Exploring Barkley Sound

Cruising down Alberni Inlet

We were glad to see that the winds had died down when it came time to leave Port Alberni; backing out between boats with a cross wind would have proven dicey.  On our way down Alberni Inlet, we stopped at Hook Bay on the west side, to check out the anchorage and public float. 

The Public Float in Hook Bay is for Recreational Boaters

Like the float in San Mateo Bay, the float in Hook Bay is for recreational boats and not intended for use by crab boats or prawn fish boats.  Both of these floats are managed by the Alberni Port Authority and serve as nice overnight options when transiting to or from Port Alberni.  Depths of 30 feet in Hook Bay are perfect for anchoring, with protection from winds except northeasters.

Limestone Bay has anchorage with room for two-three boats

Limestone Bay, also located along the west side of the Inlet, has depths of 30-40 feet and serves well for anchorage in settled weather, but would be uncomfortable in a southerly blow.  Two cute cabins are tucked just inside the bay’s entrance on opposite shores. 

Uchucklesit is a large, interesting bay

Next stop, the large bay of Uchucklesit Inlet, near the mouth of Alberni Inlet.  We found Uchucklesit to be quite interesting due to the variety of float homes and cabins, each with its own character.  Some cabins had whimsical names like the “she shed” and “woman’s cave.”  Uchucklesit Inlet is home to a community post office on floats. 

Community Post Office in Uchucklesit, a mail stop for M/V Francis Barkley

This is one of the mail stops of the M/V Francis Barkley.  The Francis Barkley vessel makes regular scheduled trips around Barkley Sound delivering supplies, mail, and people, including stops at Bamfield, Ucluelet, and Sechart, with a return trip to Port Alberni.  Delivery operations are managed by Lady Rose Marine Services.  Two smaller bays lie within Uchucklesit Inlet, Green Cove and Snug Basin.  Green Cove is behind Strawberry Point near the entrance of Uchucklesit Inlet.  To starboard, we noted fuel pumps on a float, the float appeared to be under repair. Reportedly, a local Native Band owns Strawberry Point and the fuel float. At this time, it is not clear if gas sales will be offered again in the near future.

Plenty of room to swing on the hook in Snug Basin

Snug Basin, located on the northwest end of the Uchucklesit Inlet, offers good protection in 50-90 feet of steep-to anchorage with plenty of room to swing.  We enjoyed touring Uchucklesit and think it’s worth a side trip.  Exiting Alberni Inlet, we continued our exploration of anchorages, stopping at Rainy Bay Cove in Rainy Bay. 

Attractive floating-home community in Rainy Bay Cove

Although not a secluded anchorage due to a community of floating homes, good anchoring depths of 30-40 feet are found, with room for about three boats. 

Entering Robbers Passage

From Rainy Bay we crossed Junction Passage and entered Trevor Channel to then negotiate Robbers Passage, bordered by rocky reefs at each end.  A small cove within the passage is home to the Alberni Yacht Club. 

The Port Alberni Yacht Club in Robbers Passage

The club house is adorable and the views are stunning.  The yacht club welcomes visiting boats at their docks with a suggested nightly moorage rate of a dollar per foot; a self-registration payment box is located just outside the club house.  Club facilities are open from Victoria Day (last Monday preceding May 25) to Canada Thanksgiving (second Monday in October).  Water is available at the docks; limited power for club members.

The adorable Club House at Robbers Passage

Numerous picnic tables on the docks create an inviting, welcoming atmosphere; and we were warmly greeted by members of the club, who helped us with our lines. 

Well maintained trails wind around the property through trees and rocky shoals; the trail branches off to a couple of sandy beaches.  It is evident that a lot of work went into creating these trails. 

Trails around the yacht club property provide some nice views

During our visit, several members were diligently working on replacing boards at the docks.  The hard-working crew gathered at the club house at the end of the day to enjoy the sunset and relax over a crab dinner. 

Stunning Views from the Yacht Club docks

We, too, enjoyed the warmth of the sun and the wonderful views.  Anchorage is possible near the docks, but we recommend tying up here to really enjoy this special place.  We have added Robbers Passage and the Alberni Yacht Club to our list of favorite places in Barkley Sound.

The sun's evening glow