Monday Anchorage, Tracey Island

Tucked away on the western edge of the beautiful Broughton Archipelago Marine Park, Monday Anchorage is a peaceful gem waiting to be discovered. This park is a collection of dozens of undeveloped islands and islets nestled where Knight Inlet meets the west side of Queen Charlotte Strait, near the northern tip of Vancouver Island.

For generations, the First Nation people have called these islands home, leaving behind fascinating clues of their deep connection to the land and sea. Explorers can find white midden beaches, culturally modified trees, clam terraces, and even ancient petroglyphs while wandering the park’s shores.

A Warm Welcome

Monday Anchorage sits between Tracey and Mars Islands, and the adventure often begins well before you drop anchor. It’s common to be greeted by a playful pod of white-sided dolphins leaping alongside your boat or riding the wake—adding an extra splash of excitement to your arrival.

A Fair-Weather Anchorage with a Hidden Haven

While cruising guides warn that Monday Anchorage is large and exposed to westerly winds—best suited for fair weather—there’s a cozy hideout available. If unsettled weather hits, small unnamed islets at the head of the anchorage offer shelter from westerly breezes for a few boats.

Entering this protected nook is easy via either side of the islet, but be mindful of charted rocks on the southeast side. The anchorage has a thick mud and shell bottom with good holding at 25 to 30 feet—perfect for a secure stay. Tracey Island itself holds one of the largest shell middens in the Archipelago, a fascinating spot to explore by dinghy.

History Beneath Your Hull

This peaceful spot was once the site of a thriving First Nation village, and signs of that deep history are everywhere. In fact, the Broughton Islands are home to over 300 recorded midden sites, with the one on Tracey Island ranking among the largest. It’s well worth launching your dinghy to take a closer look.

The shell midden here—essentially an ancient refuse pile of shells—was built up over thousands of years from generations of clam harvesting. You’ll also find remnants of carefully tended clam gardens, where rock walls once lined the low-tide zone to boost clam production. These gardens often pulled double duty during herring season, with hemlock boughs used to trap fish between the rocks. Today, the leftover structures create incredible tide pools, perfect for poking around and discovering all sorts of marine critters.

Kayak Adventures and Currents

If you’re looking for a place to camp, the upland forest offers a primitive kayak campsite for half a dozen tents. There’s also a kayak day-use site in the narrows between Mars and Tracey Islands. Just keep in mind the current here can reach 5 knots, and the eastern end dries out at low tide.

At low tide, more of the midden and nearby rocks emerge, revealing a tombolo connecting Tracey Island to a small islet. You might even spot a raccoon family foraging along the waterline. Birdwatchers will appreciate bald eagles soaring overhead and herons wading quietly along the shore.

As the sun sets, Monday Anchorage transforms into a peaceful retreat. The sky lights up with amber and crimson hues while gentle waves lap against your boat. Nighttime brings a brilliant star-filled sky, unspoiled by city lights, perfect for reflecting on your day in this magical spot.