Port Alberni and west side of Vancouver Island

[j&lgray]

Any tugnut types been to Port Alberni and Barkley Sound? We are planning a trip to haul the Laurie Ann across the ferry to Nanimo, drive to Port Alberni, and then launch the boat there and cruise west to Barkely Sound. Any suggestions on boat launches in Port Alberni, places to see, good anchorages, and words of wisdom? We've heard this is a "must see" cruise trip!

Laurie

 

[Kamalani]

John & Laurie - I have no experience with the logistics of getting there with a boat in tow, but, when you do make it, I really hope you will consider going north to Tofino & Clayqot sound. Absolutely beautiful, with many things to do such as kayaking, fishing, golf and on and on. We actually found ourselves taking a seaplane trip in the dead of winter. Within 12 min. of taking off from the water, we were skimming over a glacier. Vancouver Is. is amazing, and when you do make this trip, you will not be disappointed.

(If you guys feel the need for a little pampering, book a night or two at the Wickinnish Inn. I'm sure they will send a van for you if you leave the boat in Tofino, and the Inn and restaurant there are exceptional.)

Whatever you decide to do, have a great time & stay safe.

Alex & Sherry, "Kamalani"

 

[Dreamer]

Jim & Laurie,

We're heading that way on July 6 for a 3 week stay. There is a good public ramp in Pt. Alberni. The Port Alberni Boat House (a C-Dory dealer) will store your truck and trailer in a fenced yard for a fee. Hope to see you out there. Look for a Cabernet trimmed C-Dory TomCat.

 

[Lobo]

Port Boathouse in Port Alberni is where I bought Lobo 2 years ago. I don't know their Ranger status now. There is also a boat ramp at China Creek, about 10 miles towards Bamfield. Paved road, marina, fuel, parking.

Alberni Canal is typical BC fjord. Narrow, steep hills, deep water, scenic, occasional small settlements and a lot of nothing else except scenery.

Bamfield is a small town with most supplies. I used to sport fish for salmon out of Bamfield, into the Broken Islands and out to Cape Beale. Swells at Cape Beale can be quite big!

Fuel: You have Port Alberni, China Creek, Bamfield and Ucluelet as fuel stops. The Broken Islands have private habitation but no marinas. Lots of nice anchorages.

Poett Nook and Port Desire offer two wonderful anchorages. In both you enter through a narrow entrance to a nice safe anchorage.

WAGGONERS CRUISING GUIDE is a handy book to have.

Consider a Canadian fishing license -- you should be able to catch fish up there. Even I did!

Effingham Island has a nice anchorage, good spot to jump off for Ucluelet. Just plan plan plan on fuel.

It's wonderful country. Our yacht club has 20+ boats doing a circumnavigation of Vancouver Island and I expect you could see them in Barkley Sound in the last half of July.

Dave
"Lobo"

 

[fourseasons]

Hi there- New to this venue, just registered. Found this group while looking/lusting Ranger 29's.
Thought I would mention that my wife and I just returned from a marvolous trip starting in Vancouver B.C. bumping across the Canadian Gulf Islands, and ending up in Barkley Sound for the last 6 days of our three week adventure. We have been sailboat folks for the last 25 years, and have of late been exposed to the wonderfully comfortable world of running the boat from inside--- out of the weather!
Have to say that Barkley Sound is incredible. Remote, untouched, and well worth the trip. Broken Group and the Pinkertons were some of the most wondeful spots we have ever seen. If you have the means to go, you will not regret it.

 

[Ram]

There is a launch ramp right behind Port Boathouse, which is on the market dock in Port Alberni. It somewhat steep, but I've launched a 24' C-Dory e with no problem.

There's also a ramp in Tofino. I've never used it so can't vouch for it, but it's a long way down Alberni Inlet and around to Tofino, and it might be better to drive if you're headed up that way anyway.