Looking to the west

We have tried to ensure the information below was up to date on June 28, the day it was posted. Lynne and I will be setting off in a day or so and will be unable to update this post, so it might quickly fall sadly out of date. Of course, always call ahead.

When the border didn’t promptly reopen, we shelved our Alaska plans and turned our sights on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It would allow us to update and complete research on a new Salish Sea Pilot cruising guide we had begun researching some years ago.

A better Plan B we could not imagine. But we worried the communities there, many on First Nations land and all with questionable health care support when facing off against COVID-19, would want us to stay away.

The last thing Lynne and I want to do is force ourselves on villages where our arrival is viewed as a threat. It’s bad enough when we show up asking around for some exotic boat bit as if we actually expect folks to have it shrink-wrapped and waiting on a shelf. We are pitied, yes, but not feared.

So, while I finished off some boat projects so we could get away, Lynne phoned marinas and communities on the west coast of the island to assess the situation.

The news was promising. Most communities indicated they had already opened up to visiting boats or were in the process of reopening. All information, of course, relies on there being no dramatic increase in infection numbers which could change the situation in a matter of days or hours.

All harbours and marinas welcoming boaters still urge crews to maintain social distancing. Showers and laundry facilities may or may not be in use, so do call ahead if you absolutely need to know.

Cruising north to south

At the Outpost at Winter Harbour, the store, marina and fuel dock are operating normally. This popular destination for fishers has recently had accommodation bookings from the US cancelled, making beds available for Canadian guests who might opt to holiday closer to home.

The Rumble Beach Marina at Port Alice has reportedly suffered storm damage and the docks are closed while repairs are made. The marina docks are expected to reopen in late July. Short-term anchorage is available in settled conditions.

At the community of Kyuquot, the general store and public dock are open to transients, though the floats are often busy and visitors must raft. When ashore, visitors are not allowed to visit nearby First Nations land.

The Fair Harbour Marina and Campground began accepting visitors on June 24 if prior arrangements had been made. The nearby government dock is reserved for use by locals. There are strict safety protocols in place for using the fuel dock, boat launch, general store and washroom facilities.

At Tahsis, the Westview Marina is operating normally. Businesses in town are also welcoming visitors as long as the usual safety protocols are observed.

While some tourist businesses in the area of Friendly Cove (Yuquot) have reopened, the Kyuquot/Chechlesat First Nation and Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation have opted to wait and see how the rest of BC copes with reopening before welcoming outsiders to their community. Call ahead if in doubt.

Critter Cove Marina is open. It is a fishing camp, offering little in the way of supplies for most boaters, but they do have a café that will be serving basic fare this summer.

Transients are accepted at the Fourth Street Wharf in Tofino which has remained open through the pandemic. Key fob access to fuel. Laundry and showers not in use. Most town services expected to be open by July 1.

Ucuelet Small Craft Harbour is accepting transients. Restaurants are open for take out, or with limited seating.

The Gateway Marina at Port Renfrew is open to transient vessels. Most local businesses have opened their doors to visitors.

These are just a few of the communities and marinas along the west side of the island, though they and other contacts there have made us optimistic that we will be able to cruise the region without too much problem as long as COVID-19 does not rear its ugly head.

Please note the above information was posted on June 28, 2020 and has not been updated so the situation in communities on the west coast of Vancouver Island may have changed.