Port Browning to Princess Cove: Calm Waters and Hidden Gems

With a big, stubborn high pressure parked overhead, we woke to another morning of flat seas and light winds—perfect conditions to move on. But first, a mandatory fuel stop: breakfast at the Copper Otter. A few years back, new owners took the helm, and if anything, the food and warm hospitality have only gotten better.

the walk up to the driftwood shopping center is all on the roads

The copper otter; Yummy!

breakfast sandwich at the copper otter

Back aboard OceanFlyer, we motored out into quiet waters. Pleasure boats were few and far between this early in the season, but the commercial traffic was in full swing. At the intersection of Active Pass and Navy Channel, we found ourselves threading between four BC Ferries—the Coastal Celebration, Queen of New Westminster, Queen of Cumberland, and Salish Raven—plus a SeaSpan freighter for good measure. We held course and speed, weaving cleanly through the ferry ballet without a hitch.

the park sign looks refreshed and inviting

Another visit to Princess Cove on Wallace Island has long been on our list, but it’s usually packed in season. Today? Just one lonely sailboat tucked inside—our lucky break. We dropped anchor and enjoyed a leisurely afternoon walk to Conover Cove, about 35 minutes at Bob’s signature "trudge" pace. The trail is well maintained, with only a few muddy patches to dance around. Along the way, we paid homage to the island’s quirky landmarks: the rusted-out truck and the tiny cabin overflowing with boaters’ handmade signs.

the trails on wallace island are very nice

every visitor must stop and check out the car

the cabin is the other must stop on your walk between conover cove and princess cove

a small sample of the boat signs that cover every inch of the cabin, both inside and out

early season in conover cove

oceanflyer and one sailboat in princess cove

its setting up for a nice sunset; where’s the drone?

The day closed with a jaw-dropping sunset—calm waters, brilliant colors, and the feeling that adventure is just beginning.

sunset in princess cove