30ACTIVE PASSThis is the most used of the three passes of the Gulf Islands, even though
it is the longest. ~ot only is it used by many yachts, but swarms of smal1
sportsfishermen frequent each end and the B.C. Ferries vessels meet each other
every hour within the pass on their routes to S~artz Bay or Tsawwassen.
Occasionally large deep-sea vessels, tugs, and 10g booms use the passo
During the springs the tides set t!ìrough the pas's at 7 to 8 knots. Even
during normal days the current is considerable. Small vessels, particularly
deep draft power and sail boats should use the pass at or near slack water. It
i5 generally possible to use the pass for an hour on either side of slack
~ater, though it is better to do so going ~ith the tide. But the concentration
of vessels during these periods of use near slack water requires a careful and
alert approach. The pass i5 ~ell lit, if crooked, and is used by vessels and
skippers familiar with it at any time. ~ost will find the passage best by day.
One of the greatest advantages of Active Pass is that it has anchorages
available on either side, as ~ell as within the pa~s.
The pas5 is deep and clear except for a well marked and lighted area at
Gossip Shoal near the eastern entrance and a drying patch ~ith a light near
Collision Point at the western end. These are more of a hindrance far large
vessels than for small ones, for the pass is quite wide. On any passage favor
the starboard side and allow far lots of room if a ferry is being passed or
met. They kick up a considerable wash which with any current bo11s or swells
can be most unsettling for small craft. Provided care is taken and the pass is
used near slack water the passage through Active Pass is relatively easy.
On the eastern side of the Pass one can find anchorage in either Wha1ers
Bay or Sturdies Bay. The former has the larger area, with drying shoals at its
ends and several rocky reefs along its perimeter. Enter in mid-channel.
Sturdies Bay has a terminaI far the inter-islands ferry, but there i5 a small
resort alongside ~here one may go. Beware of the reef that projects slightly
across the direct passage to the wharf.\ù thin the pass itself one c<.ln find anchorage in :-1iners Bay to the east of
the ~harf at the village of Hayne. A back current can be felt here, but the
anchorage 15 other~ise comfortable.Montague Harbor is at the ~estern end of Active Pass and its relation to
the pass is shown 00 the sketch. This cl B.C. ~arine Park and one of the most
popular anchorages in the Gulf Islaods. One may anchor, pick up a buoy, or
take a smal1 boat ashore on the shelving beach and campo There are the remains
of an old orchard here, ~hich can be fruitful in season. There are trails end
other facilities ashore. This anchorage is filled with boats in the summer.In the 50uthern part of Montague Harbor is the inter-island ferry dock and
a government wharf. A srnall village, \'"ith astore and sane craft shops, is
situated here. Anchorage is not very good here. It is better on the 50uthern
side of the harbor, especially if one does not ~ant to be at the more crowded
end near the ~1arine Park.Other anchorages ~hich can be found ~ithin a relatively short distance are
at fLllford Harbour, Long Harbour on Ganges Island and at Prevost Island.