West Coast of Vancouver Island

When you’re cruising the west coast of Vancouver Island, little can compare with the variety, beauty, ruggedness, remoteness, and sheer satisfaction of this voyage. For many boaters, starting in the north at Port Hardy, the path down the west coast to the mouth of the Strait of Juan de Fuca is the ultimate challenge. While weather may be a concern, the five major sounds along the west coast of Vancouver Island are separated by short distances with minimal travel time exposed to the Pacific Ocean. Each of the Sounds and inlets along this coast offer protected cruising areas with many anchoring options. Boaters will find charming villages like Bamfield and Ucluelet in Barkley Sound, and the popular surf city of Tofino in Clayoquot Sound. Historic Friendly Cove in Nootka Sound received Tall Ships during the early exploration period on the West Coast and continues to draw the curious and adventuresome. The west side of Vancouver Island is truly one of the finest cruising grounds in the Northwest.

Top Destinations

Hardy Bay to Quatsino Sound

God’s Pocket • Goletas Channel • Nahwitti Bar • Cape Scott • Sea Otter Cove

Quatsino Sound to Kyoquot

Winter Harbour • Quatsino Narrows • Coal Harbour • Brooks Peninsula • Bunsby Islands

Kyuquot Sound to Esperanza Inlet

Clear Passage • Zeballos • Esperanza • Tahsis Narrows

Nootka Sound to Hot Springs Cove

Tahsis • Critter Cove • Friendly Cove • Estevan Point

Clayoquot Sound

Bacchante Bay • Ahousat • Lemmens Inlet • Tofino

Barkley Sound

Ucluelet • Broken Group • Port Alberni • Bamfield

Plan Out Your Trip

The west coast of Vancouver Island is fully covered in the latest Waggoner Cruising Guide. It provides all you need about marinas, anchorages, passages, and attractions. Plan your day’s route with the guide’s detailed planning maps. Get your copy of the Waggoner Cruising Guide book!

Plus, there’s more to help you plan a great cruise along Vancouver Island’s western coastline. Read on…

Carved Boardwalk Planks at Hot Springs Cove BC

Carved Boardwalk Planks at Hot Springs Cove BC

In the fall of 2018, BC Provincial Parks will begin a project to replace and widen the failing boardwalk at Hot Springs Cove. Located on the West side of Vancouver Island, this remote park site was originally accessible only by boat. Today, a number of...

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