Yacht Charter Itinerary Bellingham, WA to Campbell River, BC, Canada
Written by Missy Johnston
Bellingham, Washington
Arrive in Bellingham, Washington and board in Bellingham Harbor. After settling in depart immediately for Mackaye Harbor, an anchorage at the south end of Lopez Island – about a 25 mile trip. Once anchored, explore islands less than two miles from the anchorage by ship’s tender and gunk hole around the protected bay. Overnight.
Victoria at Night
Enjoy breakfast before cruising to Victoria, a distance of 25 miles. After clearing into Canada, explore the capital of British Columbia. Victoria’s buildings reflect Hellenic, Italian Renaissance and Victorian styles. There are museums to visit including the Maritime Museum in Bastion Square. For shoppers, the best browsing can be done on Government Street and Johnson Street contains offbeat shops housed in restored heritage buildings. The Visitor’s Bureau is located on the north side of the harbor at Government and Wharf Streets. Stay overnight in Victoria.
Port Sidney Seaside Walk
After breakfast, steam to Port Sidney, a distance of 25 miles. After exploring Port Sidney, depart for Maple Bay, (17 miles), a scenic and well protected location to anchor for the evening.
Chemainus
In the morning sail through the Stuart Channel to the town of Chemainus. This unique town is a good place to explore by foot. In 1982, to keep its heritage alive, Chemainus invited well-known artists to transform the small mill town into the world’ largest outdoor gallery – even the garbage cans are painted. The walls of local buildings are painted with award-winning murals. Mural maps are available at the visitor’s information center or follow the yellow footsteps painted along the town’s sidewalks. And for those that really want to relax, horse and buggy rides are offered from the lower to the upper town and back.
Nanaimo, Jack River Falls
Cruise through Dodd Narrows, 13 miles from Chemainus, enroute to Nanaimo. This historic mining town has undergone a transformation; its waterfront is now a 2-½ mile network of public waterways, parks, restaurants and shops. It is an easy walk up Bastion Street to the Old City Quarter where restored brick and stone buildings line Fitzwilliam, Wesley and Selby streets. These heritage buildings house boutiques and outdoor cafes. South of downtown is the Bungy Zone Bridge and Park where over 50,000 bungy jumpers have leaped from the center of the 140 foot bridge that spans the Nanaimo River. This is also a great port from which to head off on a private guided fishing trip for interested anglers. Overnight.
Sea Otters
After breakfast, depart for Gorge Harbor in Desolation Sound. After arriving in the secluded anchorage enjoy the solitude or explore the various coves. This is a great location to watch for wild and marine life including bald eagles and otters. Explore by tender before renting a scooter to check out the island. The Salish Indians, who once inhabited this harbor, used the caverns on the east side for burial caves. They protected their harbor by rolling rocks onto the canoes of enemies! Enjoy the day at Gorge Harbor or cruise to another cove to enjoy the warmer waters offered in Desolation Sound.
Desolation Sound
Depart Gorge Harbor or a nearby anchorage to make the transit to Campbell River where guests will disembark.