Desolation Sound Cruising Guide

• Day 1 - Bedwell Harbor. Across Bellingham Bay, up Hale Passage, and over the top of Orcas Island (consider a lunch stop at Sucia), you'll head for South Pender Island to clear customs at the Bedwell Harbor Customs Dock. Enjoy the evening docked at Poets Cove Resort & Spa or pick up a mooring ball or anchor at nearby Beaumont Marine Park. (32 NM)
• Day 2 - Nanaimo. Northwest up Trincomali Channel and through the Gulf Islands, transiting Dodd Narrows at slack tide. A grocery store and liquor agency located just above the marina makes it easy to grab a few more provisions before heading north. As an alternative you can anchor or dock at Newcastle Island Marine Park. (40 NM)
• Day 3 - Pender Harbor. Contact Winchelsea Control to see if Whiskey Golf is active (in which case you'll need to divert around it) and head across the Strait of Georgia to the mainland, with lunch at mysterious Smuggler's Cove. Overnight at bustling Pender Harbor, where you have a choice of several anchorages or small marinas. (34 NM)
• Day 4 - Lund. Texada Island to port and BC's Sunshine Coast to starboard, you run up Malaspina Strait, get fresh shrimp in Westview, and dock at Desolation's door. (36 NM)
• Day 5 - Prideaux Haven. Pick up some of Nancy's famous cinnamon rolls before wriggling up Thulin Passage with the scenic Copeland Islands cluster to port. Then over the top of Malaspina and Gifford Peninsulas, before weaving your way into cozy Prideaux Haven. Here you can choose from several anchorages, such as Melanie Cove or Laura Cove. (15 NM)
• Day 6 - Lay day at Prideaux Haven. Venture out by dinghy or kayak to explore the warren of coves and islets that make up Prideaux Haven. Swim in the warmer water typical of Desolation Sound, stretch your legs on one of the shoreside trails, or curl up with a copy of "The Curve of Time" to read about some of the historical residents of Prideaux Haven. (0 NM)
• Day 7 - Toba Wilderness. From Prideaux Haven head north through Waddington Channel (or alternatively up Homfray Channel) to picturesque and welcoming Toba Wilderness Marina, at the mouth of Toba Inlet. Hike to the nearby waterfall, keep your eyes open for bears, deer and other wildlife, or relax by the fire in the Welcome Pavilion. (14 NM)
• Day 8 - Squirrel Cove. Over the top of West Redonda Island and down Lewis Channel to this oyster-laden cove. Explore the islets of the inner basin by dinghy, as well as the saltwater lagoon if the rapids will allow you to get both in and out. The Trading Company, near the outer entrance to Squirrel Cove, is a source of limited provisions, ice and items made by local artisans. (19 NM)
• Day 9 - Tenedos Bay. First detour north and east into Teakerne Arm and anchor with a stern tie for lunch beneath Cassel Falls. Stretch your legs a bit with a short hike to enjoy a swim in Cassel Lake. Then backtrack and continue south, down around the bottom of West Redondo Island and across to anchor in Tenedos Bay. A short trail leads from the east side of the bay to Unwin Lake. If you need fuel or provisions, consider a stop at Refuge Cove on your way to Tenedos Bay. (21 NM)
• Day 10 - Sturt Bay. Stop for lunch and a bit of relaxation on Savary Island's sandy beaches before continuing on to Sturt Bay, near the north end of Texada Island. Anchor or dock at the Texada Boat Club and explore the nearby village of Van Anda. (29 NM)
• Day 11 - Silva Bay. Up early to voyage south and thread your way into picturesque Silva Bay on Gabriola Island. Choice of two marinas or anchorage. (51 NM)
• Day 12 - Ganges. Wind your way through Gabriola Pass at slack water, then cruise south along the coasts of Valdes & Galiano Islands. Consider setting a lunch hook to picnic on the white shell beach at Montague Island Marine Park, before heading over to this artist town on Saltspring Island. (28 NM)
• Day 13 - Cypress Island. Across Boundary Pass, clearing customs via the CBP Roam App, then meander through the San Juan Islands to anchor or pick up a buoy at Cypress Island. Cypress offers an abundance of trails that lead you to lakes, pocket beaches or a bluff overlooking the islands. (43 NM)
• Day 14 - Bellingham. A short cruise across Bellingham Bay while savoring the memories...until next year! (13 NM)

Special Opportunities