Good News for Silva Bay Marina

Continuing the rounds for Waggoner Guide research, we entered Active Pass; the wind was blowing 35 knots and the pass was definitely active with BC ferries transiting both directions.  Reminding ourselves the importance of leaving these “big boys” plenty of room, we hugged the shoreline along this very busy waterway.  Two worthwhile stops are located in Active Pass: Sturdies Bay on the east end, and Miners Bay on the south side of the pass.  A public wharf is found at both locations and are best suited for smaller boats; space is limited and subject to ferry wash. Heading back westward, against a 3-knot current, we exited Active Pass and turned northward to spend the night at anchor in Montague Harbour, another family favorite with lots of good memories.  The following day was spent investigating Telegraph Harbour on Thetis Island, and Silva Bay on Gabriola Island. 

The Pub/Restaurant is looking good at Thetis Island Marina

Thetis Island Resort has seen recent improvements, thanks to Wayne Proctor, the new owner.  The building exterior has received stain and paint finishes, a new patio area has been added at the head of the docks; and the pub deck has been renovated.  It was a busy day at Telegraph Harbour with boats maneuvering in the strong winds and negotiating the low tide with 4-foot minimums, yikes!  Time to high-tail out and continue to the day’s destination of Silva Bay, located on the southeast side of Gabriola Island.  Approaching from the south through the Gulf Islands, Silva Bay is reached through Gabriola Passage.  Like nearby Dodd Narrows, Gabriola Passage should be transited at slack water.  For boaters heading north, Gabriola Passage serves as an alternative to Dodd Narrows.  The east end of the Passage brings you into the Strait of Georgia; but with good weather, Gabriola Passage is a nice alternative to Dodd Narrows, especially during the busy summer months. 

A sailboat enjoying their stay in Dogfish Bay

There are several options to hold-up while awaiting slack water in Gabriola Passage: Wakes Cove at the north end of Valdes Island, and Dogfish Bay behind little Kendrick Island on the northeast side of Valdes Island. 

The small community and wharf at Degnen Bay, Gabriola Island

Across the Passage from Wakes Cove is the small community of Degnen, on Gabriola Island, with anchorage and a public wharf; space, however, is often taken with local fishing boats, but it’s worth a look; tucked inside Degnen Bay, the wharf is well protected from winds.  After transiting Gabriola Passage near slack water, we motored north along the east side of Gabriola Island, reaching Silva Bay around 4:30 pm.  The wind was still brisk, threatening to blow us off the dock; no worries, the friendly Wharfinger at Silva Bay Marina was there, ready to take our lines. 

Beautiful Silva Bay Marina

We were pleased to see so many boats on the docks, despite the fact that the local pub/restaurant burned down in October of 2017.  Mark Sager, the owner of Silva Bay Resort & Marina for the last 25 years, developed plans to rebuild the pub.  With mixed emotions and fond memories, Mark decided to sell the property and began the search for new owners who would carry on the tradition of a warm, welcoming marina.  The happy news came, when Dan Chen and family shareholders, became the official new owners of the marina and shipyard on July 9, 2018.  Dan wasted no time getting started on a modified version of Mark Sager’s rebuild project. 

A last look at the charred remains of the old pub and restaurant

Demolition of what’s left of the Silva Bay Pub and Restaurant has already begun and will continue through the next couple of weeks.  Dan Chen’s ambitious plan includes breaking ground in January of 2019 for the construction of a new pub/restaurant; he is hopeful that the new venue will be ready sometime in June 2019.  A portion of the building may be done in a modular fashion to speed up construction.  Dan also has plans to construct a new office and two rental cottages on the property.  The marina will remain open during construction with the same friendly dock managers eager to greet visiting boaters.  We, among many other boaters, are looking forward to once again visiting this special place with its new look and old hospitality.