Vancouver (formerly called Coal harbour), above the First Narrows; and Port Moody at the head of the eastern arm of the inlet.」}}<ref>Hydrographic Office of the British Admiralty (1888). The British Columbia Pilot. London, UK: Hydrographic Department of the Admiralty. Page 136.</ref>