Making the Rounds

Otter Bay Marina, buoys on right

After departing Sidney, we spent the day making several stops, gathering updates and taking photos.  First stop, Otter Bay Marina on North Pender Island, with its lovely grounds, swimming pools, and the convenience store/café, seems to draw the attraction of many boaters.  The marina appeared to be full, and the marina phone recording instructed boaters to make advance reservations online; one boater we spoke with said he was unable to raise anyone at the office on the radio. 

Otter Bay Marina Grounds

All indications that reservations are a must during the busy peak season.  We noted 10 buoys near the docks labeled “Otter Bay Marina,” with several buoys not yet occupied.  Upon further investigation, we discovered that most of the buoys are for permanent moorage only; however, four buoys have been set aside for transient moorage when not occupied.

Continuing northwest, we stopped at Port Washington Wharf, a short distance from Otter Bay. 

Port Washington Wharf

The Wharf has two floats: the northwestern float is available to transient boaters, with the exception of the load/unload portion marked in yellow; the eastern float appears to be for assigned, permanent moorage. 

A self-registration payment box is located on the pier.  Boaters should note that these floats are subject to boat wakes from Swanson Channel.

Hope Bay Public Wharf

Circling around to the east side of North Pender Island, we made a stop at Hope Bay Public Wharf, a small marina with a cluster of businesses including a chocolate shop, a second-hand store with antiques, and a goldsmith shop in addition to a veterinary clinic and realty service. 

Philly's Diner Closed for 2018

Unfortunately, Philly’s Diner, overlooking Plumper Sound, has closed and it remains to be seen if another restaurant will take its place.

Crossing Plumper Sound, we stopped at Lyall Harbour on the north end of Saturna Island.  A self-registration payment box is located at the head of the ramp. 

Lyall Harbour Docks

Moorage is rather limited; but if you find space, it’s an interesting stop for a look into island life. 

Take in the views from the Lighthouse Pub

We are happy to report that the Lighthouse Pub, with great views of the Sound, is still going strong and is located just upland from the dock.  The popular Wild Thyme (250-539-5589), located in a double-decker bus one mile up the road, operates Thursday through Sunday. 

You can rent bicycles to explore the island of Saturna

If you prefer biking rather than walking, you can rent bicycles at Saturna Cycle (250-857-4102) located above the Wharf.

Windy Bay on the north end of Saturna Island

A stop at Windy Bay on north Saturna Island (in settled weather) is a great place for some family fun and hiking adventures. 

Saturna Winery guest dock on right

The Saturna Island Winery dock is available for day-use, while visiting the winery property; the dock is in need of repair, so mooring is at your own risk. 

Saturna Island Vinyards

While the winery is no longer open for wine tasting, and the bistro closed several years ago, it’s worth a walk to the vinyards for the beautiful views of the fields overlooking Plumper Sound; eagles are often seen soaring above the granite cliffs.  Sadly, the winery looks to be on its last leg; we suspect that the operation at this point has been reduced to bottling juice to be sold to other operations. 

Who doesn't love an old-fashioned swing!

Thompson Park, just upland from the winery dock, offers picnic tables; and children love the old-fashioned swing hanging from a large Fir tree, and the rope swing over the water for a refreshing dip in the sea on those hot summer days. 

A fun way to cool-off on a hot summer day

Windy Bay is a lovely secluded spot not frequented by pleasure boaters and serves as a nice lunch stop.        

Port Browning Marina and Harbour

Port Browning Marina, on the southeastern side of North Pender Island, was our last stop of the day.  While the marina was busy, moorage slips were still available. 

The pool at Port Browning is a favorite with children

Children were enjoying the pool, and the pub/restaurant had a steady business for lunch and dinner (open daily). 

Port Browning Pub & Restaurant

The new, separate Bistro is open on Saturdays and Sundays, offering a Buffet Breakfast from 9 am to Noon, and open for dinner Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 5 pm to 8 pm.  

The Bistro at Port Browning

We noted that a number of boats had anchored in the harbour, discharging young people who came ashore for lunch and/or to shop at nearby Driftwood Center.  The “shopping center” supports the needs of both North and South Pender Islands and that of other smaller outlying islands.  Here, boaters can find many necessary supplies and services: Tru Value Foods, a Liquor Store, Bakery, Auto/Marine Store, Talisman Books, and a Hair Studio.  You can even buy flowers from the flower shop for those special occasions or purchase a sun dress at the local dress boutique.  If you want to set a spell and have a bite to eat, don’t miss Jo’s Place, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  Back at the marina, we learned that existing plans to begin the installation of new docks in the fall of 2018, have been cancelled and are currently on hold for the immediate foreseeable future.  Running and maintaining a marina is no doubt an expensive proposition, and we encourage fellow boaters to support all the local marinas in our beautiful Pacific Northwest.