Charles and Margo Wood - Charlie\'s Charts North to Alaska

36

NANA IMO

This 1s the second largest city on Vancouver Island, and acts as a hub for

much of the activity in the centraI part of the island. It is the second major

terminaI of the B.C. Ferry Corporation which links the island and Vancouver.

It is also the home of the zany annua l Bathtub Race held in July, when hundreds

of dedicated entrants leave in their souped-up speciai tubs to race to

Vancouver.

Nanaimo is at the head of the Gulf Island5 area and can be approached from

the inside waters via Dodds Narrow5, which i5 north of Gabriola Passage, and

between Mudge Island and Vancouver Island. Similar to the other passes of the

Gulf Islands, Dodds Narrows can be traversed at or near slack water. The

harbor of Nanaimo lies ahead up Northumberland Channel.

False Narrows, to the east of Dodds Narrows, leads from Pylades Channel.

Though narrower and a little more complex, it can also be traversed at or near

slack water. A large scale chart i5 u5eful, though there are range5 in the

channel. Kelp is prevalent in summer.

Newcastle and Protection Islands lie in front of the main small craft

facilities in Nanaimo Harhour. Approach either from the north around

Newcastle, or from the south around Protection Island. Do not attempt the

channel between these islands, as it is shoal and encumbered by kelp. Mooring

buoys and anchorage can be taken in Mark Bay, which is part of the Newcastle

Island Provincia! Park. A foot ferry connects the island to Nanaimo.

Several sma11 craft facilities are along the Newcastle Passage shore of

Nanaimo. There are also severa l marked rocks, particularly "Rowans" Rock which

has bent many a propeller. Pass closer to the Newcastle Island side. There is

a 5-knot speed limit in the harbor.

The yacht club statian and the Port of Nanaimo Harbour basin in near the

southern part of the harbour, opposi te the end of Protection Island. The old

octagonal harbour bastion is a go od marker, though it now has a large, new

hotel rising behind it. There are many berths in the basin, which is control-

led by the Harbourmaster. As many fishing vessels moor here in winter, and are

out during the summer, space may be available. Showers and restrooms are

provided, while across the street is the Harbour Park MalI, with supermarkets,

restaurants, laundromats, and other facilities. Fuel floats are moored along

the harbour front; and repair yards are available.

The B.C. Ferry TerminaI is in Departure Bay, the northern part of Nanaimo

Harbour. The large ferries run every hour (sometimes more frequently in the

summer) to Horseshoe Bay and Vancouver. As they have a big wash, care should

be taken when encountering them.

When leaving Departure Bay the grassy hump of Snake Island is passed on its

north, and if bound far Vancouver across the Strait of Georgia pass also to the

north of the barren sandstone of Entrance Isiand. A Iighthouse and fog signal

are located on Entrance Island. If crossing to ~elcome Pass, note the comment

on page 6 of the Introduction regarding the restricted area designated as

"Whiskey-Golf."