Thursday, June 3, 2010

Cruising destinations: Saanich Inlet

The 12 mile inlet that cuts into Vancouver Island is a perfect place to relax with its calm waters and light winds. Boat traffic is minimal in the inlet.

Things to see and do: Visit the award winning French restaurant, the Deep Cove Chalet. With its outstanding menu and gold medal winning wine cellar, you are sure to have a meal to remember! Anchor your boat out in the bay and tender in with your dinghy, or tie up at the Deep Cove Marina and staff from the restaurant will pick you up in their limousine. There are also a few wineries to visit on the Saanich Peninula: Muse Winery, located behind the Deep Cove Chalet, produces award winning, hand crafted wines. Wine tastings, wine terrace, bistro & gift shop open during summer months. Further up the Inlet, another small inlet breaks off: Tod Inlet. Here you can anchor your yacht and take your dinghy to the Butchart Gardens' dock. StopRight-click here to download pictures. To help protect your privacy, Outlook prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
saanich inlet 2 in for high tea and visit the 50 acres of beautiful floral displays. Enjoy the fireworks display from the comfort of your yacht, or for a better view, bring a picnic blanket and stay late at the gardens. At the end of Tod Inlet, you can access the Gowlland Tod Provincial Park with 25 km of good hiking trails.

Marinas and anchorages: Brentwood Bay Marina is a 40-slip marina with great on-site facilities, including washrooms, showers, laundry, a fitness room, pool, an adult's only hot tub, and cable TV. There is also an elegant restaurant and spa a short walk from the docks. Anglers Anchorage Marina also offers transient moorage and is walking distance to the village of Brentwood where you can find all amenities. Alternatively, anchor in the heart of Tod Inlet for some peace and quiet - perfect for those looking to relax in a pristine, natural environment!

Hazards in the area: The Inlet is very sheltered and during the summer months is typically quite calm with light winds. When entering the Inlet stay well off the coast, and be aware of Wains Rock 0.2 miles off Moses Point (refer to chart 3441). When coming into Brentwood Bay Marina approach the docks from the north side, keeping the red Buoy on the starboard. Buoy marks dangerous rocks.