A snug, much-loved Gulf Islands anchorage tucked between Thetis and Penelakut Islands, flanked by two friendly marinas and famed for its laid-back, ice-cream-on-the-dock summer scene.
Telegraph Harbour is a narrow, well-protected inlet running north-south between Thetis Island to the west and Penelakut (formerly Kuper) Island to the east. It is one of the most popular small-boat destinations in the Gulf Islands, anchored by two long-standing marinas: Telegraph Harbour Marina at the head of the bay, with a store, deli, and playground, and Thetis Island Marina with a store, restaurant, and pub.
Boats anchor in the basin alongside and out from the marinas over a good mud bottom, sharing the space with numerous private mooring buoys. The harbour can be busy in summer, but the holding is reliable and the surrounding hills give it a calm, enclosed feel.
At the harbour's north end, a shallow drying channel known locally as the Cut threads between Thetis and Penelakut into Clam Bay, passable only by dinghies and small craft near high water and a rewarding bit of gunkholing exploration.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
The usual approach is from the south out of Stuart Channel, entering between the southern tips of Thetis and Penelakut Islands; the entrance is straightforward but the harbour shoals steadily toward its head, with depths falling to roughly 3 feet near the back of the bay, so watch the sounder and the tide as you work inshore.
The north end of the harbour is closed by the Cut, a drying channel into Clam Bay suitable only for dinghies and small craft at high tide; it is not a through route for cruising boats. In the wider approaches, mariners should note charted rocks and shoals and a charted submerged cable area, and stay clear of the private mooring buoys that crowd the anchorage.
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 Telegraph Harbour with approach photos, depth notes, and points of interest — written by members who have been here recently.
Member-uploaded images of this anchorage.
Real first-hand reports and questions answered by members who have actually been here.
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