Desolation Sound

Larry and Bob --
Thanks for the info re Desolation Sound -- putting in at Lund sounds like a great idea. And the May time sounds preferable to summer -- although, Dusty said, there are plenty of small coves for C-Dorys. Anyone thinking of the Sound in May?
 
By water to Desolation Sound

For those who might want to boat all the way to Desolation Sound, here is some info.

From the San Juans go to and thru the Canadian Gulf Islands. Customs checkin is at Bedwell Harbor on South Pender Island or at Sydney on Vancouver Island. There are many beautiful anchorages and
marine parks in the Gulfs.

When leaving the Gulfs northbound the choices are to use Dodd Narrows or Gabriola Passage. Both of these are current passes and should be used during slack current. Dodd Narrows leads to Nanaimo(a large full service city) and Gabriola leads to Silva Bay(a small resort with fuel).

At this point you must cross the Strait of Georgia. Watch the weather!There is a military exercise area in the middle of the strait. If it is active, you must go around. Most people cross over and go 'behind' Texada Island. Pender Harbor is the next harbor after going 'behind Texada. This is a full service harbor and a good overnight stay.

From Pender, go northwest between Texada and the mainland to Desolation. The next major harbor is at Westview. After that is Lund.

This is just a summary of the possible trip north, be sure to consult charts, tide and current tables and cruising guides for detail information so that you can chose the best trip for you.
 
Thanks, Larry. I'll be plotting those waypoints this afternoon -- sure appreciate the suggestions.

Catman -- all your annotations you put into our Douglass South Coast book have sure been great in plotting out the best anchorages -- thanks again for taking the time at Blakely.
 
Hi All,

Check out the bc ferries site and look at the Tsawwassen to Duke Pt. route. Looks to me like a great way to avoid towing a boat and trailer into Vancouver. Last time I was there you were on city streets full of cars , commuters, and traffic lights. Both this route and the Horseshoe Bay are the same fare.

Tim
 
Tim,

Tough decisions! For quick and easy I like the Tsawwassen run -- easly drive, nice ferry - and not much traffic. The two little-ferry route to Lund is scenic and different. Lund was a good jumping off place (been a while for me)... my favorite way is Larry's route... go by water and enjoy the beautiful cruise.

If time is important the Tsawasseen Ferry route will probably save a day. I haven't checked the BC ferry rates lately, but with the price of gasoline -- and the upward spiral of ferry prices -- probably a push on travel costs. Witih my work schedule :smile I'd go by boat every time. I've had to wait a couple of days to cross the big water, but chances are good that an early morning crossing could be pleasant.

A bit envious!

Dusty
 
I assume that the C dory qualifies as an over height vehicle for the Tsawasseen Ferry. If so during peak season it is $58.25 for 20 feet, plus $2.95 for each feet over. So the C Dory plus tow vehicle would be in the neighborhood of at least $130 each way--or at least $260 for a round trip.
Plus the gas for the tow vehicle.. There are great places to see on the way up so if time is not of the essence it seems as if on the boats bottom would be best. I assume that gas is in the neighborhood of $3 a gallon in BC. So if we are getting 3-4 miles a gallon an a 22, this would give about 250 or so miles in the boat for the $260....260 to 340 miles. Just nipping off the distance on the CD chart I have here it is about 150 miles from Anacortes to Desolation Sound--or the fuel cost of that run would be close to the ferry crossing.
 
Hi all ,

I am refreshing this thread due to current interest in Desolation Sound.
 
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