Canada

Warm summer winds, changeable weather and a treasure trove of islands, inlets, fjords and rivers to explore mean Vancouver Island sets sailors’ pulses racing. With stunning panoramic vistas providing the backdrop to a blend of island hopping, coastal exploration and ocean-style cruising on the Salish Sea, the Pacific Northwest ranks among the finest cruising grounds on Earth.

Rugged Vancouver Island offers fantastic hiking on well-maintained trails, spectacular views, and excellent sport fishing. It’s also home to some truly remarkable wildlife including wolves, black bears and cougars, while offshore sea otters frolic in beds of kelp, pods of orcas hunt for food and migratory whales pass within sight of shore.

Sail out into the Salish Sea from Vancouver Island to visit the marine parks and secluded anchorages of the Gulf Islands, where whales and dolphins are often spotted. Sail into Desolation Sound for isolated fjords, towering mountains and spectacular wildlife. Head east from Vancouver Island and you’ll reach the USA’s fir-covered San Juan Islands. Warm weather, fresh air, soaring bald eagles and cruising killer whales are the islands’ calling cards.

Day 1 At 10.00 am – Safety brief

Your Vancouver Island sailing voyage starts in Nanaimo Marina. The perfect place to start your island hopping into the Gulf Islands. This magical destination is snug in the Georgia Strait, between the mainland and the eastern side of Vancouver Island. Each of these islands is a world unto itself, with its own history, culture and colourful characters. Travelling between the Southern and Northern Gulf Islands can be accomplished in small hops – each island deserves at least a day for exploring ashore. Every landfall has something different on offer.

Day 2

Ganges is a popular destination for boaters from all over the Pacific North West and a must visit when cruising the Gulf Islands. On Saturdays (April- October) there is the very best open air market with the biggest display of goods varying from the best locally grown vegetables to some bizarre hand made goods!  It is entertaining and fun with live music and lots to eat and drink. Ganges was named after HMS Ganges, the flagship of the Royal Navy’s Pacific Station between 1857 and 1860. Built in 1821, the Ganges was the last British sailing battleship commissioned for duty in foreign waters.

Day 3

Sidney is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island on the Saanich Peninsula.  With prevailing westerly ocean winds moderating both summer and winter temperatures, 3.6 kilometres of waterfront. The Saanich Peninsula encompasses the area just north of Greater Victoria, all the way to Deep Cove and Swartz Bay. Sidney and Brentwood Bay are the two largest communities on this semi- rural peninsula.

The community of Brentwood Bay overlooks the Saanich Inlet and has some great restaurants and shops and pretty marina. Brentwood Bay boasts one of the South Island region’s most famous attractions: Butchart Gardens. These splendid, world-renowned gardens have been drawing visitors to the region since 1904 and have recently been designated a national historic site. 

Day 4

Maple Bay – The most protected anchorage is found in Birds Eye Cove.  Ashore, there is an excellent pub serving West coast food and a good selection of local wines and craft beers on tap.  At the extreme south end of Maple Bay is Maple Bay Marina featuring a full chandlery, a restaurant and a pub. Over the past decade, Maple Bay Marina has established a well-deserved reputation for providing excellent service, value, and friendly atmosphere.

Day 5

This gem of an anchorage is located in the middle of Decourcy Island.  It is a small anchorage which would normally necessitate a stern tie to the shore.  Despite this it is well worth a visit.  Conveniently located at the north end of the Gulf islands, it is a popular waiting spot for transiting “Dodds Narrows” as it is only 6 nautical miles from the Narrows.

It has an interesting history and was home to a sect that took up residence for the duration of the Vietnam war.  Pirates Cove and a considerable amount of surrounding land is a provincial Marine Park.  There are two coves in the park, and by far the most popular with recreation boaters is the ‘U’-shaped bay facing the northwest.

 Day 6

SILVA BAY This picturesque island is located at the very head of the Gulf Islands. The very best anchorage is at Silva Bay which is located on the East coast of the island.  This Bay offers great overnight anchorage in a sheltered bay or the facility to tie alongside the marina. 

The ocean has carved this sandstone peninsula into an unusual wavelike formation of a barreling wave and is truly fascinating to see. It is a wonderfully visual way to appreciate the sheer power of water.  The wave is nearly 4m tall, which means you can easily walk under it and observe the finer details of the rock structure.

Day 7

Returning to the Nanaimo Marina by 09.00 am

Climb aboard, and join the crew. As a member of the crew, you’ll be expected to participate in daily activities necessary to keep everything shipshape. Getting to grips with the ropes and sheets, basic navigation skills and yacht maintenance, setting out the day’s aims according to the weather conditions and the schedule.

PASSAGE

DAY 1 Nanaimo Marina to Thetis Island – Telegraph Hbr

DAY 2 Thetis Island to Salt Spring Island – Ganges

DAY 3 Ganges to Saanich Peninsula – Sidney

DAY 4 Sidney to Vancouver Island-Maple Bay

DAY 5 Maple Bay to Decoursey Island – Pirates Cove

DAY 6 Pirates Cove to Gabriola Island – Silva Bay

DAY 7 Silva Bay to Nanaimo Marina

By joining this trip you accept that the skipper has the final decision on activities and the itinerary with safety of crew and the yacht in mind.

DATE 

22 Jul – 28 Jul 2024

COSTS

£1,250 pp., all inclusive (food on board, fuel, marina fees, etc.)

PASSPORT AND VISAS:

Please note, your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry to Canada. International visitors (not US citizens or US permanent residents) must carry a valid passport and, if required, a visa. Citizens from the UK, France, Germany, Mexico, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia and others do not require a visa to enter Canada.

Countries whose citizens require visas to enter Canada, visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

https://www.cic.gc.ca/

Up-to-date list of required documents to enter Canada, contact your closest Canadian Consulate or Embassy

https://www.international.gc.ca/

ADDITIONAL INFO – ELECTRICITY
Canada uses 110-120 volts AC (60 cycles) and the same plug configuration at the United States, compared to 220-240 volts AC (50 cycles) in most of Europe, Australia and New Zealand. If you are travelling internationally, downward converters that change 220-240 volts to 110-120 volts may be difficult to find, so bring one with you.