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Ahoy BC
The Backeddy Resort and Marina is a spacious, relaxing place featuring a pub that’s vintage West Coast.
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Ahoy BC
Just one of the stunning views of the Sunshine Coast.
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Regan Hately
The beauty of Halfmoon Bay.
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Maya Wolf
Cruising Sechelt Inlet.
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Regan Hately
Scenic Pender Harbour
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Albert Normandin
Kayaking in the charming Harmony Islands.
Harmony Park, B.C. CanadaModel Released
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Ruth Hartnup
Earls Cove in Jervis Inlet.
Words by Michael McLaughlin
At 177 km (110 mi) in length, British Columbia’s famed Sunshine Coast is practically impossible to cruise and enjoy all that it has to offer in a few days. Sure, you could throttle-up and make it to one end of the other and back to your home port in record time, but the experience would be a fraction of what it would be if you mapped out a destination to enjoy everything it has to offer. Although not everyone has the time to spend three or four weeks to explore every town and village, there are still select routes and destinations you can visit for quick getaways or to show relatives the real beauty of the region.
For example, a popular destination that provides an opportunity to see the many highlights is a trip to Egmont, near the junction of Jervis Inlet and Sechelt Inlet. It’s 137 km (85 mi) from Coal Harbour and if you leave early enough, there’s time to stop at Gibsons’ hospitable waterfront, have lunch at Secret Cove Marina, enjoy a picnic on the white sands of Thormanby Islands, or cruise into idyllic Pender Harbour. There are many interesting coastal features along the way, including Smuggler Cove and Halfmoon Bay. You and your passengers will not be bored.
If you need a break later in the day, make a reservation at Backeddy Resort and Marina for the night. Although you may be tempted to head straight for the pub, but don’t – not yet. Around the corner is the world’s second fastest tidal rapids at Skookumchuk Narrows. Check with staff at the Backeddy about tidal height and direction. Wave height reaches 2 m (7 ft) and you don’t want to flirt with a peak in-flow current. You can also choose to hike to the Narrows. Either way, the enjoyment is endless.
The Backeddy is a spacious and relaxing place. The pub is vintage West Coast, with salty dogs mixing with peppery locals to have a good time. With any luck, there’ll be live entertainment and a dance floor beckoning. There is a good menu at the pub, but if you want to treat yourself and guests to classic West Coast cuisine, walk up the hill to the West Coast Wilderness Lodge’s 5-star cuisine. Ceilings are 20 feet high, supported by massive poles and beams in true lodge style. The wooden deck is 100 metres above the sea, offering views that are difficult to beat. While you can opt to spend the night on your boat, other choices include waterfront cabins and four yurts, perched above the marina.
The 64 km (40 mi) run from the Backeddy up Jervis Inlet to Princess Louisa Inlet (PLI) is scenic one. The steep walls of Jervis Inlet are adorned with waterfalls, in season and you’ll want to consult tide charts and choose your timing through Malibu Rapids at the entrance to PLI. If this is your first trip to PLI, you’ll be astonished at the powerful beauty of this suspended fjord and its signature waterfall, Chatterbox Falls (it’s always in season). You are beholding one of the top five preferred destinations on BC’s coast.
Before the sun starts to set, elect to spend the night listening to Chatterbox Falls on the pin. On your return trip, which is about 7 hours long, it’s recommended you exchange the rugged beauty of PLI for the cozy charm of the Harmony Islands (Chart 3514 - 49.51.3 N 124.00.8 W). This is one of the most attractive settings on the Salish Sea. The Islands are about 6 km (4 mi) up Hotham Sound, which is west of the entrance to Jervis Inlet.
Harmony Islands Marine Park consists of the four southernmost islands, the smaller northernmost island, and most of the inside foreshore. As you approach, towering Friel Falls has a height of 427 m (1,400 ft) and welcomes you on the east shore.
The most sheltered and coveted anchorage is in the tiny basin that’s known locally as Kipling Cove and is surrounded by the three northern islands. Use caution when entering as there’s a rock in the middle of the entrance, which at low tide is under about one 1 m (3.2 ft) of water. The bottom is rocky, and space is limited in the basin, so most boaters elect to tie a stern line to the metal rings set into the rock. The cove offers dramatic vistas, warm-water swimming, good snorkeling and safe anchorage. This sheltered group is ideal for exploring by kayak or tender.
At this point. You have experienced some of the most beautiful areas of the Sunshine Coast. You’ve seen a natural wonder, enjoyed marine resort hospitality, visited fabled Prince Louisa Inlet and spent a night away from any sign of civilization. From your Harmony Island anchorage, it’s approximately four to five hours back to Coal Harbour, so perhaps stop in at some of the places you skipped on the way up.
You and your guests will never forget it.