Southern Gulf Islands from Sidney
Southern Gulf Islands & Sidney
54 NM · Moderate · 7 days
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ModerateTidal passes such as Active Pass, summer whale-protection zones and fog; hops are short and mostly sheltered.
A seven-day loop from Sidney on Vancouver Island through British Columbia's Southern Gulf Islands: Portland Island, Bedwell Harbour on Pender, quiet Winter Cove on Saturna, Montague Harbour on Galiano, Wallace Island and the market town of Ganges on Salt Spring. Hops are short, parks have buoys and shell beaches, and there is nothing to clear because you stay in Canada the whole way. Whale rules and the 2026 vessel-restricted zones shape the route.
DAY 1 · Port Sidney Marina (Sidney)
Photo: Alanarce (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA 4.0Leave 11:00 am
A large marina behind a breakwater on the Sidney waterfront, a few steps from the cafes and shops of Beacon Avenue. Call VHF 66A on low power before you enter or leave the breakwater. Stock up in town; the islands have few big stores.
- 9:30 amProvision on Beacon AvenueSidney has the main grocery stores you will pass on the whole trip.
4.5 NM · about 45 mto Princess Bay (Portland Island)
Princess Bay (Portland Island)
Photo: Laurie MacBride (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA 4.0Arrive 1:30 pm
A shallow, protected bay at the south end of Portland Island, a park island of forest, shell beaches and a perimeter trail of about eight kilometres. Anchor in about 16 feet, and stern-tie to the shore rings in peak season. It is open to the south, so it is uncomfortable in a southeasterly.
- 3:00 pmWalk the island loopA trail circles Portland Island; there is no drinking water ashore.
6.5 NM · about 1 h 5 mto Poets Cove Marina (Bedwell Harbour)
DAY 2 · Poets Cove Marina (Bedwell Harbour)
Photo: AB87 (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY 3.0Arrive 1:00 pm
A resort marina in Bedwell Harbour on South Pender, with a pool, a hot tub, a pub and a fuel dock. It is well sheltered from the west but open to the south. Call ahead off-season because sources disagree on winter opening. From June 1 to November 30, 2026 a whale-protection zone covers part of North Pender's shore: check the limits before you route.
- 4:00 pmHike Mount NormanA trail climbs from the Bedwell Harbour area to viewpoints over the Gulf Islands.
4.5 NM · about 45 mto Winter Cove (Saturna Island)
DAY 3 · Winter Cove (Saturna Island)
Photo: Canuckle (Wikimedia Commons) · CC0Arrive 1:00 pm
A well-protected cove between Saturna and Samuel islands, with national park shore, lawns and a loop trail past a salt marsh to the swirling water of Boat Passage. Coming from Plumper Sound, Minx Reef partly blocks the entrance, so pass well beyond Winter Point before turning south. Current from Boat Passage can exceed four knots at the north-east side.
- 3:30 pmWalk to Boat PassageThe park loop trail leads to the tidal rapids at Boat Passage.
11 NM · about 1 h 50 mto Montague Harbour Marine Park (Galiano Island)
DAY 4 · Montague Harbour Marine Park (Galiano Island)
Photo: Arrecifazo (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA 3.0Arrive 1:30 pm
British Columbia's first marine park, with white shell beaches, a lagoon and forest trails around Gray Peninsula. There are 35 BC Parks buoys and plenty of room to anchor in good holding. On the way from Saturna you pass through Active Pass, where strong currents run, so plan your timing from the current tables.
- 4:00 pmBeach and trailsShell beaches and trails circle the Gray Peninsula.
7 NM · about 1 h 10 mto Conover Cove (Wallace Island)
DAY 5 · Conover Cove (Wallace Island)
Arrive 12:00 pm
A tiny, snug cove on Wallace Island with a small park dock, shore rings for three or four boats to stern-tie and trails north and south. The entrance is shallow at low tide, so go in slowly on a rising tide, and reefs surround the island. If it is full, nearby Princess Cove is the alternative.
- 2:00 pmTrails and the old cabinTrails run both ways along the island; the cabin is hung with boat-name boards.
6 NM · about 1 hto Kanaka Visitors Wharf (Ganges, Salt Spring Island)
DAY 6 · Kanaka Visitors Wharf (Ganges, Salt Spring Island)
Photo: John Newcomb (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY 3.0Arrive 1:30 pm
The harbour authority's visitor floats in Ganges, behind a large floating breakwater and a short walk from the market and stores. Call VHF 09. Space often frees up during the day, so arrive by early afternoon.
- 3:00 pmWalk into townGanges has cafes, shops and groceries; the Saturday market runs on Saturdays, so check the date.
14.5 NM · about 2 h 25 mto Port Sidney Marina (Sidney)
DAY 7 · Port Sidney Marina (Sidney)
Photo: Alanarce (Wikimedia Commons) · CC BY-SA 4.0Arrive 2:00 pm
Return to Sidney to end the loop. Time the crossing with the current in mind, call VHF 66A before the breakwater and leave time to fuel and clean the boat before check-in.
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