Gardner Canal

[JDCAVE]

I hope that my cruising plans include Gardner Canal this year. “MurrayM ” used to spend time there, but I don’t think he frequents the forum anymore. If anyone has experience there, please share.

Jim

 

[Stabi]

I have not been in there in the last 16 years, but 16 years ago, we were there for close to 2 weeks and saw maybe 2 other boats the entire time. I too would like a current report.

 

[JDCAVE]

Stabi: Thanks! Do you recall where you anchored in GC and details of those locations? Murray talked about anchoring off Brim River.

Jim

 

[Stabi]

I will look at a chart tonight, but there was a large mooring ball at Europa Hot springs, which needless to say, we had to ourselves for an evening and next morning soak

 

[kakmtwo]

we were there in 2022, spectacular! Try to time it with sunny skies for maximum wow factor

We set up for the trip in Kitsaway anchorage. First stop was Owyacumish bay. Challenging anchorage but beautiful. We tried to set on the creek side but ended up moving to the east wall…deeper but better swing room. Fun to dinghy explore all around.

Second was Chief Matthew’s bay, anchoring spots easy. Like the Walt Disney of waterfalls. You can dinghy up the river for at least a mile, glorious

Third stop was Kiltuish inlet. You can read about it. Absolutely stunning inside

Didn’t see another pleasure craft the entire time

Have fun!
Karen

 

[JDCAVE]

We are currently anchored in Chief Matthew’s Bay. Gardner Canal is beyond stunningly beautiful. Shockingly beautiful, if such a term applies. Unnamed mountains rising up 2,000 metres. Waterfalls all around. We will travel to Kitalope Anchorage today, but expect to come back down to where we are now anchored. We saw on small boat anchored at Europa Hotsprings and no other pleasure craft. The Kemano passenger vessel came up for shift change. No other AIS targets. Chief Matthew’s Bay this morning:

Jim

 

[twistedtree]

Do you need to always anchor on one side or the other since the international boundary runs up the middle of the canal? Or do I have the wrong canal in mind? Is that a problem or inconvenience? Does anyone even care?

 

[JDCAVE]

Hi TT. You have the wrong canal. We are considerably south of the Alaska Border. Gardner Canal is off Douglas Channel. On the way north, you turn to starboard, at the top end of Princess Royal channel, i .e., before Hartley Bay.

Jim

 

[twistedtree]

OK, sorry, thanks

 

[hrifraf]

We were up the Gardner Canal in mid-June this year. Tremendous scenery all the way. The weather can be a challenge earlier in the season. But there is more snow around at lower levels. And no deerflies!

This photo at Chief Matthews Bay this year:

This photo from just west of Chief Matthews back in 2020. That's our dinghy in there!

Harald