Page’s Resort & Marina, Silva Bay

Page’s Resort & Marina has been welcoming seagoing visitor since its beginning as a fish camp and store in the early 1940’s. It has since evolved into a full service resort that offers visitors a marina, rental cottages, tent sites, washroom, and coin operated showers and laundry. The grounds are well maintained and decorated with relics from the area.

Located in the lee of the Flat Top Islands is a protected escape from the Strait of Georgia. These jigsaw puzzle-like isles look like they separated from Gabriola Island eons ago. A maze of low-lying islands and menacing reefs conceal the bay’s entrance.

Silva Bay is reputed for its tricky entrance because of legendary Shipyard Rock, but don’t let this deter you. The safe channel between Tugboat and Vance Islands is narrow; below the surface, rocky ledges restrict the channel width, with those projecting from the north and northwest side of Tugboat Island being particularly extensive. Many vessels have been grounded here. Upon entering, captains need to be sure they’ve cleared the shoals extending west from Shipyard Rock and maintain a westerly heading until about halfway to Law Point before turning towards the facilities on the southwest shoreline.

The bay has almost no room for anchoring; the basin is filled with permanently moored boats and private mooring buoys, leaving swing room for additional vessels. A stern tie is not possible. The open lane in front of the marina docks and on the north side of the bay are for float plane access.

The full service Marina provides a welcoming, quiet refuge for boaters. Entering the bay contact Page’s on VHF channel 66A for your slip assignment and wharfinger will assist you into your slip. Reservations are recommended for the summer months.

In the main building, visitors will discover the Li’l Market which serves as small convenience store offering essential food items (fresh and frozen), snacks, locally produced goods, fresh brewed coffee, pharmaceuticals, books, marine charts, and liquor agency.

Sea kayaks and paddle boards are in the building across the drive from the Li’l Market at Jim’s Kayaking. Explore the many secluded coves and bays of the Flat Top islands that surround Silva Bay

Gabriola Island is a great spot for walking. To stretch those sea legs, take the mile and a half to Drumberg Provincial Park on the north side of Gabriola Pass, east of Josef Point. The park is known for its sandstone outcroppings and small but pleasant sandy beach. On the way you may see some of the island’s wildlife.

The area outside the Flat Top Islands can be excellent for salmon and bottom fishing. Witness anglers returning to the dock with catches of both salmon and lingcod.

Dive charters are available and the natural and artificial reefs just outside of Silva Bay and surrounding Gabriola Island offers some of the best marine life diving on British Columbia’s coast. Breakwater Island and Rogers Reef include over 200 marine species including resident Wolf Eels and octopus.

Golfers can take a taxi to the Gabriola Golf and Country Club, golf.gabriola.org. A pastoral nine-hole course laid out on rolling hillsides with some challenging and lovely holes. Clubs and cart rentals are available. The course is located on the northwest side of the island, two miles from the ferry dock on Descanso Bay.

Whether it’s getting there or the relaxing atmosphere, you’ll find something to enjoy and remember about Silva Bay.