The Gulf Islands
The Gulf Islands are located between Vancouver Island and mainland British Columbia. There are more than 200 islands in the group. National Geographic Traveler named the Gulf Islands one of the world’s best coastal destinations.
Here, sheltered waters make for ideal sailing. Pristine beaches and ecologically protected forests welcome hikers.
The area’s mild climate – almost Mediterranean – nurtures many wineries and holistic farms. The creative atmosphere attracts numerous artists to the islands and visitors find that island hopping over a week or so is a great way to soak it all in.
The Salish Sea
The Salish Sea covers a vast area that stretches from the southern tip of Puget Sound to the northern reaches of Georgia Strait. This is one of the most spectacular cruising grounds in the world. Within its boundary you can experience a vast variety of islands, secluded coves and inlets, soaring mountain peaks and breathtaking scenery at every turn.
A sailing adventure to Princess Louisa Inlet (sample)
Mileage and Skills Builder Cruise. The itinerary will go something like this:
Day 1: Depart Sidney for the Northern Gulf Islands. After passing Portland, Saltspring, Wallace Island and others we find Pirates Cove, a perfect hideaway on DeCourcy Island; the legendary haunt of Brother Twelve and Madame Zee.
Day 2: After carefully transiting the treacherous Dodd’s Narrows, we cross the Georgia Strait and pay a visit to scenic Buccaneer Bay before anchoring for the night in Smugglers Cove, an intimate `hole in the rock` providing opportunity to hike a scenic nature trail featuring a board walk built over a bog.
Day 3: Progressing north up the Sunshine Coast, we anchor for the night at Harmony Islands Marine Park. This park is located close to 1,400 foot cascading Freil Lakes Waterfall!
Day 4: We head up Jervis Inlet for our much anticipated rendezvous with Princess Louisa Inlet. We discover that this classic coastal fjord inlet is an attraction unto itself, with mile high mountain walls rising precipitously on both sides. This serene beauty interrupted only by the cascade of many waterfalls, the gentle rustle of trees stirred by glacier-fed winds, and the croaking of ravens stirred by our passing. We pass a buoy marking a depth of 3,000 feet, the deepest to be found on the Inside Passage! To avoid the formidable flow of fast water at Malibu Rapids we wait for slack water before proceeding. At the head of Princess Louisa Inlet we finally see the spectacle to which all mariners and romantics on the Coast, if not the world are mesmerized.
Day 5: We spend another day and night anchored beside Chatterbox Falls to fully enjoy this amazing natural spectacle. If you are fit and adventuresome you can climb a steep trail to a look-out above these falls.
Day 6: Cruise the winding length of Jervis Inlet to Pender Harbour. Here we take the time to experience a community described as “The Venice of the North”.
Day 7: After sailing down Malaspina Strait we cross the Georgia Straight once more until we arrive at Silva Bay on Gabriola Island where warm showers and cold beers await!
Day 8: Departing Silva Bay,we make our entrance once again into the protected waters of the Gulf Islands after transiting scenic Gabriola Passage. Our destination is an intimate cove on Wallace Island.
Day 9: And now it is a dash for home as we shoot the gap at Sansum Narrows surrounded by the mountains of Salstspring Island on one side and the cliffs of Mount Tzouhalem on the other. Welcome back!
You can find out more about the Mileage and Skill Builder HERE.
