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Montague Harbour - Gulf Islands BC CANADA

Posted June 19th, 2008 by Kim

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Montague Harbour - Gulf Islands BC CANADA

48.895492 -123.401678 ca

Though one of the most crowded anchorages in all the Gulf islands during the high season, Montague harbour on Galiano Island remains a favorite destination for cruisers, local boaters, and tourists alike. Peaceful beaches, open meadows, tidal lagoons, towering forests, craggy headlands, and abundant animal life are just a few of the things that attract visitors to this park.

Situated between the city of Vancouver and Vancouver Island, Galiano Island is in the heart of the Southern Gulf Islands. Montague Harbour on Galiano has a beautiful family atmosphere in the Summer, and is also a great spot to retreat to when the weather turns sour in the early or late season. With its large anchorage, numerous buoys, and a marina, Montague Harbour offers good protection from nearly all wind directions.

The mooring buoys are available for a fee near the park (well maintained but they can scratch your hull if you're not careful), or anchor out (various depths with good holding). There is water available near the dock in the park, but it is a long slog with jerry cans down the steps. You can also dump your recycling and garbage at the top of the stairs near the dock (fee for garbage).

Located at the top of the ramp near the docks at Montague Harbour marina (diesel / gas and water available) is a small convenience store (some charts and marine supplies available), and a cafe with ice cream shop. Montague Harbour marina monitors VHF 66A, or you can phone them at (250) 539-5733. The Montague Harbour marina also rents mopeds, boats and kayaks and sells fishing licences. We've found that courtesy fluctuates at this establishment.

Hiking is good in the area, as is animal watching - while boating in the area you will often see Bald Eagles, Dahle porpoise, river otters, and harbor seals. Many cruisers also enjoy taking the "Pub Bus" from the marina up to the Hummingbird Inn for social time in the evenings (May to September). If you are at Montague Harbour in the summer look for great educational displays at the park dock. They often light up the water under the dock to attract sea critters at night (fascinating). Also a treat is the dinghy ride back to your boat after dark - you'll be amazed at the incredible phosphorescence mid-Summer!

There is a very nice, large campground ashore at Montague Harbour which makes it a very convenient place to stay if you have guests who would like to camp out (or if you're ready to kick them off your boat). People can also take a ferry to Galiano island, then drive to the vehicle-accessible campsites at Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park. This makes it a convenient place for sailors to meet up with friends on shore.

If you are looking for a bit more solitude, and the wind is not coming from the North or Northwest, you can also anchor out near the beach on the North side of the spit. The sunsets are incredible from this anchorage, the beach is picturesque, and you have a much more peaceful experience during the week on this side. On the weekends in the Summer, however this anchorage is near a ramp where they launch speedboats, so unless you enjoy watching skiers doing donuts around your boat, move on by Friday night.

Anchorage on the north side of Montague Harbour Marine Park