Pilotage Plan for a Boat Trip from Friday Harbor, WA to West Vancouver, BC
Overview
This trip from Friday Harbor, WA to West Vancouver, BC, is an extraordinary experience for any boater, offering scenic views, potential wildlife encounters, and interesting landmarks along the way. This route is particularly suitable for intermediate to experienced boaters familiar with navigating coastal waters and dealing with tidal changes.
Starting Point: Friday Harbor, WA
Coordinates: Long/Lat -123.016351, 48.536713
Harbor Services: Ensure your vessel is fueled and provisioned before leaving. Friday Harbor has marinas with fuel stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. Do visit the San Juan Island Historical Museum if you have time.
Route Highlights
- Leave Friday Harbor
- Set sail southeast towards San Juan Channel. Keep an eye out for ferry traffic as this channel is a busy route for Washington State Ferries.
- Navigate through San Juan Channel
- Preferably keep within the marked navigation buoys. This is a well-travelled route, so the aids to navigation are reliable. Be alert for wildlife, including orcas and sea lions.
- Turn towards Roche Harbor
- Roche Harbor is a well-known destination with a picturesque marina and a historic hotel. It's an excellent place for a short stop to refuel your provisions and perhaps enjoy a meal. The harbor can provide safer anchorage in changing weather.
- Continue to Haro Strait
- As you sail south, prepare for Haro Strait's often-choppy waters. The tidal currents can be strong, which may necessitate timing your transit carefully. It’s advisable to plan your navigation around slack tides if possible.
- Look out for the prominent navigation buoys that mark the strait and channels. The southern end of the strait leads you towards Boundary Pass.
- Cross Boundary Pass
- Pay attention as you enter Canadian waters. Ensure your paperwork is in order for customs clearance at West Vancouver. Boundary Pass connects U.S. and Canadian maritime boundaries and can experience significant tidal flow.
- Arrival at West Vancouver
Coordinates: Long/Lat -123.272256, 49.377340
- Upon arrival, you'll find the stunning landscapes of Vancouver's North Shore and the secure docks at West Vancouver. The marina here offers shore access to parks, restaurants, and local attractions worth visiting, like the nearby Lighthouse Park.
Shelter Options en Route
Roche Harbor: An excellent harbor to take shelter from unpleasant weather, with amenities and lovely surroundings.
Ganges on Salt Spring Island: If time allows, this quaint village is another potential stop. Anchoring is generally safe in Ganges Harbour, though monitoring for boat traffic is advisable.
Navigation Aids To Note
- Look for Roche Harbor Light (LLNR 20555)and Lighthouse Point Light (LLNR 20575)as important navigational guides.
- Remember to have both paper charts and electronic navigation systems. A recommended app for real-time navigation and updates is savvy navvycombined with your chartplotter.
Local Restrictions and Regulations
- Respect the marine protected areas, especially around the San Juan Islands. Encounters with marine life, particularly orcas, are both magical and regulated; always refer to local guidelines.
- Be aware of Canadian customs requirements before entering West Vancouver, ensuring your boat documentation and identification are ready for inspection.
Safety Considerations
- Keep life jackets on board for everyone and ensure they are easily accessible.
- Check the marine weather forecasts before departure, especially for winds and storm warnings. Conditions can change rapidly in the coastal environment.
- Have a reliable VHF radio for constant communication and distress calls if needed, particularly with local coast guards and nearby vessels.
This journey provides a beautiful experience intertwined with nature, maritime history, and the wonder of Pacific Northwest cruising. It's an adventure that every boater, particularly those with some experience, would enjoy while being mindful of the maritime environment they navigate through.
