Refuge Cove spells relief

For most, the “refuge” in Refuge Cove refers to the cover it offers from cold winter winds.

To some, bursting at the seams with brilliant insights amassed while bobbing in the lonely anchorages of Desolation Sound and the Discovery Islands, it means relief.

Indeed, you will be hard pressed to find a more congenial spot to share your collection of stories to anyone who will listen — as long as you are willing to listen to theirs.

Even if you don’t find an audience, Refuge Cove’s pleasant anchorage and marina facilities on the southwest shore of West Redonda Island deliver on the promise in its name, with protected docks, fuel, groceries, liquor, laundry, showers, books, local arts and crafts, postal service, ice and a pleasant café/restaurant.

Rustic and remote, it is a great place to provision on your way to somewhere else, with moorage free for up to four hours.

There is also year-round transient moorage on a first-come basis. Call 250-935-6659. The office does not monitor VHF. On the docks, there is 24-hour electricity (15 amps) during the summer, with restricted hours during shoulder season and no power in winter. Third-party WiFi is available.

The general store has been here in one form or another for a century, and these days it usually has a good supply of essentials and fresh produce depending on when the last shipment came in. Again, call 250-935-6659 to get the dope on the fresh produce situation or to inquire if a particular item is in stock.

The shore also has a selection of new and used books, some marine hardware and fishing supplies.

Of course, the fuel dock is popular, being the closest to Desolation Sound as well as having easy three-sided access and its good freshwater supply.

The following is a promotional video created by the folks at Refuge Cove.

(Refuge Cove is covered in Salish Sea Pilot’s Cruising Guide to Desolation Sound.)