San Juan Islands and Vancouver Island 2012

[Chetcoguy]

Hi, everyone.
We are planning a trip for next year going to Vancouver Island and the San Juans for a month fishing and camping. We both have campers and have a 22 foot C-DORY boat. I am looking for any information on resorts with marinas or good RV resorts close to a marina.
Where would you suggest we go to with the idea of great fishing, great camping and just relaxing for the month of August.
Thank you in advance for any information.
Chetcoguy

[Danodaman]

San Juan Island is not very developed. Friday Harbor is THE Marina that I'm aware of I would imagine there are nice coves to anchor in though. Look out for WHALES.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danodaman Look out for WHALES.

I wouldn't "Look out for WHALES", I'd be on the lookout for whales!! Bring your camera too.
When we were in Hawaii one time we went out on a catamaran, a pod came through right next to us. Sounded much like a freight train going by!
Never have seen many whales in the inland passage though. In Alaska it's a different story though.
Going to Vancouver Island can be expensive too as the ferry isn't cheap.

[Danodaman]

There is s nice pod between Vavcover island and Victotia hugging the shore west of Friday Harbor

[baraff]

Orcas Island is beautiful, Moran State Park offers camping, some sites along the water, but not sure about hookups. Nice ferry ride from Anacortes.
Another possibility is West Beach Resort, they have a small campground and its an old fishing resort. We rented a cabin there a while back.

[JohnQ]

Couple of basic "Going To Vancouver Island" pieces of info. First there are 3 way for an RV to get to the Island, Port Angeles to Victoria via the Coho Ferry, second, washington State Ferry to Sydney BC, and last the BC Ferry at Tswaasun (sp.) to Nanimo. If you are not a "City Type" but are a hardcore sports fishing type, bypass the entire south end of the Island and Go NORTH, Above Campbell River. One of the very best deals on the Island for what you are looking for RV Resort/Marina, I'll highly recommend the one we go to and that is Alder Bay Resort & Marina (www.alderbayresort.com), or a couple of the alternatives further down Beaver Cove Road (off of the Island Hwy 19) at Telegraph Cove, there are two of them, one rather new and the other one has been there a while but very well maintained. The nearest town is Port McNeil which has an excellent Grocery store, sport goods tackle store, etc., it is about 6 miles to town from both, or across Broughten Strait to Cormorant Island and Alert Bay especially for boat fuel. For all three resorts, a reservation a year in advance is almost a must. For Fishing, SE corner of Malcolm Island for Butt Fishing (Mitchell Bay), for salmon all around Stubbs Island, Blackfish Sound in front of Double Bay Resort, and the entire north side of Malcolm Island. Some folks who go up prefer the west coast of the Island but weather and fog during the summer can be a problem. The Inside Passage on the topside of Boughten Sound is pretty well protected but can get windy at times, then just duck into the lea of an island.

You did not say whether or not you have gone thru Canadian (or US for that matter) Customs before. If Not, be very aware of what is and is not allowed, be very honest about the type and quantity of Adult Beverages you are carrying (most often they will just ignore the quantity issue), No Guns Or Gun Ammo, make sure you have a current health certificate from a Vet if taking a pet, and since you are an Oregonian, you will need a passport and/or an "Enhanced Driver's License" (Washington State License Option). Canada doesn't really care going into Canada, but you WILL have a serious problem coming back into the US.

[2Yung2 Quit]

Are the ferries capable of carrying a 5er?

[JohnQ]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2Yung2 Quit Are the ferries capable of carrying a 5er?

They load & carry 18 wheelers right along with Motohomes & 5'ers, no problems.

[Beagle RC Air]

Couple of cautions on boating in the San Juans.
Late summer, the fog can hang on for a long time in the mornings, (Coast Guard charts and good navigation devices a must), if you have to run for a while to the fishing site.
The tractor tugs, FOSS that are running light at high speed are a real hazard! They can be out of sight,in the fog, on a different track and the their wake will really spoil your day if you are running at any speed when the roller approaches.
One of the most beautiful boating spots around!
I commuted to Eliza Island for about 5 years in a 20' Harvey dory.

beagle

[BEBOP]

Check out Fidalgo Bay RV resort at Anacortes, Washington. It is on the bay and is fairly new with a lot of ongoing up grades including cabins now. I just spent a few days there last month and it was really a great spot to spend a month. There is a beach by the clubhouse where i see people anchor their boats overnight and some just pull them out to the high tide line and tie them. they also own a big casino about 6 or 8 miles from the park. Anacortes also has a huge marina and even large yacht rentals. they also build million dollar yachts there. I always fished in the mouth of the skagit river where it empties into the bay for salmon,