Resort Fishing in Rivers Inlet

After the fortuitist timing of events at Dawsons Landing, our timing for weather at Duncanby L

Rain and Fog coming into Duncanby Landing

anding was very wet and foggy.  After rounding the north end of Walbran Island, we headed south down Rivers Inlet in the rain and fog, being careful to avoid the numerous sport fishing boats from the various fishing lodges in the area:  the Good Hope Cannery Resort, The Duncanby Lodge, Black Gold Lodge, and Goose Bay Lodge among others.  

Duncanby Landing Fishing Lodge & Restaurant

Good Hope Resort and Duncanby Landing are both high-end, fly-in fishing lodges.  As we approached Duncanby Landing, the sky let loose with a down pour, my raingear looked like a miniature waterfall and a river of water ran down the ramp at the docks.  The good news was that we could dine out at the Duncanby Landing restaurant.  

Duncanby Landing Fishing Lodge

We dried off, changed clothes, and headed for the restaurant before it got busy with the arrival of the sport fishing folks.  

Dinner with a View, Duncanby Landing Restaurant

We shared a salad and delicious halibut dish served with roasted yellow beats, roasted seasonal potatoes, and sweet-spicy mango chunks served over the baked fish; the beer on tab from Whistler’s Brewery was also excellent.  Pleasure boaters seem to appreciate the fact that this sport-fishing resort welcomes cruisers to stop and enjoy the restaurant and attractive setting; we were glad to have arrived before the lodge shut down within the next five days for the season.  

Delicious Dinners at Duncanby Landing

The following morning we continued south into Goose Bay and stopped by Black Gold Lodge to inquire if they welcome pleasure boats, a resounding NO was the answer.  

The Old Cannery - Goose Bay Fishing Lodge

We continued further into the bay, arriving at the old cannery which houses the Goose Bay Fishing Lodge.  We were greeted by a couple standing on the dock who said they would be happy to give us a tour of the old cannery buildings but they were just leaving for Dawsons to get groceries, they would be back in a couple of hours; “no problem, we will come back later today” we replied.  

Goose Bay Cannery Building

We found good anchorage in the bay just across from the cannery and had lunch, baked some cookies, and enjoyed the afternoon while awaiting their return.  Around 2:40pm we motored over to the cannery dock and tied-up for a few hours.  

Cannery Buildings, Goose Bay

Tom the owner was happy to give us a tour of the facility, actually there are multiple owners of the property, buildings, and lodge assets including some boats.  The accommodations are rustic but improvements are being made to the buildings and cabins each year thanks to each owner spending an allotted amount of dedicated time.  The cannery was originally constructed in 1926 and was in operation from 1927 to 1957; at one time 350 people lived and worked here processing and canning salmon.  

Steam-driven Motors

Tom showed us through the main cannery building which included several steam driven motors that used belts to run other canning equipment of the time.  We also toured the wood shop, tool shop, and cabins once used by the workers of the cannery.  Goose Bay Lodge and cannery is not currently mentioned in our cruising guide so we asked about the policy for moorage.  

Our Cannery Tour

We learned that pleasure boaters can tie-up at the dock overnight for a nominal fee, all funds received go towards improving the cannery site.  A drop box for payment is located at the end of the ramp and is on the “honor system.” 

Cannery Housing (now guest cabins)

Instructions for visitors is also posted at the end of the ramp, moorage is on a first-come, first-serve basis.  In addition to the interesting cannery site, visitors are welcome to hike the 1-mile trail to the dam located above the cannery but should be “bear aware” and take the appropriate precautions.  

Got d' Fever at Goose Bay Fishing Lodge & Cannery

We thanked Tom for his time and departed Goose Bay around 4pm for the two-hour journey to Millbrook Cove in Smith Sound, a good position for the morning push around dreaded Cape Caution.