There’s nothing quite like the feeling you get when you cast off the lines and watch the dock slip away, knowing everything you need is on board, and it’s you and your crew off on your next adventure. That feeling was the heart of our latest summer journey aboard a SonShip yacht. Ten days on the water filled with salt spray, exploration, good food and memories to last a lifetime.
This post isn’t a guide or brochure, but for anyone who’s ever dreamed of or experienced the call of the adventure out on the water, to inspire you take the plunge and hit the water.
Day 1: Departure
The sun was just getting up as we cast off from West Bay at 7:00 AM. The coffee was hot, and the engines purred as we settled into a steady 10 knots, heading up the Straight of Georgia toward Pender Harbour – a gateway to the Sunshine Coast.
By early afternoon, we arrived at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club outstation at Garden Bay. Greeted by cedar trees, salty air and a welcome party of good friends we headed off to dinner—halibut grilled to perfection, crisp white wine, and stories around the table until the light faded. It felt like the official start to our trip.
Day 2: Hikes and Maple Syrup
The following morning, we were up with the sun and stretched our sea legs on a 3.5km hike to the Mt. Daniel lookout. It was a steady climb through the trees, with rewarding panoramic view of Pender Harbour, stretched out below like something out of a post card.
Back at sea level we realized we were missing our Canadian staple—maple syrup. Thankfully, John Henry’s Marina and Resort had us covered. A beloved local staple since the 1940’s and still going strong. We stocked up on essentials and treated ourselves to some ice cream before heading back to the boat.
Day 3: Into the Heart of the Inlet
Day 3 was met with clear skies and calm seas for our run up the Jervis Inlet—about 48 nautical miles to Princess Louisa Inlet. There’s only one way in and one way out, so precise timing is imperative to reach slack tide. Right on schedule, we arrived just outside the Malibu Rapids, at the mouth of Princess Louisa Inlet, where we waited with several other vessels. This nautical dance is orchestrated between captains on VHS, both exiting and entering Malibu Rapids. Patience and good manners go a long way.
Once through, the inlet opened like something out of a movie. Towering granite cliffs, waterfalls and still water. We motored to the head of the inlet and scored a prime spot, stern-tied just feet from Chatterbox Falls. The rest of the afternoon was spent floating at the near the falls, exploring the shoreline by dinghy, and ending the day with wine under the stars.
Day 4: Waterfalls and Weddings
The next day we packed a picnic and loaded into the dinghy for day of on shore exploration at Chatterbox Falls. There’s a small government dock available to tie up your dinghy, or if you’re a smaller vessel, stay overnight—though it’s a busy spot. Having been to Chatterbox Falls previously, we knew to take advantage of stretching our legs. A hike to the lookouts, calmed by the lush canopies, clear trails and fresh air. We took our time, soaking in all the scenery around us.
Chatterbox Falls has been nicknamed the “8th Wonder of the World”, and while this might not be necessarily true, we can’t help but agree as the rumble of the falls and the freshwater mist left us feeling rejuvenated and blessed.
Then, out of nowhere, a floatplane glided in and landed on the inlet and out came a bride and groom! We watched from afar as they exchanged vows by the falls surrounded by a small entourage and the very scenery, we’d come to enjoy that day. An unexpected event that made for a memorable moment, and a beautiful punctuation to the day.
Day 5: Onward to Blind Channel
Time to move onward with an early morning departure, timing our exit through the rapids as carefully as our entrance. We pulled out of Princess Louisa and made the long haul—about 90 nautical miles—to Blind Channel Resort and Marina for two nights on the dock.
A “wish-list” location for us, having heard positive reviews and it did not disappoint! We were welcomed by beautiful gardens and open fields for kids and dogs to play.
The local General Store offered a trove of pleasant surprises including local and First Nations artisan goods such as jewelry and pottery. Even fresh produce at shockingly reasonable prices, considering the effort required to bring in goods.
After some retail therapy, we attempted a forest hike, only to be turned back by the muddy post-rain trail. Not before we were able to capture some pictures of the stunning trail—a must on our list for when we come back next time.
Later that evening, we wandered back toward the docks, where the northern lights made a brief appearance across the horizon, a picture-perfect way to end the day.
Day 6: Fog, Fishing, and Fine Dining
Thick fog and drizzle met us the following the morning. The men, committed to their plan, donned their rain gear and set off to fish. They made it 4-5 hours with no luck. Meanwhile the rest of us took the weather as a chance for an easy morning.
Later that evening, we dined at the Cedar Post Restaurant overlooking the marina. A rare treat for us to go out to eat while on the boat, and it was well worth the wait. Owned by the Richter family since 1970, this warm, wood-paneled haven was filled with great food and lots of local charm. They pride themselves on fresh ingredients from the local sea, and their onsite gardens which lend well to their menu, influenced by their German family heritage. The seafood was fresh, vegetables from the garden, and the atmosphere felt like home. We will look forward to visiting again, and a must stop if you’re in the area.
Day 7: To Tenedos Bay
After another easy morning, we departed Blind Channel, navigating southeast through Cardero Channel, timing our passage through the Yuculta Rapids. The route had us cruising southward into Calm Channel, between East Redonda Island and the mainland. By mid-afternoon, after about a 5-hour run, we had anchored in Tenedos Bay. This has been another “wish-list” destination for us and we’re so glad to have finally ticked it off the list.
The kids efficiently set our stern tie, and soon we were launching the dinghy again for a short trip to the trailhead leading to Unwin Lake. The path wound through an old growth forest, with cathedral-high trees. Despite the cloud cover, the freshwater lake was warm and inviting and we swam, splashed and floated into the evening.
Day 8: Trust Your Chart
We started the day with plans to drop crab and prawn traps with the small fishing boat. Returning to Tenedos on a low tide however, we quickly discovered the warning for rocks on the point, a little too late. A scrape to the bottom of the boat and a ding to the prop. Ouch! Lesson learned and a good reminder you can’t always believe in what you see, but you should always trust in your chart.
The day quickly turned around when friends flew into Refuge Cove that afternoon on a scheduled CorilAir floatplane. Only a 20-minute run from Tenedos by fishing boat, we picked up our guests, grabbed some wine and were back in Tenedos in time for Happy Hour.
Day 9: Shell Island Serenity
First thing in the morning we set off to collect our traps before we press further into Desolation Sound. The catch nothing to behold—no fisherman’s luck for us this year it seems.
Off to our favorite spot in Shell Island and we couldn’t believe it was open for us to stern tie—seems our luck was stored elsewhere. Shell Island is a lovely, protected anchorage, known for its abundance of oysters and mussels.
The lagoon is a must see, best explored with kayaks and paddle boards. You’ll be met with views of the snow-capped mountains, and the water is the warmest you will ever find in BC.
We settled in and called this home for the next 3 nights. Though the weather a little disappointing despite the summer season, it didn’t stop the “younger generation” from taking the plunge for a few dips in the lake.
Days 10–12: The Journey Home
All good things must come to an end. Anchor up, and lines in, we began the slow trip home. Our first stop, Hardy Island, where we anchored near a compact sailboat packed with 7 aboard. Big energy for a small vessel! Where do they all sleep? The weather turned to rain, but it didn’t stop our sail boating neighbors from enjoying the water.
Our final destination was the RVYC outstation on Alexandra Island, a first for most of our crew. A beautiful location, close to Vancouver, with a trail that loops around the island and multiple view points where you can meet the powerful winds that come in from the straight. Included is a protected swimming area and communal BBQs, where many of young families were enjoying the boating lifestyle. Even a spot where we could set up and enjoy a few rounds of Ladder Ball.
The day was spent exploring, finishing the last chapters of our books and the last ounce of our Scotch. We soaked in the last few moments of enjoying our beautiful coast with our cherished family and friends, making memories we’ll never forget.
Day 13: Final Stretch
We got an early start heading across the straight, which gave us the chance to start an early fridge cleanout. The fish and birds got to enjoy our end of trip leftovers. At the Sandheads, and into the mouth of the Fraser River, the real cleaning began. Calm waters meant we could spend the remaining stretch home packing. Many hands made light work, and we were tied up at the dock, unloaded and cleaned up all within the hour. Back at home, we were already dreaming about next years boating season and all the places we were planning to visit.
This trip reminded us what it’s really all about—slowing down, staying curious and enjoying the people and world around us.
Final Thoughts: The Soul of a SonShip
This journey was more than a cruise, it was a reflection of what our vessels were made for: adventure, connection and memory-making. A full reset, made possible by a yacht built to handle both the open run and the quiet cove.
At West Bay Shipyards we don’t just repair boats, we build the stage for voyages like these. We craft experiences and engineer escape, and we invite you to imagine where you next voyage might take you.
If you’ve sailed before—especially on a SonShip or a vessel we’ve had the pleasure of working on with you—we’d love to hear your favorite memories in the comments below! If you haven’t, maybe it’s time…The coast is calling!