Before You Sign Up – Please Read

The Gulf Islands Pub Crawl is intentionally designed to be a casual, self-guided adventure, not a traditional hosted yacht club cruise.

While RHYC members helped develop the route and suggested gathering places, there is no official cruise host, cruise captain, or event organizer for this trip.

What That Means

* You are responsible for making your own moorage reservations.

* You are responsible for your own customs clearance, travel plans, and itinerary.

* You are welcome to follow the suggested route or create your own version of the adventure.

* Every stop is optional.

Flexible Cruising

One of the best things about this trip is the flexibility.

Want to stay an extra day in Ganges?

Go for it.

Want to skip a stop and meet the group two days later?

No problem.

Want to visit a nearby anchorage and join everyone at the pub that evening?

Absolutely.

Think of this as a floating meetup rather than a structured cruise.

RHYC Teamwork

Although this is an unhosted event, we encourage everyone to monitor VHF Channel 68 throughout the trip.

Many of our members appreciate an extra set of eyes when docking, handling lines, or finding their slip assignments.

Please help your fellow RHYC boaters whenever possible.

A little dockside assistance goes a long way.

Dock Hosts Needed

To help everyone feel welcome, we are asking for one volunteer couple each evening to serve as that day's Dock Host.

This is not a big job.

Your responsibilities are simply to:

* Welcome arriving RHYC members

* Help newcomers feel included

* Make sure everyone knows where and when the group is gathering

* Lead the walk to the pub (or point everyone in the right direction)

That's it.

No planning.
No organizing activities.
No speeches.

Just helping everyone connect and have fun.

The Goal

The Gulf Islands Pub Crawl is about:

* Exploring beautiful destinations

* Enjoying great pubs and restaurants

* Meeting new friends

* Sharing stories

* Having fun at your own pace

We'll see you at the next dock!

 

The Details:

Day 0 – Sunday, August 2

Recovery Day

The Colors Cruise may be over, but the adventure doesn't have to end.

Day 0 is intentionally unstructured. Take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy one more day in the San Juan Islands before the Gulf Islands Pub Crawl officially begins.

This is your opportunity to travel at your own pace, catch up on laundry, take a nap, explore ashore, or simply enjoy a quiet evening aboard.

Your Options

* Stay at Roche Harbor

• Extend your reservation and enjoy another day at one of the Northwest's favorite destinations.
• Visit the sculpture park, grab an ice cream, or enjoy a leisurely dinner ashore.

* Anchor in Westcott Bay

• A beautiful and protected anchorage just around the corner from Roche Harbor.
• Great scenery and a favorite among local cruisers.

* Anchor in Garrison Bay

• Rich in Northwest history and conveniently located near English Camp.
• A peaceful place to unwind after a busy weekend.

* Anchor in Reid Harbor or grab a moring ball.

• Head over to Stuart Island and enjoy one of the most beloved anchorages in the San Juans.
• Stretch your legs on the road to Turn Point Lighthouse.

* Get a Head Start

• Cruise directly to Poets Cove Resort & Spa and settle in early for Monday's kickoff.

 

Day 1 – Monday, August 3

Customs & Cocktails at Poets Cove

Welcome to the Gulf Islands Pub Crawl!

Our first stop is beautiful Poets Cove Resort & Spa, nestled in Bedwell Harbour on South Pender Island. After clearing Canadian customs and settling into your slip, it's time to officially kick off the adventure.  Poets cove has greate anchorage if you prefer to be on the hook.  A dinghy dock is available for you to come to shore.

Poets Cove offers everything you need to ease into vacation mode:

*  Stunning marina setting
*  Waterfront dining and cocktails
*  Resort pool and spa

* Join fellow cruisers at Syrens Bistro & Lounge for the official kickoff gathering.

We'll raise a glass, swap sea stories, meet new friends, and preview the adventures ahead.

Reservation Information

* Poets Cove Marina Reservations:
250-629-2111

*Marina VHF Channel:
66A

* Syrens Bistro & Lounge:
250-629-2114

Reservation Notes

• Participants are responsible for making their own moorage reservations.
• Early reservations are strongly encouraged, as August is a busy cruising season.

Port Browning

Theme: The Real Pub Crawl Begins

After our kickoff at Poets Cove, we'll make the short hop to Port Browning on North Pender Island.

Port Browning offers a relaxed marina atmosphere, a waterfront pub, beautiful views, and an easy cruising day that lets everyone settle into vacation mode.

Evening Gathering

* Meet at the pub at 5:00 PM for cocktails, dinner, and sea stories.

Marina Information

* Marina Reservations: 250-629-3493

When making reservations, let them know you are with RHYC and participating in the Gulf Islands Pub Crawl. The marina may be able to group RHYC boats together if space permits.

* Anchorage is also available at Port Browning according to Navionics. However, this organizer has not personally anchored there and cannot provide local knowledge about anchoring conditions.

Today's Mission

* Relax. Meet new friends. Enjoy island time.


Day 3 – Wednesday, August 5

Montague Harbour

Theme: Pub Bus & Pirate Stories

Montague Harbour is one of the Gulf Islands' classic boating destinations, known for its beautiful harbor, protected moorage, and famous pub bus.

Evening Gathering

*Meet at 5:00 PM

You have two options:

*Take the Hummingbird Pub Bus from the road above the marina to the Hummingbird Pub.

*Go to Crane and Robin located at the Marina.
It's recomended that you decide as a group which idea looks better.

No reservations are required for either restaurant.

Marina Information

* Moorage Reservations: 250-539-5733

Please let the marina know you are with Roche Harbor Yacht Club and participating in the Gulf Islands Pub Crawl. They will try to place RHYC boats together if space permits.

* Moorage reservations are required but there is great anchorage in this bay.

Today's Mission

* Ride the pub bus...or don't.

* Enjoy a great pub.

* Collect a few stories worth retelling later.

 

 

Day 4 – Thursday, August 6

Ganges – Salt Spring Island

Theme: Town Night

After several days of marinas and island pubs, Ganges offers a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy one of the Gulf Islands' most popular waterfront towns.

Spend the afternoon exploring at your own pace. Browse shops, galleries, bookstores, bakeries, and grocery stores—or simply relax and people-watch along the waterfront.

Evening Gathering

* Meet at Moby's Pub at 5:00 PM

No reservations are required. Join the group for drinks, dinner, and stories from the trip so far.

Marina Information

* Salt Spring Marina Reservations:
Please reserve your moorage online through
https://saltspringmarina.com

* Salt Spring Marina: 250-537-5810

* Moby's Pub: 250-537-5559

Today's Mission

* Explore town.

* Find a treat you don't need.

* Meet your friends at Moby's at 5:00 PM.

 

Day 5 – Friday, August 7

Telegraph Harbour – Thetis Island

Theme: Island Time

Telegraph Harbour offers a quieter pace and a chance to experience one of RHYC's outstations while exploring beautiful Thetis Island.

Check Out Our Outstation

Telegraph Harbour is home to an RHYC Outstation and is well worth a visit. Take some time to explore the property, relax on the docks, and enjoy this unique club resource.

Important Note for RHYC Members

* Telegraph Harbour is an RHYC Outstation. However, this Pub Crawl is an RHYC event, so moorage fees at Telegraph Harbour are not eligible for reimbursement by the club on this date. (But come back any other day! hint hint)

Please plan accordingly when making your reservations.

Marina Information

* Telegraph Harbour Marina: 250-246-9511

* Limited to no anchorage is available in Telegraph Harbour. Most participants should plan on reserving moorage.
* There is wonderful anchorage in Clam bay.  We've included a tide chart below for Telegraph Harbor.  If you can get through the cut at 4:30 to get from Clam Bay to Telegraph, then it's a rising tide and there should be no concern about getting back to Clam bay after the Bar Hop.  Please check the tide chart yourself to validate this information. 

* There is another marina called Thetis Island Restort which is where the bar is for the bar hop, if you can't get morage at Telegraph, please check there or anchor in clam bay.

Suggested Adventure

* Explore Clam Bay by Dinghy

Watch the tide charts and consider taking your dinghy through to nearby Clam Bay at higher tides.

Clam Bay is a beautiful area to explore, but boaters should pay close attention to water depth and tides.

* Dinghies can become stranded if the tide falls before you return.

As always, know the conditions and use good judgment.

Evening Gathering

* Meet at 5:00 PM at Thetis Island Marina & Resort

The pub is located a short dinghy ride from Telegraph Harbour.

* Thetis Island Marina & Resort: 250-246-3464

If participation is high, the marina would appreciate an approximate headcount so they can plan staffing and seating.

Today's Mission

*  Explore Clam Bay.

* Visit the RHYC Outstation.

* Enjoy a slower pace.

* Meet your friends at the pub at 5:00 PM.




Day 6 – Saturday, August 8

Maple Bay – West Coast Finale

Theme: West Coast Finale

Our final stop brings us to beautiful Maple Bay, a protected marina with stunning scenery, easy access to fuel and provisions, and a perfect setting to wrap up a week of cruising, cocktails, and camaraderie.

Whether you're heading home the next day or extending your adventure, Maple Bay provides a comfortable jumping-off point and a chance to gather one last time with your fellow pub crawlers.

Evening Gathering

* Meet at Shipyard Restaurant & Pub at 5:00 PM

* Shipyard Restaurant & Pub: 250-746-1026

Because August is a busy season, reservations are recommended. The Dock Host for this stop will coordinate an approximate headcount and make reservations about a week in advance.

Marina Information

* Maple Bay Marina: 250-746-8482
* Birds Eye Cove Marina 250-746-5686
* Recip dock at Maple Bay Yacht Club (first come first serve)
* Anchoring is good in Maple bay, see Wagoners Guide for information on anchoring.

* Important: Maple Bay Marina reported very limited availability for August 8. If Maple Bay is part of your plan, make your reservation as soon as possible.

Please let the marina know you are with Roche Harbor Yacht Club and participating in the Gulf Islands Pub Crawl.

Suggested Activities

* Enjoy a final group dinner

* Share favorite photos and memories from the trip

* Raise one last glass with fellow cruisers

* Brainstorm ideas for next year's Pub Crawl

Today's Mission

* Celebrate a great week.

* Capture a few final memories.

* Start planning next year's adventure.

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• Gulf Islands Pub Crawl at a Glance

Date	Destination	5:00 PM Gathering
Sunday, Aug 2	Day 0 – Recovery Day	Wherever you choose
Monday, Aug 3	Poets Cove	Syrens Bistro
Tuesday, Aug 4	Port Browning	Marina Pub
Wednesday, Aug 5	Montague Harbour	Hummingbird Pub or Crane & Robin
Thursday, Aug 6	Ganges	Moby's Pub
Friday, Aug 7	Telegraph Harbour	Thetis Island Marina & Resort
Saturday, Aug 8	Maple Bay	Shipyard Restaurant & Pub

 

Moorage Reservations At-a-Glance

Helpful Notes

Poets Cove

• VHF 66A
• Mention RHYC Gulf Islands Pub Crawl

Port Browning

• Mention RHYC Gulf Islands Pub Crawl
• Marina may be able to group RHYC boats together

Montague Harbour

• Mention RHYC Gulf Islands Pub Crawl
• Marina may be able to group RHYC boats together

Salt Spring Marina

• Online reservations preferred
• Mention RHYC Gulf Islands Pub Crawl

Telegraph Harbour

• RHYC Outstation
• Moorage is not reimbursable for this Pub Crawl

Maple Bay

• Limited slips available
• Reserve early