Anchorage· Sidney Island· Salish Sea — San Juans, Gulf Islands & Desolation Sound

Sidney Spit (Sidney Island)

48° 38.3′ N · 123° 20.1′ W · approximate

A long white sand and shell spit at the north tip of Sidney Island, in Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, with trails through pine forest and views across to the San Juans. It is the closest park anchorage to Sidney, about 3 nm away, and very busy on summer weekends.

San Juan Islands & Anacortes Southern Gulf Islands & Sidney Desolation Sound & Discovery Islands

Practical

Position is approximate, off the west side of the spit near the park dock. 11 Parks Canada buoys (other sources say 12-17, so expect changes) plus anchoring in the shallow bight; the bottom has lots of eelgrass, so set carefully and avoid dragging through it. Parks Canada buoys cost C$24 a night, charged after 3 pm and paid at the red self-registration vault ashore. One boat per buoy and no rafting. Size guide: up to 15 m (50 ft) in winds under 30 knots, up to 12 m (40 ft) in 30-37 knots. Sidney Spit has the only overnight dock in the park reserve: C$1.50 per foot a night after 3 pm; the dock is removed from October 1 to May 14. Open to northerly and westerly wind and wash from passing traffic; no mooring in big waves. The lagoon is closed to visitors; markers show its edge. No garbage service: pack it out. Camping C$22 a night per party (May 15 to September 30). Parks Canada lists a Sidney Island land closure from October 15, 2026 to February 14, 2027 (buoys stay open). Walk out the spit only at lower tides: the middle floods at high water. Chart 3476/3441.

Sidney Spit (Sidney Island)

Practical

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