If you have three weeks I wouldn't think you'd have to skip Vancouver; but since you've been there often perhaps there is little novelty left except to run over there to visit Howe Sound at the places mentioned above, i.e., --Snug Cove at Bowen Island and Halkett Bay at Gambier Island. However, I've visited those areas myself only b/c we've chartered 3x out of Vancouver-so, they are nice, scenic, resting or staging (overnight) stops fairly near Granville Island where the charter boats are berthed. [If your charter boat has to be home by noon on a Saturday in Vancouver and you're visiting the Gulf Islands, spending that last (Friday) night on the hook in Halkett Bay only 12-13 n.mi distant makes sense.] But I don't think I'd sail the 30+ n.mi. over there to Howe Sound from Nanaimo, and then back, just to anchor for a night or two there!! There's PLENTY of that in Gulf and San Juan islands! So, explore more of the Gulf Islands and spend two or three nights in Nanaimo--it's a fun, interesting, and scenic little area. Try that cute little Mexican restaurant--Gina's Mexican Cafe'--it's a hoot plus has really good food! Also, you might, for example, try Todd Inlet--a little anchorage off the Saanich Inlet from which you can visit the Butchart Gardens. It's all the way at the other (south) end of the Gulf Islands from Nanaimo.I planned to skip Nanaimo entirely but it sounds like it's a good place to stop so depending on weather/timing I could skip Vancouver and stick to Nanaimo and south.
@Kings - good story, glad it turned out well, and hopefully I don't have the same experience! I do have stern tie equipment ready, 400 feet of floating poly line on a spool, but I've never had to do it yet. I probably won't even attempt it if I'm by myself but hopefully there will be at least one other person most of the trip.
Anyway, thanks again, I have even more options to ponder now.
Brian
KG
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