Toba Wilderness Marina, Toba Inlet

Located north of Desolation Sound—where Pryce, Homfray, and Waddington Channels converge—lies the small, remote Toba Wilderness Marina. It sits on the southern shore of the B.C. mainland in a small cove, sheltered by Double Island, which lies offshore at a distance of 0.3 km, providing natural protection. This peaceful marina is well off the beaten path, accessible only by boat or seaplane, as there are no roads leading to it.

As approaching vessels near the marina, skippers are requested to hail the marina on VHF channel 66A for docking instructions. The exceptionally friendly hosts, Nehanni or Paul, will be on the dock to greet you and assist with the lines. They check in during your stay and are there to help with lines when you depart.

The breathtaking view up Toba Inlet of the 8,000-foot snow-capped Coast Mountain Range, which appears to rise directly from the sea, will immediately capture your attention. With a bit of luck, you may spot orcas, deer, eagles, seals, sea lions, dolphins, or even a bear or two during your visit.

The marina offers 1,400 feet of side-tie moorage on wide, stable concrete floats for vessels up to 200 feet in length. Reservations are highly recommended, as the marina only accepts overnight guests and does not permit day visitors or tour groups. On the dock, there is an unlimited supply of filtered and UV-treated pure mountain stream water, along with 30- and 50-amp power. Up the dock ramp, you’ll find clean washrooms, showers, ice, and garbage drop-off (one bag per day with overnight moorage).

The views from the marina are inspiring, and you can relax in the open-air “Welcome House” with comfortable patio furnishings. The “Welcome House,” a large post-and-beam gazebo, provides a welcoming space to meet fellow boaters or enjoy a picnic lunch.

The marina grounds and buildings are meticulously maintained and creatively landscaped. Salmonberry bushes have been trimmed into hedges around the property, and a few buildings are surrounded by lush grassy areas, adding a touch of uniqueness to the wilderness setting.

For those who love the outdoors, there are 5 km of maintained hiking trails, all marked with maps drawn on cedar shakes and tacked to trees along the trail. A recommended hike takes you through a heavily wooded forest of ancient cedar and Douglas fir trees to the base of a spectacular 120-foot waterfall behind the resort. The marina provides bear spray and a horn for added safety on the trail.

The 25-minute trek is more demanding than a casual walk. As you ascend, the sound of the waterfall grows louder, and near the base of the falls, two sections of the trail would be nearly impassable without strategically placed climbing ropes that help hikers navigate near-vertical roots and bare rock faces. Upon arrival, you’ll be rewarded with a stunningly high, vertical waterfall cascading down sheer rock, misting the surrounding forest. Visitors are kindly asked not to enter the water near the falls, as this is the source of the marina’s drinking water.

At the end of the day, visitors are treated to one of nature’s most spectacular displays: the sunset over the Coastal Mountain Range, with the snow-capped peaks turning shades of pink and red. Relaxing on deck with your favorite after-dinner beverage and watching the sunset on the snowy mountains makes for the perfect end to a day at Toba Wilderness Marina.