The Broughtons




View across Queen Charlotte Strait to The Broughtons

After our short visit at Mitchell Bay, we rounded the east end of Malcolm Island and headed north across Queen Charlotte Strait towards the Broughton Archipelago.  The Broughtons encompass a large area of islands and waterways on the mainland side of Queen Charlotte Strait, located north and east of the tip of Vancouver Island.  

Pierre's Echo Bay Lodge & Marina

The Broughtons were homesteaded in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, while Native habitation dates back thousands of years.  The Broughtons have become a popular cruising ground for many boaters, who enjoy the small family run marinas, quiet anchorages, and beautiful scenery.  These small marinas are traditionally a place to socialize with other boaters at ‘happy hour.’  Some of the marinas even host barbeques and special events during the prime season.  Arriving on the northeast side of Queen Charlotte Strait, we entered Arrow Passage then Cramer Pass to reach Echo Bay, site of Pierre’s Echo Bay Lodge & Marina.  

Popular Echo Bay Marina is often busy

The docks and buildings are well cared for and adorned with colorful chairs and flower pots.  Each year sees new additions or improvements, this year the expanded office makes room for more gift items, while the expanded, enclosed party barge accommodates more seating for their special barbeque events.  Pierre was gearing up for their first pig roast of the season.  

Billy Proctor's Museum and Book Store

While at Echo Bay, we walked the short trail to Billy Proctor’s property where he has a museum of artifacts collected over the many years of living in the area.  Now in his mid-80’s, Bill spent a lifetime logging, trapping, and fishing in the northern territory of British Columbia.  

Bill Proctor's Wood Shed, a winter's supply

He has written two books (co-authored with Yvonne Maximchuk) about his adventures; the books are for sale in his gift shop along with other interesting books, including one about Sointula.  It’s always a pleasure talking to Bill, he is quite a character and we look forward to reading his book, “Full Moon, Flood Tide.”