Georgia Strait Book Recommendations

Ralph Johnstone · Mar 5, 2022

Strictly between you and me, and DO NOT let anyone else hear about this, but take a look into the Broughton Archipelago as well, if you have the time. It's a bit of a long haul but incredible scenery, good navigation skills are a must as its like a maze to travel the area, and you are ALONE. Self reliance is a must as you rarely see anyone in anchorages. Haven't been there recently but there were several good, but small but marinas in the area which makes them so nice.

Mountain tops drop into 1000 ft. of water. Carry lots of anchor road.

Old outposts converted to small marinas.

Fog usually clears off by mid morning.

leo310 · Mar 5, 2022

John take a look on amazon.

Terry Cox · Mar 5, 2022

Given the limited amount of time, I would stick with Waggoners, which has good anchorage coverage of this huge area. If you plan on crossing Haro and clear at Bedwell, for example, I would stay on that side of Vancouver Island at least until Nanaimo. By the time you gunk hole to Nanaimo, where there are many good anchorages to explore on the way, it will be time to head back towards home.

Richard19068 · Mar 5, 2022

When I cruised for a couple of weeks up there I liked the Dreamspeaker guides. A good companion to the Waggoneer.

Hello Below · Mar 5, 2022

MikeHoncho said:
Planning a couple week trip into Georgia Strait and possibly and the east side of Vancouver Island this July from Tacoma. I can make it to San Juans in two days so figure a week and a half of actual Gunkholing. I'm interested in any books like the Gunkholing series for this area. I have a Waggoneers.

For “Gunkholing”, and not marina hopping my go to is “Best Anchorages of the Inside Passage: British Columbia's South Coast From the Gulf Island to Beyond Cape Caution”. Although published in 2014, information about anchorages, unlike marinas, rarely changes.
Heed Ralph’s recommendation wrt anchor rode even if you don’t get up to the Broughtons this year and depending on the month you expect to go, you may want to carry a 300’ - 600’ stern line. In Desolation Sound you will find many anchorages with stern tie pins (rings) complements of the BC government, and good folks at Marine Parks Forever.
These pubs will also come in handy, particularly PAC 201E - Juan de Fuca Strait and the Strait of Georgia Canadian Hydrographic Services - Pacific.

Stu Jackson · Mar 5, 2022

Mike,

Truth is there really aren't that many. If you're "doing" the Southern Gulf Islands, you have a handful of islands with limited anchorages and/or marinas and/or mooring fields.

Pender Islands: Bedwell, Port Browning, Otter Bay
Saturna: Winter Cove, Lyall Harbor
Prevost: Glenthorn, Annette
Saltspring: Ganges
Galiano: Montague
Wallace: Conover, Princess
Thetis: Telegraph, Thetis Island marinas

All well covered in Waggoners. A Google search of "Gulf Island cruising guides" will show you the few others, and my personal opinion is that the cost is not worth it, the visit will be. When I moved here in 2016, I considered buying the others, but just ended up using Waggoners.

jssailem · Mar 5, 2022

Mike.
Waggoners is excellent. Love the new book format.

If looking for a digital version of sites, take a look at https://salishseapilot.com. This couple out of Victoria do their own discovery and break the areas into 7 areas. You can choose which of their guides you want or all 7.

Stu's list of the Gulf Island sites can keep you up in the waters for the entire summer, and not see it all. Some of these have events unique, that you may want to plan into your cruise. For example Saturna Isl has a Lamb Bake that has happened on July 1st "Canada Day". Lamb Barbeque - Saturna Island - Waggoner Check to see if this year they will be holding it. If so arrive a day or two early to find an anchorage site in Winter Cove.

markwbird · Mar 7, 2022

Pure Country - Available on Amazon

Kings Gambit · Mar 7, 2022

Mike,
If you want to feel like you’re in a genuine “gunkhole” visit the Tod Inlet anchorage behind the Butchart Gardens. Then find your way to go ashore to visit the Gardens. Half a day at least to do the Gardens and return once you leave the boat. Even then, probably not enough time to see all that is offered. An impressive place in my recollection.

jssailem · Mar 7, 2022

Mike.
You have a newbook, I’m interested in what you think about as a successful “gunkhole” experience.

Georgia Strait Book Recommendations

MikeHoncho

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Ralph Johnstone

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leo310

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MikeHoncho

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MikeHoncho

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Terry Cox

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Richard19068

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Hello Below

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Stu Jackson

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jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John

MikeHoncho

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MikeHoncho

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markwbird

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Kings Gambit

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jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John

MikeHoncho

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