Blind Channel

Blind Channel Marina & Resort

2019

Blind Channel Resort is a full-service marina resort on West Thurlow Island along Canada’s Pacific Coast. Located just north of Desolation Sound. The Richter family has owned, operated, and lived at Blind Channel since 1970. In that time, Blind Channel Resort has gained a reputation for exceptional experiences, delicious food, creative artwork, and outstanding customer service.

This was our second visit and certainly not our last. Late in our 2019 cruise, we discovered Blind Channel, and unfortunately, it never got published to our blog, so I will combine the 2019 & 2020 experience here on this post.

2019

2020

Edgar Richter and his wife, Annmarie, originally discovered the property for sale while cruising the coast in a 30-foot boat. After much deliberation, they decided to sell their comfortable home in East Vancouver and move their family to remote West Thurlow Island. The property has been operated and lovingly cared for by the family for the past 50 years. Eliot, the Richter’s grandson, and his family are now the resident operators and caretakers of the property.

Annemarie Richter was an artist and her many talents decorate the docks, are seen all over the property today.

What does one do with empty wine bottles on an island?

Generally, we prefer to anchor out and enjoy the raw beauty of nature, which is a good thing because there are few marinas in this cruising ground. Having said that, on occasion, we do visit marina/resorts for the chance to walk ashore and for Susann to enjoy a cook’s night-off. Blind Channel is one of our favorite stops and we go out of our way to visit this delightful resort. In addition to the small marina, they are a one-stop shop, offering fuel, groceries, alcoholic beverages, and a great German heritage restaurant. Cottage rentals are available, and several hiking trails are maintained. The scenery and vistas are the icing on the cake.

As a result of Covid and border restrictions, boat traffic was down but Eliot told us that cottage rentals had exceeded expectations. The restaurant was only open for dinner and take out this year.  The German schnitzel, their specialty was fabulous as always.

A visit to the 900-year-old cedar tree is a good hike and worth the trip. The tree is now 22 feet in diameter ad was a favorite spot of Annemarie Richters and now bears a memorial plaque in her memory.

A visit to the 900-year-old cedar tree is a good hike and worth the trip. The tree is now 22 feet in diameter and was a favorite spot of Annemarie Richters and now bears a memorial plaque in her memory. 

The trail is narrow and rife with tree roots in areas. We enjoyed the challenge in 2019, but because of Susann’s sciatica and leg issues, we passed until our next visit.

This large, strange looking vessel arrived at the fuel dock. We determined that it was purpose built but unsure what the exact purpose was. Alan spoke with the captain and learned that it was one of 6 or 8 similar vessels that visit the many fish/aquaculture farms in the area and the strange looking submersibles on the rear scrub and clean the nets. Something new learned!