East side Vancouver Island
- Thread starter paulj
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You headin' up for the good folklore, eh?
...Gabriola Island to Comox, BC...
Paul,
A quick check on Google Earth kinda indicates that my first inclination of sputtering out "Heck, ya either go inside or outside," was pretty wrong. There's not much "inside" on that trip. I love it "up there" since my in-laws live on Vancouver Island in Cowichan Bay overlooking Satellite Channel and Saltspring Island. Don't know if you can go inside Hornby and/or Denman islands to get to Comox. There's also that niggling little Navy Testing ground with underwater torpedos (are there any other kind?) somewhere out there unless it's south of Gabriola - I forget and don't have the charts right at hand. Nanaimo seems to be interesting by the water - I've tried the town by land, don't bother... It's 50 nm by Google Earth, straight line, a bit o'jog around the islands, but not much. If you want a side trip, try Lasqueti and Texada Islands, too. Don't know about Parksville as a stop. Looks like weather will be your only obstacle. When ya goin'? Locals will no doubt chime in. Can I come, too?
...Gabriola Island to Comox, BC...
Paul,
A quick check on Google Earth kinda indicates that my first inclination of sputtering out "Heck, ya either go inside or outside," was pretty wrong. There's not much "inside" on that trip. I love it "up there" since my in-laws live on Vancouver Island in Cowichan Bay overlooking Satellite Channel and Saltspring Island. Don't know if you can go inside Hornby and/or Denman islands to get to Comox. There's also that niggling little Navy Testing ground with underwater torpedos (are there any other kind?) somewhere out there unless it's south of Gabriola - I forget and don't have the charts right at hand. Nanaimo seems to be interesting by the water - I've tried the town by land, don't bother... It's 50 nm by Google Earth, straight line, a bit o'jog around the islands, but not much. If you want a side trip, try Lasqueti and Texada Islands, too. Don't know about Parksville as a stop. Looks like weather will be your only obstacle. When ya goin'? Locals will no doubt chime in. Can I come, too?
Is this a trick question
That's a straight line basically. You did not say where on Gabriola you are leaving from. If you are going through either Gabriola Pass or Dodd Narrows do it at slack water for an easy passage. There is a nice anchorage at Silva Bay on the SE part of Gabriola Island. If you are leaving from there no passes are involved.
Most important thing is to be aware of Whiskey Gulf (aka Winchelsea) which is a torpedo and bombing test range. It is clearly marked on the charts and if it has planned activity you need to stay outside of the area. Hugging the east shore of Vancouver Island will keep you out of the restricted area.
It should be an easy day trip if the Strait is in a good mood.
That's a straight line basically. You did not say where on Gabriola you are leaving from. If you are going through either Gabriola Pass or Dodd Narrows do it at slack water for an easy passage. There is a nice anchorage at Silva Bay on the SE part of Gabriola Island. If you are leaving from there no passes are involved.
Most important thing is to be aware of Whiskey Gulf (aka Winchelsea) which is a torpedo and bombing test range. It is clearly marked on the charts and if it has planned activity you need to stay outside of the area. Hugging the east shore of Vancouver Island will keep you out of the restricted area.
It should be an easy day trip if the Strait is in a good mood.
Re: Is this a trick question
To check on Whiskey Golf phone 1 888 221 1011 a day or so in advance of your passage. If it's not open you can still go, just stay outside of the area.
The best sailing will be outside of Hornby Island. If you pass inside of Denman Island you will be motoring the last couple of hours but it's a better choice if the weather kicks up in the straight. Pay close attention to the Comox Bar when entering from outside Hornby. There is a range and it's well marked on all charts.
Drop in to the Blackfin Pub. Enjoy your trip.
To check on Whiskey Golf phone 1 888 221 1011 a day or so in advance of your passage. If it's not open you can still go, just stay outside of the area.
The best sailing will be outside of Hornby Island. If you pass inside of Denman Island you will be motoring the last couple of hours but it's a better choice if the weather kicks up in the straight. Pay close attention to the Comox Bar when entering from outside Hornby. There is a range and it's well marked on all charts.
Drop in to the Blackfin Pub. Enjoy your trip.
Paul, A neat waay to get visuals is to go to this web site and look at the overlay of NOAA onto Goolge. Sliders in the top right let you adjust how much of each you see on the screen.. Good luck on the trip!
http://demo.geogarage.com/noaa/
http://demo.geogarage.com/noaa/
Thanks for that Kloudie
what an awesome site that is. I use google earth all the time but did not know you could superimpose charts over the photos.
Questions for PaulJ...Where (exactly) are you leaving from? Gabriola is not a common departure point for sailors since it is hard to get there except by boat.
Also when are you planning to make this trip? I might see you up there.
what an awesome site that is. I use google earth all the time but did not know you could superimpose charts over the photos.
Questions for PaulJ...Where (exactly) are you leaving from? Gabriola is not a common departure point for sailors since it is hard to get there except by boat.
Also when are you planning to make this trip? I might see you up there.
The Waggoner Guide is highly recommended for these waters. You should not have trouble getting past Whiskey Golf. Biggest issue is the weather. Wind comes mostly from the NW and can get interesting once past Nanaimo. Sometimes it shifts to the SE. Waves in either direction tend to be tall and very short coupled giving a bumpier ride than you would expect for any given wind velocity.
If Strait of Georgia is in a good mood.......top drawer way of putting it.
I've sailed the strait several different ways but this time I'm leaving from Sucia and heading to Silva Bay staying outside the Gulf Islands.
I've sent all the relatives and friends a copy of the schedule so they can pick and choose their dates.......I'll be on e-mail or the net.
My nice is a school teacher...off for the summer and wants to see the sound.
Desolation Sound is final stop.
paulj :troll:
I've sailed the strait several different ways but this time I'm leaving from Sucia and heading to Silva Bay staying outside the Gulf Islands.
I've sent all the relatives and friends a copy of the schedule so they can pick and choose their dates.......I'll be on e-mail or the net.
My nice is a school teacher...off for the summer and wants to see the sound.
Desolation Sound is final stop.
paulj :troll:
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That sounds like an adventure
I never went up the Strait of Georgia the whole way. I travel with dogs and they don't enjoy a rough ride and they have become used to frequent shore leave. Easier for the crew going up the inside with all those great stops on the way.
Have fun.
I never went up the Strait of Georgia the whole way. I travel with dogs and they don't enjoy a rough ride and they have become used to frequent shore leave. Easier for the crew going up the inside with all those great stops on the way.
Have fun.
Cruising
I do not recommend the trip between Nanaimo and Comox. Nothing much along the way. Instead if you can time your trip around July 1, it is a very nice sail (about 28 miles) from Nanaimo to Cocktail Cove (False Bay) on Lesqueti Island for your first leg. Normally, the friendly locals hold their annual Art Festival including a marching band that is a hoot to attend that weekend around July 1 (Canada Day). It is well worth the stop.
It is about a 34 mile leg to Lund from Cocktail Cove, which is the door step to Desolation Sound. During the summer months both of these legs have favorable winds and we regularly do both under sail all the way.
As far as the Whiskey Gulf restricted area goes, just monitor the weather channel on your VHF radio. The weather report provides up to date information on whether it is open or closed, usually a day or two in advance.
Where in Desolation Sound do you plan on visiting? I have some recommendations if you're interested. Walsh Cove (First Nation pictographs estimated at 3,000+ years). Also, in Degman Bay on Gabriola Island has several very nice First Nation petroglyphs that are several thousand years old.
Terry Cox
I do not recommend the trip between Nanaimo and Comox. Nothing much along the way. Instead if you can time your trip around July 1, it is a very nice sail (about 28 miles) from Nanaimo to Cocktail Cove (False Bay) on Lesqueti Island for your first leg. Normally, the friendly locals hold their annual Art Festival including a marching band that is a hoot to attend that weekend around July 1 (Canada Day). It is well worth the stop.
It is about a 34 mile leg to Lund from Cocktail Cove, which is the door step to Desolation Sound. During the summer months both of these legs have favorable winds and we regularly do both under sail all the way.
As far as the Whiskey Gulf restricted area goes, just monitor the weather channel on your VHF radio. The weather report provides up to date information on whether it is open or closed, usually a day or two in advance.
Where in Desolation Sound do you plan on visiting? I have some recommendations if you're interested. Walsh Cove (First Nation pictographs estimated at 3,000+ years). Also, in Degman Bay on Gabriola Island has several very nice First Nation petroglyphs that are several thousand years old.
Terry Cox
Desolation Sound
As an added note, your crew will enjoy Nanaimo more than Silva Bay, IMHO. The Dinghy Dock Pub hosts race day every Wednesday afternoon. The start line begins at the Pub and you can watch up close from your table on the floating dock. Excellent anchorage close to and around the Pub.
The town has a wonderful museum that is well worth your tour time with lots of artifacts about the coal town's mining history. Newcastle Island is worth an afternoon of exploring its pulp stone quarry and sand stone column mining operation.
Echo Bay on Sucia Island is a nice anchorage, but as an alternative try Prevost Bay on Stuart Island, then from there a short hop over to Bedwell to clear customers. We usually find Swanson Channel a better course to either Ganges or on to Pirates Cove in Trincomali Channel on our way through Dodd Narrows.
We always prefer anchoring out rather than marina life; to each his own.
Terry Cox
As an added note, your crew will enjoy Nanaimo more than Silva Bay, IMHO. The Dinghy Dock Pub hosts race day every Wednesday afternoon. The start line begins at the Pub and you can watch up close from your table on the floating dock. Excellent anchorage close to and around the Pub.
The town has a wonderful museum that is well worth your tour time with lots of artifacts about the coal town's mining history. Newcastle Island is worth an afternoon of exploring its pulp stone quarry and sand stone column mining operation.
Echo Bay on Sucia Island is a nice anchorage, but as an alternative try Prevost Bay on Stuart Island, then from there a short hop over to Bedwell to clear customers. We usually find Swanson Channel a better course to either Ganges or on to Pirates Cove in Trincomali Channel on our way through Dodd Narrows.
We always prefer anchoring out rather than marina life; to each his own.
Terry Cox
Desolation Sound
Hi Paulj, have you decided on your Desolation Sound route? No comment to my posts, so was wondering whether you had still planned on the Silva Bay to Comox route. I've been up, down and across Georgia Strait a number of times when she is flat and calm, in a sour gale force winter mood and everything in between. She can get lumpy at times, but I tend to rely on the forecast to determine the safer time to be out in her midst.
As I recall there is a government dock in Degman Bay where you can observe one of the best petroglyph specimens of an Orca whale that some First Nation person chipped in sand stone long ago. It is normally covered at high water and is best viewed at low water. In addition, a bit of walk in the country will take you to the other petroglyphs that I mentioned in my other post. Several faint ones to ponder over but not as exquisite as the one in the bay.
Terry Cox
Hi Paulj, have you decided on your Desolation Sound route? No comment to my posts, so was wondering whether you had still planned on the Silva Bay to Comox route. I've been up, down and across Georgia Strait a number of times when she is flat and calm, in a sour gale force winter mood and everything in between. She can get lumpy at times, but I tend to rely on the forecast to determine the safer time to be out in her midst.
As I recall there is a government dock in Degman Bay where you can observe one of the best petroglyph specimens of an Orca whale that some First Nation person chipped in sand stone long ago. It is normally covered at high water and is best viewed at low water. In addition, a bit of walk in the country will take you to the other petroglyphs that I mentioned in my other post. Several faint ones to ponder over but not as exquisite as the one in the bay.
Terry Cox
Slow or in a Hurry?
Paul - this is a tough choice. If you're taking it easy then go via Nanaimo for a leg stretch and a layover. Next day stay in close keeping Wiskey Golf to starboard and dodge all the rocks and islets.
Listen to the weather reports and pay special attention to The Sisters. This area south of Hornby can have really strong winds, especially in the afternoon. If you look at a relief map of Vancouver Island you can see why. They are caused by the heated inland land mass so they pick up in the afternoon and then die off in the evening.
Once past WG then one might be able to sail to, say, Hornby for an overnight anchorage. Winds are often light in this area and all the way to Comox so any sailing will often be slow and easy if earlier in the day. Check forecast to make sure any significant winds will be out of the north because the anchorage is open to the south.
The next day there is a choice: keep Denman Is. to starboard or leave it to port. If leaving it to port then you have to go though a channel to get to Comox. The day markers on the shore can be difficult to spot unless you know where to look and what to look for. They are very visible but it's a real trick to spot them. There are some buoys that'll get you in the ballpark. Since it seems you're unfamiliar with the area I'd recommend the inside route option and save the channel crossing for when you go to leave Comox.
Anchoring at Comox will be a bit difficult because there will no doubt be some local boats that have the good spots taken, what few there are. The problem is harbor is really shallow and then it suddenly falls off really deep.
The warfingers at Comox are some of the nicest and most helpful around.
Paul - this is a tough choice. If you're taking it easy then go via Nanaimo for a leg stretch and a layover. Next day stay in close keeping Wiskey Golf to starboard and dodge all the rocks and islets.
Listen to the weather reports and pay special attention to The Sisters. This area south of Hornby can have really strong winds, especially in the afternoon. If you look at a relief map of Vancouver Island you can see why. They are caused by the heated inland land mass so they pick up in the afternoon and then die off in the evening.
Once past WG then one might be able to sail to, say, Hornby for an overnight anchorage. Winds are often light in this area and all the way to Comox so any sailing will often be slow and easy if earlier in the day. Check forecast to make sure any significant winds will be out of the north because the anchorage is open to the south.
The next day there is a choice: keep Denman Is. to starboard or leave it to port. If leaving it to port then you have to go though a channel to get to Comox. The day markers on the shore can be difficult to spot unless you know where to look and what to look for. They are very visible but it's a real trick to spot them. There are some buoys that'll get you in the ballpark. Since it seems you're unfamiliar with the area I'd recommend the inside route option and save the channel crossing for when you go to leave Comox.
Anchoring at Comox will be a bit difficult because there will no doubt be some local boats that have the good spots taken, what few there are. The problem is harbor is really shallow and then it suddenly falls off really deep.
The warfingers at Comox are some of the nicest and most helpful around.
WG Contact Info
Okay, just read that you'll be headed for Silva Bay ( didn't catch that the first time around) so in that case don't bother going into Nanaimo because it'll be really out of the way. From Silva Bay you have a good opportunity to miss all those rock obstacles which is really good.
Well, there's another thing you and your Niece will miss which won't be so good: Nanaimo chocolate bars! Maybe Comox will have some so you can make good.
Here is some contact info:
a. Winchelsea Island Control 756-5080 or 468-5080 (next day's activity only);
b. CFMETR Range Officer 756-5002 or 468-5002 (long range planning);
c. Winchelsea Island Control VHF CH 10 or 16 (for safe transit area information when approaching Area "WG"), or
d. VHF 21B or Weather 3 (listen only, for active times)
Being Easter Sunday this weekend my bet is WG will be clear on Monday so everything will be wide open. Whoopee!
The downside is it looks like there will be about an 8-foot tide on your nose nearly all day until late afternoon. Ugh! Hopefully you'll get some breeze in your favor.
Okay, just read that you'll be headed for Silva Bay ( didn't catch that the first time around) so in that case don't bother going into Nanaimo because it'll be really out of the way. From Silva Bay you have a good opportunity to miss all those rock obstacles which is really good.
Well, there's another thing you and your Niece will miss which won't be so good: Nanaimo chocolate bars! Maybe Comox will have some so you can make good.
Here is some contact info:
a. Winchelsea Island Control 756-5080 or 468-5080 (next day's activity only);
b. CFMETR Range Officer 756-5002 or 468-5002 (long range planning);
c. Winchelsea Island Control VHF CH 10 or 16 (for safe transit area information when approaching Area "WG"), or
d. VHF 21B or Weather 3 (listen only, for active times)
Being Easter Sunday this weekend my bet is WG will be clear on Monday so everything will be wide open. Whoopee!
The downside is it looks like there will be about an 8-foot tide on your nose nearly all day until late afternoon. Ugh! Hopefully you'll get some breeze in your favor.
Desolation Sound
In all of our previous years the Sunshine Coast of BC has provided lots of interesting and quality anchorages. This past season our flotilla decided to try the east side of Vancouver Island. Well, I spent more than two hours trying to find a decent anchorage for three boats in Comox. There was one spot just on the north side of the spit that extends out into the south part of the bay for one boat. Everywhere else that I tried was either occupied by private mooring balls, was too close to the shelf or too shallow. We ended up paying for moorage at the marina.
Our next planned stop was French Creek, but the worsening sea state pushed us into Deep Bay. Same factors applied there. So, we were forced to accept reciprocal moorage at the local yacht club dock. The local restaurant and pub, which received acclaim for the best (only) fish and chips was pretty good.
Needless to say we will never take that route again. The Sunshine Coast, Lesqueti and Texada Islands offer far more interesting and quality anchorages en route north or southbound. Of course since we had never tried the Comox route before we wanted to experience it. Thus my recommendation, we will never do it again.
Terry Cox
Terry
In all of our previous years the Sunshine Coast of BC has provided lots of interesting and quality anchorages. This past season our flotilla decided to try the east side of Vancouver Island. Well, I spent more than two hours trying to find a decent anchorage for three boats in Comox. There was one spot just on the north side of the spit that extends out into the south part of the bay for one boat. Everywhere else that I tried was either occupied by private mooring balls, was too close to the shelf or too shallow. We ended up paying for moorage at the marina.
Our next planned stop was French Creek, but the worsening sea state pushed us into Deep Bay. Same factors applied there. So, we were forced to accept reciprocal moorage at the local yacht club dock. The local restaurant and pub, which received acclaim for the best (only) fish and chips was pretty good.
Needless to say we will never take that route again. The Sunshine Coast, Lesqueti and Texada Islands offer far more interesting and quality anchorages en route north or southbound. Of course since we had never tried the Comox route before we wanted to experience it. Thus my recommendation, we will never do it again.
Terry Cox
Terry
Comox
A good local anchorage is Henry Bay on the north-west end of Denman Island. Returning charterers often put their hook down here for the last night afloat and go ashore to explore the park on the nearby spit known as "Sandy Island".
A couple of points. As John mentions, it can be a little tricky to find the markers for the navigable channel through Comox bar. Visually it appears that the open water is at least 5 miles wide.... whereas the navigable channel is more like 50 yards wide! Apparently the Coast Guard have a visual on this area from their local station and it is not unknown for them to have to try to radio unsuspecting boaters to warn them that they are heading into trouble.
A good local anchorage is Henry Bay on the north-west end of Denman Island. Returning charterers often put their hook down here for the last night afloat and go ashore to explore the park on the nearby spit known as "Sandy Island".
Comox
Hi Neil, tricky finding the marker is a bit of an understatement. Our Garmin chart plotter was dead on, but trying to find the channel marker visual aid was difficult at best. Once I lined up the boat on the chart plotter route through the channel the visual aid was easy to spot, but to the untrained eye near impossible. The hillside background just seemed to mask the flashing red lights.
Terry Cox
Hi Neil, tricky finding the marker is a bit of an understatement. Our Garmin chart plotter was dead on, but trying to find the channel marker visual aid was difficult at best. Once I lined up the boat on the chart plotter route through the channel the visual aid was easy to spot, but to the untrained eye near impossible. The hillside background just seemed to mask the flashing red lights.
Terry Cox
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