Broughton’s to Desolation Sound



A Boat heading for Mayne Channel

We motored across Johnston Strait once again, this time exiting at Mayne Passage, arriving at Blind Channel Resort on West Thurlow Island.  This lovely resort has nice docks, hiking trails, new cabins, a small groc/gift shop, and an excellent restaurant – always a favorite stop in the Broughton Island Group for boaters.  Timing one’s arrival at Blind Channel Resort can be a smart move, as the current can be swift at times through the channel and around the docks.  

Blind Channel Resort on W Thurlow Island 

We found that space was filling up quickly when we arrived early evening.  After being directed to one of the last spaces available and securing our lines, we walked to the restaurant to enjoy dinner and relax over a glass of wine.  The following morning we were bound for Squirrel Cove in Desolation Sound, a 5-6 hour journey.  

Blind Channel Resort

We exited Mayne Passage (Blind Channel) heading northward, then turned eastward into Cordero Channel passing Cordero Lodge and Shoal Bay which we have enjoyed visiting in previous years.  Not wanting to arrive too early at Dent Rapids, we motored past Oleo’s in Denham Bay, once the site of a floating restaurant that is now out of business – most of the buildings have been removed while others have partially collapsed.  

Dining Room at Blind Channel Resort

As we turned south again, our timing was perfect for approaching Dent Rapids at slack water; the water was so calm we commented out-loud, “what rapids?”  Of course there would be a different selection of words if we had gone through at the wrong time!  Yuculta Rapids were next with the same un-noticed transition. 

We were now in “Calm Channel” entering Big Bay.  Big Bay is a local for a concentration of Big Money with high-end sport-fishing lodges and resorts, including a golf course.  

Many Impressive Sport Lodges in Big Bay

The entire Bay is beginning to look like a Whistler Ski Resort with expansive multi-level resort lodges, all very impressive.  We continued southeast down Calm Channel which becomes Lewis Channel putting us in the Desolation Sound region.  Around 5pm we pulled into Squirrel Cove on the east side of Cortes Island and anchored for the night; our anticipated visit by dinghy to the Squirrel Cove Trading Co. would have to wait for the following day.