Launching & Storage in BC

[RobMcClain]

Howdy Cruzin Cousins...

Assuming our summer cruising plans come to fruition, in early July we plan to tow our C-Dory into British Columbia to launch and cruise points north and south. We visited the San Juans and Southern Puget Sound last summer so now we want to visit Canadian waters. We hope to attend a gathering in Powell River, see Princess Louisa Inlet, Desolation Sound, the Gulf Islands, Victoria Harbour, etc. I'm researching many things, like what to expect in terms of cell phone signal coverage (Verizon), as well as acceptable launch ramps that will also provide us with the capability of safely parking our vehicle/trailer for several weeks.

Regarding the launch/storage topic, I've read many posts on launch ramps and parking, but most discuss parking for just a couple of days. We literally want several weeks. Any suggestions? I've seen ramps in Pacific Playgrounds, Comox, Pender Harbour, Secret Cove, Sechelt and a few other places, but I've yet to actually place calls to inquire about ramp use and the possibility of long-term parking. Any suggestions regarding locations and/or specific marinas I should research?

Thanks for whatever feedback you might be able to offer.

Rob
"Freedom"
Venture 23 C-Dory

 

[Irish Mist]

Check out Anacortes. They have a fixed crane type lift to pick your boat off your trailer. That saves dunking the trailer in the saltwater and when your boat gets reloaded they put it in the proper position on the trailer. Under $100 for launch and reloading at a later date. I stored my trailer at Harbour Diesel just up the road. West marine down the street. Customs office there as well for your return.
Worked out great for us.

 

[pleeson]

The Bc Ferry rates for truck and trailer are steep except for off peak times posted on line. I recommend launching from the mainland before having to deal with ferry hassle, summer line-ups, and costs. We found Bellingham good but don't know how much of a premium there is on long term parking in the summer. The Harbour authority has soon available and rates and facilities are good. Easy trip from there out past the San Juan's and up thru the Southern Gulf Islands with a few customs choices.

 

[scross]

I'd second starting at Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham. Free parking for a couple of weeks in overflow lot for boat trailer and tow vehicle. Good starting point for Friday Harbor and the rest of the San Juans.
Anacortes is another good starting point but we had to pay $$ for parking.
I could not find a good launch site north of Vancouver without having to either pay $$$ for the ferry to Gibsons or a big hassle with long term parking for our rig, And you don't want to launch south of Vancouver and have to go around the Fraser River bar.
Another possibility would be to take the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes to Sidney BC on Vancouver Island. From there you could trailer just about anywhere on the island to launch. Still $$$ for the ferry but gets you much closer to the San Juans, Gulf Islands, great spots on Vancouver Island itself and a good jump off at Nanaimo to go across the Strait of Georgia to see Desolation Sound, Princess Louisa and everything else on the BC west coast.
Have fun!

 

[Larry H]

Rob,

Pender Harbor, Sechelt, and Secret Cove are all on the 'Sunshine Coast' and to get there, you must take a ferry from Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver. This would involve driving thru the city of Vancouver, (no direct freeway) and descending a very very steep road down to the ferry landing. After the ferry, is a drive on a 2 lane highway. Not recommended!

Anacortes is probably a better choice. Easy access off of I-5. From Anacortes, boat thru the San Juan Islands and enter Canada at Bedwell Harbor, South Pender Island, or Sidney, on Vancouver Island.

After clearing customs, (don't forget your passports!), you can cruise the Gulf Islands and work your way north to Pender Harbor, Princess Louisa Inlet, and Desolation Sound.

Cell phone coverage should be good as far north as Campbell River/Desolation Sound.

 

[Hydraulicjump]

Having done this, let me chime in too. With our 27 we went across the border, took the ferry to Nanaimo, and launched at Campbell River (we rented a house with a dock on Cortes Island and needed our truck). The cost and hassle of getting there, including two heinous border crossings with the boat in tow, and really steep ferry costs ($300 each way) got us off of that idea. Up until we moved up to the 29CB, we just found it easiest to go to Bellingham and launch there. For the price of the launch they let you keep your truck and trailer there for free for weeks. Good provisioning, nice ramp, safe place to leave your truck, nice people, good chandlery and you are a quick jump to the San Juans and then north. If you are willing to burn fuel in your speedy little boat, and Georgia Strait is being kind, you can be in Pender Harbour in two days and then it is off to Princess Louisa, Desolation Sound, even the Broughtons if you have the time.

Just a thought

Jeff