Pierless Blog - 2026-06-06 Colison Bay to Bag Harbour

June 6th - Saturday 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - 14 Nm Traveled 

We were ready to continue our way north after two nights in Collison Bay.  Weather forecasts for the next few days were not encouraging.  Lots of rain and high winds (up to 40+mph) suggested we look for a well protected anchorage was in order.  Hopefully one which provide wildlife viewing and the possibility of excursions in the dinghy.  After perusing our options, we decided to head for Bag Harbour.  Bag was not far, was well protected from all directions, had good depth and holding and was big enough for several boats.  It is also close to Dolomite Narrows, a part of Burnaby Strait (Ḵ'iid Xyangs Ḵ'iidaay in the Haida language) which is known for its abundant marine life.  


Collison Bay - Morning we left

The anchor was up at noon and soon we had sunshine and favorable winds (10-12 Kts).  We rolled out the genoa and were soon cruising along under sail alone.  This would be a relatively short trip up to Bag Harbour (14 Nm), so an early start was not necessary.  It felt good to have a short day for a change.

Route to Bag Harbour

We noticed many of the large orange sea jellies in the bay.  Many more than I have seen anywhere else.  The morning sun made them quite interesting to watch.


Sea Jelly in Collison Bay

Passing Joyce Rocks, we saw many sea lions hauled out on the rocks enjoying the sunshine.  They always favor treeless rocks far from the larger islands.  They were also too far away for any good photos...
Passing small islands on the way

The wind picked up enough to sail!

Bag Harbor

We arrived at the harbour at 4:30 p.m. and saw a black bear on the beach as we arrived.  Later we saw several deer (sitka deer?) on the shoreline.  Pierless was the only boat in a rather large anchorage.  We were well protected from wind and waves, so settled in for what could be 2 or 3 days.  Wildlife viewing was great as there was extensive shoreline and grassy areas all around the bay.

Dave enjoying the calm, sunny anchorage

Later in the evening another boat pulled into the harbor - the "Atlas".  Atlas a trawler tour boat operated by a local family.  They carry up to six people on a trip which includes sightseeing, kayaking, good food and shore excursions.  The spent the night and left early to catch high tide in Burnaby Narrows, leading north.  

The weather forecast still called for gale winds for the next 2 or 3 days, so we settled in for the night to see what the next day would bring.






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