The township of Shoal Bay was incorporated in 1889. By the mid-1890’s Shoal Bay boasted the largest population on the west coast of Canada. At the time over 5000 people lived in and around the beautiful bay and scoured the surrounding hillsides for gold. The community offered two large hotels, machine shops, grocers, tailors, outfitters, and at least one successful brothel.
The bustling town that was once the center for all mining and lumber operations in the entire province of British Columbia now supports a year-round population of just three people and is the proud home of Shoal Bay Lodge. In spite of the diminished population, Shoal Bay remains a popular destination for cruising boaters as well as for sport fisherman and vacationers.
Shoal Bay Lodge is a work currently in progress. The historic Lodge building that was lost to fire in 2000, is scheduled to be rebuilt in 2005. There are two new cottages completed that will compliment the main lodge building once finished. One of these cottages temporarily houses the Shoal Bay Pub and Café that will move into the main building upon its completion. The other cottage will be used as it was intended, for accommodation.
Shoal Bay currently offers about 200 meters of dock space for boaters at the Government Wharf. Moorage is collected daily at reasonable Gov’t rates. The Pub offers a fully licensed bar as well as great food in a casual atmosphere amongst a breathtaking setting. The brand new “Hill Cottage” will be available this summer and will comfortably accommodate a family or group of five or six.
Shoal Bay is “off the grid”. All electricity used at Shoal Bay is generated by our own means. Internet and Television are provided by a large satellite system, and there is no telephone line. Cellular telephone service is patchy at best. Fresh water comes straight from a mountain stream and is filtered before entering the system. Shoal Bay is a wilderness location that offers real comfort and real adventure. I look forward to welcoming you here myself one day. You will then, as myself, fall hopelessly under the spell that is Shoal Bay.
Shoal Bay is located about 130 miles north of Vancouver, British Columbia. The closest “big” town is Campbell River, located on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Shoal Bay is on the north shore of East Thurlow Island about 22 miles or a one hour boat trip north of Campbell River. Visitors to Shoal Bay can only arrive by boat or float-plane. Flights to Campbell River can be arranged by connecting through either Seattle or Vancouver. There is scheduled float-plane access from either Campbell River or directly from Seattle. There is also a regularly scheduled water-taxi service to Shoal Bay from Campbell River. Email us through the website email link if you need any help or have further questions.
RETURN TO TOP
