Secret Cove to Texada Boat Club

Some destinations are memorable because they are spectacular. Others become favorites because they simply fit so well into a cruising itinerary. Texada Boat Club falls squarely into the second category.

If you've followed our travels over the years, you've seen us stop here repeatedly—both northbound and southbound. Whenever we look at alternatives, we struggle to find another destination that checks as many boxes for a comfortable 2–3 hour travel day.

The marina itself is straightforward. There is no shore power or water service, and dock space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. A quick phone call ahead can often provide a sense of availability, and if the docks are full, there is good anchorage in the cove just to the northwest.

the Guest docks are the two on the right

Sturt Bay, Home to Texada Boat Club

The docks of texada boat club from the shore

is a grid here if you need it

What keeps bringing us back, however, is everything within walking distance.

The village offers a grocery store, a local museum, a pub, and our favorite stop of all—Mary, Mary Café. For us, a visit to Texada is not complete without lunch there, and true to form, that was one of our first stops after tying up.

mary, mary cafe never seems to change, which is good

never miss the opportunity to have and old fashioned milk shake. kids, ask your parents!

The marina's wharfinger continues to be one of the highlights of the experience. Friendly, helpful, and welcoming, she makes her rounds in the late afternoon to collect moorage fees and answer questions from visiting boaters. It is the kind of personal touch that seems increasingly rare these days.

Later in the afternoon, Karen set off to explore the Emily Lake Trail. While she reported that Emily Lake itself is not much of a destination, the walk through the forest was enjoyable and provided a welcome break from life aboard. After days of cruising, even a modest woodland trail can be an excellent antidote to boat claustrophobia.

the start of the trail up to emily lake

emily lake park has excellant signage all along the trail

the walk is well groomed and maintained

you have arrived at emily lake

Texada Boat Club may not offer resort amenities or luxury facilities, but it delivers exactly what many cruisers are looking for: a convenient stop, friendly people, a walkable community, and a chance to stretch your legs before continuing north.

Sometimes that's more than enough.