Additional Exploring

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Cortes Island West side: (chart 3538 and chart book 3312)

Hazard Alert: Ha’ thayim Marine Park/Von Donop Inlet has an extremely dangerous rock part way along its entrance. Traverse this inlet at tick over speed and have an observer on the bow to watch for the rock. Favour the north side of the channel going in and out. Speed limit is 1 knot or less.

Anchorages are found in several places in this spectacular inlet. Most people anchor with stern tie at the bottom of the inlet with good mud holding.

  • Carrington Bay offers a variety of good anchorages. Follow your depth sounder and tide charts carefully
  • Whaletown has a very small Government Dock and pleasant walks. No fuel, water or provisioning facilities.
  • Gorge Harbour is a beautiful and extremely well protected bay. Ancient pictographs can be viewed on the cliffs on the west side of the gorge as you enter or leave. Anchorage is found at the NW end only.

Hazard Alerts: Watch your depth carefully, there are numerous poorly charted rocks – Do not pass through the following areas:

  • Between Tan Islands, Ring Islands and the northern shore.
  • Around the Pill and Stove Islets

There is also an excellent marina/resort with full facilities near the NW anchorage called Gorge Harbour Marina Resort. They have moorage, fuel, water, showers, a well-stocked store and an excellent restaurant open May through mid-September. They monitor channel VHF 66A.

Quadra Island: East side: (chart 3538 and chart book 3312)

Heriot Bay offers both a Government Dock and the facilities of Heriot Bay Inn and Marina, an old and very quaint resort with 1800ft of side-tie moorage with washrooms, showers and laundry. Fuel, water, and propane are available. Their restaurant has an excellent reputation. Open all year, Phone (250) 285-3322 and they monitor VHF 66A. A grocery store is across the street as well as a liquor store and post office.

Drew Harbour, behind Rebecca Spit, offers reasonable anchorage but is known as a place for dragging. BE SURE YOUR ANCHOR IS WELL SET if anchoring here overnight. It is within walking distance of Heriot Bay.