Nanaimo to Squirrel Cove: A Crossing Worth the Push

After two blustery days pinned down in Nanaimo, we were thrilled to find the Strait of Georgia glassy and kind. With less than 10 knots on the nose and under a foot of chop, we seized the window.

Dodging the Queen of Cowichan on our way out, we slipped into the Strait and aimed straight across—no Whiskey Gulf activity today.

The plan was to stop at the Texada Boat Club in Sturt Bay—quiet, quirky, and a great alternative to always-busy Pender. No power or water, but it’s a charming, well-kept stop with a short walk to town and a dock that keeps getting better, thanks to transient boaters’ support.

But as the miles slid by effortlessly, we decided to stretch the day and push on to Squirrel Cove. Not a soul in sight until the top of Texada, where we spotted three Orca gliding the shoreline—a rare and welcome sight after a few lean years.

By the time we dropped anchor in Squirrel Cove, we had the place nearly to ourselves. Just one sailboat joined us later, a rare treat in a spot that’s usually a floating village by summer. Early-season cruising has its perks—peace, space, and a little magic.

a rare event. an almost empty squirrel Cove.