Gorge Harbour on Cortes Island is a stunning and historically rich anchorage along BC’s Inside Passage. Known for its narrow entrance, ancient petroglyphs, and active aquaculture, this well-protected harbour offers a mix of history, natural beauty, and practical convenience for cruisers. We arrived on December 28, 2024, and while the season meant many places were closed, it was still an incredible stop.
Navigating the Entrance to Gorge Harbour
The entrance to Gorge Harbour is narrow but deep, making it a straightforward passage for most boats. We took our 78-foot yacht through without issue, but caution is always key—especially when dealing with currents and the occasional traffic from local boats.
Check out the video we made about Gorge Harbour, Cortes Island. It shows the yacht club, the petroglyphs and the aquaculture farms. It will also show the entrance.
Spotting the First Nations Petroglyphs
As soon as you enter the harbour, look to the left. The ancient petroglyphs are painted in dark red, about 100 feet above the water on the cliff walls. They sit just above a natural ledge, where someone could have once stood to create these remarkable works of art. Finding them takes a keen eye, but it’s a powerful reminder of the deep First Nations history in this area.
Aquaculture in Gorge Harbour
The harbour is home to extensive shellfish farming, with oyster and mussel beds lining the shoreline. The aquaculture industry is a big part of the local economy, so if you’re a fan of fresh seafood, this is a great place to stock up—just check what’s in season!
The Yacht Club & Shoreside Amenities
Gorge Harbour is home to a yacht club, which, during the summer, offers a lively atmosphere with amenities for boaters. While most things were closed during our visit, we still checked out the beautiful grounds, dinghy dock, and a few interesting features:
🚤 Dinghy Dock: Easy access to shore.
🍔 Food Truck & Yurts: Looked like great summer options for those staying longer.
🐶 Dog Rules: If you’re cruising with a dog, note that leashes are required around the yacht club and marina area.
The store was open, which was handy for grabbing last-minute supplies.
Anchoring in Gorge Harbour
We dropped anchor in mud on the southeast corner of the harbour, well away from the moored boats and aquaculture farms. Holding was excellent, and the harbour provided great protection from winter weather.
Dinghy Exploration & Finding the Petroglyphs
After settling in, we took the dinghy back to the entrance of the harbour to get a closer look at the petroglyphs. Finding them took some effort, but they were worth the search. If you visit, take your time and look for reddish markings on the cliff face—they blend in more than you’d expect!
A Great Place for Boat Work
We used Gorge Harbour as a home base while we installed new alternators on our generator. It’s a great place for boat projects, as long as you bring all the parts you need—supplies can be limited, especially in the off-season.
Final Thoughts: A Perfect Stop in the Inside Passage
Whether you’re visiting for the history, the scenery, or the convenience, Gorge Harbour is well worth the stop. The secure anchorage, nearby amenities, and fascinating petroglyphs make it a unique and memorable part of any Inside Passage journey.
Would we return?
Absolutely!
Next time, hopefully in warmer weather so we can enjoy even more of what this beautiful harbour has to offer.
Photo by Judith Williams
