BC Sunshine Coast "must see" destinations

[Bel_Mar_Pointe]

I'm starting to plan out our summer trip which will take us up to Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast and Desolation Sound. :smt038 I am looking for the stops my fellow boaters here would consider the "must see" destinations.

I have done some reading and there is plenty of material but I thought I would still ask you, the real boaters, about your favorite stops along this route.

We spent 17 days in the Gulf Islands last year and will probably be out for around that long this year. Hopefully we can hook up with some of you planning to head that direction as well.

Thanks,
Brian

 

[Nehalennia]

We will be heading up to the gulf islands the last week of July/first of Aug but I am not certain of the vacation time for work as yet, so we'll be staying south of Nanaimo this year. Normally we stay a week just north of Pender Harbour at My Uncle's island

and then take day trips to Hotham sound (north side of Jervis inlet).

Princess Louisa is a beautiful spot, but a long jaunt away from Desolation sound.
Put down, Laura Cove in Prideaux Haven down as a must see stop for a couple nights on the hook.

If the weather cooperates you enjoy miles of cruising with water like this

Gorge harbour was a nice quiet stop.

I have not been to Refuge cove yet, but we'll definitely go there when we return.
Secret cove near Pender Harbour is another spot we've never stayed.
When you cross the strait of Georgia from Nanaimo leave early in the morning to avoid anything the wind may kick up. If you don't replenish your croceries in Nanaimo, Madiera park in Pender Harbour has everything you need, including a liquor store.

here's some more pictues.

 

[Bel_Mar_Pointe]

Thanks Todd......couldn't view your pics from my current location but will check them later....I'm sure they are beautiful.

We will actually be heading up to Vancouver City and then following the Sunshine Coast to Desolation. The wife has always wanted to follow the Sea to Sky Hwy up Howe Sound so that will be our first cruise after Vancouver. She says Princess Louisa is a must too so I'll plan for that.

I recall a post discussing marinas in Vancouver City so I'll try to hunt that down.

 

[Nehalennia]

Thanks Todd......couldn't view your pics from my current location but will check them later....I'm sure they are beautiful.

We will actually be heading up to Vancouver City and then following the Sunshine Coast to Desolation. The wife has always wanted to follow the Sea to Sky Hwy up Howe Sound so that will be our first cruise after Vancouver. She says Princess Louisa is a must too so I'll plan for that.

I recall a post discussing marinas in Vancouver City so I'll try to hunt that down.

We were in Vancouver last April and had a great weekend. We stayed at the warf next to the Candian Customs clearance dock

That was great. It was a quick walk over to Granville island.

We stayed there that Friday night then headed over to Bowen island and stayed in Snug Cove and stayed at the Union Steamship Company's marina and had a great time.

The run out of Howe sound and up the Sunshine coast past Sechelt is one I've never done. But can be as exposed as crossing from Nanaimo, so I still would want to leave early from maybe Gibsons or Snug Cove and run up through Active pass at Thormanby Island. Secret Cove is right there after you come through Active pass or throw the hook down in Buccaneer bay on the north side of Thormanby. It's a great beach spot if the weather is warm.

 

[Bel_Mar_Pointe]

Great pics and info Todd.....thanks! Took me a while to find Prideaux on a map as I don't have charts for this area yet. What a beautiful place. Looks like one could explore this area for weeks!

 

[Nehalennia]

Great pics and info Todd.....thanks! Took me a while to find Prideaux on a map as I don't have charts for this area yet. What a beautiful place. Looks like one could explore this area for weeks!

Yes you can. This place, Lagoon Cove is a destination I'd really like to get to soon.
"....Every afternoon at 5:00 pm, the marina holds a finger food-potluck at its big room/workshop. For the potluck, the marina provides fresh cooked prawns from their daily catch. When everybody is full and happy, legendary Bill entertains guests with his famous BEAR stories, filling the room with laughter."

 

[Bel_Mar_Pointe]

Yes you can. This place, Lagoon Cove is a destination I'd really like to get to soon.
"....Every afternoon at 5:00 pm, the marina holds a finger food-potluck at its big room/workshop. For the potluck, the marina provides fresh cooked prawns from their daily catch. When everybody is full and happy, legendary Bill entertains guests with his famous BEAR stories, filling the room with laughter."

Haha......Bill sounds like a real character.