Information for Visitors

Deep Bay Harbour is located on the east shore of Vancouver Island opposite the Chrome Point Lighthouse and at the south end of Baynes Sound, Denman and Hornby Islands. Lat. 49°28’, Long. 124°44’ (Charts 3527 detailed and 3513 large area).

There are two marinas in Deep Bay: the public one which is managed by the Harbour Authority of Deep Bay 250-757-9331) and a private one owned by Ballard Fine Homes (250-586-9077). These are separated by a causeway, with the government on the left (looking out from shore) and the private on the right. The goverment's office is at the head of the causeway, adjacent to the parking lot. The private marina office has recently suffered float issues and has been removed for repair. DBYC's Clubhouse is located in the "Lighthouse Country Marine Centre", the building with the blue roof at the end of the middle dock (slip #80A). The building is owned by the Lighthouse Country Marine Rescue Society, the administrative arm of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue Unit 59 (RCMSAR-59). DBYC does not own the Private Marina, and reciprocal space is granted by the wharfinger when available. If space is unavailable on the LCMC/DBYC float, try Doug Curtis, phone 250-792-0867.

Visiting boaters arriving in Deep Bay Harbour have several mooring options available:

1. Deep Bay Yacht Club (DBYC) Reciprocal Moorage

The DBYC extends reciprocal privileges to boaters from other yacht clubs. Please note that all boats using our reciprocal privileges must have liability insurance. These privileges are extended under the following conditions:

  • The visitor is a member in good standing at a yacht club with which the DBYC has established reciprocal privileges.
  • The visitor has a current membership card and flies their home club burgee while docked.
  • Reciprocal guests are offered one overnight stay, with power, free of charge, once per month.
  • Space at the DBYC reciprocal float is available on a first come-first served basis; reservations are not accepted. Water and 15-amp power are available dockside.
  • Rafting is permitted.
  • Register for reciprocal moorage at the reciprocal float.

Please note that it is difficult to take large dogs onto our dock to go to the shore as the new ramps are too hard on their feet. It is best to dinghy large dogs over to the Ship'n'Shore dock or a nearby beach area to access land.

See Plan of Deep Bay Marina showing location of the DBYC reciprocal float at the Lighthouse Country Marine Centre (LCMC).

If the DBYC reciprocal float (clubhouse) is occupied, reciprocal space may be available elsewhere within the Deep Bay Marina. Check the bulletin board at the Deep Bay Marina Office (once it is replaced) for available slips. Take any slip listed and then register for reciprocal moorage at the DBYC reciprocal float Be sure to have your yacht club membership card and fly your club burgee.

Reciprocal privileges include one overnight free, with power, free of charge, once per month.

For more information regarding Deep Bay Reciprocal Moorage please contact:

As mentioned, DBYC shares the LCMC with RCM-SAR 59. The LCMC is available to members and guests of the DBYC for meetings and social events, by reservation with the commodore or the secretary. Visitors may use the LCMC outdoor float area for social gatherings, barbecues, etc. at any time.

2. Deep Bay Marina Transient Moorage (Northeast of the Wharf)

Upon arrival at the Deep Bay Marina, visiting skippers may dock temporarily (i.e. 15-20 minutes) in any empty slip. Registration instructions and a list of available slips will be posted at the Marina Office near the ramp, once it is repaired. 20 Amp. power and water are available on all floats.

Marina Slip Plan

3. Deep Bay Harbour Authority Moorage (Southwest of the Wharf)

Float "D" is usually used for transient vessels and rafting is the norm. Call the Wharfinger at 250-757-9331 for an assignment.

Water, 20 and 30 amp. power are available on all floats.

Locked, public toilet and coin operated shower facilities are available in the building behind the Wharfinger’s office. Contact the Wharfinger for the lock code(s). Contact the Wharfinger for info on holding tank pumpout facilities during business hours only. Other facilities include garbage disposal and disposal of used motor oil and filters.

For more information about the Deep Bay Harbour Authority please phone 250-757-9331.

4. Anchorage

There is a reasonably well protected anchorage with good holding, southwest of the Harbour Authority floating breakwater. Note that anchoring in the area between the floating breakwater and the Deep Bay Marina is prohibited. There is also anchorage NE of the Deep Bay Marina, but swing room is limited.

Dinghies may be docked at both the Harbour Authority (2 hour limit) and Deep Bay Marina.

Local Facilities & Services

Just across the harbour parking lot is the very welcoming Ship and Shore Restaurant. The restaurant is licensed and locally famous for its excellent fish ‘n chips. Laundry (wash & dry for $5), clean showers ($1), marine gas and diesel are available. Phone 250-757-8399.

There is a bus service (Bus #99) between Deep Bay and Woodgrove Shopping Centre in Nanaimo, leaving Chrome Point Road (at the Marina parking lot entrance) at 9.51 am and 5:48 pm. To catch the bus, wave it down at any location. Contact the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) at 250-954-1001 or visit RDN Bus #99. for a schedule.

The nearest taxi is 25 km away in Qualicum Beach, phone 250-954-5567. Bowser’s facilities include; In Magnolia Court: the Bowser IDA drugstore, the Lighthouse Branch of the First Credit Union, and next door, Tomm's Food Village (grocery/produce/meat/take-away deli 250-757-8944. For a minimum amount, orders may be delivered to the wharf), liquor/beer/wine and post office at Georgia Park store, and Bowser Builders’ Supply (Irly Bird Hardware).

The closest hospital (40km) is North Island Hospital Comox Valley, 250-331-5900, 101 Lerwick, Courtenay V9N 0B9. 

The Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue 59, M.V. Mapleguard, is stationed at the LCMC and responds to local emergencies called into the Joint Rescue Centre via VHF Ch. 16 or telephone 911.

Other Considerations

Please leash and clean up after your dog at all times.

The residential community along Deep Bay Spit is nearby and your respect for their peace and quiet is requested and appreciated.

Reciprocal moorage privileges are extended at the visitor’s own risk and the Deep Bay Yacht Club shall not be held liable for any loss or damage.