I am going to charter a 40 footer in Bellingham washington, and sail around the gulf islands in june, anyone know of any must see places, ports,things to go to? Am also interested in historical stuff, and salmon fishing. \ Thanks rob
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Lots of great places
As a great resource I would suggest picking up the "Dreamspeaker" series of cruising guides. There is a Gulf Islands one and a brand new San Juan Islands version. We own the whole series and use them all of the time. http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/1551921502/qid=1115333648/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/702-1707993-1937633 http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/1551928078/qid=1115333648/sr=8-5/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i5_xgl14/702-1707993-1937633
As a great resource I would suggest picking up the "Dreamspeaker" series of cruising guides. There is a Gulf Islands one and a brand new San Juan Islands version. We own the whole series and use them all of the time. http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/1551921502/qid=1115333648/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl/702-1707993-1937633 http://www.amazon.ca/exec/obidos/ASIN/1551928078/qid=1115333648/sr=8-5/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i5_xgl14/702-1707993-1937633
Many to choose from
Pirate's Cove on DeCourcy Island has been a favorite, although I recently discovered the bay south of DeCourcy (can't remember the name offhand) which provides fantastic sunsets over the mountains on Vancouver Island. Another faves include Wallace Island (3 small coves to choose from), Annette Inlet (across channel from SE of Ganges on Saltspring), Winter Cove, the list goes on and on. Can I go? Have fun! Trevor
Pirate's Cove on DeCourcy Island has been a favorite, although I recently discovered the bay south of DeCourcy (can't remember the name offhand) which provides fantastic sunsets over the mountains on Vancouver Island. Another faves include Wallace Island (3 small coves to choose from), Annette Inlet (across channel from SE of Ganges on Saltspring), Winter Cove, the list goes on and on. Can I go? Have fun! Trevor
Salt Spring
Try Ganges Harbour on Salt Spring Island, they have a great market on Saturdays. Check out the various marine parks that are run by the province. Montague Harbor on Galliano, Sand Spit, etc. Victoria is a beautiful city if you decide to go there. Can't really thing of anywhere in the Gulf Islands that you should avoid. Watch the tides in the passes, Active Pass is named for a reason. There are a few really good guide books out there that would be perfect for you. Check out the Pacific Yachting web site. It is a British Columbia sailing mag that has had numerous articles about sailing in the Gulf Islands. If you contact them, they may recommend some back issues. www.pacificyachting.com
Try Ganges Harbour on Salt Spring Island, they have a great market on Saturdays. Check out the various marine parks that are run by the province. Montague Harbor on Galliano, Sand Spit, etc. Victoria is a beautiful city if you decide to go there. Can't really thing of anywhere in the Gulf Islands that you should avoid. Watch the tides in the passes, Active Pass is named for a reason. There are a few really good guide books out there that would be perfect for you. Check out the Pacific Yachting web site. It is a British Columbia sailing mag that has had numerous articles about sailing in the Gulf Islands. If you contact them, they may recommend some back issues. www.pacificyachting.com
San Juan Sailing?
We chartered out of there for many years. I can't think of a BAD place in the islands! I would go to Fishermans Marina in Pender Harbour and let them take you salmon fishing on one of their stinkpots. Be sure to take your passports!! It used to be photo ID and Birth certificate but times have changed. The Customs dock at Friday Harbor is jammed up all summer so make it easy on them. Welcome to the great Pacific Northwest! You are going to love it!
We chartered out of there for many years. I can't think of a BAD place in the islands! I would go to Fishermans Marina in Pender Harbour and let them take you salmon fishing on one of their stinkpots. Be sure to take your passports!! It used to be photo ID and Birth certificate but times have changed. The Customs dock at Friday Harbor is jammed up all summer so make it easy on them. Welcome to the great Pacific Northwest! You are going to love it!
Rain Gear
Bring your rain gear, summer doen't start until after the 4th of July. We stay in Sydney and take the bus into Victoria Saves on time and on getting through the busy traffic in Victoria
Bring your rain gear, summer doen't start until after the 4th of July. We stay in Sydney and take the bus into Victoria Saves on time and on getting through the busy traffic in Victoria
Must See
Ganges, Maple Bay, Silva Bay. Watch out for the crab pots on the entrance to Ganges ( have someone on the bow ). Check the current and have a good look at the chart before you enter Silva Bay. It's narrow with some hazards. I'd make sure you call ahead for moorage. Have a great time.
Ganges, Maple Bay, Silva Bay. Watch out for the crab pots on the entrance to Ganges ( have someone on the bow ). Check the current and have a good look at the chart before you enter Silva Bay. It's narrow with some hazards. I'd make sure you call ahead for moorage. Have a great time.
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