Beach Gardens Resort & Marina

Located on the Sunshine Coast, about 70-nautical miles northwest of Vancouver and south of Powell River at Grief Point, Beach Gardens Resort & Marina. Nestled among the quiet pines, Beach Gardens Resort is a convenient stop – reasonable moorage rates, excellent restaurant and more – for boater transiting Malaspina Strait in route to Desolation Sound and destinations beyond.

Being bordered by mountains on one side and ocean on the other may make this region seem isolated to some boaters but talking to the locals will reveal that they love to live in nature’s playground on the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, which offers breathtaking views of mountains, old-growth forest, wildlife, and waterfalls. This is “the place” to fish for salmon, crab and shellfish, or scuba dive in some of the world’s top-rated saltwater dive sites.

When transiting this region, Canadian Hydrographic Service charts 3311, 3512, 3513 and 3536 will make the cruising easier and keep you safe.

A massive rock breakwater protects the marina from the winds that can kick-up in Malaspina Strait.

Hailed the marina on the VHF before entering the narrow opening in the breakwater – during July and August, marina staff monitors VHF channels 16 and 68 – and receive your slip assignment. The facility is open year-round, and reservations are suggested during the busy summer months. A helpful wharfinger will meet you at your assigned slip to assist with lines and explain what the resort and marina has to offer.

Visitors will discover a quiet 90-berth full-service marina that offers gas and diesel, 15- and 30-amp power, water, ice, garbage service, and Wi-Fi. At the top of the ramp is a well-stocked beer and wine store, restrooms, showers, coin laundry, and ATM.

Overnight moorage guests can take advantage of the resort’s indoor pool and fitness centre. For a run to town, the Powell River Town Centre offers a complimentary shuttle service. The shuttle makes scheduled stops, 8 am to 5 pm, at the resort during the months of July and August and stops at the Town Centre Mall. The lobby posts the schedule.

Just steps away from the gangway, is The Seasider Bistro + Wine Bar is a perfect setting for a delicious lunch, dinner and/or cocktails. The restaurant’s interior is clean and supports a modern décor with a separate bar area. The outdoor patio has a cozy fire pit for those cooler evenings. The menu features local ingredients including steak, seafood, burgers, vegetarian, vegan and gluten free dishes paired with beer and wine from local breweries and wineries.

Each patio table has a large umbrella to provide protection from the sun or rain and enjoy a magnificent view overlooking the marina, Malaspina Strait, Texada Island and a beautiful sunset. You may also see a cruise ship motoring by on its way to Alaska. There is also live music to enjoy while you dine.

Boaters whose second passion is the game of golf will enjoy it here. Myrtle Point Golf Club will send a courtesy van for a five-minute ride to this challenging semiprivate course. The club cozy Orca Bar & Grill has a patio that overlooks the 18^th green and the Malaspina Strait. Food and drinks are readily available.