Prideaux Haven, Desolation Sound, B.C.
(Read the LogBlog entry from Prideaux Haven)
In 1973, the government of British Columbia established Desolation Sound Marine Park. This park consists of more than 14,000 acres of high land and 6,350 acres of shoreline an water and is the largest Marine Park in BC, as well a the only major park of any kind on the Pacific mainland coast of Canada.
The topography of the park varies from relatively low rolling hills of Gifford Peninsula to the Unwin Range rising over 4,500 feet directly behind Prideaux Haven. There are many safe anchorage locations, most of which are either totally or partly enclosed by low shoreline or high cliffs, islands or mountainsides.
Winds on the area tend to be different from the normal northwest-southeast wind pattern of Georgia Strait, and one must be careful when predicting weather forecasts for the area.
Prideaux Haven
This area is known as one of the most scenically outstanding anchorages anywhere. This well protected Harbour has enough arms and interconnecting coves and passageways to safely accommodate hundreds of boats. Entrance to Prideaux Haven is from Homfray Channel to the east of Eveleigh Island. Caution should be exercised when entering the area and the reef in the center of the channel should be kept to the port. From July to August, Prideaux Haven has the reputation of being one for the most crowded anchorages on the BC coast. The warm waters of this area make it a perfect spot for swimming and water skiing.
Things to See & Do
Local History
This area is described in detail by M.W. Blanchet in the book The Curve of Time. At the head of Melanie Cove, you can find the remains of Mike's Place, and in Laura Cove traces of old Phil Lavine's cabin site.
You can go ashore and search for Flea Village, encountered in 1791 by a party of Captain Vancouver's officers in the company of Archibald Menzies, the expedition's botanist. Some say the location is Copplestone Point; what do you think?
Refuge Cove
This small settlement is just a short (30 minutes or so) boat ride away. Refuge Cove is a supply center for the Desolation Sound area. It has a fuel dock, general store, liquor store, post office, and shower and laundry facilities. There is also a hamburger stand and dessert shop. In the summer, it is home to about twenty families. In the winter, only about 10 soles live here.
Anchorage Info
Prideaux Haven typifies the term "haven". There are stunning views of snow-covered peaks and the anchorage is rimmed with lush trees. There are many coves to tuck your Grand Banks into, or to explore by dinghy. There are no facilities in Prideaux Haven, but nearby Refuge Cove offers some facilities.
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