kennharriet":v3ekhvu8 said:
We are planning a trip to Barkley Sound mid June this year. We plan to take the BC Ferry from Tsawwassen to Nanaimo, then drive to Port Alberni. What are the best options for truck/trailer parking at Port Alberni? What are some favorite achorages in the Broken Islands? Is it worth fishing this time of year?
Ken, I have never anchored in the Brokens, but the two most popular anchorages are Effingham Bay and "Turtle Bay."
Effingham is huge, and frequented by larger vessels. In a strong NW wind, it gets pretty rough, and smaller vessels move into the lee of Gilbert, at the N end of Effingham, adjacent to the CG and a nice beach, complete with composting toilets.
Turtle is an acquired name for the opening defined by Willis, Dodd, Turtle, and Walsh. It has fair protection from all wind directions, and is favored by smaller vessels. Composting toilets on Dodd.
The "lagoon" defined by Jarvis and Jacques is very protected, but with a dogleg entrance and a bouldery bottom. Favored by trollers and smaller fishing vessels.
There are other smaller anchorages, which some chartwork will ferret out ... especially in the Pinkertons. You also might want to visit Bamfield for a boardwalk visit and access to groceries. Possible tieup there, one of the lodges. Charming little tourist oasis. The adjacent Deer Islands are a favored area for smaller vessels, with an outlier setup in Robbers Passage, run by the Port Alberni Yacht Club (water, bathrooms, moorage, very scenic). Very friendly people, full of reliable local knowledge.
The lodge at Sechart, behind Canoe Island off Sechart Channel, is good for a short visit off their float, has a bar, and rents kayaks. Google Lady Rose Marine Services for details.