Lasqueti Island




Nanaimo seen from Newcastle Island

We departed Nanaimo Saturday morning around 10am on a beautiful clear day with flat calm seas.  Heading northeast up the Strait of Georgia, one can’t help but take in the expansive views – the stunning Coast Mountains on mainland Canada to the east, and Vancouver Island’s mountainous backbone to the west.  We reached Lasqueti Island around 4pm and anchored in False Bay on the north end of the Island.  Off the beaten path, Lasqueti is often over-looked by pleasure boaters.  

False Bay, Lasqueti Island

Like many other cruisers, we have motored along Vancouver Island between Nanaimo and Campbell River in previous years without visiting this rather remote Island.  There are a surprising number of homes on the Island along with a convenience store and a hotel/restaurant located at False Bay.  

Lasqueti Village & Ferry Landing

Access to the Island and its tiny village is by passenger ferry, private boat, or float plane.  The passenger-only ferry runs from False Bay to French Creek on Vancouver Island.  

False Bay to French Creek Passenger Ferry

While we were at Lasqueti Village, the passenger ferry arrived unloading people and supplies at the dock.  Bicycles, lawn mowers, boxes of food, suitcases, and all manner of supplies were gorged onto the dock.  Some folks carried their supplies up the road, while others loaded their supplies into a skiff and motored home.  It was a taste of what island life is all about on Lasqueti.  

Mural at False Bay Ferry Landing

We found the little convenience store near the ferry landing absolutely adorable, offering outdoor picnic tables in the shade.  

Lasqueti Island Convenience Store

We also hiked up the road and found an art shop, the site of the Island’s Saturday Market. 

Convenience Store

It’s obvious from looking at the artwork that there are some talented artists on the Island.  Perhaps an islander painted the beautiful mural at the ferry landing.  

"The Old Bakery"  Guest Cottage

Further up the road we discovered a lovely Guest Cottage in the woods, an ideal place to get away from it all.  

Java enjoying her Dinghy Ride

On our ride back with the dinghy, we circled the rock islets and explored the small coves in False Bay; Java peered over the bow of the dinghy with her ears flapping in the wind, enjoying the ride.