Canada's southern Gulf Islands area is widely recognized as one of the premier sailing, boating, kayaking, and pleasure cruising regions in the world. Two of the safest, most enticing harbours for sailors here are the marinas at Maple Bay and Genoa Bay (both a 25-minute drive east of Duncan). The first is on the westside of Sansom Narrows facing Salt Spring Island. Genoa Bay is just around the rocky bend to the south in Cowichan Bay. There's also a good public marina in the lively and historic town of Cowichan Bay. Fishermen make tracks for the marina at Cowichan Lake (a 20-minute drive west of Duncan). Its boat launch is one of the busiest spots in the area, and a fleet of aluminum boats are available for rent.
Maple Bay
When the winds pick up and the seas turn rough, wise sailors make the easy run to sheltered Bird's Eye Cove. The hideaway has been discovered by thousands of sailors over the years, among them such celebrities as Jack Nicholson, Barbra Streisand, and John Wayne. Nautical visitors either tie up at the cove's namesake marina, the public wharf, or one of the four dozen public berths at Maple Bay Marina. The latter has the first-rate Shipyard Restaurant & Pub, a fuel dock, games area, waterside park, laundromat, showers and what one American cruise authority calls "the cleanest washrooms on the coast." GPS Coordinates: N 48° 47.742' – W 123° 35.942'.
Maple Bay Marina's Carol Messier offers shuttle bus service to Duncan and vicinity. Maple Bay itself is at the foot of Mount Tzouhalem, site of a Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve and good hiking. The Grapevine Restaurant, a Belgian-style bistro, and the Brigantine Inn pub are in the nearby village. Also here is the Maple Bay Yacht Club, which offer reciprocal privileges to most yacht clubs in the Pacific Northwest.
Genoa Bay
This delightful piece of paradise tucked into a natural harbour on the northeastern shore of Cowichan Bay is the "kind of place sailors, wooden boaters, romantics and intelligent sentimentalists hold close to their hearts," wrote noted European travel writer and sailor Ferenc Máté. Genoa Bay Marina has a full range of facilities for sailors including a marina store and "office on the go" business and internet services. Bonus: The Genoa Bay Café, frequently cited as one of the better (and certainly most charming) restaurants in the Cowichan Valley. Known for its clam chowder, fish and chips, seafood dishes, and dessert menu.
Drop by the Duncan-Cowichan Visitor Centre for more information about boat cruising in the Gulf Islands area.