Hi McVeighs
I boat out of Sidney so this is my home turf, though I do cross to the San Juans and really enjoy it.
You infer this is your first boat. Is that really the case? If so, you have chosen a fantastic vessel to begin with but a little caution may be in order. I am sure that the crew from PBH (assuming you are buying there) will give you a really good education on the boat and the systems. They are first class. Nevertheless you want your first cruise to be memorable for all the right reasons and not for the glitches. You are going to have the family aboard and everything has to go perfectly. I would limit the challenges on the first cruise so that all the crew want to repeat, many times. Treat your first cruise as the opportunity to really get to know your boat. Baby steps!
First point, you say you are setting out from Nanaimo. That means going outside into Georgia Strait or through Dodd Narrows to get down into the Islands. There’s nothing to fear about Dodd Narrows but you do need to be there at slack water. Read up about the transit and pay attention to the chatter on the radio. Don’t let the U-Tube postings scare you. You may be there when several boats are going through and it helps if you talk to each other and maybe follow someone through. If you are out with the PBH guys from Nanaimo for orientation maybe ask them to take you through to check it out. If you’re really nervous maybe they will launch you in Ladysmith.
Now you are through and in the Salish playground. The family will want to try something new so head down to Montegue Harbour. You can go in the marina but a reservation might be good at that time of the year. If not, try for a mooring buoy or anchor (if you are confident about anchoring). I’m assuming you have a dinghy if you are not in the marina. That will take you over to the park where your family will spend a fun day exploring. In fact the dinghy is going to be the perfect vehicle for your teens to explore everywhere. Please remember life jackets and a handheld radio because cell phone coverage is very sketchy. The marina has a good restaurant but since you will be well provisioned out of Nanaimo this is the time for an on board dinner, bbq or whatever.
The next day head over to Ganges. The Ganges marina is close to town and there’s lots to explore within walking distance. I don’t know the timing but if you are there for a Saturday morning in the summer there is a market that will keep the family entertained. My preference is for Salt Spring marina. It’s maybe better for adults because the pub is first class in the evening. They do have a laundry so remember them for future cruises. They also have a wonderful bakery on site. Two nights here would not be unreasonable.
From here you will need to head for a bit of relaxation. Replenish the provisions and head to Otter Bay marina on North Pender. This is a real family spot and books up in the summer so think reservation. They have a great pool for all and even have an adult only pool so you can take a break. Though there is a store and baked goods, ice cream etc. there is no full retaurant so the provisions are essential.
Now you are thinking South Pender. I am going to clash with some of my respected cruiser friends here and not suggest Poet’s Cove. I find them expensive and the restaurant food abysmal. True, they have a pool. My suggestion would be to head instead to Port Browning marina. This has always been a favourite of mine. They have changed hands in the last couple of years and though some of us bemoan the loss of “rib nights” at the restaurant the overall change has been positive. The restaurant has been fully rebuilt and is a duplicate of the excellent establishment at Mill Bay. The issue has always been the rickety docks but I am assured that the replacement and upgrade will be finished this Spring. They have a great pool and all the extras that your teens will love, SUPs, kayaks, bicycles etc.. It’s an easy walk to the little shopping centre that is the heart of Pender with it’s supermarket, book store , bakery and Joes Cafe (with a breakfast to die for). This resort has a big field where camping families often spend a week or more so it’s worth a day or more.
Sidney may well be the next stop on the route. The marina is owned by the same group as Port Browning and Mill Bay and is first class. As has been mentioned the town gives you access to Victoria by bus but also places like Butchart Gardens. Don’t miss out on the local restaurants with The Surly Mermaid at the top of the ramp. There are attractions like the aquarium and the museum nearby too. Definitely more than one day. Take a break after provisioning in Sidney and do as suggested, pick up a mooring or anchor at Sidney Spit. It’s perhaps the best beach in the Islands.
Depending on how much time you have left, the weather etc. you can venture further along the coast to somewhere like Oak Bay. They have a great restaurant and the town is within easy walking distance. Victoria is certainly possible but, as someone mentioned, watch the weather and don’t push your luck on a first cruise.
You may now be heading back north. Someone else mentioned Cowichan Bay and that could well be the next place on the cruise. There are a couple of great marinas to tie up at and some really interesting spots along the water front. Your teens may like the wooden boat museum. If you are looking to have another anchor out evening then consider Genoa Bay across from Cowichan Bay. It’s a well protected anchorage and should you burn the bbq then Genoa Bay marina has a wonderful restaurant, a sister to Maple Bay. Speaking of Maple Bay, this is just the other side of Sansum Narrows heading north and is well known to TugNuts as a group destination.
There are so many places to see and you have not even ventured to Tumbo Island for exploring or spent a magic evening anchored in Winter Cove on Saturna. Then you can cross the border where a whole new smorgasbord of exploring awaits you.
