Southwest Vancouver Island

[Foswick]

We are kicking around the idea of venturing from Victoria, west along the coast of Vancouver Island, this summer, with the final destination possibly being Port Alberni (or possibly not that far). Just a loose idea, at this point - not sure on the details.

Wondering if others have experience along that coast in the summer months. There are some stretches with no anchorages that aren't pretty exposed. Add to that the facts that a) we have to go to shore at least every 10-12 hours (dog business), and b) I am an anchoring coward. That is, I can either sleep or anchor, but rarely both.

Specifically, I am wondering about the stretch from Sooke to Port Renfrew. Looks like plenty of fair-weather anchorage along there, but not many places to hide for long. After that, it looks like not too much of a problem to make it around the corner to Bamfield. Not sure about taking a sailboat from there up to Port Alberni - probably a lot of motoring at least for the return trip. But, could be a cool side trip.

 

[Ward H]

Sounds like @jssailem is the man you need to talk to.

 

[Hello Below]

Sounds like @jssailem is the man you need to talk to.

Plus @Michael Davis

 

[PNWE36]

There is a good article in the March 2025 issue of Pacific Yachting on a trip from Victoria to Barkley sound.

 

[Hello Below]

There is a good article in the March 2025 issue of Pacific Yachting on a trip from Victoria to Barkley sound.

Starts on Page 26 of that issue.

 

[jssailem]

@Michael Davis has circumnavigated the island 7-8 times, I believe.

Waggoner’s Guide and Salish Sea Pilot are guides with excellent detail on the waters you wish to explore.

Your observation that there are limited options to go ashore on the island's Southwest end is spot on. The predominant wind and wave pattern from the Northwest can make it a real slog up the coast towards Barkley Sound. It is one reason many sailors wanting to experience the island's west side choose the Inside Passage to the Outside of the island approach.

Your interest will be best served by carefully selecting a weather window. During the summer, you can get pretty reliable weather information in about five-day segments. Prepare for fog.

 

[Foswick]

Timely article. No surprises there, but good confirmations.

I woke up this morning, having decided not to do this trip, this summer and the article clinched it for me. Lots of reasons:

First, other summer plans would probably end up pushing this well into August, which is fine if our time table was flexible (fog). But, the later in August we get, the less flexible that time table gets.

Second (and the main reason) is that our boat just can't be trusted yet. We've had her less than a year and there are still plenty of jobs I need to do before I completely trust her. I "think" she's probably fine, but until I do some things, I won't feel easy about it.

And finally, I think I want to spend more time in Barkley Sound - like most of May. It is too late to plan that, this year.

In reality, we probably won't get there for a few years and will visit on our way back from Hawaii. That's right - my plan to avoid that stretch along the south edge is to sail south to Monterey, east to Hawaii, then north and east into Barkley Sound. Ironically, it still puts us there in August, but oh well. We can't do that trip until we are prepared to miss our return window and stay a year in Hawaii, and that won't be for a few years.

 

[Stu Jackson]

sail south to Monterey, east to Hawaii,

Good luck with that!

 

[jssailem]

Sailing south and then to Hawaii the dog will have a new potty routine by the time you return to Barkley Sound.

 

[Foswick]

Good luck with that!

Hey, if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Anyone can sail west, but it takes real skill to go the less-travelled Death Valley route.

 

[Michael Davis]

We are kicking around the idea of venturing from Victoria, west along the coast of Vancouver Island

That’s a really nice trip. There are not many places to stop along the way so it means a couple of long days to get to Barkley Sound. Count on three days to get there from Bellingham. Stop at Sooke, and Port Renfrew then Barkley Sound. Summer winds are generally from the N.W. so you motor(generally) to Barkley and hopefully sail home. The other way is out to Neah Bay then a long day to Barkley. You’ll never regret making this trip. I’ve done it a half dozen times. Planning our forth time around Vancouver Island this summer so will be in Barkley Sound likely in August.