A broad, shallow, well-protected cove tucked between Saturna and Samuel Islands, fronting a quiet marine park and the narrow tidal rip of Boat Passage.
Winter Cove lies on the northeast corner of Saturna Island, sheltered from Plumper Sound by Winter Point and the bulk of Samuel Island. The adjoining Winter Cove area of Gulf Islands National Park Reserve gives the anchorage a parklike backdrop of forest, grassy picnic ground, and a short shoreside trail, and it is one of the most popular gathering spots in the southern Gulf Islands.
The cove is large and shallow, with good holding in mud and sand and ample swing room for a handful of boats on a quiet day. On summer holidays, especially the Saturna Island Lamb Barbecue around Canada Day, it can fill with dozens to well over a hundred vessels anchored on short scope.
Most of the basin carries only 7 to 16 feet at low water, so cruisers typically sound their way in and anchor in the southwest or central portion, away from the swift current near Boat Passage at the northeast end.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
The usual approach is from Plumper Sound, where Minx Reef extends several hundred metres northwest from Mikuni Point and largely covers at high water. A common technique is to favor the Samuel Island side, pointing toward the northern shore of Irish Bay and running well past Winter Point before turning south into the cove, to stay clear of the reef.
The cove itself is broad but shoal, with extensive shallow water mid-cove and drying rocky shelves flanking the park dinghy dock. The northeast corner opens to Boat Passage, a roughly 30-foot-wide gap where currents can reach about 7 knots and run like a waterfall; it should only be transited near high slack in settled weather, and anchoring well clear of its current is advised.
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 Winter Cove 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.
No reviews yet. Be the first.
Cruising-distance picks near this anchorage.