Cruising
Many lower mainland boaters are familiar with the southern portion of Howe Sound, visiting Bowen, Gambier and Keats islands regularly. Each year, however, more boats are venturing north into the upper reaches of Howe Sound.
Our floats are the end of the trip north, but there are a few spots that are good stopovers north of Anvil and Gambier islands. In summer, beware of bays that are well sheltered in the afternoon, as they may well be very exposed to the overnight outflow winds that often develop building to 20 knots or more in the early morning hours. The north facing bay on Anvil Island and the north facing bay at what is locally known as 5-Coves are great lunch and dinner spots, but not good summertime overnighters.
Those boaters who find their way into Squamish Harbour will find the S.Y.C. very hospitable to visitors, providing overnight moorage when available, with power and shower facilities included.
Some overnight suggestions:
Porteau Cove Marine Park
Porteau Cove Marine Park boasts a floating dock approximately 60 feet long in the bay at the southern end of the park. This float is well sheltered from all but the worst winds and seas, with the inshore side of the dock the better one. There is plenty of water at the float, even though at low tides the beach is very close. There is an overnight fee of $1.50/meter that is typical of marine parks in B.C.. There is no shore access except by dinghy. Tenting sites and toilet facilities are nearby.
Also without shore access, the floating leads on the emergency ferry dock are decked over with bullrails along the south sides. There is no shelter from south winds and seas, and only slight shelter from outflow conditions. In calm weather, however, these could be used if the float in the bay is full.
Defence Islands
These two islands, directly across Howe Sound from the Marine Park, are Indian reserves and as such shore access is unavailable. However, in the behind the larger island to the west there is a shallow ledge where anchoring is quite feasible in 30 - 40 foot depths. A small bay on the north side of this island marks the beginning of the ledge, which continues westward for approximately 100 meters. At the head of this bay an A-Frame is visible in the trees and occasionally Native canoes can be seen in this area.
There can be significant currents in this pass, so be sure you have your hook solidly set for overnight stays. Good shelter from most winds and seas can be had here, and you will likely enjoy a quiet night. Be sure to show an anchor light, as tugs and other commercial vessels sometimes use this pass at night.
McNabb Creek
Continuing west along the mainland shore past Potlatch creek brings you to McNabb Creek. This is the site of a busy logging operation and a small community of summer homes. The dock at the eastern edge is private and for the use of the property owners there. Anchorage is possible along the beach, and this area is usually calm due to the shelter of Gambier island.
Christie Cove
Still westward from McNabb just before reaching the Port Mellon pulp mill, you will find a small one-or-two-boat cove unnamed on the chart but locally known as Christie Cove. Perfectly sheltered from all prevailing winds, the usual drill here is to anchor near the mouth, back into the bay and secure with two shorelines to form a triangle with the anchor. Swinging room is very limited, but a raft up of 3 - 4 vessels could be set up in this delightful spot. Popular with locals, this spot is usually taken early each weekend.
McEnery Cove
On the shore of Gambier Island across from Woolridge island is a small gap in the log booms that is another locally popular spot. Though anchoring is possible, using the convenient log boom is the usual practice.
Ekins Point
There are three bays to the west of Ekins point along the north shore of Gambier island, two hosting yacht club outstations and the other the home of Camp Latona, a church youth camp. While the floats are private and for members only, limited anchorage may be found in the nooks and crannies along shore.
Douglas Bay
South past Ekins Pt down the eastern Gambier shore, this bay affords some shelter from south and southeast winds but is potentially exposed to overnight outflows.
Brigade Bay
Further south on the eastern shore of Gambier is Brigade Bay, a south-east facing bay across from Pam Rocks. There are two parts to this bay, the south-facing bay at the north end, and a small north-east facing cove to the south. Good overnight protection from outflow winds in available in the northern end by anchoring close to the point in the eastern side of the bay. The southern cove, part of which is behind an islet and some reefs, is treacherous in a serious outflow situation, especially at low tides. In settled weather, this is a great spot from which hiking trails lead to Mt Halkett, Halkett Bay, and the head of Port Graves or East Bay.
*** When approaching from the north, look out for a drying rock about 25 yards or less offshore just north of the point that forms the northern portion of Brigade Bay*****
While overnight spots are relatively few, the scenery and sailing conditions are superb in the northern portions of Howe Sound. The boater who travels this far will be rewarded with beauty and challenge as well as the hospitality of the Squamish Yacht Club at the end of the day.