The Broughton Archipelago! Just saying the name feels like an adventure in the making.
After a minor disagreement with the ocean floor over my anchor’s rightful owner back in Port Harvey, I was ready to dive deeper into this wild, coastal wonderland.
July 19, 2024
Leaving Port Harvey, we cruised up Havannah Channel in the early morning light. Rugged views stretched on either side, and the promise of a thrilling day ahead kept my spirits high.
The challenge? Navigating the narrow, swift Chatham Channel—a kelp-filled gauntlet where precision is everything—and then squeezing through an opening with the ominous nickname: “The Blow Hole.”
Chatham Channel requires running a range—lining up shore markers to keep your course true. It would be the first time I had run a range in probably a decade. In Chatham Channel there is one ahead and one astern to keep you on track.
Of course with today’s modern navigation equipment, you can just follow a line on the screen of the chart plotter, but where’s the fun in that? I like to have the practice in case I ever have to do it without my electronics.
Arriving at the opening, I could see another boat on the opposite end of the channel. They called on the radio to advise they were entering, so I offered to wait until they had transited through. Having never been there before, I wasn’t sure if two boats could pass. They seemed very appreciative that I had offered to wait and called their thanks on the radio. Then it was our turn. I got about a third of the way in when a speed boat came the opposite way and didn’t wait for me. But even more concerning, they stopped half way through the channel! I was about to find out whether two boats can pass (they can, but just barely).
But why did they stop?
A grizzly bear on shore! It was our first grizzly sighting of the season, just casually hanging out on the shore, rolling over boulders like they do! Thrilled, I paused long enough to savour the moment and grab some photos. But the unknowns of the Blow Hole ahead pulled me onward. I wish now I’d lingered a little longer—the Blow Hole turned out to be far less intimidating than its name.
After a quick look at Lagoon Cove Marina (perfect if you need marina amenities, which we didn’t), we pressed on to Potts Lagoon. The northern anchorage offered a serene bay with only one other boat. Perfect! We anchored in front of a grassy area on shore.
While enjoying happy hour on the fly bridge (one of my favourite things to do!) we spotted more grizzly bears! A mother and cub strolled the grassy area, grazing and playing. Watching them felt like pure magic.
I managed to get some photos with my 400mm lens right from the fly bridge of Vestri. I didn’t want to risk getting in the dinghy to get closer, since the bay shallowed fairly quickly, so we just enjoyed them from where we were. What a treat it was to be sitting there enjoying happy hour and have some grizzlies come to entertain! The cub was just as curious about us as we were about him, and he stood up to get a better view!
The main lagoon, a bit busier with 6–8 boats, offered its own charm with dilapidated docks and float homes—a quirky, picturesque scene perfect for any photographer with a love of the unusual.
Potts Lagoon isn’t just about bears. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise. We took our dinghy up the lagoon at high tide, shutting off the engine midway to row in silence. The birdsong was mesmerizing, and the stillness felt otherworldly.
Already, early into this Broughton Archipelago adventure, I had come to appreciate the quieter anchorages. Fewer boats mean more wildlife, and the peace and solitude made every day feel like a privilege.
Next stop: Village Islands – and yet another exciting surprise
Between your summer trips in Vestri and Ray’s blogs on winter travel, you two are my favorite reads throughout the year.
YOur photography is great and I often try to emulate your shots in our travels.
Thank you so much for the awesome feedback Jeff! I’m trying to get back in the habit of blog writing, so as soon as I’m finished writing about summer … well it will probably be summer again I appreciate your visit and comments.
What beautiful country we have. Many of us can’t enjoy it the way you can. And we definitely thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures!
We sure do, Janice, and I am happy to be able to share some parts of it that not everyone has the opportunity to see. I appreciate your visit and comments!
Great story and pictures! Thanks a lot 🙂
Are you still using your EF 400mm f/5.6L lens?
Best regards!
Hi Marcin, Yes, I love my 400mm f5.6L lens! It’s too bad they don’t make them anymore. I still have my 500mm lens I bought used, but I didn’t take it on the boat. The 400 is perfect for the boat. Glad you are enjoying the posts!
Beautiful photos! I’m traveling vicariously through you, Anne. I love the bear photos, but they’re all so captivating. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for following along Anna!
Beautiful!
I love the part where the land meets the sea.
You have that all around you 360 degrees and the time to let some of it become part of you.
I lived in the middle of the Rocky Mtns in an uninsulated building for one year. no electricity, no running water, (just a small spring ,clear and sparkling), No cell phones.
No radios. no TV and no cars. I was a telegrapher working for a RR company in charge of the longest “side track” on the northern line. I could order (over the company telephone system) groceries from a small town 30 miles to the south and books from the library 90 miles to the north. Outdoor facillities (in the winter it’s 40 below zero)
Later on I lived for a few years in Port Alberni and in Victoria. Loved the isolation from the mainland.
All of this is more than half a century ago. just telling you a bit about it has my heart beating a bit faster.
Enjoy your life and please keep posting. Love your photos and stories.
Thanks for sharing a bit about your own experience Douglas! I love being up on the flybridge of the boat and having the 360 degree view. I hang out up there a lot and just sit in the quiet and enjoy watching the wildlife. When we are in one spot for a couple of days, the wildlife starts getting closer and closer to the boat.
Your experience in the Rockies sounds …. rustic! But also amazing. It must have felt like being part of the natural world in a way most people never get to experience. Uninsulated though!! You must have had a good supply of firewood.
I’m glad you are enjoying the photos and stories, and I appreciate you sharing yours!
Thank you for your fantastic story and photographs
Hope you have a wonderful festive period and and an amazzing 2o25.
Much appreciated Roy, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season too!
Such beautiful scenery! All of Canada is beautiful but I think British Columbia w measure of beauty! I have enjoyed some of the area on a couple of cruises to Alaska. I would have preferred to cruise on a smaller boat such as you are doing, but I don’t have a large enough boat. Mine is only a 14 foot aluminum craft.
I have never had the privilege of seeing a grisley bear but I have seen a few black bears. Usually I just see their hind quarters as they run away. I think grizzlies are more curious and perhaps less afraid of humans. I recall having seen a photo of a grizzly standing at a photographer’s tripod and camera. I think he may have been considering applying for an apprenticeship. Great blue herons seem to be everywhere but is very amusing watching them land in a tree!
About the operator of that speed boat: ir seems that common courtesy and good judgement is as lacking on the water as it is on the roads. It’s not the cars (or boats) that is the problem. It is the nut at the wheel, or helm!
I hope you have a great winter in the warmer part of the continent.
Hi Brian! I have to agree, there’s just nothing like the British Columbia coast in summer. I too spent a lot of time in a small boat exploring all over between Vancouver Island and the mainland from Victoria to Sayward and Desolation Sound. Now with Vestri I am finally able to get farther north. I wasn’t sure if I would be happy with a slow boat, but it’s different when it’s a one way trip. With the little boat I always had to come back the same day.
There is definitely a personality difference between grizzlies and black bears. Black bears are often like big dogs. When you tell them to leave, the usually go if they are not running away already. Grizzlies don’t care what you think – they are in charge. Not that you don’t need to be concerned about black bears, but they are usually more concerned about us than grizzlies are.
I hope winter back on the island is a mild one. We are finally get down to the warmer weather in southern California.
Thanks for your visit and comments!
Very nice Photos of an stunning voyage! Enjoy it!
Many thanks Xavier! Glad you enjoyed the photos. The Broughtons were gorgeous, can’t wait to get back out there next summer!
Great story. I almost felt I was with you.
Awww, that’s great to hear, thank you Janet!
I love your emails.
I also I’m very happy that you are doing so well.
I hope you continue to be well.
Happy Holidays.
Thank you so much Barry! I feel so fortunate to be healthy enough to get back out on the water and enjoy life again. I’m still not 100%, but getting a little better every day.
Happy Holidays to you too!
Beautiful sights & great pics. Thank you for sharing!!
Enjoy your wonderful trip seeing & enjoying God’s nature.
Thank you John, I appreciate the kind feedback!
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for your visit George, I’m so glad you enjoyed the post!