Places of Interest
Locations
- 1) Sidney Spit: White sand beach as far as the eye can see, The Gulf Islands own Caribbean Paradise
- 2) Sidney Sand Cliffs: Eroded away by the sea and winds these cliffs are a sheer drop into the Salish sea.
- 3) Sidney Nature Reserve: The site of the old Sidney Island Brick Factory. The beach its self is still scattered with red bricks, inland foundations can still be found. As well as a Bombing Bunker, a reminder that the wars in Europe were still close to home. Fallow Deer can be found on the island, imported from Europe for hunting in the last century Sidney and James island are the only place in British Columbia these Deer inhabit.
- 4) James Island Powder Wharf: the site an explosives plant from a time past the powder wharf was used to ship explosives from the island to Victoria and Sidney, it is all that remains of the factory. Off the wharf is a popular Salmon fishing spot. Dozens of boats trolling up and down the pass is a common sight
- 5) James Island Golf Course: James island now a privately-owned island has a beautiful Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course. It also boasts a private marina, landing strip and miles of white sand beach.
- 6) Town of Sidney: Beautiful Sidney by the Sea has many local attractions and much to see from the water.
- 7) Moresby Island Ranch: The island was first settled in 1863. It was named for Rear Admiral Fairfax Moresby R.N., who was the naval commander-in-chief of the Pacific Station of the Royal Navy. During the 1880s, land was cleared by Capt. H. J. Robertson, then owner, in order to plant fruit trees. The island has been logged three times by separate Chinese logging companies. The evidence of this logging is nearly gone, yet there are a few signs of logging remaining. Traces of the trails built for the machines can still be found. It has a very rich history, including a ghost story, the remains of a long-gone mansion.
- 8) Portland Island Nature Reserve: Portland Island was given to Princess Margaret in 1958 to commemorate her visit to the province. Princess Margaret returned the island to British Columbia in 1967, after which point it became a Provincial Park. Today, Portland Island is a part of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
- 9) Russel Island: Russell Island was settled by Hawaiians as early as 1886. The historic Kanaka house still stands and can be found on a side trail off the northeast portion of the main loop trail that runs around the island. An old water tower and shed also still exist. Through a volunteer agreement with the park reserve, the Mahoi descendants share their family stories about life on Russell Island during the summer months. These are very interesting and often entertaining.
- 10: Fulford Harbour: Fulford Harbour is a residential community on the southeast side of Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, located near the island's southern end. Fulford Harbour is the site of a BC Ferries terminal with regular ferry service to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Fulford was named for Captain John Fulford of HMS Ganges which was the flagship of the Pacific Station from 1857 to 1860.
- 11) Ganges Harbour: The village of Ganges, BC, is located in about the middle of Salt Spring Island. Most businesses on Salt Spring Island are located in or near Ganges. Ganges is a popular destination for boaters from all over the Pacific North West. There are several private marinas in Ganges Harbour in addition to the BC Government dock. While Ganges has always had a nautical feel to it, the addition of the ex-Coast Guard buoy "Delta 10" with a with a marine mural really emphasizes this.
- 12) Brentwood Bay: A rapidly developing village on Saanich Inlet north of Victoria, Brentwood Bay is home to the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Brentwood Village offers excellent accommodation, waterfront restaurants, and all amenities, and is also a jumping-off point for kayakers, canoeists and mountain hikers.
- 13) Mill Bay Marina: Located in the north west corner of the Saanich Inlet, in the beautiful Cowichan Valley, Mill Bay Marina is open for fuel sales, long term, short term and transient moorage. We offer power, water and WiFi at our slips. Washrooms, showers, laundry and a sani pump out provide visitors with world class boating amenities. We look forward to welcoming back our old friends and meeting new ones.
- 14) Genoa Bay: Genoa Bay is a quiet and picturesque bay on the north side of Cowichan Bay, at the south end of Sansum Narrows on Southern Vancouver Island. Located in the North Cowichan Valley near Duncan and Maple Bay, Genoa Bay offers a quiet and relaxed way of life. The North Cowichan Valley offers great hiking, mountain biking, hang gliding, nature viewing, orienteering, and exception scenic views. Visitors can scuba dive, sail and fish in the crystal clear waters of Genoa Bay, Maple Bay, Sansum Narrows and Stuart Channel, which provides a haven for mariners
- 15) Poets Cove: A marina and resort, poets cove offers restaurants, a spa, swimming pool and a beautiful access to see Pender island. it also has a fuel dock and ample moorage to go up for a bite to eat or a drink.
- 16) Port Browning: Port Browning Marina can be found at the head of the spectacular Browning Harbour. Our marina is a favourite destination among boaters and island visitors exploring the Southern Gulf Islands. During a visit to Port Browning you'll find overnight moorage, a convenience store, laundry and shower facilities, tent and RV camping, seasonal outdoor pool, ATM, WiFi, kayak rentals and convenient access to local shopping.
- 17) Fairfax Point: On the Southern tip of Moresby Island, Fairfax point is often a good place to find Orca Whales, Sea-Birds and Porpoises.
Disclaimer
Numbers 1 through 8 can be viewed without a Pleasure Craft Operators Card but anything beyond that is outside of the boundaries we have imposed if you do not have a Canadian Boating License.