Smuggler Cove is a tight anchorage etched into the south side of the Sechelt peninsula. It was our first stop on the Sunshine Coast, British Columbia. Since there isn’t much room to swing on anchor here, this B.C. marine park has stern tie pins along the shoreline rocks.
The cove’s unscrupulous history as a hideaway includes the smuggling of Chinese laborers into the United States after they’d completed the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1885 and as a safe haven by Prohibition rum-runners in 1920 – 1933.
I’m glad we went into this anchorage when it was mostly empty. With only four boats present when we arrived, it already felt tight to maneuver our boat safely to find a spot to anchor. I’ve read that 40 or more boats can anchor in this cove, but many of those would have to be shallow-draft.
There was a well-maintained trail here that I really enjoyed. We’d read to be on the lookout for bears, but it seemed unlikely that they would be here. I must also mention the mosquitoes. It was the worst we’ve experienced. I’m hoping it was the time of year (late June), but suspect it is an ongoing issue until the rain and snow persist. Next time we will be more prepared with our window screens, mosquito nets, and repellant.
Tales of Misadventure 