North Cruise 2026

I’m so excited you are considering coming along on the North Cruise. We are
going to have a blast and see some amazing places together!
This year we have broken the trip in 3 routes:

*The Standard Route: Operation Warm Water Desolation Sound!! July 9-19th
*The Extended Route: The Discovery Islands July 20-29th
*The Adventure Route: The Broughtons Adventure July 30-August (15-20)?

The Standard Route Itinerary:

Depart Lopez Island on Thursday, July 9th (return to Lopez by 7/22 or 7/23)
● Bedwell Harbor (Poets Cove, South Pender Island): Thursday, 7/9-Friday, 7/10
○ Custom Check-in anytime after 11am
○ Amenities include, a spa, tennis courts, restaurant, coffee shop, liquor
store, gas, diesel, ice, water, garbage disposal, recycling, showers and
laundry. The lower pool is available to overnight Moorage guests.
○ We have 10, 40’ slips reserved. There are also mooring balls and anchoring
available.
○ If you would like to reserve a slip in the marina, you will need to call or
email before JUNE 8th. Let them know you are with LIYC
○ Email: marina@poetscove.com
○ Call 250-629-2111 or 1-888-512-7638
○ The Steam Cave and Hot Tub are only available with purchase of a
treatment. Book online: www.poetscove.com/healing-spa/packages
● Butchart Gardens (Todd Inlet, Vancouver Island): Friday, 7/10-Saturday, 7/11
○ We will be seeking anchorage in Todd Inlet.
○ Friday afternoon, dinghy over to the Butchart Gardens Dock to enter
through the waterside gate. There is live music🎷 in the gardens Friday
night.
○ Anyone interested in touring the gardens will need to RESERVE TICKETS
through the LIYC website store. We will meet on the dock at 4pm for
access through the back gate. Because of group ticketing we must enter
together, then everyone is free to enjoy time as they wish.
○ Anglers Marina is nearby. They don’t have transient slips, however if you
call 1-2 weeks in advance, they may have a slip to rent 1-250-652-3531

● Ganges Marina (Salt Spring Island) Saturday, 7/11-Sunday, 7/12

○ Check-in time is NOON on Saturday. We have 15 slips reserved on
the B Dock. Please call ahead to reserve your slip by JUNE 8TH. Let
them know you are with LIYC. 1 250-537-5242
gangesmarina@gmail.com
○ Anchoring is also an option.
○ The Farmers Market is from 10-3pm. Its a short walk into town and
worth trying to make it.
○ Marina amenities include, gas, diesel, water, showers, laundry, WIFI
○ In town you will find many restaurants and grocery stores. The
Treehouse Cafe has Live music every night with locally grown food.
○ Before Heading to dinner, join the group on the B dock for a Meet &
Greet Happy Hour🍷 and “Tortilla Challenge” between 4pm-5pm.
● Pirates Cove Marine Park (De Courcy Island) Sunday, 7/12-Monday 7/13
○ Beautiful cove with anchoring and stern tying rings available on a first
come basis. There are 2 dinghy docks located at the trail heads.
○ Expect some nice hiking on park trails, dog are allowed. There is drinking
water available and 2 pit toilets. There is no garbage disposal or other
amenities at this location.
○ Be sure to check your tide charts Sunday night, as we will be going
through Dodd Narrows on Monday, look for a slack or negative tide. If you
are unsure of the best timing, ask one of the “old pros” in the group.
○ Feeling uneasy about your first Stern tie? just radio, someone is always
happy to help!

● Newcastle & Protection Island Monday, 7/13-Tuesday, 7/14
○ Mooring Balls labeled by length and anchoring available
○ Hiking trails with history on Newcastle Island.
○ There are no amenities here, but Nanaimo is a short distance with
everything you could need.
○ You are invited to join our first group dinner at the Dinghy Dock Pub on
Protection Island. Canada’s only floating pub! Dinghy over at 5pm for
happy hour followed by dinner. The margaritas are delicious!
● Hornby Island (3 nights to relax and enjoy!) Tuesday, 7/14-Friday, 7/17
○ Congratulations.. You made it to the warm water!
○ Horby island is a great spot to anchor with gorgeous sandy beaches and a
cute little village within walking distance on woodsy trails. Excellent spot
for dogs to go ashore.

○ Dinghy right up to the beach. Tide swings are extreme at over 15’.. Be sure
to check which way tides are moving so you can set your anchor and reach
your dinghy when you return.
○ In the village you will find a grocery, hardware store, ice-cream stand,
coffee shop, restaurants, clothing boutiques and much more. The park
across the street has an open air market, juice stand and nursery.
○ Wednesday, follow the School House Trail into town proper for the
Farmers Market from 10-2pm. Hornby is similar to Lopez with its rich
food culture and small farms. A Great place to take advantage and stock up
on healthy fresh produce.
○ Wednesday night plan for a potluck on the Kelli Bree, Rich & Paula
Seubert boat, at 6:30pm. Dinghy over and tie up. She’s a big, beautiful 55’
Alaskan with plenty of room! Maybe we can entice Paula to make one of
the Thai dishes she learned while visiting in February.😉
○ Thursday afternoon Beach Blanket 🍹BYOB Happy Hour at 4pm. See you
on the beach for our last night on Hornby before we all separate for dinner
somewhere.

● Manson’s Landing (Cortes Island) Friday, 7/17-Saturday, 7/18
○ Anchor out and dinghy ashore to the dock.
○ Town Amenities include 2 grocery stores, The Burger Barn and a Museum.
Its about 1⁄2 mile walk to town.
○ Enjoy trails around the lagoon or Hague Lake, both with warm water
swimming.
○ Saturday we have the opportunity to meet up with the New Old Time
Chautauqua Group and join them in the town parade. If you would like to
join, bring something fun to wear or do (hula hoop, juggle, etc.) Let your
freak flag fly.. Or your LIYC Burgee!!
○ We are also welcome to join their activities of a boat building/racing
contest in the lagoon.
○ If needed, make a stop at Squirrel Cove Trading Post on the way to
Prideaux Haven. They have gas, diesel, grocery store, ice, liquor, hardware,
post office, food truck and a small gallery. You will also find washrooms,
showers and laundry near the trading post. There are No provisions in
Prideaux Haven.

● Prideaux Haven (Desolation Sound, 2 Nights!) Saturday, 7/18-Monday 7/20
○ No provisions here. Just relaxing!
○ Aww.. soak in that warm water and relax! We’ve had a lot going on, its time
to chill! Break out the swimsuits and paddle boards and go have some fun!

After you set your anchor and stern tie of course.. Remember, no stern ties
around live trees.
○ Lots to do here, take a hike to one of the lakes or up between Laura and
Melanie Cove.
○ Sunday 7/19, NOTC will be assisting the Klahoose First Nation in a
community project at Squirrel Cove. Anyone is welcome to join, contact
Ross Newport for details 1-831-359-0641
○ Last night of the Standard Route is Sunday July 19th, but it will be hard to
leave! Please stay longer and enjoy this time… you are already here.
Otherwise, I invite you to enjoy a raft up Farewell BYOB Happy Hour at
5pm, by dinghy or paddleboard, in the cove between the main bay and
Laura Cove, to say goodbye to friends heading home in the morning.
○ On Monday, 7/20, for anyone departing & heading home, NOTC
performers are seeking transport to their next destination on Quadra
Island. If you are interested, please contact Ross Newport to make
arrangements.

The Extended Route Itinerary:
Begins on 7/20 (Return to Lopez by 8/3)
● Prideaux Haven (Desolation Sound) Monday, 7/20- Tuesday 7/21
○ One more night in this Amazing place, swimming, hiking, exploring &
spending time with new friends and old.

● Teakern Arm (West Redonda Island, 2 Nights!) Tuesday, 7/21-Thursday, 7/23
○ Set anchor and stern ties in the west arm, and break out the hiking shoes
and paddleboards!
○ Hike up to Cassel Lake for a very warm water swim in fresh water, or take a
paddle under its waterfall to the sea!
○ There are no provisions here. However we will be stopping in Refuge Cove
on our leave. If you are desperate for fuel, water or provisions, feel free to
make a stop before arrival, its on the way.

● Day Stop in Refuge Cove (West Redonda island) Thursday, 7/23
○ This is the last provisions stop until the end of the Cruise.
○ Provisions, trash Barge, fuel, water, restaurant, store, cute!
○ Worth the stop. Stock up! This is the spot.

● Roscoe Bay (West Redonda Island) Thursday, 7/23-Friday, 7/24
○ Mind the tides! This is a landlocked inlet at low tide. We will be anchoring
within it for the night
○ Lovely warm water swimming and a short hike to Black Lake. Be prepared
for some amazing sunsets!
○ No provisions here
● Pendrall Cove (East Redonda Island, 2 Nights!) Friday, 7/24-Sunday, 7/26
○ You won’t believe it until you feel it! Set that anchor and stern tie in the far
back cove and jump into that 80 degree pool of glacial color water!
○ Saturday night potluck and Music jam. Break out your instruments and
let’s call in those Dolphins again!
○ Not a lot of hiking, but there are petroglyphs to be seen by dinghy. Take a
tour around the bay and enjoy all the turquoise water.
○ Maybe we can host a PT11 race??
○ No provisions here
● Walsh Cove (North West Redonda Island) Sunday, 7/26-Tuesday, 7/28
○ Anchor and stern tie
○ Forest hike with wild thyme growing and petroglyphs on the shore, enjoy
the crystal blue waters
○ No provisions here
○ DAY TRIP UP TOBA INLET MONDAY 7/27
○ If you are interested in a day sail up the Toba Inlet, we welcome you to
join us on Eye Candy, and other willing boats for a couple hour scenic sail
of the Inlet before returning to anchor at Walsh Cove for a second night

● Octopus Islands Marine Park Tuesday, 7/28-Wednesday, 7/29
○ Beautiful marine Park, with lots of islands to explore by paddleboards or
dinghies.
○ Opportunity to paint vessel names on driftwood to hang in the infamous
Driftwood Cabin to commemorate our journey. I will bring Acrylic paints
and brushes for the activity.
○ Last Night of Extended Route. Potluck Farewell Picnic on one of the little
Islands.

The Adventure Route Loose Itinerary:

Begins on 7/30 (Return to Lopez by 8/15-8/20 it’s up in the air!)
● ADVENTURE ROUTE BEGINS Thursday 7/30
○ Let the Adventure begin!!
○ I have earmarked some anchorages of note for safe haven, wildlife, cultural
experience and local lore, but locations are subject to change based on
weather, tides and currents.
○ As you know, this part of the journey requires that each vessel be
self-reliant and comfortable negotiating unpredictable weather,
navigation and tide charts.
○ We will discuss route options as a group, and hopefully travel as one, but
every boat and skipper should feel confident in their own decision and
timing to move forward.
○ The Broughtons are home to a diversity of wildlife, and a popular area for
Northern Orca. The islands are full of history, old relics, totems, and
homesteads of the indigenous peoples who once occupied these islands,
and many still do.
○ Here is a list of some of the hot spots on our list if you would like to look
them up and share input:
■ Small inlet
■ Tully Island/Hanfield Bay
■ Hurston Bay
■ Blind Channel
■ Telegraph Cove (last stop) if we can get in, historical town, small
restaurant, once home to Whale Museum, currently under
re-construction.
■ Echo Bay & Proctor Bay. First Nations owned. Dock float in the bay
of Gilford Island, and dock at Sea Rose Studio also, Yvonne’s art and
ceramics. Billy Proctors Museum is a must see.
■ Alert Bay- U’Mista Cultural Center & Namgis burial ground totem
poles. Good provisioning
■ Douglas Bay/Forward Harbour- trail hike through flotsam forest
trail, good anchorage, petroglyphs, lodge with dinner, showers,
laundry and maybe grizzly sightings.
■ Port Harvey, East & West Cracroft Island- marina, water, power,
laundry, shower, store, hardware and the Red Shoe Pub and
restaurant with fresh cinnamon rolls… bring a red shoe!

■ Klaoitsis Island, Clio Channel, Potts Lagoon, West Cracroft Island-
good anchorage, dinghy to lagoon to look for black bears.

■ Robson Bight Ecological Preserve- rubbing spot for Orcas
■ Boat Bay-good holding anchorage to observe whales across the
straight.
■ Cormorant Channel Marine Park, Plumper Islands- primary
habitat for Northern Orca population
■ Spout Inlet, Hanson Island- near orcas, good protected anchorage
■ Broughton Archipelago Marine Park South- swift currents but
protected shelter anchorages backed by snow capped mountains.
Great wildlife viewing. Best navigated at low water to see rocks, but
also white midden beaches
■ Broughton Archipelago Marine Park North- coves east of
Seabreeze island, good protection anchorage, 4 small coves each
hold 1-2 boats
■ Farewell Harbor on Berry Island- White Beach Passage East of
Compton Island is clear and unobstructed to travel to Farewell
Harbor. Also Maggys Point on Crease Island, all good anchorages.
Pictographs on wall in Village Channel, North side of Berry Island
near Chiefs Bathtub.
■ Spacious anchorage between Mound Island and Harbeldown Island
■ Mamalilikulla Mi’mkwais village Island at least one anchor spot,
dinghy ashore from any anchorage near by and see old village
remains, totem poles and middens
■ Goat Islet, Crease island- good anchorage, protected for many
boats.
■ Health Bay- good anchoring in sticky mud, protected from W+SE.
Bay trees and seals, dinghy into lagoon
■ Dusky Cove, Bonnies Island. Great to explore in calm winds and no
fog. 4 anchorages throughout the rocks and kelp
■ Waddington Bay, Bonwich Island- good anchoring, lots of room.
■ Lady Boot Cove, Eden Island- anchor in the “toe” and explore the
heel by dinghy
■ Joe Cove on Eden Island, could raft up with a stern tie. Also a float to
tie up to for boats under 35’
■ Sointula Harbour, Malcolm Island- Marina, great provisioning at
Co-op they deliver to the marina. Free Green bikes at ferry terminal
to ride around town, visit museums, arts & crafts studio, Upper
Crust Bakery and a town Pub. Hike the Malcolm Island trails to Bere
Point and the whale rubbing rocks
■ Beaver Harbor on Vancouver Island, good anchoring for viewing
whales, seals and salmon.

Return Route Options

➔ Standard Route Return via Marinas- reservation recommended:
◆ Prideaux Haven-Powell River 7/20-7/21
● Big full service marina on East side of the straight, lots of
restaurants, and amenities
● For reservations call 1-604-485-5244
◆ Telegraph Harbor 7/21-7/22
● Cute marina, great little coffee shop and gift store with some small
foods, treats and ice-cream. Restaurant a dinghy trip away.
● For Reservations call 1-250-246-9511
◆ Montague Harbor 7/22-7/23
● Another sweet spot, a restaurant on the dock, as well as a small store
with coffee and ice cream. For a unique adventure, inquire about the
musical school bus that will pick you up at the dock and take you to
an inland restaurant.
● For Reservations call 250-539-5733
◆ Lopez Island 7/23

➔ Standard Route Return via Anchoring:
◆ Prideaux Haven-Jedediah Island 7/20-7/21
● Beautiful spot in the middle of the straight between Texada &
Lasqueti Island. Great hiking trails, with an old homestead and feral
sheep. It is a gorgeous passage when you leave heading south to the
west of Bull Island, back into the straight.
◆ James Bay, North Prevost Island 7/21-7/22
● Big quiet and protected bay with amazing sunset views. To avoid
Dodd Narrows, you can come through Porlier Pass and travel inside
of Galiano Island
● It’s a long day but very doable. It could be broken up by anchoring in
the bay on the East side between Thetis Island and Penelakut Island.
From there, on high tide, you can dinghy through the little slough
river that divides the islands to Telegraph Harbor Marina and enjoy
the coffee shop.
◆ Lopez Island 7/22

➔ Extended Route Return- reservations for marinas recommended:
◆ Octopus Islands-Hariot Bay 7/30-7/31
● Full Service marina or anchoring. True Value offers dock delivery of
groceries with pre-order. Alternative anchoring at Rebecca Spit for a
nice beach and dinghy dock within walking distance to the grocery
store.
● For Reservations call 1-888-605-4545
◆ Henry Bay, Denman Island 7/31-8/1
● Anchoring only with a beautiful sandy beach
◆ Pages Marina, Silva Bay, Gabriola Island 8/1-8/2
● Full service marina or anchoring and mooring ball options.
● For Reservations Call 250-247-8931
◆ Montague Harbor 8/2-8/3
● A sweet spot, a restaurant on the dock, as well as a small store with
coffee and ice cream. For a unique adventure, inquire about the
musical school bus that will pick you up at the dock and take you to
an inland restaurant.
● Anchoring is also an option here
● For Reservations call 250-539-5733
◆ Lopez Island 8/3