A narrow forested island in Trincomali Channel whose two snug coves - Conover and Princess - are among the most popular stern-tie anchorages in the southern Gulf Islands.
Wallace Island Marine Provincial Park sits in Trincomali Channel between the north end of Saltspring Island and Galiano Island. Boaters use two coves on its southwest side: Conover Cove, which has a small park dock (boats roughly 36 ft and under) plus stern-tie rings set in the rock; and Princess Cove just to the north, a long, narrow notch tucked behind a protecting reef and peninsula.
Both coves are tight and intimate, so the norm is to anchor and stern-tie to eyebolts and rings drilled into the rock face rather than swing on a single hook. Ashore, trails crisscross the island, with campsites, pit toilets, picnic areas, and the well-known driftwood sign collection.
Conover Cove is the more enclosed and sheltered of the two; Princess Cove is open enough that wind can funnel in, though its reef gives reasonable protection. Large tidal ranges (10-12 ft) expose wide drying flats along the edges of both coves at low water.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
Approach is from Houston Passage / Trincomali Channel along the island's southwest shore. The whole area is studded with reefs and shoals, so a chart (CHS 3442/3477) and tide table are essential. A large unmarked reef lies directly off the entrance to Conover Cove; pass well clear of it, especially when approaching from the southeast, and enter slowly favoring the deeper side. Panther Point at the island's south end throws off dangerous rocky reefs that extend well offshore.
Conover Cove's entrance is narrow and shallow, drying or nearly drying on big low tides - vessels report as little as 6 ft at low water near the dock, with further shoaling toward both ends of the bay. Boats regularly go aground here. Princess Cove is entered behind its sheltering reef; stay off the rocky shores and the drying flats at the head.
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 Wallace Island 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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