South and North Pender Island are connected by the Pender Canal Bridge.
Take a hike and see this view from Mt. Maxwell, Salt Spring Island.
Marilynn Hale walks the beach, Grey Peninsula, Montague Harbour.
Setting up the stern-tie to shore. Conover Cove, Wallace Island Marine Park.
Here is the reef that must be avoided when entering Pirates Cove. Leave the beacon to port.
UPDATES FOR STRAIT OF JUAN DE FUCA & STRAIT OF GEORGIA, INCLUDING B.C.'S GULF ISLANDS
Fulford Harbour Marina Closed June 15, 2010. Due to winter storm damage, Fulford Harbour Marina is closed. The marina, located on Saltspring Island, will most likely be closed all year.
Newcastle Island Update June 1, 2010. Correspondent Al Szymanski reports: “The washroom facilities at the Newcastle Island Park at Nanaimo, B.C. have had a MAJOR refit and are top drawer now, with new fixtures, showers, etc. They’re very, very nice.”
Princess Louisa Mooring Buoys Repaired for 2010 Season May 11, 2010. Bob,
We note that the 2010 Waggoner states that the mooring buoys at MacDonald Island in Princes Louisa Inlet were not operational in 2009. They have now been repaired and are ready for the new season.
Thanks, and have a good year.
Don Simpson President, Princess Louisa Society
Live Eagle Cam May 10, 2010. Our friend and fellow Tollycraft 37 addict Lorne Collingwood sent the following note, with a link to eagle information and live eagle nest activity (or lack of activity if mommy and daddy are away).
Bob,
In past years I have sent along connections to live cameras of eagles nests. This year eggs in a nest near Victoria actually hatched. Here is the link to the nest: http://www.hancockwildlife.org/index.php?topic=raptors_victoria1#new-camera
Lorne
April 2 Storm Wreaks Damage in Strait of Georgia April 9, 2010. A deep low pressure area created 55-60-knot southeast winds in the Strait of Georgia, sinking one boat in the annual Southern Straits Race and forcing most of the others to withdraw. At Mill Bay in the Saanich Inlet the winds destroyed the docks at the Mill Bay Marina, driving several boats ashore and sinking others.
The race video is from the excellent Northwest boating news site Three Sheets Northwest. The Mill Bay video was forwarded to us by reader Raul Biascoechea. Reader Paul Giffin sent the Vancouver Sun photo of the Texada Island ferry in heavy seas just north of Malaspina Strait.
Thank you to all.
Here's the Mill Bay news video:
This is the race video:
New Owners at Telegraph Harbour Marina January 26, 2010. After 10 years of ownership of Telegraph Harbour Marina in the Gulf Islands, Ron and Barbara Williamson have announced their retirement effective January 29, 2010. The new owners are avid sailors Ron Faoro and Tara Kaulback, from North Vancouver. According to the announcement, at least for the first year the new owners plan to run the marina as it has in the past. All reservations and rendezvous will be honored.
Telegraph Harbour Marina has been a popular destination for many years. We wish Ron and Barbara Williamson a happy and well-earned retirement, and we welcome Ron Faoro and Tara Kaulback to the club.
Pender Harbour Hotel Correction January 12, 2010. The Pender Harbour Hotel marina no longer provides transportation to the golf course or to shopping in Madeira Park. Since the hotel, liquor store and Grasshopper Pub are at the top of a high, steep hill above the docks, they still provide car transportation up and down the hill.
Summer Bus Service on Galiano Island July 21, 2009. Reader Gerta Woodberry has provided several good updates, including this one from early July. Unfortunately, it got lost in the inbox and not discovered until now.
Bus service is available from July 1 to September 4 between Montague Marine Park and Montague Marina Junction to "downtown" Galiano, grocery and liquor store, pub, library, BC Ferry and Saturday Farmers Market, laundromat, and post office.
The Grand Central Grill enroute has cold beer, good food and wine, and wireless internet access.
The bus runs Tuesday to Sunday between 11 a.m. and around 3 p.m. Cost $5 round trip, PETS welcome.
Yvonne, Day Tripper Bus Service, (250)539 5815, runs it -- just going on the round trip is fun. One can hop on and off, so it is possible to explore quite a bit of the island in a day. Yvonne points out everything, and on certain days she runs art gallery tours.
Gerta Woodberry S.V. Millennium Dragon
Bus Transportation June 16, 2009. Gerta Woodberry, who we haven't met, is a good reporter.
Tod Inlet There are frequent transit buses to Brentwood and Sidney (shopping, restaurants, etc.) from the Butchart Gardens parking lot -- just walk up the hill from the Tod Inlet dinghy dock and floating nature house. Line 81 and 82 Community Bus, $1.40 for seniors, $2.40 for others. Great restocking spot.
Fulford Harbour There are frequent community transit buses, $2.00 fare, from Fulford Harbour all over Saltspring Island, which makes Fulford Harbour Marina a good alternative to Ganges. Access to Ganges stores and restaurants.
Gerta Woodberry S.V. Millennium Dragon
Anchoring Congestion in Silva Bay June 11, 2009. Reader Gerta Woodberry sent this report on June 1, but we held back posting it because we planned to be in Silva Bay shortly, and wanted our own impressions. We'll have to say the report is pretty accurate. A few boats could anchor in the bay, but the mooring buoys are spaced so that swinging room would be tight. We took a picture, which looks good until you think about just where you might put the hook down. The open lane in front of the marina docks is for float plane access. The problem would be solved by relocating the private mooring buoys in one area near the north shore of Silva Bay, spacing them closely together as at marine parks. Gloria Hatfield at Page's Resort & Marina told us the derelict boats may be dealt with soon, and that public pressure is moving the problem toward solution. We hope so. Silva Bay is beautiful, and a perfect destination for boats crossing from Vancouver. We often stay there on our trips north, waiting for good conditions before crossing the Strait of Georgia to the Sunshine Coast.
Bob:
Silva Bay has almost no room for anchoring left, as of 1 June 09. The basin is filled with permanently moored boats and other "items." There are at least 20 private moorings either empty or with boats. Approximately 4-5 derelict vessels are anchored. There is one large working barge with a long gangway, an excavator on top, and two tugs alongside, all tied to a moored derelict fingerdock, obviously a business run from there.
There is another floating finger, moored to the seafloor, with three boats tied to it.
These vessels are evenly distributed across the anchorage, leaving little swinging room additional vessels. No stern tying is possible.
Transport Canada (floatplane concerns), Coast Guard and RCMP have been advised of the situation and inherent danger. No remedial action has taken place yet.
Shoreside marinas and merchants have forwarded numerous complaints to authorities.
Over the May 09 long weekend, not high season yet, boats awaiting slack in Gabriola Passage were forced to anchor outside Shipyard Rock, inside the small boat passages, and sit out some fierce winds. Lots of dragging, near collisions, etc. . . .
Unless you have a marina reservation, do not expect be able to stay in Silva Bay at anchor. Reserve moorage at one of the marinas.
Kendrick Island may offer an alternative on the east side of Gabriola Passage.
Gerta Woodberry Millennium Dragon Contessa 32
Good Restaurant in Gibsons April 2, 2009. We just stumbled on Sita’s Spag Shack in Gibsons, on the north shore of Howe Sound, and it’s a good place for supper. Italian food, well prepared and well presented, with prices in line with other Sunshine Coast restaurants. The place is small, only nine tables, plus a deck with more tables outside. Since a cold rain was falling, the deck was not in use. The deck has a beautiful view of the harbor, however, and should be a delight in the summer. Sita’s Spag Shack is located partway up the hill from the public dock. Actually, there are two roads that lead up the hill, one straight up and one diagonal. Take the diagonal road. It’s not far. We don’t know if they take reservations, but the phone number is (604)886-7721.
Our one suggestion would be to change the background music, which ranged from Nashville country western to 1950s early rock, and felt more like a drive-in with car hops than a cozy Italian restaurant. Operatic tenors were not to be found. The food and view were wonderful, however, and the service was prompt. Worth a visit.
-- Bob Hale
New Washrooms, Showers at Union Steamship Marina December 29, 2008. Rondy and Dorothy Dike, the owners of Union Steamship Marina at Snug Cove, Bowen Island, sent this long-awaited and welcome news along. Bowen Island is in the mouth of Howe Sound, a short ferry ride from the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal. Rondy's report includes more than we usually publish, but the resort is unique and the information may be useful. What Rondy doesn't mention is the recently opened golf course on Bowen Island, with its villainous greens. The marina will provide transportation to and from the course. For immediate release
The long overdue Showerhouse and Toilets were floated into place at the Union SteamShip Co. Marina in Snug Cove on Bowen Island this week.
The floating structure, built by IMF on their dry dock in Delta, is now secured at the base of the marina’s gangway. The structure's unique triangular shape fits well and retains the classic arts and crafts architecture of the marina’s other buildings. It will be operational for next summer’s season to provide quality toilet and shower facilities for the marina’s boaters, encouraging their usage in lieu of on board facilities.
The second floor houses three separate shower rooms and a ladies and men’s Room, a TV and computer lounge, and an additional washer/dryer. An employee’s security suite will also be on the second floor. The marina’s reception office and utility room will be on the first floor.
A pump-out system was also planned to ensure a clean harbour. However, in the Bowen Island Municipal’s wisdom they deferred its use until sometime in the future, when they upgrade their sewage treatment plant. They also want to develop regulations regarding accepting the visitor boats sewage and a cost recovery or a billing mechanism for pump-outs.
Rondy Dike, the owner, has been fighting to get this accomplished for years. This is the culmination of two complete go-arounds of rezoning, approvals, environmental reports and permits.
More on the Union Steamship Co. Marina
The marina complex is the largest marina and employer on Bowen Island.
It’s the largest tourism source on Bowen Island.
The site with an older marina was purchased by the Dike Family in 1985.
The Dike family were experienced world sailors and with Rondy being an architect, it was a natural for the redevelopment of Snug Cove in 1990.
Located at the head of Snug Cove, the Union Steamship Co. Marina is a First-class facility that can handle boats from 20 to 200 feet. The resort features boardwalks that wind around turn-of-the-20th-century buildings and the park. Snug Cove is locatred at the entrance to Howe Sound on the Strait of Georgia, a great base for exploring the Sunshine Coast.
Snug Cove evokes the era of the days when Bowen Island was the area's most popular steamship day excursion. It is still surrounded by a 600 acre park that preserves the historical character. The park features lakes and beaches, walking and cycling trails, and large picnic areas. Up the village street there's an organic produce market, liquor, a bookstore and a good selection of craft shops.
Doc Morgan's Restaurant & Pub has grown around the original 1918 cottage. The restaurant is well-thought out, with little nooks in which to hide away, and has two sizeable decks looking out across the manicured lawns with the backdrop of Howe Sound beyond. In the winter you can stoke up a cozy fire in the old stone fireplace. The favourite in summers are the barbecues on the bricks. The pub specializes in local cottage brews.
A limited number of the original Union SteamShip Co. cottages have been carefully preserved to maintain their original character. They are available for overnight lodging and group functions. Each cabin has a cheery wood stove in the living room, a small kitchen and two bedrooms.
Expanded Lighthouse Marina at Sechelt April 14, 2008. New docks are being installed at the Lighthouse Pub & Marina next to the public dock in Sechelt Village. Note that this is in Porpoise Bay at the head of Sechelt Inlet, not on the Strait of Georgia. The long dock will accommodate larger vessels in side-tie moorage. On the other side of the dock, slips will hold boats from 16' to 40'. A second float is being installed beside the existing float plane float, for additional side-tie moorage.
Showers, washrooms, laundry and garbage drop are available. The pub has Wi-Fi, but it might not reach to the docks. Gasoline is scheduled to be available by June 2008 and diesel by summer 2009. A pumpout is planned for 2009.
Power is 15 & 30 amp, with too few pedestals to serve a full dock. Visitors should be prepared to live without shore power, or use their generators.
No VHF radio yet (we urged them to monitor ch 66A when they get a radio), so call the pub for information and to make reservations.
We didn’t test the fare at the pub the afternoon we were there, but the kitchen was busy and the waitresses were scurrying.
Dale Schweighardt is the manager. He struck me as a bright guy, and very friendly.
Tel: (604)885-9494 E-mail info@lighthousepub.ca www.lighthousepub.ca --Bob Hale
Bowen Island Golf Club Revealed April 7, 2008. In early April I finally had a chance to play the new Bowen Island Golf Club course, and it’s both a treat and a challenge. Bowen Island is a granite mountain set in the entrance to Howe Sound, just north of the city of Vancouver. Locals call Bowen Island “the rock.” It’s a big rock, though, with a base population of more than 4,000, higher in the summer.
The golf course was years in the talking and more years in the making, but in late 2005 it finally opened: nine exquisite holes, par 35, slope 130 from the blue tees, 126 from the whites, 119 from the reds.
The course is laid out on a mountainside, but as long as the ball stays on the fairways or in the rough, you have a good chance. Just beyond the rough is dense forest, which accepts golf balls but doesn’t give them up.
I played with Spencer Grundy, the general manager. Spencer is a really nice guy who just happens to hit 300-yard drives and 180-yard 8-irons. It was Thursday, men’s night, and play was a little slow. By the third hole we were joined by three Bowen Island residents, and we made a patient fivesome, waiting for the groups in front. The local guys were great, very friendly, and they didn’t hit 300-yard drives.
Spencer said that if you’re building a house on Bowen Island, on Thursday afternoons you shouldn’t expect any progress to be made. All the workers would be at the golf course. The man who gets the course ready in the morning had placed bouquets of daffodils on the red tees for the Thursday morning ladies’ times, which the ladies said was very thoughtful. He wasn’t nearly as thoughtful with the pin locations on the greens.
The greens, you see, are Bowen Island’s villainous little secret. The greens are fast, which is fine, and they’re beautiful to be on. Reading them is another matter. I can’t do much else on a golf course, but dang it, I’m a decent putter. I can lag the ball close and tap it in. Except at Bowen Island. I had four 3-putts and one 4-putt. The greens undulated this way and that. A downhill putt actually was uphill and would stop short. An uphill putt actually was downhill. On those fast greens (even faster in summer) the ball would roll . . . and roll . . . and roll. Invisible bumps and ridges would take the ball to where no man had gone before. “Tricky” is too kind a word to describe these greens. “Devilish” is closer. Spencer told me that everyone who plays the course has to be prepared for a 4-putt or even a 5-putt.
Although it was early April after a wet spring, there was no mud. I had a great time, and I think others will share my enthusiasm.
Summer weekend green fees are $29 for nine holes, $47 for eighteen. They have only six carts at this time, so most players walk. I walked, and had no trouble. Pull carts and rental clubs are available. BYOB—there’s no food service yet, or pretty girl in a beer cart. The course is about 15 minutes by car from Snug Cove. If you stay at Union Steamship Co. (see current Waggoner for details), the marina will give you a ride both ways.
Golf phone (604) 947-4653
Web site www.bowengolf.com
E-mail proshop@bowenislandgolf.com --Bob Hale
Lyle Harbour, Saturna Island Winery March 17, 2008. Correspondent Ken Klett sent this information and photo.
Lyall Harbour, on the east side of Saturna Island in the Gulf Islands, is a beautiful bay, although it would be very exposed to westerlies. One of our skippers started the morning by catching a 20-25 pound ling cod. A large wooden sailboat [the wreck of the Robertson II] is aground and apparently abandoned on Minx Reef, with many harbor seals as an audience on the adjacent rocks.
The Waggoner’s description of Boot Cove seems to be very apt, although while exploring by dinghy we did not experience the high winds described. A local skipper working on his fish boat did warn of such winds, though, particularly in the winter months.
While exploring the harbor, I chatted with a local sailboater who extolled the good food to be had at a café on the road above the ferry terminal, and also the Saturna Island Winery (250-539-3521), that has a fine bistro at their vineyards. Having no practical way to get to the café, we decided to check out the winery for lunch. We set off in our dinghies around Payne Point for Breezy Bay, just north of Croker Point, about 3 miles or so. We landed at the winery’s private dock, no overnight mooring, located next to the Saturna Beach park dock.
A 15-minute walk up the road/path from the dock brought us to the winery. It has an extremely pleasant bistro building design, with a patio for outdoor dining and spectacular views over the vineyards of Plumper Sound & Boundary Pass. Good food, good wine and a classy bistro made for a wonderful lunch. We were told by the wine tasting bar manager that the winery bottles about 9,000 cases per year.
Intermittent Avalanches at Princess Louisa Inlet February 11, 2008. Bob,
These pictures were taken on May 10 or 11 of 2006. Our only other visit to Princess Louisa was June 14-18 of 1999. Both times we saw this activity. I'm pretty sure it was snow, not a waterfall. Other people on the dock commented on it but no one knew for sure what was going on. My guess is an ice dam builds up over a period of time and then breaks, releasing snow and ice in a brief avalanche. It seemed to happen every few hours. At the dock we would hear a pop or two and some low pitched rumbling. It was well underway by the time we looked, so I'm not sure of the source. All was back to normal in less than two minutes.
The park rangers might know all about it but it just led to some wild speculation among our group.
Bruce Evertz M/V Tapawingo
Propane Refills in B.C. August 27, 2007. Hi all,
We just got back from our summer cruise through the Gulf Islands and up to Princess Louisa, and I would like to pass on some comments that will help others.
Canadian fuel docks that advertise propane fills in your publication need more information. We found a large number of fuel docks will exchange propane bottles but have no method of refilling your own bottle. While this works just fine if your boat uses those 5- gallon BBQ bottles, many boats have special tanks sized to fit on-board propane lockers. Nanaimo (for instance) has only bottle exchange available and the nearest facility to refill your own bottle is the Husky station—a two mile walk. It would be very helpful if you could distinguish between "propane for sale" and "propane refills" in your next edition. . . .
Tom Friend
S/V Mystique
Go Slow in Pender Canal May 15, 2007. The Pender Canal separates North and South Pender islands in British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, and connects Bedwell Harbour and Port Browning. The channel is narrow, with a dogleg turn near the south end. The canal is crossed by a bridge with 27 feet of clearance at high water, which keeps most sailboats out. The following item describes erosion to the banks of the canal, which appears to be reaching critical levels.
FROM THE INTER-AGENCY CANAL CONSERVATION COMMITTEE of the PENDER ISLANDS, B.C.
Dear Yacht Club members and recreational boaters planning to visit the Pender Islands in British Columbia:
WE ARE REQUESTING ASSISTANCE from the boating community to help control the erosion of the canal banks between North and South Pender Islands.
The increase in boat traffic, speed, wake and tidal action over the years has severely eroded a sensitive ecological and heritage area. The banks and trees are being washed into the waterway between the Islands. Some of the banks on the south side have receded up to 25 feet and on the north side archeological artifacts are being lost.
We do not have control over tidal action and winter storm surges but we all have control over speed and wake as we pass through this area. In addition, as boat traffic continues to increase we have growing concerns for the safety of smaller vessels, kayaks and dinghies.
You will see new speed signs to slow down to 5 knots. Due to strong currents, this is sometimes difficult but at least be aware of your `wake' and its effect on the surrounding environment. Please slow down well before you enter either approach to the canal.
Put a brake on your wake for the sake of the canal!
Thank you all for your help.
Esquimalt Harbour Reporting Requirement November 14, 2005. All vessels entering or departing Esquimalt Harbour are requested to contact QHM Operations on marine VHF channel 10 or by telephone at (250) 363-2160. This applies especially to pleasure craft.
Navigation Help in Newcastle Island Passage September 27, 2005. In mid-August 2005, the beautiful 72-foot wooden yacht “Breanna” went up on Oregon Rock in Newcastle Island Passage, the narrow channel that separates Newcastle Island from the city of Nanaimo. This was not the first such grounding by any means, but it was one of the more notable. Following the grounding, I wrote an e-mail to the Canadian Coast Guard, suggesting a change that might reduce future groundings. In mid-September, Notices to Shipping reported a temporary buoy had been positioned close to Newcastle Island, opposite Oregon Rock.
Yesterday, an e-mail arrived from the Canadian Coast Guard, outlining not only my suggestion but several added measures they were taking to reduce the groundings on these rocks. My item and their reply are posted below, their item first. Each has been edited slightly, for appropriateness.
I am pleased that a thoughtful, respectful suggestion from the population (from an American to a Canadian agency, at that) can, when suitable, have an effect. Let’s hope fewer boats come to grief on these rocks. – Bob Hale
Dear Mr. Hale,
I have been asked to respond to you regarding the efforts of the Canadian Coast Guard and others to address the frequent groundings in the above Passage [Newcastle Island Passage].
After consulting with the Harbour Master, local marina operators, and the Canadian Power & Sail Squadron, the CCG [Canadian Coast Guard] will install two temporary starboard buoys across the channel from the port hand beacon and buoy. A local marina will track any groundings in the area for a full year in order to provide a basis for the Coast Guard to assess the effectiveness of the additional aids.
Other initiatives include:
The Nanaimo Yacht Club has agreed to change its red dock lights to yellow
We are corresponding with Canadian Hydrographic Service in regards to placing an enlarged inset of the area on the current Nanaimo Harbour chart
The Sail & Power Squadron will undertake an information campaign to Puget Sound boaters
We appreciate your e-mail outlining your concerns about the Newcastle Island Passage. Thank you for your efforts to reduce the mis-interpretation.
Stacy Newcombe Marine Aids Review Officer |Agente d'examens, aides à la navigation Canadian Coast Guard |Guarde côtière
The Waggoner’s original e-mail
Dear Sirs:
I’m the editor and publisher of the annual Waggoner Cruising Guide. It’s the most popular pleasure boating guide for these waters.
I’ve heard a suggestion that a beacon be installed on Newcastle Island, roughly opposite the beacon marking Passage Rock, or somewhere between the Passage Rock beacon and Oregon Rock buoy.
A beacon on Newcastle Island may seem redundant, but boaters – especially the less-experienced pleasure boaters – might be more inclined to go between the two marks. Some of them, at least.
Note also that many of the visitors to Nanaimo are from Puget Sound, where the red marks are on the west side of the channel, for north to south red-right-returning. They don’t realize that in most of B.C. saltwater, red-right-returning is from south to north, putting the red marks on the east side of the channel.
The Waggoner publishes an italicized warning about Newcastle Island Passage, with instructions to pass between Newcastle Island and the nav aids. For next year our reference map of Nanaimo and Newcastle Island Passage will include a dotted line showing the correct course, and we’ll add an enlarged inset of that section, once again with a dotted line showing the correct course. We have a photo coming of the grounded Breanna, which we will include to show that danger indeed is there. We’re going to do all a single guidebook can do to help pleasure craft avoid trouble.
While the green nav aids are technically sufficient to mark the proper course, the hard evidence indicates the message isn’t getting through. Many channels are marked with aids on both sides; would it be possible to mark both sides of this particular passage?
Bob Hale Editor/Publisher Waggoner Cruising Guide
Kudos to Madeira Marine August 23, 2005. This e-mail just came in, thanking Madeira Marine for its service work. For those who don’t know, Madeira Marine is a repair yard in Madeira Park, Pender Harbour, east side of the Strait of Georgia. Rick and Karen King are the owners.
Rick,
On August 1 you came to our rescue by (1) being open on a holiday; (2) having a Sherwood P1722X pump in stock when even the Cummins distributor in Seattle didn't; and (3) fabricating a hose adapter for us on the spot.
I thanked you then and now that we are back home, I want to thank you again. We REALLY appreciated your dedication to serving the needs of boaters!
Our experience with you was one of the highlights of our summer cruise, and we're spreading the good word about Madeira Marine.
Steve Countryman
Even Bikinis Welcome at Bedwell Harbour June 27, 2005. Bring your swimsuit! The pool at Poets Cove Resort and Spa in Bedwell Harbour is very inviting but many boaters don't think to bring their swimsuit along on a cruise. Boaters have access to the pool and the rest of the resort when you tie-up at the marina.
Butchart Gardens Cove August 26, 2003. Here's a valuable piece of experience sent in to us by Fred Triggs.
We continue to enjoy using your guide. Two thoughts:
1. On a recent visit to Butchart Gardens cove we noted several vessels anchored between the boats on the buoys with stern ties out. It looked a bit close to us, but what do we know? We anchored in Tod Inlet and dinghied in for a delightful day at the gardens.
Later in the afternoon I noted with some envy an empty buoy. With considerably less envy I also noted one of the sailboats which had been anchored (see above) trying to recover his anchor so he could tie up to that buoy. The anchor wasn't coming. Worse, with his anchor chain taut up and down as he worked his engine and the wind blew, he was sliding back and forth across the inlet, narrowly missing the vessels moored to buoys. He had been at it for three hours and was about to add his own anchor to the junk on the bottom.
We broke out our anchor retrieval kit and with more luck than skill got his anchor back. I told him his anchor had a note on it saying, "Don't anchor here."
Reader's Digest version: There are submerged cables on the bottom of the cove. Anchoring there isn't a good idea, except possibly at the one anchorage inshore of the dinghy dock.
Silver lining: By the time we got him loose and tied to the empty buoy, another buoy had opened up. We got it in time to return to the gardens for the evening entertainment.
2. Our first stop in Canada was Vancouver, with a reservation in False Creek. As we approached False Creek we called Canada Customs on the cell phone. They told us they no longer inspect in False Creek, and to come to Coal Harbor, tie up anywhere, and call again. Wife called back to check for consistency. Same answer. Quick U-turn, transit to Coal Harbor, tie up at brand-new wharf in front of hotel, call in again to tell them we were ready for inspection. (Different) officer took all info over the cell and wished us a pleasant stay in Canada, with no care where we were or if we were tied up at all. Underway again to final destination at Pelican Bay Marina. Very accommodating. Wharfinger made at least four calls to us as her situation changed and did get us in. Loaded up at Granville market and wheeled the bags right up to the boat.
Keep up the good work. See you at the boat show next January.
Fred Triggs M/V NORD LYS
April 9, 2010. A deep low pressure area created 55-60-knot southeast winds in the Strait of Georgia, sinking one boat in the annual Southern Straits Race and forcing most of the others to withdraw. At Mill Bay in the Saanich Inlet the winds destroyed the docks at the Mill Bay Marina, driving several boats ashore and sinking others.
June 11, 2009. Reader Gerta Woodberry sent this report on June 1, but we held back posting it because we planned to be in Silva Bay shortly, and wanted our own impressions. We'll have to say the report is pretty accurate. A few boats could anchor in the bay, but the mooring buoys are spaced so that swinging room would be tight. We took a picture, which looks good until you think about just where you might put the hook down. The open lane in front of the marina docks is for float plane access. The problem would be solved by relocating the private mooring buoys in one area near the north shore of Silva Bay, spacing them closely together as at marine parks. Gloria Hatfield at Page's Resort & Marina told us the derelict boats may be dealt with soon, and that public pressure is moving the problem toward solution. We hope so. Silva Bay is beautiful, and a perfect destination for boats crossing from Vancouver. We often stay there on our trips north, waiting for good conditions before crossing the Strait of Georgia to the Sunshine Coast.
December 29, 2008. Rondy and Dorothy Dike, the owners of Union Steamship Marina at Snug Cove, Bowen Island, sent this long-awaited and welcome news along. Bowen Island is in the mouth of Howe Sound, a short ferry ride from the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal. Rondy's report includes more than we usually publish, but the resort is unique and the information may be useful. What Rondy doesn't mention is the recently opened golf course on Bowen Island, with its villainous greens. The marina will provide transportation to and from the course. 
A pump-out system was also planned to ensure a clean harbour. However, in the Bowen Island Municipal’s wisdom they deferred its use until sometime in the future, when they upgrade their sewage treatment plant. They also want to develop regulations regarding accepting the visitor boats sewage and a cost recovery or a billing mechanism for pump-outs.
Snug Cove evokes the era of the days when Bowen Island was the area's most popular steamship day excursion. It is still surrounded by a 600 acre park that preserves the historical character. The park features lakes and beaches, walking and cycling trails, and large picnic areas. Up the village street there's an organic produce market, liquor, a bookstore and a good selection of craft shops. 
Lyall Harbour, on the east side of Saturna Island in the Gulf Islands, is a beautiful bay, although it would be very exposed to westerlies. One of our skippers started the morning by catching a 20-25 pound ling cod. A large wooden sailboat [the wreck of the Robertson II] is aground and apparently abandoned on Minx Reef, with many harbor seals as an audience on the adjacent rocks. 
September 27, 2005. In mid-August 2005, the beautiful 72-foot wooden yacht “Breanna” went up on Oregon Rock in Newcastle Island Passage, the narrow channel that separates Newcastle Island from the city of Nanaimo. This was not the first such grounding by any means, but it was one of the more notable. Following the grounding, I wrote an e-mail to the Canadian Coast Guard, suggesting a change that might reduce future groundings. In mid-September, Notices to Shipping reported a temporary buoy had been positioned close to Newcastle Island, opposite Oregon Rock.