North Cruise 2026 -*The Standard Route: Operation Warm Water Desolation Sound!! July 9-19th

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.