A snug, nearly landlocked all-weather bolt-hole tucked south of Jackson Narrows where Jackson Passage meets Mathieson Channel, a classic refuge on the Inside Passage route north.
Rescue Bay sits on the east side of Mathieson Channel at the eastern end of Jackson Passage, within the Rescue Bay Conservancy adjoining Jackson Narrows Marine Provincial Park. Ringed by steep forested shorelines, the small basin offers very good shelter from nearly every direction and is a favoured overnight stop for boats working their way up or down the Central Coast.
The bay is quiet and rarely crowded, with freshwater streams entering the head and abundant wildlife nearby. A resident group of seals frequents the cove near the entrance, and Pacific white-sided dolphins and Dall's porpoises are often seen just outside in the channel. Anchorage is in roughly 15 m (about 50 ft) over a bottom that most guides rate as fair holding.
Most cruisers anchor in the southern part of the bay, where surrounding high ground gives all-around protection. It is a peaceful, scenic stop rather than a destination with services; the nearest supplies are at Klemtu, about 20 km to the northwest on Swindle Island.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
The bay is most often entered from Mathieson Channel into the southern basin, which is the recommended anchorage and avoids the narrows entirely. Boaters approaching or departing via Jackson Narrows, the 20 m-wide passage linking Jackson Passage, must use extreme caution and transit only at or near high slack water; the narrows runs strong currents and the entrance has rocks on its east side.
Inside the bay itself, avoid the drying shoal in the southeast corner. Set the hook in the deeper central/southern portion; depths shoal toward the western and southern shores, so sound carefully on the way in, especially around large tides.
Wind protection summary and tide planning at a glance. Full per-direction and 7-day detail with Plus.
Live readings from the nearest OpenWeather station and WorldTides; refreshed every few minutes.
Source: OpenWeather One Call API + WorldTides.
A curated photo + map walkthrough showing approach, mooring options, and points of interest.
A guided walkthrough of Rescue Bay with approach photos, depth notes, and points of interest — written by members who have been here recently.
Real first-hand reports and questions answered by members who have actually been here.
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Cruising-distance picks near this anchorage.
