C11 BOWEN ISLAND
Worlcombe Island – It was said to have been called “Suspus-tak-kwin-ace” by local people meaning “where they catch the whales” (UASBC). Private property with lots of drying rocks on the north side. Stay clear of the hazard marker. Three scuba diving sites around the island.
Pasley Island – Named after Admiral Sir Thomas Pasley who lost a leg in the battle of the “Glorious First” of June, 1794. Do not venture between New Islet and the island at the north end. Mickey Island to the north has one resident and it is private property. There are nice bays and good anchorage on the east side with shelter from west winds. Beaches were used as ‘flensing’ beaches by whalers around 1894 (UASBC).
Ragged Island – Private island with one resident. Be careful of the drying rocks and outcrops on the east side. There is a resting place on the north outcrop with seven crosses for fallen seamen.
Keats Island – Named after Admiral Sir Richard Goodwin Keats, captain of the 74 gun ship Superb. Government floats on the west shore. Fewer than 30 residents during the winter and over 100 during the summer.
Large beach area with some good anchorage. Be careful of the drying rocks at the point and to the east.
Eastbourne – Has a small government float. Mooring buoys in the area are private. Private properties on both sides.
Cotton Point – Named after Admiral Sir Charles Cotton, captain of the H.M.S. Majestic. Private property northwest from here.
Collingwood Channel – Named after Vice Admiral Lord Collingwood. This channel is busy with traffic entering Howe Sound.
Hutt Island – Named after Captain John Hutt, captain of the H.M.S. Queen flagship. Good anchorage between Hutt Island and Bowen Island with lots of reefs. Watch for the day beacon on Hutt Rock south of Hutt Island and the day beacon between Hutt Island and Bowen Island. Five scuba diving sites around the island.
10. Grafton Bay – Good anchorage with shelter from south winds. A great place to relax.
11. Galbraith Bay – Provides good temporary moorage at the government float. Watch for drying rocks left of the public wharf. There are trails in Mount Gardner Park that take you to the top of the mountain and back to Snug Cove.
12. Watch for the day beacons in this area, especially if you’re out at night. The shores of Bowen Island in this area are very unique with nice small creeks, but offer no anchorage or real shelter from the Straight of Georgia. Enjoy the beauty of the Collingwood Channel.
13. Bowen Bay – A very nice bay with private floats. It is sheltered from the north winds. King Edward Bay is located just to the north.
14. Tunstall Bay – Provides good anchorage in this romantic spot. The boat launch in the south end of the bay is for the residents only. This is also the home of Explosive Creek. Watch for the drying rocks to the north. This was where Mr. Lipsett had a wharf and houses for 17 whalers in 1870 (UASBC).
15. Cape Roger Curtis – Named after Admiral Sir Roger Curtis for his royal regard and friendship. He was flag captain to Admiral Lord Howe, H.M.S. Queen Charlotte in the battle of the “Glorious First” of June, 1794.
16. This area of Bowen Island does not provide much shelter from the Straight of Georgia winds.
17. Echo Cove – Great shelter but respect the private wharfs. Fair-weather Bay to the west also provides shelter. Arbutus Bay to the east provides a nice view of the Josephine Creek outflow. Konishi Bay, also to the east, is very unique but be careful of the drying rocks.
18. Point Cowan Light – Named after George Cowan during the early 1900’s. Alder Cove to the west dries at low tide. To the northeast is Union Cove, Trinity Bay and Seymour Bay (the most sheltered bay on the island). They all offer anchorage and shelter from wind in an emergency.