Tucked behind the towering wall of the Brooks Peninsula in Nasparti Inlet, Columbia Cove (also called Peddlers Cove) is the classic staging anchorage for boats waiting to round one of the most exposed headlands on the BC coast.
Columbia Cove indents the south shore of the Brooks Peninsula, near the inner end of Nasparti Inlet. For most cruisers it is a strategic stop rather than a destination in itself: the anchorage tucks in behind the high, forested mass of the peninsula, giving boats a sheltered place to stage before (or recover after) rounding exposed Cape Cook and Solander Island. It is widely regarded as a good refuge from a northwest gale.
The cove is small but holds several boats, with a backdrop of ancient forest, dark mountains, and a large tidal flat and sand beach along the shore. The setting is wild and remote, with reported sightings of foraging bears, wolves, and cougars.
A short primitive trail (roughly a quarter to half mile) leads across the neck of land from the head of the cove to a long white-sand beach open to the full Pacific swell on the south coast of the peninsula. The trailhead, behind downed trees near some signage, is marked by an assortment of fishing floats and beachcombed odds and ends tied to the trees.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
The cove is entered from the east, between Jacobson Point and the island guarding the cove (commonly called Protection Island). The basin shoals considerably toward its head, with an extensive shallow tidal flat off the beach, so favor the deeper water and watch the sounder on the way in. Rocks lie within and near the entrance, and kelp typically marks the dangers in summer.
The greater hazard is the Brooks Peninsula itself: this is one of the most exposed stretches of the entire BC coast, with strong winds, fog, and large swell common off Cape Cook and Clerke Point. Time the rounding for settled weather, and use Columbia Cove as a staging anchorage to wait out a northwest blow. Approach in good visibility and consult current CHS charts for the inlet.
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 Columbia Cove 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.
