5 Days in Canada

[mermike]

Greetings,

We've escaped the shackles of labor and are heading for Victoria early next week. We're heading to the Gulf Islands after that and we're looking for highlights to explore. It will be our first time there. Good food, scenic hikes and the occasional art gallery are desirable in no particular order. Marinas neither required nor desired.

What would you suggest for an itenerary?

 

[MikeHoncho]

Ganges on Salt Island has a Saturday farmers marked. It big and the town is a nice walk around one. Anchor outside the marina and dinghy into next to the fuel dock. We enjoyed it last year. The smaller anchorages will probably be really tight. Either plan on arriving before 2pm or plan on anchoring in larger areas. Plan on no water fill or pump outs at the docks. I’d take a couple water jugs.

 

[nightowle]

maple bay. montague Harbor. thetis.

 

[MikeHoncho]

Montigue harbor is busy but a lot of room. We got water at the campground there . This year we are going to do the pub bus.

 

[jssailem]

Salt Springs Marina is nice. Laundry, Pub at the head of the dock. Easy walk into town. Nice Hardware store. Smalll shops and eateries. Had a great breakfast back before Covid.

Otter Bay is a cute little stop point and marina on North Pender Island.

Saturna Islalnd on July 1 (Canada Day) has a great Lamb BBQ (article about the BBQ at the Waggoner's guide website). 1200 or so folk show up by boat and ferry to celebrate. They drive a water taxi gathering boaters to the BBQ. Nice anchorage in Winter Cove.
Here is a view of the dock and pub. Good food and friendly folk.


Annette Inlet is a lovely place and a great anchorage. On the North West end of Prevost Island.

Port Browning is a nice stop. Anchorage or marina. Swimming Showers, great restaurant Lovely sunrise.

 

[mermike]

Great! Thanks for the suggestions. I voted for the lamb barbecue but the 2 vegetarian crew had other ideas.

 

[jssailem]

I’ve heard it said “a ship runs smoothly on the stomachs of the crew. “ A wise Captain depends on the abilities of his supply officer and knowledge of the crew.
Maybe one year you and I can go ashore for the Lamb experience. I’ve been trying to visit during the event for 4 years now. Sounds like a great island tradition. The event is a fundraiser for the medical emergency needs of the island residents. 2024 is just around the corner.

 

[Terry Cox]

Nice Hardware store

and a well stocked grocery store. Plan on anchoring a ways out due to so many private mooring balls that have been added over the years.

 

[Terry Cox]

Also, of the Ganges docking locations, the government dock is the least expensive. Of all the anchorages I've been in, Ganges is one of the worst. Not much for the anchor to dig into. Wind usually picks up in the afternoon blowing into the bay from the west at 20+. I'll normally stop to pick up a few things at the grocery store then head over to Annette, Inlet where you will find a very nice well protected anchorage with good holding.

 

[jssailem]

I have heard from a local that there is anchorage in the inlet just NE of Ganges Harbor. You can get past Goat Island and the Moorage field using a dinghy to get to town. I’ve not anchored there, yet. The Inlet looks smaller and more protected that Ganges harbor.

Also keep an eye out for seaplane landings in the center of Ganges harbor.