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Where are the marine parks of the San Juan Islands?
Below is the marine parks list, followed by reviews, charts, and pictures.
This is not all the parks, just the ones you may want to make part of your cruising. It's unlikely you can visit all in one trip and still do a decent job of sightseeing. You should plan multiple visits to the San Juans.
Many people choose Jones as their favorite for just hanging out for a few days, so Jones is first. For hiking, Sucia, or Pelican Beach on Cypress Island are the best, but all the parks have hiking trails.
Some parks are in a convenient location when you need to spend the night and you're between destinations, Saddle Bag, Eagle Harbor, and Odlin would fit this description.
Most parks with docks have picnic tables on the floats, which are very handy for extending your living area, socializing, and meeting other boaters.
For marinas/etc. where you can get fuel and provisions
Where are 4th of July celebrations in the San Juan's?
Here is a list of Independence Day celebrations, parades and fireworks planned on Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island.
Reserve a slip at the Friday Harbor Marina, but if you just show up, there is always room for another anchor and the paddle over to the dinghy dock is super short. (FYI - anchoring in the cove places you directly in front of the fireworks barge -- there is no better or closer view possible for your independence day grand finale)
We had such a fun time last year at Friday Harbor celebrating the Fourth of July that we are going back for a vacation cruise repeat in 2017.
Don't limit yourself -- below is a list of Orcas, San Juan, and Lopez island fireworks and celebrations planned for the 4th.
Some of the festivities are for different dates so with a little planning you can attend several events.
I copied some of these snippets from last year (so the dates are wrong for 2017 and some events may be altered)
Enjoy the Family 3.3K
Fun Run, log-rolling contest, blindfolded dinghy race, doughnut eating contest,
children's games, live music and fireworks.
Fun Run at Yellow Brick Road
Kids Games at Pool Lawn 12:30-2:30 p.m. - Doughnut Eating at West Lawn
Blindfolded Dinghy Race 4:00 p.m. - Log Rolling at Wharf Building
Fireworks Show in the Harbor at dusk!
Friday Harbor: on the 4th of July
Monday, July 4, 2016 All Day
Friday Harbor's 4th of July highlights include a small-town parade, a
community picnic, live music, dancing and fireworks!
The parade, known as one
of the top 10 small town parades in the nation, passes through downtown
Friday Harbor at 10:30am. Immediately following the parade, the 'Pig War
Picnic' put on by the Kiwanis, will be held at the San Juan Historical
Museum grounds.
Expect live music and a great lunch. At dinner time, the Port
of Friday Harbor will be putting on music in the Port parking lot, followed by
the biggest and best Fireworks show beginning at dusk, approximately
10:00p.m.
I copied this from the Lopez Chamber website, there is a lot more planned during the year, music, food, art etc. Event Description
The 4th of July on Lopez Island has become one of Washington State's most treasured celebrations.
Many come from all over the country to enjoy a "down home" themed parade and one of the most spectacular community funded fireworks displays you can find anywhere. The island rolls out the red carpet every 4th of July when they host what has become one of the "don't miss" events associated with the beautiful San Juan Islands.
Make sure you plan ahead as it has, for good reason, become the busiest time getting to and from Lopez and lodging can fill up quite early in the year. What really makes this great event a success year after year are the multitude of volunteers and generous donations from both local businesses and individuals throughout the local community and families who come to Lopez to enjoy the show year after year.
Join us, for what has grown into a larger than life tradition, this 4th of July. It's a day packed with many events and activities, not to mention an island full of patriotism.
More Info: www.lopezfireworks.com http://www.lopezisland.com/index.htm
Our new "Land and Sea Guide" is packed with suggestions, and outside the box ideas for getting around the San Juans.
Yes, within reason of course, but we have seen them all.
As the primary irritant and contributor to this website, I am drawn back to promoting boating and heading to the San Juans.
How many times have you heard (or said yourself) "I can't because...." -- finish the statement with any handy excuse for not making that long talked about trip. In many cases, the excuses I use are bogus or easily overcome.
For instance:
I can't because =The no money excuse:
If you are dead broke, I suggest that you forge ahead and make plans anyway, things have a way of working out.
Reduce the budget some, try dialing back what you really need to get going to the San Juans.
New radar - NO, new motor - NO - how about used? New plotter - NO. You may be hopeless if you need all the newest toys to vacation or go on a boat ride.
I can't because - The no boat excuse:
Take what you have, or consider renting or buying a used runabout or skiff.
One time we came across a couple (a well seasoned couple I might add) at Pelican Beach. They arrived in an 8' plywood sailing pram (with oars and no motor) and they had towed another 8' pram with all their camping gear. They told us they had put in at Anacortes and were spending a week as they had done for many years. I was impressed and somewhat embarrassed for my boat full of goodies, and creature comforts.
Let's expand on the idea of buying a used boat. Once a few years back, I sold our primary boat just a few weeks before a planned trip to the San Juans. Now boat-less, except for my beloved 9' dinghy, I was faced with canceling my family vacation. Instead, I decided to buy an inexpensive boat, and use it once for our San Juan trip and then sell it upon our return. I bought a small well known readily available sailboat and trailer. We boat camped for ten days, and then I sold the temporary boat for 100% what I paid for it.
The overall cost for that trip was just the cost of fuel and provisioning. I know, some people will criticize the wisdom of taking an unknown boat, breakdowns, blah blah blah. That's OK, I agree what we did is not for everyone, but it worked well for us, and besides, I brought my dinghy and trusted 5hp Honda as back up.
The no time excuse:
Baloney - If you really want to go you will make the time, so go mark your calendar right now! (once you set a date and mark it on the calendar, you are as good as at Jones Island already)
One last thought; life happens, when everything in life gangs up on you conspiring to stop your boating trip, don't give up. Instead, postpone the boat part and go in your car. Camping or resorting around the San Juans is almost as good as boating around the San Juans. Friday Harbor, here I come.
Take what you have and -- GO!
This was supposed to be a picture of Mt Baker and a ferry but the auto focus got the knot instead.
My new travel guide may be just what you need. That's right, I am shamelessly promoting my 2017 "San Juan Islands Travel Guide."
-- It is a Land and Sea Guidebook, so whether you are a boater, biker, or car camper, it has what you want. CLICK HERE or search Amazon Books -
"San Juan Islands Travel Guide"
Thanks - John
Click below for a satellite view of the boat ramp at La Conner
Easy answer, it flows both directions. Sooner or later, regulars to the San Juans learn to love or hate Swinomish Channel.
Many skippers form an opinion on their very first transit through this popular eleven mile alternative to Deception Pass. Sailors and under powered puttsters fighting the current, hate it, but turn them around and suddenly their tune changes as the current whisks them along at
four miles per hour.
One day we pulled in to the city float at La Conner and I grumbled to a local boaterabout how we had been battling the current for hours on our way from James Island. I remember his comment, he said, "The current flows one way for twenty three hours and then reverses, and no one knows when." We all laughed and I figured I should get over it.
I came across this rule of thumb posted on the Port of Skagit County website for estimating the current direction.
The rule of thumb for estimating Swinomish Channel current direction at La Conner goes like this:
The current flows north from 2.5 - 4 hours before high tide to 2.5 - 4 hours after high tide The current flows south from 2.5 - 4 hours before low tide to 2.5 - 4 hours after low tide Slack water occurs 2.5 - 4 hours after high or low tide, not at the tide change like in some areas.
You will still need to consult with high and low tide predictions for La Conner to put these rule of thumbs to use. Be forewarned, many people consider La Conner tide predictions as hocus pocus because they are often wrong.
I cannot remember this rule so I am going out on a limb here and offering my own memory trick as follows. We already know that in the San Juans a rule of thumb is that the current flows north on an incoming tide (flood) and south on the ebb, and we know in the Puget Sound and southern area it is basically the opposite. So my memory hack is to consider Swinomish Channel as part of and subject to the San Juan rules of thumb. This means, Swinomish Channel flows NORTH on the flood just like the San Juans, but it is late due to distance.
FYI - did you know that all of Swinomish Channel (at least where land is) is a "No Wake - Slow Zone"
Click below for satellite view of Swinomish Channel North end and Cap Sante
Where are kayak and bicycle campgrounds in the San Juan Islands?
This map shows kayak campsites, launch points, and parking locations throughout the San Juan Islands, including GPS coordinates for easy trip planning and navigation. Use it to quickly find where to launch, camp, and explore by kayak or possibly bicycle across the islands.
Below and on map are campgrounds for kayakers
Black labels below and on MAP - are kayak launch sites - most with parking
Click below for satellite view of >>>Lummi kayak campground<<<
It's not too early to be making plans for your next trip to the San Juan's.
Part of making workable plans is knowing what your options are. If all you want to do is sit on your boat in some secluded hideaway, then stop right now.
If on the other hand you think about what new excursions wait you if you just had some way to get around, keep reading.
Did you know that San Juan Transit runs a "Sunset Tour" from Friday Harbor to Lime Kiln? It takes about an hour.
Did you know that you can ride your bicycle to any point they service and then come back on the little bus if you are too tuckered to ride back? 5 bucks, and if it's raining, still 5 bucks.
Here's an idea, I'm going to do. I'm going to start out by riding to American Camp, Then hop the transit over the mountain to English Camp, then ride to Roche and then catch the transit back to Friday Harbor.
San Juan Transit carries bicycles on the front and if they have more they bring them inside. one way fare is $5, all day is $15, two day is $25.
With a little creative thinking outside the box and free inter-island ferry service, you can get off the boat and expand your horizons. Sit down with a ferry and transit schedule and see what you can come up with. (they are both online) Daily, May 20th to Oct 6th (2016) - Before waiting for the bus, check the most recent schedule
Lopez Island Transit stops - Weekend service only on Lopez - June 21 to Sept 7
Ferry Landing – Odlin Park – Lopez Farm Cottages – Lopez Village
– Golf Course – Shark Reef Park – South End Gen Store – Lopez – School – Hummel
Lake – Spencer Spit State Park – Lopez Village Market –
Orcas Island Transit stops - Weekend service only on Orcas - June 17 to Sept 5
Ferry Landing – West Sound – Turtleback Mtn. Trailhead - Deer Harbor – Golf Course – Eastsound Market –
Rosario Resort – Moran St Park –
San Juan Island Transit stops - Daily service, May 20 to Oct 6 (2016) See spring , summer, and fall schedules
Friday Harbor ferry – American Camp – Lavender Farm – Lime Kiln/Whale
Watch St Park – SJ County Park – Snug Harbor Resort – Krystal Acres Alpacas –
English Camp – Sculpture Park – Roche Harbor Resort – Lakedale Resort – San Juan
Vineyard
Sunset ride from Friday Harbor to Lime kiln and back. Be at the stop 3/4 hour before sunset.
Friday Harbor stop is the little foot passenger island opposite the ferry waiting lanes!
Look who we met on the edge of the road while biking from our slip in Friday Harbor to Cattle Point.
This is the sort of chance encounter that makes my day. I don't remember much about that outing but I sure remember how friendly this guy was.
We are on the high bluff overlooking Cattle Point and the Strait of Juan De Fuca with nothing but grassy fields in all directions. This healthy looking guy appeared to be looking for handouts.
I have never seen a fox that hasn't seen me first and wasn't running for the hills.
What basic things should be kept on board for emergencies?
I don't see any reason to make an exhaustive list with things like - an anchor, extra batteries, spare filters, fuel additive, energy bars, pretzels, etc. Those things belong on a different list.
Over the years I have been impressed by well prepared boaters I meet.
A skipper will offer to lend me a tool or give me a spare part he just happens to have on board.
What really impresses me is when they say "just a second, let me take a look" and they are back in one minute with exactly what I need. I can't find one of my five flashlights let alone a spare 3/8" galvanized shackle in under thirty minutes.
I carry stuff I may need, and of course some of it is never needed, but I never know, so yes, "let me take a look."
Here is my incomplete list of things I keep on the boat all the time, you may have your own ideas.
Not necessarily in order of importance:
Dramamine seasickness pills or gum.
take them ahead of time if you suspect a problem
Extra line or rope.
You may never need it, but someone else might.
I carry an old barbeque bag stuffed full of misc. long and short lines.
Miscellaneous tools.
Vise grips, adjustable wrench, four way screwdrivers, needle nose pliers, channel locks, wire and rope cutters, knife - more? yes a flashlight
An oar or paddle for the big boat
Even a thirty footer may be paddled a short distance.
A telescoping boat hook.
A bucket with a strong bail. (lately I have been using those square kitty litter ones cause they fit below deck better)
Duct tape, cable ties, hose clamps, roll of ss wire. Coffee cup full of nuts bolts screws little things, pencils
Big sponge, big rag, paint thinner.
Big magnet with an eye. (this has saved my cookies, big time)
Mirror
Basic first aid supplies
At the very least I bring along bandaids for minor cuts.
Soft Scrub w/bleach - you need this!
I don't see any reason to make an exhaustive list with things like - an anchor, extra batteries, spare filters, fuel additive, energy bars, pretzels, etc. Those things belong on a different list.
Generally, I only use cleats for two things. #1 to quickly secure the boat when coming into a slip or float. #2 to permanently tie the boat.
This may seem like the same two things, but they are not.
When coming into the dock under adverse conditions, the crew may have only a split second to secure the line and move to the next line before the wind or current drags the boat out of reach. Sometimes skippers come in too hot and snagging a wrap on a beefy cleat may be necessary to stop the boat from crashing -- another split second job.
Once the boat is under control, #2 comes into play where I go back and redo my cleating for a permanent job.
The accepted way to cleat a line is as follows:
Run the line under the far horn, around the base, and then around the base under the near horn. Do not double wrap the base. Your line should look like a loop was dropped over the cleat. Next take the line up over the middle of the cleat and around the far horn again, repeating figure eights across the cleat. Finish it off, with one or more half hitches (single twist) on the horn(s).
The reason for not using complete or multiple wraps around the base is so that the extra line cannot ride up during a moment of slack and then pinch tight on itself creating an overwrap that cannot be undone under load. Sailors that have experienced an overwrap on a heavily loaded jib sheet winch will recognize this potentially disastrous situation.
Use up any extra line with more figure eights or lead the line back to the boat, but don't leave a trip hazard across the float.
Well, for starters, you can get on a ferry and leave for the day.
Foot passenger holding area at Friday Harbor (strongly resembles a corral )
Walking bikes on ferry seemed prudent
First island
We arrived in Friday Harbor for the 4th of July celebration on the 2nd and so had a few days to kill.
With our floating motel safely tucked into a slip, we rested easy Saturday night. The 26 mile run from Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham was uneventful partly due to catching some decent currents and a sunny rest stop at Blakely's. Sunday morning arrived with coffee, bagels and cream cheese, and then we walked our bikes over to the ferry terminal and caught the 8:30 AM ferry to Shaw Island.
After a stopover on Orcas, the four of us and one Labradoodle walked off at Shaw Landing. The ride is free as is all inter island foot and bicycle traffic, so we simply checked east/west schedules to make sure we had a ride back to Friday that afternoon and headed out with full water bottles and a handful of granola bars.
Second island
The ferry ride was a welcome break from driving our own boat and the view from the high deck is great. On Shaw, we took pity on our four legged member and limited our ride to the county park at Indian Cove, a distance of around four miles round trip. Much further dog trotting I suspect. The road is paved and hugs the water around most of Blind Bay before turning inland at the community center and shooting straight over the small hill to the east side and Indian Cove. The wooded campground was full as expected, and kayaks were strewn about above high water amongst the driftwood. We rested, beach combed, and then headed back to Shaw Landing after about an hour.
(FYI, you can make camping reservations up to 90 days in advance at all three San Juan county parks at https://secure.itinio.com/sanjuan/ or google San Juan County Parks) or try clicking here >>San Juan County Parks (3)
While waiting for our ferry ride back to Friday we sat around the cozy little picnic area eating ice cream purchased at the Shaw Landing General Store. All in all it was a resoundingly relaxing laid back morning.
Getting back to Friday Harbor before 2 PM left us with much of the day still ahead of us, and since they unload foot passengers before the cars, we were back on the promenade minutes after the ramp went down.
High and low tides are a
fundamental part of life in the San Juan Islands and beyond.
They occur in a
predictable pattern, much like night follows day. However, a few times each
year, the alignment of the sun and moon causes extreme tidal conditions known
as king tides and minus tides.
As the names suggest, these
tides are significantly higher or lower than normal.
When we study a NOAA tide
forecast for a specific location, we typically see times and heights such as
7.5 feet at 9:04 am, followed by a low tide of 2.5 feet at 3:02 pm, approximately
six hours later. By doing some simple math, we can see that the tide will fall (range)
five feet between high and low tide. This is our usual scenario, although the
times shift by about fifty-four minutes later each day.
However, as the sun and moon's
positions approach perfect alignment, the tides become more pronounced,
resulting in king tides and minus tides.
For instance, a high tide might reach
+10.5 feet, while a low tide might drop to -3 feet, creating a nearly 14-foot
range over a six-hour period. These figures are not hypothetical; they were taken directly from the NOAA website for Fisherman Bay
Minus tide in July at Jones Island leaves an unwary runabout high and dry delaying departure.
For a cruiser in the San
Juans, considering where and how you anchor or tie to a float becomes even more
important during these extreme tides.
Your favorite dock might be sitting in
the weeds at low tide, or your anchor rode might be too short at high tide.
Careful planning of your passage becomes crucial. A pass or headland you
routinely transit might have five-foot or higher standing waves and an eight+
mph current during these times.
Familiarizing yourself with
the "rule of twelfths"
rule of twelfth's is a useful way to prepare for and estimate
water levels at your chosen anchorage. Knowing the depth in advance won't make your boat any faster, but it could help you adjust your plans
to avoid the worst of the conditions.
All cruising requires vigilance
and preparation but during king and minus tides, a little extra knowledge will assure
you have a safe passage.
I wrote this post in 2016, led's were just coming on the market. I personally was unhappy being forced to switch over to expensive inferior bulbs (IMO). In the ten or more years since I have changed my opinion. Now I like led's and some (not all) have been very cost effective and durable for me.
Light Emitting diode - LED
I found this image of a single led, but in my real life they are so small I can barely see them let alone identify the little parts.
I'm guessing that this is an early version. Manufacturers of lights assemble many led's into one array.
Led light pitfalls!
I am straying into boating topics and away from Sailing the San Juan's type posts because so much of what we do is prepare for what we do.
Last summer we were stranded at Jones Island with dead batteries. see dead battery pain in the ### trip A number of reasons contributed to our predicament, but mostly I simply used up all my available juice. Led's, everyone knows are the new answer to hungry power consuming home lights and are mandated by the rule makers to be incorporated into our lives. It makes perfect sense to use them in our boats where power is limited to what's stored in your battery.
Led lights for boats are mostly modifications of rv and automobile lights because our systems are 12 volts like cars. New fixtures designed specifically to use led bulbs are coming out every day but who wants to switch out expensive fixtures for even more expensive fixtures.
The answer for some of us is to simply switch bulbs, and that is when my problems began.
I went online and a few days later my expensive led bulbs showed up.
my first problem - the new led bulb was an irritatingly bright bluish white that made my wife's skin look alien.
solution - order another bulb and pay attention to color, cool white, warm white, kelvin etc. Now I know that around 2700 color is pleasing and 6500 is not. (16 boat bucks wasted)
next problem - brightness or lumens of 25-75 add to ambience under a counter or stair, but won't light up the table or cooking area
solution - buy bulbs with over 200 lumens (I think this would be about 2 watts) and make sure they are close to area to be lit up.
final problem - replacement bulbs are primarily configured for tail light and turn signal applications and not area lighting. Some led's are arranged on a cylinder, some on a card, and all the little buggers seem to be directional, some with a narrow beam.
solution - none in my case except buy new fixtures, with the correct bulb included.
final, final issue - automobile fixtures use the steel body for a ground, but boats being mostly fiberglass use fixtures with two wires, and sometimes bulbs with a ground terminal (not the brass base) so you must be sure to look at the bulb base terminals and match properly.
My boat has four different types/styles of interior lighting fixtures, after a generous amount of research I have come to the conclusion that there is simply not a suitable led bulb replacement made for some of them. Without changing fixtures, I will have to put up with what's out there.
The good news is, I have lots of company, prices are coming down and new products are invented almost daily.
BTW, I just installed a new 120 lb 4d house battery rated at a whopping1645 amps and I am looking forward to hanging at Jones Island July 5-6 this year. I hope to see you there, I'll be the one doing nothing.
How do you know when and where there are big waves in the San Juan Islands?
Fortunately, we don't have much bad weather or rough water during the summer, but things kick up a little when the wind blows against the current, or currents collide with each other.
The current changes direction every six hours, so with a steady wind, conditions on the water may change from smooth to stacked waves and back to smooth, making crossing straits or rounding the tip of points very uncomfortable. Some of the currents slam into each other, making things worse at the lee side of some islands.
When the weatherman says a "north wind" he means the wind is coming from the north and blowing south. Not confusing ! - but when when they say a "north current" they mean the current is flowing north - (opposites attract waves) Simple to understand?
Take a moment and click on this link to view current Rosario Strait conditions as forecast by Noaa
click here to see Rosario Strait forecast (this is the same handy dandy link on left side of page) The forecast predicts weather and waves and has a handy radar view, plus you can change the target area simply by clicking on the map.
So! - a north wind and a north current are not good if they are at the same time and place, ditto for south wind and south current, east against east, west against west.
When making plans, check the current and wind direction, remembering at slack water there may be no waves, and then as the current speeds up, the waves stack up. And then six hours or less later, when the current reaches slack again, the waves go back down.
In the San Juan's, currents flow around islands and land points, and winds blow willy nilly around land masses. This means you may find localized rough conditions where waves are stacking due to north versus north, south versus south etc. The good news is that many times these rough spots can be avoided simply by giving extra clearance when rounding points. The straits and passes though may require you to time your passage to avoid opposing forces. (north versus north, south versus south.)
The southeast tip of Lopez Island at Point Colville and Davidson Rock is a good example where conditions often are atrocious and should be avoided.
Remember, you can always turn around or wait an hour or two if you are overwhelmed. Simply changing course a little may ease the ride. Don't let your schedule or itinerary dictate your decisions.
If your boat doesn't look like this one, you should probably be somewhere else.
This winter picture was taken from the safety of the seawall at Depoe Bay, Oregon - not the San Juans.
We watched them practice maneuvers for an hour, sometimes rolling nearly sixty degrees. Seat belts, anyone?
Yes and no. In my opinion, missing going to Friday Harbor on your first San Juan Islands trip is like missing seeing the winning score at a game. The flipside is that Friday Harbor is just another small touristy seaport. Another consideration is that you can visit Friday Harbor by car, but the marine parks are only accessible by boat. In my case, I enjoy Friday Harbor and other ports of call, but many times we have not stopped at Friday Harbor or any other port and just visited the outer island parks.
OK, let's get serious, the best vacations will offer great value and astounding memories. True!
So having an orca breach just a few feet from your dinghy fits the description - right again!
So does a romantic sunset dinner in a deserted anchorage, discovering a tiny octopus in a tidepool, or having a lost seal pup crying at your transom. But if history fascinates you and killer whales terrify you, perhaps a museum should be on your short list.
Friday Harbor Marina
If you are visiting the San Juans by car, by boat, or on foot and only have one place to choose for your stop, make it the city of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island.
If at all possible you should allow a full day for exploring and then spend the night on board your boat at the marina or at a local tourist lodge, B&B or motel. For campers, head for the county campground at Smallpox Bay on the west side.
Ride your bicycle, drive your car, or purchase an all day transit pass for $15. Friday Harbor and San Juan Island is your number one choice.
While on San Juan Island, stop by the visitors center in Friday Harbor for maps and brochures. ( it's on Spring street across from Kings Market) Check out the Whale Museum,the San Juan Historical Museum, American Camp, English camp, Lime Kiln State Park (aka "Whale Watch Park")and a host of private enterprises and artsy craftsy studios, but don't miss Roche Harbor, and the Sculpture Garden at Westcott Bay Reserve. Local shops and eateries will satisfy your appetite for cuisine and collectables.
Even though I espouse "Just Get Going" type San Juan trips, I still do a little research from time to time.
What is an easy way to bicycle other islands?
Afew years back, I stopped at Shaw Landing. (That's the little dock with a market at the top of the foot ramp - next to the Shaw ferry landing - at the entrance to Blind Bay) We got some snacks and, while there, inquired about coming back in a day or two and leaving the boat at the dock while we explored the island on our bicycles.
We were not told straight out yes or no, they said something about docks being for paid overnighters and to check back later. I decided not to come back and we went to Lopez. There's more >>>
The easy answer is False Creek. I know, I know, Vancouver is not the San Juans, but it is definitely in the area. We had such a fantastic experience I felt everyone should hear about it.
Sooner or later, we get tired of going to the same great places and Canada is the answer if you are in the San Juan's.
Granville Island dock and Aqua bus stop in False Creek
At sixty miles from Squalicum Harbor, Vancouver is one day's drive away for powerboats and two days for pokey sailboats.
With an overnight stop at Sucia or Patos Island, you can break the mileage down to a thirty-six-mile jaunt, and have time to explore after you get anchored in Vancouver.
Your destination is False Creek in NW Vancouver.
For those of you going for your charts to find False Creek, it is a dead-end bay off the end of English Bay in Burrard Inlet.
If you already know Vancouver -- False Creek surrounds Granville Island Peninsula and shopping district.
One last little hint -- False Creek and English Bay form one side of Stanley Park. (That's right, the Lions Gate suspension bridge in Stanley Park)
Now that you are properly oriented, let's cut to the details. Stanley Park trails and the False Creek shoreline promenade provide almost unlimited level bicycling. Granville Island is like a giant Saturday Market, only with permanent buildings. You could spend a week here and just get started. The surrounding high-rise condos are some of the most expensive properties around, and you can drop your anchor and spend the night in front of them for free.
Free 3 hr slips and dock space at Granville Island Mall make getting dinner and souvenirs easy.
Now if they can just get the tide to quit going up and down or put in elevators.
The city welcomes transient boaters and even has a welcome committee boat (at the dock under the Granville Island bridge) stuffed with brochures and knowledgeable ambassadors.
Of course there is a fuel dock, and paying by the liter sounds cheap at first.
When you arrive in False Creek simply get on your phone and call the 800 number to check in with customs and immigration, it's that easy.
If you don't want to anchor, there are plenty of marinas and yachts clubs willing to take your money or extend reciprocal privileges.
False Creek is big enough to go dinghy sailing and the entire inlet is a no-wake zone.
Vancouver is on our short list for a return visit! Did I mention everyone is friendly?
If you need more cruising to round out your trip, consider running around the point Stanley Park occupies and scoot under Lions Gate Bridge up Burrard Inlet. You might even run the eighteen or so miles up to Indian Arm Provincial Park.
