Rights of Passage

We’re making a list, checking it twice, gonna rediscover why boating is nice: Get the rundown on the epic experiences, dreamy destinations, and other can’t-miss essentials on our summer bucket lists.

Kate Calamusa, Editor

• Visit the historic and charming Patos Island lighthouse while poking about in the San Juan Islands; it’s only open to visitors in the summer after all! More info: keepersofthepatoslight.org
• Munch on some crab hushpuppies dipped in honey butter while soaking up the sun on the lakefront patio at White Swan Public House in South Lake Union. More info: whiteswanpublichouse.com
• Book a day charter on the new local charter vessel Cup Dynasty from Worth Avenue Yachts, and explore every nook and cranny of our local lakes, Union and Washington More info: worthavenueyachts.com/charter-yacht/cup-dynasty-11666

Craig Perry, Sales Representative & Distribution

• Head to Galiano Island in British Columbia and anchor in Montague Bay; the anchorage there is nice with a soft sand bottom. Then, catch the Pub Bus guided by Tommy Transit that heads to the Hummingbird Pub. During the bus ride, Tommy gets everyone singing along with his classic rock songs and sometimes kazoos are available. The pub has a great menu that has something for everyone, and the bartenders take very good care of their customers, too. More info: tommytransit.com/hummingbird-pub-bus/
• Make way for Telegraph Harbor on Thetis Island, also in Canada within the Gulf Islands. Our family loves catching the inter-island ferry to Chemainus. Also known as the City of Murals, here there are 63 amazing murals that help capture Chemainus’s history and heritage. More info: bcferries.com
• While on Thetis, also get in the dinghy and head down the waterway to the Thetis Island Marina and Pub. The local shrimp fishermen come by the marina every other day and offer live prawns for purchase. (There’s nothing better than enjoying your own peel-and-eat prawns with a nice glass of wine on your aft deck.) More info: thetisisland.com
• Lastly, cruise down to Gig Harbor for lunch at the world-famous Tides Tavern that has been running since 1973! The food is great, as is the atmosphere; eat inside on a wet day, enjoy the deck on a sunny day; or you can always order to go and sit on your boat. More info: tidestavern.com

Michelle DeRouen, Associate Publisher

• Take a dinner cruise on Waterways Cruises; it’s a classic, but never gets old. More info: waterwayscruises.com/dining-cruises
• Take the boat for a cruise through the Montlake Cut to Lake Union for happy hour at Duke’s Chowder House. (The Alaskan salmon sliders served on bite–sized Essential Baking Co. rosemary bread buns are not to be missed.) More info: dukesseafood.com/locations/lake-union/
• Book a local charter for a group of friends with Denison Yachting’s new charter program. More info: denisonyachtsales.com/yachts-for-charter/

Lori Eastes & Lindsey La Prath, Contributors for Port of Call

• Shuck freshly harvested oysters while sitting bayside at Westcott Bay Shellfish Farm near Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. More info: westcottbayshellfish.com
• Explore the diverse wines and beers crafted in the San Juan Islands by island hopping. More info: visitsanjuans.com/wineries-breweries-distilleries
• Walk through the Moran Mansion at Rosario Resort; it’s like going back in time. Peruse the mansion’s original vintage photographs and enjoy an extensive display of the ships built by the Moran Brothers Company in Seattle. More info: rosarioresort.com
• Press pause at the serene and incredibly picturesque Nectar Yoga on Bowen Island during one of their 2-day yoga retreats. More info: nectaryoga.ca/
• Fall asleep to the sound of Chatterbox Falls while moored in the Princess Louisa Inlet. More info: sunshinecoastcanada.com
• Explore the Broughtons: British Columbia’s largest marine park, it consists of a wonderful collection of dozens of undeveloped islands and islets situated at the mouth of Knight Inlet on the west side of Queen Charlotte Strait near the north end of Vancouver Island. More info: bcparks.ca/broughton-archipelago-park/
• See the Columbia River by boat and visit the wineries and distilleries in that area. More info in the May 2023 Port of Call column found at: nwyachting.com