Gorge Harbour to Squirrel Cove

Squirrel Cove is one of those anchorages that almost every cruiser seems to know.

For many, it is not a one-time stop but a place they return to again and again. The reasons are straightforward: good protection, plenty of room, and a convenient location whether you are working your way north or south through Desolation Sound.

There is also a useful little store just outside the cove, which makes Squirrel Cove an easy place to pause and replenish a few supplies before moving on.

looking out the entrance on the right toward the store and government dock in the distance

For those looking for something a little more adventurous, there is the lagoon.

Getting in and out is all about timing the tide. We made the trip once in our kayaks and quickly learned that lesson firsthand. The ride in was easy enough, but we did not linger long. By the time we turned around, the current had picked up and we had to paddle hard to work our way back out.

the entrance to the squirrel cove lagoon at a lower tide

Timing, as they say, is everything.

The store can be reached by dinghy at its drying dock when the tide is roughly eight feet or higher. At lower tides, the nearby government dock provides a more dependable option.

Because the store serves the local community as well as passing boaters, it carries a surprisingly broad selection. For cruisers looking to top off groceries or pick up a few forgotten items, it is a very handy stop.

For us, though, Squirrel Cove was less about provisioning and more about pausing.

squirrel cove looking back from just inside the lagoon

We were beginning to position OceanFlyer for the wind and rain forecast a few days ahead, and Squirrel Cove offered a comfortable place to spend a quiet day while we watched the weather develop.

Sometimes a familiar anchorage is exactly what you need.

I think the final line works well for this leg because it gives the post a reason to exist beyond simply describing Squirrel Cove.