cruising the west coast of vancouver island
Cruising the West Coast of Vancouver Island is some of the finest cruising ground in the Pacific Northwest. Little can compare with the variety, ruggedness, the wild beauty, remoteness, and the sheer satisfaction of the voyage.
Cruising the West Coast of Vancouver Island Updates
West Side Vancouver Island
- Clayoquot Sound – The Ahousaht Stewardship Fund supports safety services, trail maintenance, and visitor information; you may be asked to pay a voluntary fee when anchoring, collected by the Ahous Guardian vessel, effective for 2018.
- Clayoquot Sound, Tofino Resort & Marina – new gas dock for 2018; docks accommodate sport fishing boats with a few spaces for cruising yachts; reservations accepted; beautiful new pub and restaurant.
- Clayoquot Sound, Marktosis – Native village of Marktosis has installed a fuel dock (gas and diesel), access best suited for smaller vessels.
- Barkley Sound, Bamfield – The Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses now owns the East Bamfield Public Dock, The Market & Café, and “The Motel & Pub.” Moorage is paid at The Motel. Beginning in 2018, Kiixin Tours offers a trip to the First Nation village of Kiixin, a National Historic site with significant standing house remains; see Kiixintours@huuayaht.org
- Barkley Sound, Bamfield – The Pacific Gateway Wilderness Lodge (West Bamfield) accepts 24-hour notice dinner reservations open to pleasure boaters; dinghy access (888-493-8933).
- Barkley Sound, Bamfield – The Bamfield Mercantile & Marine (West Bamfield) has a dinghy dock to use while shopping for groceries and other supplies at their well-stocked store.
- Barkley Sound, Ucluelet – The 52 Steps Dock, which serves as a customs clearance for West Vancouver Island, also offers ample side-tie moorage, managed by the Ucluelet Small Craft Harbour (250-726-4241).
- Barkley Sound, Port Alberni – new fuel dock with gas and diesel and side-tie moorage when available; designated as Tyee Landing, managed by Port Alberni Port Authority (250-723-5312); fuel dock (250-730-3835).
- Port Renfrew, Pacific Gateway Marina – owned by Mill Bay Group, new docks for 2018 and a Bridgemans Grill housed in a new lodge-style structure.
- Sooke Basin – two floats at the east end of the boardwalk provide dinghy access for a lovely walk into town for supplies; located near the Harbour Authority Docks. Harbour Authority Docks have side-tie space for transient boats on the outside float.
Bull Harbour – Boaters may now tie-up at the Tlatlasikwala First Nation dock in Bull Harbour for a fee, contact the Band on Ch 6 or 16; payment instructions will be provided. A second float in mid-harbour, detached from land, is also used for moorage. No charge to anchor in the Harbour. Leave the harbour entrance clear for floatplane landings and departures. All of Hope Island is private property so visitors are not permitted to go ashore.