A long, well-protected inlet just southeast of Cape Caution, Allison Harbour is the classic last staging anchorage where northbound cruisers stage for an early-morning rounding of the cape.
Allison Harbour is a narrow, roughly 1.5-nautical-mile inlet running north off Schooner Channel near the head of Queen Charlotte Strait, on the BC mainland just inside Cape Caution. Surrounded by low forested hills, it offers good depths, generous swing room, and shelter from nearly all directions, which is why it is one of the most-used staging stops for boats waiting on weather before rounding Cape Caution northbound (or unwinding after the rounding southbound).
It is widely regarded as the easiest anchorage in the area to enter, a real advantage in the fog that is common here in late summer. Several bights along the east and west shores give secure spots, but the head of the harbour offers the most room. An islet and small sandy beaches near the head are pleasant to explore by dinghy, and remnants of the old steamer landing and logging operation hint at the harbour's past as a transportation hub serving Seymour Inlet and Nakwakto Rapids.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
The approach is from the south off Schooner Channel / Queen Charlotte Strait. Allison Reefs lie off the entrance area and must be given a wide berth; the harbour was historically known as False Bay, a reminder to identify the correct opening. Once the entrance is identified, the channel in is straightforward and deep.
Inside, watch for rocks and the islet near the head of the inlet, and for shoaling and drying flats at the very head. Proceed slowly toward the head, favoring mid-channel, and set the hook before reaching the shoaling ground around the islet and beaches.
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 Allison Harbour 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.
