2018 Waggoner Guide Flotilla, Part 1 Our 2018 Waggoner Guide Flotilla to Alaska was a big success. Eight boats made it safely to Ketchikan and we had a lot of fun on the way. As you will see, we started out with nine boats and one had some minor mechanical problems and ended up behind…
Continuing the rounds for Waggoner Guide research, we entered Active Pass. The winds were blowing at 35 knots, and the pass was active with BC ferries transiting both directions. Reminding ourselves of the importance of leaving these “big boys” plenty of room, we hugged the shoreline along this very busy waterway. Two worthwhile stops are in…
Turnbull Cove is one of the northernmost anchorages in the Broughtons. It’s popular with cruisers because it has plenty of room to accommodate a large number of boats, and is a popular spot for crabbing. Most of the terrain surrounding Turnbull Cove is steep, and first-time visitors will immediately notice a couple of landslides…
After departing Sidney, we spent the day making several stops, gathering updates and taking photos. First stop, Otter Bay Marina on North Pender Island, with its lovely grounds, swimming pools, and the convenience store/café, seems to draw the attraction of many boaters. The marina appeared to be full, and the marina phone recording instructed…
A large number of boats can anchor in Reid Harbor on Stuart Island. After our internal clock adjusted to the time change from Venice to Anacortes, we repacked and loaded the boat to head out again in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. In our opinion, these home waters are among the best cruising grounds in the…
“It was far too windy to venture up Knight Inlet that day. After studying the chart, we decided to put in the time by wandering through the maze of islands over towards Village Island. There is an old Indian village there, Mamalilaculla, and we had never been in there before. The village was always, at…
On a trip to Tofino on West Vancouver Island, you might be tempted to create one of your fabulous dishes in the galley and enjoy it aboard, but you’d be missing out, for this laid-back surfer town has a fantastic food scene. Many cafes and restaurants in Tofino are close enough to walk to and…
By popular demand, Kevin Monahan, author of Local Knowledge and Editor of the Ports and Passes Tides and Currents guide, has developed two new maps for cruising boaters, kayakers, and sportsman. The two maps are; Desolation Sound and Discovery Islands, and Broughton Islands and Mainland Inlets. Coming Soon!! Desolation Sound and Broughton Islands Planning Maps It’s more than a map! On…
This offshore drilling has nothing to do with petroleum but the kind of drilling service practiced by dentists. It’s the story about Dr. Victor S. Stime and how he combined his passion for boating with a retirement dental practice that brings dental services to remote villages in Southeast Alaska. After being diagnosed with a…
This second in a series of articles about the new 2018 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permit provides both additional information about the program and answers questions from the first Waggoner eNews article. Aquatic Invasive Species – What’s New and What’s Unchanged? In our first article, we reported the new Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Permits required…
I think this is another clever idea, a strap that doubles as a case for your binoculars. On my boat, the binoculars and the case are very rarely ever together. The Miggo Strap & Wrap is made of light, high quality, impact-resistant neoprene Lycra fabric. It comes in two colors black with a touch of…
There are no updates at this time.
Northern B.C. Coast Ocean Falls The “Old Bank Inn” is new for 2018, housed in the original CIBC building (formally the Ocean Falls Fishing Lodge) is a Bed & Board Guest House (250-289-9624). Darke Waters The old Darke Waters is now under new ownership as the Ocean Falls Lodge. They offer a coin laundry and…
West Coast Vancouver Island The Ahousaht Stewardship Fund supports safety services, trail maintenance, and visitor information; you may be asked to pay a voluntary fee when anchoring, collected by the Ahous Guardian vessel, effective for 2018. Click here for more information. Bamfield The Huu-ay-aht Group of Businesses now owns the East Bamfield Public Dock, The Market & Café, and…
There is a new restaurant at the hotel across from the Ronan store called Archipelago. We are hearing good reports.
Johnstone Strait and The Broughtons Potts Lagoon Logging operations have been removed from the outer bay in Potts Lagoon. Village Island In 2018, a new floating dock (160 feet) was installed in the north cove of Village Island; tie-up is by permission, call the band office at 250-287-2955. Access to the island is $20/person. Trails…
Desolation Sound & Discovery Passage Cell phone service appears to be expanded in this area. We are not sure this is all good news since many go to Desolation Sound to get away civilization, but we noticed a marked difference in voice and data service for both Verizon and AT&T users in Desolation Sound. We…
Vancouver & Sunshine Coast False Creek Foot Ferries no longer stop to pick up passengers from boats anchored in False Creek. Port Renfrew Pacific Gateway Marina is owned by Mill Bay Group, new docks for 2018 and a Bridgemans Grill is housed in a new lodge-style structure. Pender Harbour LaVerne’s, between Hospital Bay and Garden Bay, will…