The Inside Passage of British Columbia is a dream route for boaters, offering breathtaking scenery, remote anchorages, and hidden gems waiting to be explored. As we made our way north, we stopped for the night in Forward Harbour on January 2, 2025. This peaceful anchorage, tucked away between rugged mountains and dense coastal forests, was an unforgettable stop on our journey.
Navigating into Forward Harbour
The entrance to Forward Harbour is a little tight, especially for larger boats, but we managed it with our 78-foot aluminum yacht. Once inside, we were met with a spacious bay, offering plenty of room to anchor. The water was 50 feet deep with excellent holding, and we found a great spot just outside a seasonal fishing camp.
The camp was empty this time of year, giving the harbour an even more remote and peaceful feel. With no signs of human activity, it was just us, the water, and the wild beauty of the British Columbia coast.
A Unique Walk Through Beach Treasures
One of the first things we did upon arrival was check out the well-known walking trail at the head of the bay. This isn’t just any trail—it’s decorated with beachcomber finds, creating a quirky and artistic path through the trees. From buoys and driftwood sculptures to old fishing gear repurposed into decorations, it was like stepping into a forest art gallery curated by past visitors.
Dinghy Exploration: A Sinking Barge, an Old Log Dump & Fishing Camps
After our walk, we launched the dinghy to explore the harbour further. We quickly discovered that Forward Harbour has a lot of history.
🏚️ Sinking Barge – One of the first things we found was a half-sunken barge, a reminder of the harbour’s past use for logging and fishing operations.
🌲 Old Log Dump – Further along, we came across an abandoned log dump, where timber was once loaded onto barges. It’s always fascinating to see remnants of BC’s logging industry, slowly being reclaimed by nature.
🎣 Fishing Camps – Scattered throughout the area were around 10 fishing camps, belonging to the local First Nations community. These seasonal camps have likely been used for generations and stand as a testament to the deep connection Indigenous people have with these waters.
The Most Unexpected Discovery: Golfing in Forward Harbour
Of all the things we expected to find in a remote BC anchorage, a set of golf clubs sitting in a field was not one of them! Naturally, we couldn’t resist testing our skills—though, let’s just say we won’t be joining the PGA Tour anytime soon. Still, it was a hilarious and unexpected highlight of the trip.
Ancient Petroglyphs on the Beach
As we continued exploring the shoreline, we stumbled upon something truly special—ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks. These carvings, visible at high tide, faced outward toward the harbour.
Petroglyphs like these are rare and full of mystery. They could mark an important fishing location, tell a legend, or be a territorial marker. Regardless of their meaning, standing in front of them was a humbling experience. It was a powerful reminder that these waters have been navigated and lived on for thousands of years.
Final Thoughts: Why Forward Harbour is Worth a Stop
Forward Harbour turned out to be much more than just a safe anchorage for the night—it was a place full of history, surprises, and natural beauty. Whether it’s the peaceful anchorage, the decorated walking trail, the forgotten relics of the past, or the ancient petroglyphs, this spot is well worth exploring.
For anyone cruising the Inside Passage, Forward Harbour is a stop you won’t regret!
