Edgar Bullon Dreamstime.com
Words by Steve Fennell
The Southern Gulf Islands region consists of a maze of straits, passes, inlets and channels that flow seamlessly around scattered islands, providing great boating destinations throughout the summer. It’s hard to visit this area without at least stopping at one or two of the Southern Gulf Island communities to fuel up, replenish supplies or tie-off on a mooring ball for a night or two in a secluded bay or cove.
In the heart of this region are Pender and Salt Spring islands. Their rugged, untouched shores seem to span for kilometres, only to be interrupted briefly with small, rural communities rich with nature and coastal culture. They welcome outdoor enthusiasts all-year whether you visit under your own power or via the BC Ferries’ service.
Like many boating regions, marinas are located throughout the area and while some on Salt Spring or Pender are gateways to services, shopping, and natural attractions, others are a little more remote, providing the chance to relax in a protected slip, explore the area with a tender and enjoy water-based activities. The choice is yours and there are some great options.
Pender Island
Pender has a population of approximately 2,200 residents and consists of two regions, North Pender Island and South Pender Island. For its size of 34 sq km (13 sq mi) in length, there’s a surprising number of marinas and public mooring options, which is a testament to the appeal of the area.
Dave Hutchison Images
Port Washington Public Dock/Otter Bay Marina
At the northwestern end of North Pender Island, close to the Swanson Channel, the Port Washington Public Dock has two sets of floats with gangways and approximately 61 m (200 ft) of moorage space. Even though a number of resident boaters use the dock, you’re welcome to the available space or raft up off other boats.
Although there is an extra 14 m (45 ft) of dock space on the most westerly float, it’s reserved for emergency vessels, school water taxis and other commercial vessels. Don’t be surprised to see floatplanes using the slips in this area as well. Be sure to visit https://www.crd.bc.ca/ for rates and mooring regulations.
Further south on the west side of North Pender Island is Otter Bay Marina, which is ideal to take a break during extended trips. Its clean grounds include two heated pools, sundecks, a store/cafè as well as shower and laundry facilities. A dog lawn and complimentary WiFi are also included.
To explore the local shores, the marina has boat/kayak launches and to see more of the attractions on land, inquire about the available bike rentals. There’s even a shuttle to the local golf and country club if you want to play a quick nine. Be sure to contact Otter Bay at www.otterbaymarina.ca for rates and further details.
Port Browning Marina and Resort/Public Moorage Port Browning Harbour
Port Browning Harbour is located on the east side of North Pender, just across from Saturna Island and there are many mooring options here including the Capital Regional District (CRD) dock.
Spanning 37 m (120 ft), a lot of the dock space is used by residents and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Nonetheless, transient boaters are welcome if space is available. Since the harbour is a popular anchorage, many opt to stay on the hook and then tender in.
Just across from the CRD dock is Port Browning Marina and Resort, which recently completed the first two phases of new development. The first phase included interior and exterior upgrades to the Port Browning Marina Pub and Bridgemans Bistro North Pender, while phase two entailed new main docks with improved wave protection with power and WiFi.
Phase three and four are planned to include dock improvements, increased moorage space, a fuel dock with gas/diesel, a sani-pump-out and an expanded power grid. The marina store also now offers an assortment of items including sundries, alcoholic beverages, toiletries plus fishing gear.
In addition to the new upgrades, transient moorage is available and added convenience is provided by a staffed marina dock, line service, and washroom and shower facilities. Glamping and camping options, a swimming pool and a sand beach are other niceties.
For more details visit www.portbrowning.ca
Photo Courtesy Poets Cove
Poets Cove Resort and Spa
Tucked away in Bedwell Harbour on South Pender Island, Bedwell Harbour Marina/Poets Cove Resort and Spa offers transient nightly moorage and has 110 available slips, making it a popular resort destination in the Southern Gulf Islands.
Some convenient marina features include water, power, gas/diesel and space for boats up to 24 m (60 ft). Since the resort and marina are near the U.S./Canada border, the grounds also have an onsite Canada Customs Office.
If you're just staying for a night or two, you can enjoy access to the resort's lower pool and Syrens Bistro and Lounge, which has an upscale yet relaxing pub atmosphere serving locally-inspired menu items. In the event you and your crew feel like a night off the water, stylish rooms, cottages and villas with beautiful harbour views are available. For more information and to make a reservation this season be sure to visit https://www.poetscove.com
(Ed note: The resort is also nearby to Beaumont Marine Park where you can stay on one of the mooring balls just east of Skull Inlet. Fees for camping and mooring are charged from May 15 to September 30. For more information about the park visit www.gulfislandsnationalpark.com
Salt Spring Island
Spanning 185 sq km (71 sq mi), Salt Spring is the largest and most populated of the Southern Gulf Islands. One of the main boating hubs on the island is Ganges Harbour, which is home to the Harbour Authority – Salt Spring and two full-service marinas.
Courtesy Salt Spring Marina
Salt Spring Marina
If you haven’t visited Salt Spring Marina for a while, you’ll be amazed by the recent upgrades to its docking facilities and amenities. The marina, located at the north end of Ganges Harbour, has completed the construction of 6,107 linear feet of docks with double pilings, while a new outer dock consists of one 45 m (147 ft) section as well as a 113 m (370 ft) area with the space and 50-amp power to accommodate larger vessels.
Other additions include a state-of-the-art Wi-Fi system, security surveillance, and upgraded pump-outs. In all, Salt Spring Marina has 140 slips that can accommodate boats from 5.5 m (18 ft) and larger. Emergency boat repairs at Harbour's End Marine Repair and a boat launch are also available.
Once in the marina you can enjoy the popular on-site Moby's Pub or stay a few nights at The Hastings House Country House Hotel, which has 18 well-appointed suites and cottages. Another option is the Salt Spring Inn with its excellent restaurant, accommodations and warm hospitality. Be sure to visit www.saltspringinn.com to make a reservation or for more information.
What’s more convenient is the Village of Ganges is about a 10-minute walk to more dining options, shopping and other attractions. Also, inquire about the marina’s car and scooter rentals to experience more of the island. www.saltspringmarina.com
Photo Courtesy Gange Marina
Ganges Marina
Ganges Marina is also located in the harbour and some of the recent modifications include a new landing, railings, ramps, as well as updated decking and bull rails on the 1,161 sq m (12,500 sq ft) breakwater dock. The B Dock has even been improved for 2022.
Also expect reliable WiFi, refurbished shower and laundry facilities, a coded security/fob-entry system and 16 surveillance cameras. The on-site fuel dock is another great service with diesel and premium-grade gasoline. Large quantities of up to 1,998 L (528 gal) of fuel are available for larger vessels when requested in advance.
Its location on the west side of Gange Harbour means there’s excellent shelter from the nearby open channels and similar to the neighbouring Salt Spring Marina, Ganges is approximately a one-minute walk to the island's commercial hub and a shuttle is available for added convenience. To further explore the area by water, marina managers Shelley and Kyle Benger have several years of boating experience. Whale watching and kayaking through Salt Spring Adventure Company are located on-site as well.
For more details visit www.gangesmarina.com
More Docking Choices with the Harbour Authority of Salt Spring Island
The Harbour Authority of Salt Spring Island also operates many multi-use docks, which are shared among commercial vessels as well as residents and transient boaters. Although some may not be equipped with the variety of services compared to the local marinas, they are a viable option. The locations include:
- Dock Burgoyne Bay
- Fulford Harbour
- Ganges Harbour
- Musgrave Landing
- Vesuvius Bay
For more information, transient docking rates and exact locations on Salt Spring visit www.saltspringharbours.com