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

32

PORLIER PASS

Located between Galiano and Valdes Islands, this pass is the next one to

the north of Active Passo It is much used by cruising vessels bound far the

Gulf Islands and by fishermen. Few deep sea vessels use this pass as Romulus

Rock at its western end limits the apparent opening.

This is the shortest and straìghtest of the three Gulf Island passes. As
such it would normally be the favored route, except that the underwater dangers
of the western si de make it less attractive far large vessels, while the lack
of immediate anchorages on either side reduce its appeal far small craft
awaiting slack water.

Though short, this pass should be travelled al or near slack water. The
current can reach 8 or 9 knots at springs, and boils and small whirlpools can
make passage hazardous far an underpo~ered small craft. But taken within 3n
hour of each side of slack water the pass is relatìvely straightforward.

Although Romulus Rock, on the western side is more of a hazard far large
vessels, far safety the best route through Porlier Pass is to hold about 600 to
800 feet off the light at Race Point. and set a course to pass oft of Alcala
Point on Galiano Island by a similar amount. This should take small vessels
elear of any effects of Romulus Roek. There are more shoals and rocky patches
on the northern side of Porlier, includiog a drying patch called Black Rock.
Thus it is recommended that vessels favor the southern side in passing either
way. There is not the same amount of traffie here as in Active Passo

A smal1 niche, just to the west of the lighthouse can give shelter. but

most vessels passing through Porlier proceed to one of the many anchorages

available io the Gulf Islands. A particularly nice little one is Retreat Cave,

about 6 miles south. on the west coast of Galiano Island. Enter only the south

portion, where the government wharf is built, far the northern section of the

cove and behind Retreat Island is shallow and is suitable only far very small

boats. Though the cove is 5mall it has good holding in mud, and there is space

at the wharf as we1l. The road ashore gives a pretty, ruraI walk with many

fine views of the area.

Other anchorages within reasonable reach of Porlier Pass are: North Cave

and Telegraph Harbour on Thetis Island, and Tent Island Marine Park which is

south of Thetis and Kuper Islands.

Fishing i5 productive at most passes and Porlier Pass is no exception. The

downstream ends of the passes are where the salmon congregate to feed, thus

swapping ends with the changing of the tide. This also makes for congestioo of

small fìshing craft which move with the tide and the salmon. When fishing the

passes, mooching with bait and lures seems to be the most succe5sful, follawed

by trolliog.