Sturt Bay, Texada Island

A Scenic Spot on the Way to Desolation Sound

If you’re cruising toward Desolation Sound, spots like Smuggler Cove, Secret Cove, or Pender Harbour probably come to mind right away. During peak summer, those harbours can be packed. That’s where Sturt Bay, tucked into the north end of Texada Island, becomes a perfect alternative.

Just 20 miles north of Pender Harbour, it’s a quiet, welcoming place with safe overnight anchorage and a laid-back local vibe, making it one of the most underrated boating destinations in BC.

Moorage at Sturt Bay Boat Club

The Texada Island Boating Club welcomes visitors with a set of well-maintained floats just beyond a protective rock breakwater. The club has deep community roots—formed in the 1960s by passionate locals and still supported today by volunteers, generous landowners, and islanders who share a passion for life on the water.

The long float at the west end is marked for guest moorage and offers 300 feet of linear space on a first-come, first-served basis. No rafting is allowed, helping protect float anchors and cables. In summer, there’s usually extra space when club members are away cruising.

You’ll find 15-amp power and water on the wooden floats. There’s even a cozy social float with picnic tables under a canopy, a favorite gathering spot for boaters. Don’t miss the informal book exchange tucked inside a plastic deck box.

Need anything? Friendly wharfinger Jenny monitors VHF Ch. 66 and is always happy to help.

Repairs Just Across the Bay

If you run into maintenance issues or need a quick haul-out, you’re in luck. The Texada Island Boatyard is conveniently located just across the bay, offering easy access and solid service.

Anchoring in Sturt Bay: Proceed with Caution

While anchoring in Sturt Bay is possible, locals don’t recommend it. Southeast winds can bring in swells, and the bottom is full of old industrial debris from the island’s mining and logging days. It’s not uncommon for anchors to foul. In fact, the locals say, “we’ve got some local divers that do a steady business diving to free fouled anchors.”

A Harbour Steeped in History

From the guest dock, you’ll spot the chimney of a 19th-century lime kiln, built when the area was buzzing with sawmills, lime sheds, and mining. Along the main float, you’ll see old concrete footings and rusting rebar—remnants of ore storage bunkers that once held gold, silver, and copper.

Barges once pulled up to the cliffs, where chutes loaded them with ore using nothing but gravity. Today, it’s a cool slice of Texada’s industrial history you can check out right from the dock.

Van Anda: A Tiny Town with Big Character

Just a short walk from the docks is Van Anda, a tiny community with a population in the hundreds. It might seem quiet today, but during the mining boom in the early 1900s, Van Anda was home to over 6,000 people!

What to See & Do in Van Anda

Everything in Van Anda is within easy walking distance from the harbour. The roads are a mix of paved, gravel, and “classic island charm.”

Right by the boating club parking lot, you’ll find a handy map pointing out local landmarks like the post office, fire hall, Mary Mary Café, the Texada Historical Museum, and the Texada Market, a well-stocked grocery store with a liquor outlet. Bonus: they’ll even drive you and your groceries back to the dock.

Don’t miss the Texada Island Inn, perched on a hill with a patio that offers stunning views across Malaspina Strait to Powell River. There’s also a laid-back pub that proudly posts: “The pub will close early if nobody comes to play.” Now that’s island life.

Quick tip: You’re on island time—so hours, staffing, and availability may vary.

Why Add Sturt Bay to Your BC Boating List?

If you’re wondering where to boat in BC beyond the usual hot spots, Sturt Bay is a peaceful and memorable choice. With welcoming locals, historical charm, and reliable guest moorage, it’s a great place to relax, restock, and soak up small-town Gulf Island life.

The next time you’re cruising Malaspina Strait and looking for a safe harbour, check out Malaspina Strait–one of the best-kept secrets in BC’s boating scene.