Two Week Charter (Sample Itinerary)

Gulf Islands & Desolation Sound

The Gulf Islands in Canada are beauty to behold. Cruising waterways with over two hundred islands offers private coves to explore, quaint harbor towns to enjoy, and farther north, warm water for swimming. Princess Louisa Inlet has 64 waterfalls cascading from 5000 feet that will make you feel you are in a very spiritual place. This truly is an experience of a lifetime and one you will want to repeat time and again!!

Day 1 -- Reid Harbor

This beautiful anchorage has good holding ground in addition to mooring buoys. It is a protected anchorage, as it is nearly surrounded by Stuart Island. Be sure to take time to hike the five mile round trip to Turn Point Lighthouse. You may see the Orca pods enjoying their feeding grounds. You may choose to anchor in Prevost, a beautiful anchorage on the other side of Reid Harbor. (24 miles)

Day 2 -- Nanaimo

After stopping to clear customs at Bedwell Harbour, (where you can enjoy the best crab cakes around), you'll travel through the beautiful Gulf Islands to Nanaimo. Once moored in the marina you may want to stroll the shops and enjoy one of the many restaurants. Be sure to check the timing for Dodd Inlet slack tide. (45 miles)

Day 3 -- Secret Cove

Secret Cove is actually several smaller coves. There are two marine facilities in the north and east coves offering moorage, stores and a restaurant. Take time to harvest clams and oysters. (23 miles)

Day 4 -- Egmont

Choose between the government float and several marinas that offer moorage. Take a nice hike up the trail up to Sechel Rapids, where the current can reach up to 14 knots, and experience a breathtaking view of nature at work. (20 miles)

Day 5 -- Princess Louisa Inlet

You may choose to stay on a mooring buoy at McDonald Island and enjoy a quiet evening exploring the inlet by dinghy. You may also dock at Chatterbox Falls at the head of the inlet. You'll be cruising under glacier peaks, cascading waterfalls and through beautiful scenery. (35 miles)

Day 6 -- Grief Point

This marina resort earns its fame as the "Diving Capitol of Canada". You'll find moorage and a good restaurant available. This is a good night to eat out after a full day on the water. (58 miles)

Day 7 -- Malaspina Inlet - Grace Harbour

Grace Harbor is completely protected and offers good anchorage anywhere in the area. The water is warm so try a little swimming. Try a little fresh seafood from nature's bounty.

Day 8 -- Prideaux Haven

Strategically located as a base for boaters to explore the Sound, this anchorage is a bay that is a 'don't miss' with boaters. There are many islands, small coves and passageways to explore. It is one of the most beautiful anchorages in Desolation Sound. Tidal pools and marshes will keep you busy for hours as you explore the abundance of marine life. Melanie Cove and Laura Cove are favored anchorages for boaters, although anchorage is available at a number of locations along the shoreline. (12 miles)

Day 9 -- Walsh Cove

This marine park offers plenty of oysters and warm waters for swimming. There are fascinating Indian pictographs in this cove. You will have lots of time for swimming and exploring. (10 miles)

Day 10 -- Cortes Bay

Nestled at the entrance to Desolation Sound, awesome Cortes Island is part of the Discovery Islands. Relax and enjoy the warm lakes and beaches. (36 miles)

Day 11 -- Pender Harbour

A collection of coves and bays where you can anchor or choose one of the many marina facilities to moor for the night, stock up on food, and enjoy a good dinner ashore. (48 miles)

Day 12 -- Telegraph Harbor

This picturesque area is well protected. Charm abounds. There are two marinas as well as good anchorage towards the entrance to the harbor. Enjoy a casual dinner at the marina pub. (45 miles)

Day 13 -- Spencer Spit Marine Park

You'll travel back across the border to Roche Harbor to clear customs and then on to beautiful Spencer Spit where you can enjoy an afternoon of hiking and exploring long beaches. There are 16 mooring buoys as well as good anchoring ground. (42 miles)

Day 14 -- Return To Bellingham

The final morning of your cruise takes you on a beautiful jaunt back to Sail Northwest Charters. (16 miles)