Suggestions for Gulf Island Destinations

B

Bess-C

New member
We have had a boat in Anacortes for 7 years, but we have never gone just over the border to the Gulf Islands. We trailered our 25 all over Vancouver Island from the West Coast to the Broughtons to Desolation Sound, but we know nothing about the Southern Gulf Islands.

We are going to be touring the San Juans with family for a week starting on September 3rd. The following week the two of us will be going to the Gulf Islands. I would appreciate your suggestions on your favorite places, to include anchorages, moorings and marinas. Where would you check in with Customs? Any and all advice is appreciated.

If any of you are out there the first two weeks of September, let us know. It would be good to meet up with some C-Brat friends.
Lyle
 
Hi Lyle,

Montegue Harbor on Galiano Island is a great stop. Take the bus up to the Hummingbird.

Diana and I have kayaked much of the area from Mayne Island. Pender and Saturna are nice. They Mayne Island Inn at Bennett Bay used to have good meals. I don't know if it is still there.

Regards,

Steve
 
Hi Lyle, a good trip of a few days includes Montague for the pub and park, then over to Ganges for the market and locals. On up to Wallace or Pirate's Cove on De Coursey for some history and intrigue. Touch in at Thetis for quiet or /and Chemainus for murals and flavor on the way down and Maple Bay for a great pub. It's all good. George
 
We agree with George's ideas but would add Sidney as both a destination and a place to clear customs. You can take a clean public bus from Sidney to Butchart Gardens or Victoria, Sidney itself is charming, lots of good used bookstores and restaurants. Conover Cove on Wallace Island is one of our favorites. It might be a little tight for you to get into, care is needed. We also like Genoa Bay and Cowichan Bay quite a bit. Great cheese and bread in Cowichan. The Saturna Is. Winery has its own dock and will pick you up there. They have a great view and restaurant and the wine isn't bad as well.
 
Hi Lyle

just wanted to say thanks for the info on Clayoqout sound
it was a great trip

maybe I can help with the Southern Gulf Islands
tumbo and cabbage islands are a most see
take the time for a walk and explore tumbo island
we like to anchor in the bay on the south side of tumbo
although it is wide open to the weather if the weather is getting up
anchor off cabbage island there are about ten mooring bouys
winter cove is close by and also a nice anchor

Port Browning on pender island has a nice marine and pub

further north we enjoy Valdes Island lots of nice beaches especially
in Porlier Pass

hope that helps

Dave
 
So far people have mainly written (with a couple of exceptions) about docks and towns and so forth. "Our" Gulf Islands are mainly marine state parks or pretty coves to anchor up in. Here is our list:

  • Sidney Spit Marine Park
    Cabbage Island (just off Tumbo at the northeast end of Saturna)
    Winter Cove
    Montague Harbor (only for the hippy bus to the Hummingbird Pub)
    Wallace Island (Conover Cove for C-Dorys, Princess Cove for your boat probably)
    Pirate's Cove on DeCourcy (stern tie required)


 
Thanks to all for the suggestions. That should get us started, I doubt that we can visit all of these places in one week. Have any of you anchored out and taken your dingy to Buchart Gardens?
Lyle
 
We did that years ago in a charter boat. Arrive at the dinghy dock at 9:00 AM sharp and you'll have the place to yourself for almost an hour. All the tourists coming in at the main gate stop for coffee, etc. Enjoy!
 
Thanks again for all of the replies. I have another question. I've always anchored out, or stayed at a dock, never at a mooring buoy. I know that you can buy an annual permit in Washington to stay at state park mooring buoys. If you don't have an annual permit, how do you pay for them? Also, how do you pay for them in B.C.?
 
have to agree with all of pats plus this place on Wallace Island nice spot with docks

We tied the 22 to the dock at the gardens and did not have to move it until later in the day. You can even pay right there at the back gate. Saturday nights they have music and fireworks after dark during the summer.

If you use a buoy at Sidney spit they charge you but you can anchor there for free. many folks think you have to use a buoy.

If you want some shrimp the top of saanich inlet is great. nice flat bottom and almost no current ever. just drop you pots on the way to the gardens and pick it up on the way out.

I hear that Fulford harbor has a tour of the cheese factory/farm. we have been meaning to go see it.
 
to answer the buoy question. It depends. on Sidney spit they com out in a boat and collect from you. other places its just like the dock. you go to the dock and drop payment in the box with a envelope filled out with your boat numbers
 
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