Sunshine Coast
Smuggler Cove Marine Park
Holding: Excellent
Shelter: Excellent
Shore access
Anchorage British Columbia
About This Anchorage
Smuggler Cove is a BC Marine Park on the Sunshine Coast, 3 nautical miles south of Secret Cove and 12 nm north of Gibsons. The cove is reached through a narrow entrance that opens into a surprisingly large, completely protected anchorage — one of the most secure anchorages on the Sunshine Coast in all conditions. The name dates from Prohibition-era rum-running through the channel. Holding is excellent in mud, with anchoring in 15–35 ft. The surrounding park has walking trails through old-growth forest and rock outcrops with views across the Strait of Georgia. No fees, no services.
Highlights
- Narrow entrance opens to a large, completely sheltered basin
- Old-growth forest hiking trails in the marine park
- Excellent holding in mud — reliable in all conditions
- Historic Prohibition-era rum-running cove
- Rock outcrops with views across Strait of Georgia
- No fees — BC Marine Park
Cautions & Notes
- Narrow entrance channel — proceed slowly, watch for rocks on sides
- Anchoring only — no mooring buoys
- No services; Secret Cove Marina 3 nm north has fuel and provisions