A snug, almost landlocked finger of water tucked behind Butchart Gardens in Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, Tod Inlet is one of the most protected and beloved anchorages on southern Vancouver Island.
Reaching back behind Butchart Gardens into forested Gowlland Tod Provincial Park, Tod Inlet is a well-protected pocket of calm water just off Brentwood Bay at the head of Saanich Inlet. The shoreline is wooded and largely undeveloped, giving the anchorage a wilderness feel despite being only a short drive from Victoria.
A dinghy dock on the southeastern shore, maintained by the SeaChange Marine Conservation Society and BC Parks, provides shore access. From there it is roughly a 10-minute walk to the main entrance of Butchart Gardens, or a short dinghy ride to Butchart Cove and the garden's back gate. On Saturday nights through the summer the inlet fills with boats anchored to watch the Gardens' choreographed fireworks display.
Holding is excellent in sticky mud, and the inlet is so sheltered that dragging is rarely reported. Trails through the provincial park, old cement-works ruins, and quiet kayaking round out the appeal.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
Enter from Brentwood Bay at the head of Saanich Inlet. The entrance is narrow: green can buoy U21 marks a rock on the south/port side of the channel, so favor the starboard (north) shore on the way in and leave U21 to port. The inlet looks tight from Brentwood Bay but opens up after a bend partway in.
The head of the inlet shoals and carries eelgrass beds, so anchor in water deeper than about 20 feet to protect the grass and avoid grounding at low water. In the narrower sections boats should plan to run a stern tie ashore; in the wider basin around the bend many boats swing freely. The inlet is very popular and can become crowded, especially on summer fireworks nights, so arrive early and anchor with care for swinging room. Tod Inlet is a designated No-Discharge Zone.
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 Tod Inlet 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.
