Living among the Islands



Seas can be rough in Johnstone Strait

Departing Loughborough Inlet, we entered Johnstone Strait via Chancellor Channel.  Johnstone Strait was rough and choppy as it often is but became settled as we neared Port McNeill.  Port McNeill is a nice place to catch up on rest before crossing Queen Charlotte Strait for the Broughton Island group, or waiting for weather to round Cape Caution.  We took on fuel, did a little grocery shopping, and caught up on phone calls and other business matters.  

Using the BBQ at North Island Marina, Port McNeill

North Island Marina at Port McNeill provides a quality custom-made party-size BBQ for guests of the marina to cook meats and vegetables. The Marina starts the BBQ each evening during the boating season, boaters only need to show up with their food items to be cooked.  The large outdoor BBQ float includes tables and chairs with a partial wind break.  What a nice amenity to have at a marina, it saves the fuss and muss of setting up one’s own BBQ equipment.  We made use of the open BBQ filled with briquettes and wood chips which made for a delicious smoke-flavored pork dinner.  

Pulteney Lighthouse near Port McNeill

After a couple night’s stay, we departed Port McNeill, passing Pulteney Lighthouse, and crossed Queen Charlotte Strait in calm seas.  

Crossing Queen Charlotte Strait, Numas Island in background

The glassy-smooth water reflected the billowy white clouds above.  Heading for Sullivan Bay Marina in the western portion of The Broughtons, we entered Wells Passage and Patrick Passage, arriving at the floating-home community and marina of Sullivan Bay.  

Adorable Sullivan Bay Marina, a floating-home community

This well-kept, adorable marina is like a miniature town, all the docks are marked with street names.  There’s even a one-hole golf course with a floating target; hitting the target might take more than one try!  Visitors also enjoy the Happy Hour gatherings and the buffet-style dinners offered in the restaurant.  

Tucker shows-off the new cedar planking at Sullivan Bay Store

Tucker, the resident Yorkie, is always ready to greet guests and usually hangs out near the store.  He was happy to show our dog, Java, where the new ‘poop deck’ is located (behind the fuel dock), and he was quick to point out the new cedar decking in front of the store now nearing completion.  Boaters may wish to 

Sullivan Bay Marina on North Broughton Island

take advantage of the special offer at Sullivan Bay this cruising season - the third night’s stay is free after two paid nights of moorage.  After gathering updates and photos for the Waggoner Guide, we headed west through Stuart Narrows to Jennis Bay located inside Drury Inlet.  

Jennis Bay Marina

Jennis Bay began as a logging camp and in later years became a small marina frequented by pleasure boaters cruising The Broughtons.  Boaters still enjoy stopping here for an off-the-beaten-path experience.  It appears that Jennis Bay is returning to its original roots by hosting forestry personnel, tree planters (early spring), loggers (April to June), and Cedar Block Cutters (all year during various years).  Pleasure boaters might encounter some of these workers and have the opportunity to learn more about the forest industry.  Cedar Block Cutters were engaged at Jennis Bay during our visit.  They salvage downed trees, cutting blocks of cedar (used for shakes) which are flown out by helicopter, 1,200 lbs. at a time.  Although Jennis Bay is quite rustic, it remains an interesting place to visit.  

Happy Hour float at Jennis Bay Marina

Pleasure boaters can still use the covered Happy Hour float for impromptu potlucks and hike the miles of logging roads in the area.  When arriving at Jennis Bay Marina, leave the log boom breakwater and yellow buoys to starboard.  Boaters should be aware that some obstructions in the water lie about 500 feet southeast of the marina’s log boom breakwater consisting of a float with a 5-foot piece of log, plus a separate ‘standing boom’ that extends out from a log slide on the northeastern shore, neither of which are lit.  Use Caution.  

Fishing gear at the Jennis Bay Marina Work Shed

Jennis Bay has approximately 300 feet of moorage space for about 11 boats, depending on size and rafting options.  Fishing boats and Crabbers also moor here.  The Broughton Islands offer abundant anchorages and small family run marinas, each with their own unique character and special events.  Visiting these charming marinas provides a glimpse into the different life-styles that are found among the islands.