Two Weeks in British Columbia (see our blog for more details)
Princess Louisa Inlet is not on the way to anywhere. It is located off of the east side of the Strait of Georgia, from British Columbia's Sunshine Coast. You have to want to go there. But, it is one of the have-to places for the seasoned cruiser because of the clear, deep water that is surrounded by high, tree-covered mountains that can have countless small waterfalls running into it. In the winter, it can be a magical place of snow.
We started our journey to this cathedral from Bellingham, Washington, going 150 miles through the San Juan Island, the Gulf Islands, crossing the Strait of Georgia at Nanaimo, passing Pender Harbour and Egmont to reach the entrance of the inlet that is guarded by Malibu Rapids. The rapids should only be crossed at slack water.
We started our journey to this cathedral from Bellingham, Washington, going 150 miles through the San Juan Island, the Gulf Islands, crossing the Strait of Georgia at Nanaimo, passing Pender Harbour and Egmont to reach the entrance of the inlet that is guarded by Malibu Rapids. The rapids should only be crossed at slack water.
Chatterbox Falls & Princess Louisa Inlet
The Inlet is about five miles long with limited opportunities for anchorage because of the depth. At the head of the inlet is 600 feet of dock space that is close to Chatterbox Falls. There are some hiking opportunities but the trail can be very steep and dangerous. The scenery is just inspiring and overwhelms the senses. Locals know of a hot springs that can be reached by dinghy and a short hike.
The moods of Princess Louisa changes with the light and the season.
Canadian Gulf Islands, British Columbia
The Gulf Islands are typically well protected from the winds that come down the Strait of Georgia and provide many opportunities for anchorages. Unlike the San Juan Islands that have many state park docks and mooring buoys, the cruiser will anchor more and should be adept at using a stern-tie line to shore. This photo was taken at Pirate's Cove Provincial Park, one of our favorite places because the big boats typically will not go there because it is a small cove. Ganges, Ladysmith, Maple Bay, Winter Cove, Poet's Cove, and Montague Harbor are places that we have stopped and enjoyed.
Sidney, British Columbia
Sidney has everything for the boater. A large protected harbor, all the stores and amenities that a cruiser would want and a lovely Provincial Park at Sidney Spit that can accommodate a lot of boats. The spit has long hiking trails through the woods and beaches to explore.
