Sailing the Gulf Islands

Cast-off and Connect DAY 1: Gibsons to Nanaimo Leave the shore and worries behind, enter the magical space of sea & sky. Settle in for a sail across gorgeous Georgia Strait to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. Or participate in managing the boat as lookout, at the helm, or on the sails. The city and north shore mountains recede into the distance as we make our way into the strait, with the spectacular islands and mountains of the Howe Sound fjord on our starboard side. We'll see seals, and if were lucky, even some dolphins and perhaps a couple of whales. As we approach Nanaimo, the famous sandstone bluffs of Gabriola Island will be closeup on our port side. Once we arrive at our destination in Nanaimo Harbour, we'll tie up at Newcastle Island, a beautiful island park. After a little walk ashore, we'll enjoy a BBQ or dinner onboard, or take the dinghy over to the Dinghy Dock Pub and Floating Restaurant on nearby Protection Island. At some point, each evening, will plan out the next day's itinerary based on the latest wind, tide, and current forecasts, especially when our route will pass through a narrow channel for which timing our passage at slack tide is critical.

Breathe Deep DAY 2: Nanaimo to Chemainus We'll wake up slowly and, after a leisurely breakfast, cast off on a new day's adventure. We can stop at the Port of Nanaimo for a gourmet coffee in one of its many waterfront cafes, and perhaps pickup some world-famous Nanaimo bars, and/or do a bit of shopping. We'll head south amid the northern-most of the southern Gulf Islands: Gabriola, Mudge, Valdez, and Thetis to name a few, timing the passage through Dodd's Narrows with precision (since getting there at the wrong time, when the current is flowing at 5+ knots, makes it impassable). Stuart Channel then opens up into a soul-stirring vista of sea, sky, mountains, islands, forests, and peace. We can make a stop at Ruxton Island for a swim around its unusually smooth rocky shoreline; then make our way to the small port of Chamainus and - after stopping in the little town - settle for a mooring buoy by the beach on its outskirts.

Explore & Discover DAY 3: Chemainus to Montague Harbour Our day can start with a swim around the boat on its mooring buoy or over to the beach. We can breakfast aboard or head over to one of the excellent bakeries and restaurants in Chemainus. Once ready to go, we'll head out and sail around the northern tip of Saltspring Island, coming alongside Wallace Island (famous for its former Hollywood visitors like Marilyn Munroe). After a sweet day of sailing the protected waters between the Gulf Islands, we approach the southern end of Galiano Island, and arrive at Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park, our next overnight port.

Land & Sea DAY 4: Montague Harbour to Silva Bay Montague Harbour is one of our favourite destinations because it offers so much! We'll delay our departure until noon to enjoy (more) kayaking, hiking, swimming, exploring Galiano, or just relaxing on the beach. After lunch we'll get underway, with three options for our sailing route, based on which of the three passes (Active Pass, Porlier Pass, Gabriola Passage) has the best timing for slack tide and currents. Either way, we'll sail part of the trip on the Georgia Strait side of the Gulf Islands to end up at Silva Bay at the south end of Gabriola Island for the evening. This day provides a great opportunity to try your hand at sailing by taking a turn at the helm and working the lines!

Return Refreshed DAY 5: Silva Bay to Gibsons Harbour After one last leisurely morning on the boat and the adjacent Gabriola Island shore, we'll head out for our second crossing of Georgia Strait, on our way back to our home port of Gibsons. With favourable winds, we'll enjoy sailing at its best and make good time. If the Strait is beclamed, we'll motor across at an easy pace with a stop midway where we can enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine waters 10+ kilometers from any shore. As we approach Gibsons, we'll discover the entrance to Howe Sound, the most southerly fjord on the west coast on North America, a stunning welcoming scene. In the distance to the east, we'll see Vancouver and realize - with a new perspective - what a beautiful city it is! As we take in its downtown skyline, Stanley Park, and the Lions Gate bridge to the majestic north shore mountains as a backdrop. We'll return home feeling relaxed and inspired by our sailing adventure!