Prideaux Haven
When cruising through Desolation Sound, it’s hard not to stop by the anchorages in Prideaux Haven to enjoy picturesque sunsets and scenic hikes in the calm bays around the area. There’s an abundance of anchorages in Prideaux Haven – Laura Cove, Melanie Cove, and along the inside of the islands. You’ll find plenty of stern […]
Seven Tips for Safe and Fun Winter Cruising
Winter cruising means enjoying familiar anchorages and harbors without the crowds! It’s not that unusual to be the only transient boat in the anchorage or harbor. The folks who go out cruising during the winter are hardy, relaxed and often very friendly. If you decide to go winter cruising, below are seven tips for safe […]
Smugglers Cove
Smugglers Cove Provincial Park, located on the south side of Sechelt Peninsula, is a beautiful all-weather anchorage surrounded by 457-acres of forest. It is said the park is the most popular on the Sunshine Coast with its maze of rock faces, sand flats, rocky nooks, and mini bays, along with three anchoring basins. Beautiful Smuggler’s […]
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 […]
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 […]