Amy Marie Visits: Montague and Telegraph Harbors

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Montague Harbor

Montague Provincial Park has long been one of our favorite stops when cruising British Columbia's Gulf Islands.  Each visit has created wonderful memories.  The most precious are from a mid 1990's trip when the kids were young.  I'll always have the image of my youngest daughter taking command of the dinghy and skippering us to shore or wherever we desired.  She caught on immediately and she would take off in the Livingston dinghy, with the one-cylinder motor, with her sister and mom to explore the surrounding area.  It was the best of times.




We chose a mooring buoy right next to the beach.  It offered wind protection and an unobstructed view.  It was tranquil and just begging you to slow down and relax.  A feeling of calmness envelopes you.  Especially if your passage has been a trying one.  



Shortly, our curiosity got the better of us and we launched the dinghy to head to shore.  There are wonderful hiking trails that provide access to tide pools, beaches, and forested shorelines.  We were ready to stretch our legs.



As Amy Marie is a smaller boat, we had the option of overnighting on the dock.  We preferred the solitude of our mooring buoy.  The boat always has a gentle motion when moored or anchored.



The campground begins at the top of the dock.  The sites are nicely spaced and incorporate a wooden tent platform.  The campground was clean with many sites, pit toilets, and water.  I could envision a Boy Scout group spread out over several campsites and kids running all over exploring and enjoying Mother Nature.



There is a nice beach on the north side of the island.  The shore slopes gently so it is a good spot to get your feet wet.  We were not sufficiently brave to venture into the water.  It was cold!  Kids didn't seem to mind.  They were enthusiastically running in and out.


The west side of the island is bordered by a narrow channel.  




As afternoon turned towards evening, winds calmed, and we seemed to float on the surface of a mirror.  The surrounding hills and sky were reflected in the fading light.  While in Montague we met the crews of two other boats.  This is always a treat.  It is so much fun to share the experience with others and to share information on locations visited, upcoming sea and weather conditions, and future destinations.  We were to travel loosely together for the next several days.



Telegraph Harbour



Telegraph Harbour was again a blast from the past.  Over the past 50 years I've visited this location ~ 4 times.  It remains a restful spot.  New owners are operating it this summer.  Very friendly and the facilities are clean and well cared for.



Looking south towards the entrance to Telegraph Harbour.
Excellent wind protection.



Their picnic pavilion highlights the burgees of the many groups which have visited. 



We walked from the marina to the nearby ferry dock.  Along the way we encountered this "honor market".  Fresh produce, eggs, and meats were for sale and as there were no attendants, payment was made on the honor system.  We did purchase several items.



The "honor market"



This boat was built for a Canadian farmer to his design.  It was a catamaran and very beamy.  He had owned the vessel for 33 years.  It looked brand new.  That evening Beth organized docktails and invited all the cruisers to attend.  Everyone showed up so we had a rousing good time as we meet cruisers from both Canada and the US.  Most were retired and enjoying extended time on the water.  One fellow was a retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer who regaled us with stories of the northern territories.



The Telegraph Harbour fuel dock.  The skipper of the boat on the left, Atlas Belle, was a useful source of information and knowledge about cruising to Desolation Sound.  He willingly shared his knowledge.



As we excited Telegraph Island the sky showed unsettled conditions and a transition in the weather.  Later in the day we did have thunder showers and the winds in the straits of Georgia were over 20 knots.  Fortunately, the islands provided good protection from the winds, and we found a safe harbor for the evening.  We traveled with New Freedom, a Nordic Tug from Seattle to the next port.


Location: Montague Harbour, Galiano Island, BC V0N 1P0, Canada

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