Boater Hikes and Anchorages in the Northern Strait
Alexandra
The vehicle ferry from Campbell River provides critical access to Quadra and Cortes islands, feeding local roads that lead directly to trailheads and provisioning hubs such as the public dock at Heriot Bay; anchoring is available in Drew Harbour, Cortes Bay, Von Donop Inlet and Squirrel Cove with well‑documented holding and typical tidal ranges for planning overnight stays.
Logistics and anchor considerations
Anchoring choices here are shaped by local shelter, wind exposure and popular day‑use patterns. Drew Harbour and the outer tip of Rebecca Spit are classic inside‑passage anchorages where calm nights are common despite daytime boat traffic. Cortes Bay offers good holding but is often windier than adjacent channels; set extra scope and choose a berth away from yacht‑club outstations. Von Donop Inlet provides ample swinging room and multiple suitable weed and sand bottoms—expect heavy kelp in places and occasional large—sometimes tangled—pieces of bottom on the anchor when weighing.
Provisioning, docks and access
Heriot Bay on Quadra Island has a public dock and a full‑service grocery within easy walking distance—useful for reprovisioning mid‑cruise. Cortes Island’s public dock and seaplane connections at Cortes Bay are the primary shore access for many boaters; from there, road and trail networks reach viewpoints and beaches. Where roads don’t exist (northern Cortes), dinghy landings and marked trailheads provide access to interior loops.
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| Island / Site | Main Anchorage | Access | Trail Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quadra Island — Drew Harbour / Rebecca Spit | Rebecca Spit outer tip | Ferry to Campbell River → road to Heriot Bay | White sand beach walk to spit end (flat) |
| Cortes Island — Cortes Bay | Cortes Bay near public dock | Boat access; public dock + seaplane | Easter Bluffs viewpoint (short climb) |
| Cortes Island — Von Donop Inlet | Inner inlet and head of bay | Dinghy/dockless access; anchoring throughout | Norway Loop and Cliff Peak routes |
Quadra Island: Rebecca Spit specifics
Drew Harbour is largely sheltered by the white sand beach of Rebecca Spit, which presents a rare sandy shoreline in the Inside Passage. A road reaches about halfway along the spit to a parking lot; beyond that point the spit is walking only and offers an easy, scenic walk along fine white sand on the Drew Harbour side and cobbles on the outer edge. Expect family visitors arriving by ferry and local day‑use traffic during high season; anchor positions near the outer tip are popular and can coincide with transit lanes for high‑speed craft, so night watch and appropriate lighting are advisable.
Why hikers and boaters love the spit
- Rare sand beach within the Salish Sea—excellent for beachcombing and shoreline strolls.
- Short, flat route suitable for families or crew looking to stretch legs without a long hike.
- Close provisioning at Heriot Bay—easy reprovision after a shore walk.
Cortes Island: trails and shelter options
Cortes Island combines roaded trailheads on the south shore with networked footpaths on the roadless north. Cortes Bay provides protected anchoring and a public dock; from there, short road walks bring you to the Easter Bluffs viewpoint—an accessible climb below 600 feet that rewards with panoramic views over the northern Strait of Georgia.
Hank’s Beach and shoreline walking
A walk of roughly 1¼ miles from the public dock leads to a turnoff for Hank’s Beach, a southern shore sand beach with extensive walking at low tide; when tides are high the sand retreats, leaving a driftwood‑studded rocky shore. Time your beach walks to tidal tables for best results.
Von Donop Inlet and the Norway Loop
The north side of Cortes is accessed primarily by water. Von Donop Inlet features numerous trails accessible from its wide head bay; the Norway Loop connects Von Donop to Squirrel Cove and forms roughly a 3.9‑mile circumnavigation when intact. Trail conditions can vary—blowdowns have historically blocked sections—but recent clearings have made the full loop achievable in about two hours for average hikers.
- Norway Loop: ~3.9 miles, moderate, good forest walking.
- Mud Bay detour: short, sheltered nook accessible by dinghy.
- Whaletown Road link: ~2 miles to road, +1 mile to Squirrel Bay store (ice cream rewards).
Cliff Peak route
Cliff Peak rises opposite Lewis Channel and offers the more ambitious option: an ascent from the Norway Loop up logging roads to near 1,000 feet, with a summit at about 1,450 feet. Trail maintenance is variable; expect blowdowns and route finding on steeper sections. When cleared, this will stand as a demanding ~8‑mile option with dramatic cliff views.
Safety, timing and trip planning
Plan hikes around tidal windows and wind forecasts. Carry appropriate footwear for wet beach sections and employ layers for coastal weather variability. Dinghy access points, public dock hours and nearest provisioning should be plotted prior to arrival. Set anchors with extra scope in exposed bays and maintain a watch for small‑craft traffic near popular day‑use beaches.
Packing checklist for boater‑hikers
- Anchor trip line, spare rode and chafe gear
- Tide table, chart plotter or paper charts
- Dinghy anchor and oars or outboard with full fuel
- First aid, blister kit, waterproof layers
- Water, snacks, sunscreen and insect protection
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Forecast: this cluster of anchorages and trails is regionally important for Pacific Northwest cruising and day‑hiking, but not a driver of major global tourism shifts. It remains, however, highly relevant to small‑boat charter, local yachting itineraries and destination planning for coastal cruising seasons. As coastal recreation and charter markets evolve, such accessible island hikes will continue to attract boaters seeking mixed boating‑and‑hiking itineraries. However, the global impact is modest; the chief effect is on local marinas, provisioning patterns and seasonal demand for charters. If you are planning your next trip to the seaside, consider the convenience and reliability of GetBoat.
Highlights: the Northern Strait of Georgia offers a mix of short shoreline walks and longer interior loops that perfectly complement a cruising schedule. From sandy Rebecca Spit to the Norway Loop and the challenging climb toward Cliff Peak, each inlet, bay and lagoon has its own rhythm—its own palette of coastal colors, flora and tidal character. Experiencing a new location here is multifaceted: you learn about local culture, nature and the service patterns of marinas and shore facilities. If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com
Summary: the Northern Strait of Georgia is an ideal cruising sector for boaters who prize shoreline hikes alongside reliable anchorages and easy reprovisioning—Quadra’s Rebecca Spit, Cortes Bay’s Easter Bluffs and Von Donop’s Norway Loop are standout options. Proper planning around tides, wind and dinghy access will maximize enjoyment. For sailors, charterers and day‑cruisers seeking diverse activities—yacht days, beach walks, fishing stops or quiet anchoring—this region delivers. Platforms that list boat and yacht options, transparent vessel details and straightforward booking make it easier to match craft to itinerary; choose the right boat, captain or rental to suit your needs. Sail free.
