Cruising to Toba Inlet
If you have cruised the southern end of Desolation Sound and want a taste of complete remoteness, then you might want to include Toba inlet in your plans. The best time of the year to see Toba and all its waterfalls is in the early spring, when mountain top snows are melting and running into this lovely fjord. Early boarding of your yacht is advised, so that you can be completely comfortable with the vessel, have time to ask questions of the knowledgeable DSYC staff and be well rested for your first day of travel.
Day 1
Today your destination is Squirrel Cove. After crossing the Comox Bar, you head across the Salish Sea to Vivian islet and Mystery reef. Passing by Lund, you will cruise up through Thulin passage and the Copeland Islands. You are now on a straight line that will take you into the lovely and peaceful anchorage of Squirrel Cove.
If you have time, you can explore the tidal stream and lake at the head of the inlet.
Day 2
Leaving Squirrel Cove, you will head southeast and pass through the cut between West Redonda Island and the Martin islands. You will find Waddington channel.
Head north and decide if you would like to anchor out tonight at Walsh Cove Marine Park or tie up to strong and comfortable docks at Toba Wilderness Resort. At the north end of Walsh Cove, there are pictographs painted on the rocks that are incredibly old.
At Toba Wilderness Resort, there is a lovely hike up to a waterfall. Toba Wilderness also provides showers.
Day 3
Today you cruise into Toba Inlet. This fjord extends 32 km into the coast mountain range which are up to 2500 metres high. Many are topped with glaciers. Toba is very deep right up to the rock walls. In some places you can nose your boat right up to the shore. Spectacular waterfalls crash down into the sea. This phenomenon is best seen in the early spring thaw time when plenty of water is finding its way down the mountains.
Continuing up the inlet, you come to Brem Bay. Unfortunately, this is not a recommended anchorage as it is a busy logging area, and the bay may be closed to cruisers. There are many waterfalls up the inlet for you to photograph and perhaps you will see the odd black bear scavenging the shoreline for seafood treats.
There are NO anchorages up at the head of the inlet and tonight you must return down to either Walsh Cover or Toba Wildernest resort.
Day 4
Today you will start to head back toward Comox, and you can choose either back down Waddington Channel or via Homfray channel. Homfray has the deepest waters in coastal north America with soundings going down to over 900 metres.
Tonight, you have your choice of anchorages in spectacular Desolation Sound Marine Park. Laura Cove, Melanie Cove, Prideaux haven all provide comfortable well protected anchorages.
Day 5
Use this lay day to meander throughout the park or cruise down and around to Tenedos Bay. You have a choice of a short or long day tomorrow. Either stay another night in Desolation Sound or cruise to Lund and overnight there.
Note: The marina at Lund is often crowded. It’s best to try to arrive early otherwise tying up to the outer breakwater may be the only option.
Day 6
Cruise back down to Powell River and pass the derelict WW 2 liberty ships that formed a protected harbour for barge storage at the now defunct paper mill. Then cruise out over the top end of Texada island and head across the Salish Sea to the Comox Bar.
Once across the bar, turn to port and into the protected anchorage of Henry Bay. The sun will set over your stern as you enjoy sun downers and watch the sun set.
Day 7
It’s a short trip over to Comox to fuel up . Call DSYC base and advise them of your time of arrival at the fuel dock 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.
Have a safe trip home and we hope to see you next year.