Summer in BC

[hi_im_nick]

I would like to spend the summer enjoying the coast of BC. Any planning recommendations for where to stay, and re supply would be very appreciated. How did you do it when you did it before?

[VanIslandGuy]

BC's coastline is massive. Between all of Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, all the various Sounds (Desolation, Howe, etc), and points further north towards Alaska. Could you share where your boat will launch from, and what your cruising plans are?

[hi_im_nick]

I'm going to launch from Portland, Oregon when the weather is nice, go as far north as reasonable, and coast down leisurely stopping often until it's time to bust a move to SoCal before the cold foul weather sets in. June-August is what I was thinking.

[NewMoon]

We've been cruising BC and SE Alaska since 1993. Big subject. Maybe a good place to start would be to spend some time with charts and cruising guides:

Waggoner
Exploring the South Coast of BC
Exploring the North Coast of BC

Except on the outside of Vancouver Island, and much of the BC North Coast (north of Vancouver Island), there are plenty of places to re-supply. We stay overnight most of the time anchored in some lovely cove - there are a zillion to choose from. Could email copies of the lists of anchorages we developed over time. June-August sounds good. Happy to discuss further,

[Knot Safety]

Plan well. This will give you an idea of the size of BC

[Macblaze]

I agree with New Moon: grab a Waggoners and have a good look at it. Then start to narrow down what you want to do.

Essentially from Washington to Campbell River, marinas and resupply is plentiful (diminishing in regularity as you head north). Campbell River to the N. end of Vancouver Island is sparser with Port MacNeill as the main resupply. The outside of Vancouver Island is all small villages and wild and beautiful anchorages. North of Vancouver Island you have Shearwater, which is small and Prince Rupert which is pretty big and that is pretty much it. And there is Haida Gwaii offshore for even more beautiful and rugged landscapes.

To sum up, the further north (or west) you go the less facilities available and the more beautiful the scenery

[hi_im_nick]

I was unaware of this Waggoner guide, thank you for the recommendation.