Jervis Inlet/Princess Louisa tips needed

We had minimal problem with misquitos and flies this year--but perhaps that was because it was cold and damp....or we are immune due to the Florida connection!

Yes, "Ports and Passes" is the book I was refering to. Certainly a wealth of information.
 
I have a couple of questions about the return to the states.

First, are there any good places to stop on the mainland side from or should I plan on crossing back over to the islands and returning the way I came up?

Second, Waggoners seems to imply that you have to call to make an appointment to check in at Blaine. True? The way I read it is that you can only check in without an appointment at Friday Harbor.

Thanks,
Warren
 
There are lots of places to explore on the mainland side--Pender Harbor, Gibsons, Vancouver, Marinas South of Vancouver on the River etc. Although we did not stay in harbors South of Vancouver City, many times we crossed to Vancouver and worked our way up the Mainland coast.

Most check ins at Friday Harbor and Roche were by phone. I didn't see much different than 12 years ago, except Passports were videoed--and in some cases, the people on the boat were asked to stand in front a video camera at the check in station. I cannot specifically comment on Blaine, but I would suggest that you arrive during "working hours" at any customs port, unless you have one of the passes and a PIN number. We found customs people on both sides of the boarder pleasant and easy to deal with.
 
You have several options to stay on the mainland side of the Strait. Earlier this summer we went from Pender Harbour to Secret Cove to Gibsons. Keep in mind this is all in the Strait of Georgia and potentially bad weather. In early July we had 25-30 knots of wind on the nose. When the current ran against the wind the seas were up to the top of the pilothouse on the 22...not pleasant and we weren't going anywhere fast.

Once you get to Howe Sound you have lots of options. Gibsons, Vancouver, Snug Cove, and many other marinas and provincial parks. We went all the way in to Squamish so we could get up to Whistler for skiing on the glacier and mountain biking. The further in towards Squamish we got, the prettier the scenery was.

From Howe Sound we crossed the Strait and spent a night at Wallace Island before returning to Anacortes via Roche Harbor. Like Bob said, arrive at the customs docks during business hours if possible. Clearing into the US was straightforward...the officer scanned our passports, asked us a few questions, entered some information in a computer, and we were on our way. No more than 10 minutes. I assume Blaine will be the same but have no first hand experience.

If the wind is calm the trip down the Strait will be quick and easy, but watch out if the wind is forecast to pick up. There aren't a lot of places to seek shelter between Jervis Inlet and Howe Sound.
 
Warren,

Customs in Anacortes is in Cap Santee marina. It used to be walk in-get cleared. The office is in the same building as the harbor office. I would call ahead by phone to verify.

As I recall, Blaine is not a boat-in port of entry. Again, its best to call ahead to check.

I have checked in at Point Roberts. The customs dock is on starboard before the fuel dock/haul out.

Larry H
 
You cannot check in at Blaine at all - it is no longer a designated small boat entry point. You'll just have to trust me on this one - from personal experience. You can check in at Point Roberts, and it is right on the way back, no appointment needed.


Doryman":74b1kcvm said:
I have a couple of questions about the return to the states.

First, are there any good places to stop on the mainland side from or should I plan on crossing back over to the islands and returning the way I came up?

Second, Waggoners seems to imply that you have to call to make an appointment to check in at Blaine. True? The way I read it is that you can only check in without an appointment at Friday Harbor.

Thanks,
Warren
Click to expand...
 
Good spot to ask a dumb, repetitive question. It is my understanding american boaters can still check into canada at places like Victoria with picture idea and proof of citizenship such as birth certificate. I thought that was still the deal for 2008.
 
I'm not sure about that. We cleared into Canada at Bedwell Harbour. The whole process took all of about two minutes on the phone with a Canadian Customs Agent. We had our passports, but were asked for nothing more than name of each person, DOB's, and citizenship. If you have a passport take it, if not check carefully online or call to make sure you won't have a problem.
 
Good spot to ask a dumb, repetitive question. It is my understanding american boaters can still check into canada at places like Victoria with picture idea and proof of citizenship such as birth certificate. I thought that was still the deal for 2008.
Click to expand...
It ain't the getting in to Canada you got to worry about.....its the getting out! :shock: Or, at least getting back home with the least amount of trouble. I think the Homeland Security folks are pushing very hard for passports being used by everyone presenting themselves at the border for entry into the US, even returning citizens. I'm pretty sure its not the law yet that you have to have a passport but it makes the crossing quite a bit smoother. And smooth crossings are good.
 
Just got a reply from Malibu Lodge. The PLI web cam that Tom posted the link to refreshes once an hour. I did have it up for a while this morning, neat shot to watch the sun move down the mountian and light up the island. And, I did catch a glimps of a boat there, but not enough to recognize if it was Warren.

Tom's link:

http://www.malibuconstruction.org/Malib ... t_Cam.html

Harvey
SleepyC :moon
 
Wow, what a beautiful place! Came in a little after slack tide with few problems other than being bounced around by the rip tide when we were clear of the rocks. We got a spot on the dock and enjoyed the falls. When we left we went through when there was a current, and it did require my attention, but I had plenty of power to compensate. Would not want to do that in a bigger/slower sailboat or trawler, though.

Definitely want to go back! :thup :thup

Warren
 
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