Victoria & the Saanich Peninsula Cruising Guide
One Week Sample Itinerary
- Day 1 – Watmough Bay. Cruise across Bellingham Bay, down Bellingham Channel, between Cypress and Guemes Islands, and across Rosario Strait, to anchor at Watmough Bay on the SE corner of Lopez Island. This beautiful cove offers hiking, a public pebble beach and lovely views of Mount Baker. (23 NM)
- Day 2 – Victoria, BC . Dip below Lopez and San Juan Islands, skirting the eastern edge of the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Tuck into Victoria Harbor, with a stop at the customs dock to clear into Canada, before docking below the impressive Empress Hotel. (27 NM)
- Day 3 – Lay day in Victoria. Victoria is a vibrant city that deserves a day of exploration. Options abound, but some of our favorites are watching the talented street performers along the Inner Harbor Causeway, exploring the fascinating Royal BC Museum, enjoying high tea at the Empress Hotel, and wandering through the shops of Government Street and Market Square. Pro tip: Consider breakfast at the BC Parliamentary Dining Room.(0 NM)
- Day 4 – Tod Inlet. Up early, you’ll depart Victoria, round the Chatham Islands, and head up Haro Strait. Passing Sidney you’ll round the top of the Saanich Peninsula and cruise down Saanich Inlet to anchor at Tod Inlet. Nearly landlocked and surrounded by Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, Tod Inlet provides serenity, numerous hiking trails, and easy access to famous, and stunning, Butchart Gardens. (39 NM)
- Day 5 – Roche Harbor. Raise anchor and head back over the top of the Saanich Peninsula, then across Boundary Pass to Roche Harbor, clearing customs enroute via the CBP Roam App. You may choose to anchor or dock at Roche Harbor. This historic and stately resort is well loved and known for its sunset Colors Ceremony, unique mausoleum, shops, spa and restaurants, as well as for the nearby sculpture garden and distillery. (23 NM)
- Day 6 – Inati Bay. Wind your way back through the San Juan Islands to anchor and stern tie at this peaceful cove on Lummi Island. Spend your final evening aboard relaxing, exploring by dinghy, or just enjoying the view of Mount Baker over Bellingham. (27 NM)
- Day 7 - Bellingham. A quick trip across Bellingham Bay returns you to Bellingham in time to pack, tidy and prepare to turn in your boat. This trip may be winding up but there is so much more to see, so you’ve already started planning the next one! (7 NM)
Important note: This itinerary is heavily dependent on favorable weather and currents. You can check the current graphs for your trip at Dairiki.org. We recommend paying special attention to the currents at Discovery Island for the days you plan to travel to and from Victoria. If weather or current do not permit the trip to Victoria, we recommend spending the first night at Sucia (18 NM), then heading to the quaint port of Sidney, BC (23 NM). Clear customs there and spend 2 nights at the dock. During the lay day you can take the bus (45 min) or a taxi (25 min) to Victoria, or spend the day exploring Sidney’s beaches, shops and museums. On day 4 you could continue on to Tod Inlet (14 NM) and follow the remainder of the itinerary as written.
Special Opportunities
| Courses & Stateroom Bookings | Spring & Summer Guided Flotillas | Fall Guided Flotillas | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stateroom Bookings | 10-Day Sunshine Coast | 7-Day Independence Celebration | 7-Day San Juan & Gulf Islands |
| 2-Day Sailing Courses | 14-Day Desolation Sound | 7-Day San Juan Islands | 14-Day Desolation Sound |
| Women-Only LNC | 10-Day End of Season Hoorah | ||
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