Cruising to Princess Louisa Inlet

The best route to take after leaving Comox harbour, it to cross the bar and head to the north end of Texada Island. Cruise down the inside of Texada and marvel at the detritus of over a century of lead, zinc, gold, and silver mining across the shores of Texada.

You will soon be able to enter Jervis Inlet, and you now have a choice of where to stay tonight. You can either tie up at the small community of Egmont, where there are two marinas, fuel, water, store, and a great hike to see the infamous Skookumchuk rapids or continue up to the Harmony islands and anchor for the night.

Kipling cove at the north end of the Harmonies is a very pretty anchorage. In mid summer, the water is warm enough to swim and for a view, there is a 425-metre waterfall that cascades down the mountainside adjacent.

By now, you will have checked the tide tables many times to make sure you arrive at Malibu Rapids at slack tide. Malibu marks the entrance to Princess Louisa and is a tricky piece of water. Very narrow and dog’s leg to boot, you can only transit at slack. Make sure you declare your intention via channel 16 on VHF to warn other boaters of your presence. Your journey today is close to 45 NM and the inlet is sometimes 2.5 km wide and over 600 metres deep. Wind is a consideration, as the inlet tends to funnel winds down toward the open sea.

Once you are through Malibu, you are now in Princess Louisa Inlet proper. This 15 km long inlet ends at spectacular Chatterbox falls and almost vertical mountains that drop into the deep water. Just behind MacDonald Island are several mooring buoys that are on a first come basis and at the head of the inlet, there is a dock that is 275 metres long.

This is often crowded in the summer months. Rafting is encouraged. Your stay here is limited to a maximum of 72 hours. Anchoring is possible in the mouth of the river for 1 or 2 boats.

Today is a day to enjoy the majesty of this spot. A strenuous hike will take you up to Trapper’s Cabin, or you can dinghy around the inlet and visit the teen camp at Malibu. This was a resort that was established for the elite of Hollywood in the 30’s and 40’s was host to all the big names of film and entertainment. It was derelict for several years until it was taken over by Young Life Christian Organization and is run as a teen camp now.

Plan accordingly to meet slack at Malibu and head back down Jervis inlet, your destination being the island group at the mouth of Jervis inlet. Ballet Bay is a good anchorage and there are many others in the multitude of islands located here.

You could also consider Pender Harbour with its myriad marinas or the public wharf at Madeira Park, which is a short walk from several coffee bars, an IGA, liquor store and some great short hikes.

Cross over and around the bottom of Texada island and up to Jedediah Island. There are several places to anchor with a stern line to shore, giving great access to Jedediah.

This island was purchased by the nature conservancy as a refuge. Explore the old farm and its last remaining sheep. Being here for the night, will put you in an advantageous position for your next day trip across the Salish Sea.

Henry Bay at the north end of Denman Island is today’s destination. Cruise to the southern end of Hornby and take either Lambert channel between Denman and Hornby to the Comox bar or go around Chrome Island light station and up Baynes Sound to Henry Bay.

Be aware of the Cable Ferry that runs between Vancouver Island and Denman Island…watch for the marine traffic lights. Red means stop, Green means go. Anchor up in Henry Bay and enjoy your last meal on board. Sunsets in Henry Bay are spectacular.

A short jaunt over to Comox to fuel up the vessel. Call DSYC charter base and advise of your time of arrival at the fuel barge and a skipper will meet you and take you back to your slip.

You must be off the vessel by 0900hrs. Make sure all your personal gear is accounted for. See you next year.