Sointula, Malcolm Island
A fascinating history, well run marina, a historic co-operative store, free bike rentals, and plenty of rural charm and character makes Sointula (pronounces “Soyn too la”) on sprawling Malcolm Island a memorable port of call. The town’s name means “place of harmony” in Finnish. In this quaint 600-person settlement not much has changed over the […]
Cowichan Bay
The village of Cowichan Bay is located on Vancouver Island’s southeast coast about fifty-six kilometers north of Victoria. It’s a working marine community with a fascinating blend of commercial and pleasure crafts, full of picturesque piers, wharfs, and floating homes. This seaside community has an interesting history, situated on a deep-sea lumber port coexisting with […]
Blind Channel Resort
During the summer of 1969, the Richter family – Edgar, Annemarie, and son Phil, were cruising their 30-foot boat, Pamar, through the area’s pristine coastal rainforest and stopped in at Blind Channel on West Thurlow Island, British Columbia for a loaf of bread. When Edgar saw the “For Sale” sign he was intrigued. After much […]
Thruster Care
Once found only on high-end yachts and large cumbersome vessels that needed help to maneuver in tight quarters, thrusters have become much more common in recent years and can be found on boats as small as twenty-two feet. Moving large surfaces sideways through the water requires robust construction for these powerful performers. Installed in a […]
Barbecue Grill Safety
The aroma of burgers wafts through the evening air; hot dogs and brats hiss and pop as they near peak perfection, and the color of peppers on kabobs become charred as they soften. What’s not to love about firing up the barbecue after a long day on the water?……Maybe a fire? That won’t happen with […]
Octopus Island Provincial Marine Park
When cruising north of Desolation Sound, travels are not complete without dropping the hook at Octopus Island Provincial Marine Park in Okisollo Channel. Located on the northeast corner of Quadra Island, this group of small islands not only provides a safe anchorage but is considered one of the most beautiful gunkholes in the Discovery Islands. […]
Learn To Be A Better Boater
Want to learn to be a better boater? Here are seven things to do to get started. A boater’s journey can start anytime, no matter the season or time of year, so why not right now? This beginner’s guide to boating has all the details needed to get started. Learn about boating education and safety […]
Farmers Markets In The Gulf Islands
There are many ways to experience and enjoy the Gulf Islands. One way to get a taste of the islands is by visiting local farmers markets in the Gulf Islands. Most markets are held from mid-May through September at locations close to the water and thereby accessible to boaters. At each of these you will […]
Capturing a Mooring Buoy
Hooking a buoy and threading the mooring line through the “O” ring need not be a difficult task. Capturing a mooring buoy can be a challenging maneuver for many boaters, but if done properly it can be a simple and stress-free task. The objective of capturing a mooring buoy is to attach one end of […]
Trash Management – Someone’s Gotta Do It
One issue every cruiser confronts is: trash management when boating. Whether spending a weekend anchored in a secluded cove, at a provincial marine park, or cruising the inside passage it doesn’t take but a few days before the trash can begin to pile up. There’s never enough room for trash, so here at Freedom Marine […]