Kelsey Bay



Kelsey Bay Marina

Continuing east on Johnston Strait from Port Harvey, we crossed to the south side of the channel or strait and made a stop at Kelsey Bay.  Kelsey Bay is named in honor of William and Imogene Kelsey, who in 1906 travelled by boat from Washington State bound for Alaska.  They ended up stopping along Johnston Strait and began hand logging.  

Kelsey Bay Marina

They later moved across the Strait to Kelsey Bay in 1922 with their three daughters.  A small marina remains at Kelsey Bay today consisting of mainly fishing boats along with an RV Park, a cute café, and a little gift shop that doubles as a tourist information office.  

Got d' Fever at Kelsey Bay Marina

We found the docks to be clean and well maintained; payment for overnight stays are self-serve at the head of the ramp with an honor system drop box.  Guests can also tie-up at the dock owned by the Straits View Café while enjoying breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  

Straits View Café

Boaters can stay overnight at the café dock for a fee and may call ahead to reserve space at the 100 foot dock.  We found Kelsey Bay to be a cute and interesting stop.  

Old Ships used as a Breakwater

The breakwater is made from the hulls of old ships, including the Union Steamship Cardena and three WWII frigates.  Before roads existed in the area, Union Steamship Boats (1911-1940’s) stopped to pick up and deliver passengers, mail, freight, and supplies for the communities along Johnston Strait including Kelsey Bay.  

Kelsey Bay Marina Breakwater

In the 1950’s and 60’s the Ferry, Island Princess provided new passenger service for the area.  The café at Kelsey Bay has a nice collection of historic photos on the restaurant walls which we enjoyed over a cup of coffee and homemade pie. 

Archival Photos on Café walls