Jedediah Island Anchorage Review | Sailing BC’s Hidden Gem

Late-night goat calls, chunky feral sheep, and an abandoned homestead. Jedediah Island is one of those remote anchorages in BC that feels like it exists outside of time. For anyone cruising the BC coast, it’s an unforgettable stop.

We’d heard nothing but good things about this strange little island tucked between Lasqueti and Texada Islands. Curiosity got the better of us, so we pointed our bow toward it to see what all the hype was about.

Location and Access

Jedediah Island is a small, uninhabited, water-access-only island nestled between Lasqueti and Texada in the Strait of Georgia. It’s part of the British Columbia Marine Parks system, having been designated protected land in the 1990s after years of private ownership. It’s a gem for anyone cruising the BC coast—easy to reach, but it feels like another world.

It’s just 12 nautical miles from Smuggler’s Cove on the Sunshine Coast, and around 30 miles from Gibsons, making it a manageable day sail from several common routes. The island offers a few anchorage options, each with a quiet, remote feel. We chose Deep Bay on the northwest side—arguably the most popular of the bunch—but during our four-night stay, we only saw two other boats.

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Anchorage Conditions

Deep Bay offered solid protection from the southerly winds we had during our visit. Thanks to its tucked-in location, it likely provides protection in most conditions. While large boats passed in the nearby channel, the only wakes we experienced came from the occasional small fishing boat cutting through the narrow pass between Jedediah and Paul Island.

This anchorage requires a stern tie, but BC Parks has made things simple by bolting chains and rings into the rocky shoreline. The bay is fairly narrow, and the bottom is a mix of rock and sand. It took us a couple of tries to get the anchor set in a way that felt secure. We chose a ring closer to the entrance of the bay for more room to maneuver but noticed that the holding would be better further in where there’s more sand.

If you’re seeking remote anchorages in BC that offer both protection and solitude, Deep Bay is a solid choice.

Shore Access & Things to Do

Shore access was decent—not the easiest, not the worst. We beached the dinghy in the inner corner of Deep Bay and tied the painter to a sturdy-looking log. From there, we had to scramble over some slippery rocks to reach the trailhead, outhouse, and welcome sign.

Jedediah is wonderfully off-grid. There’s no store or pub around the corned. But while it’s lacking in services, there are feral goats and sheep roaming the island, descendants of livestock left behind from the island’s homesteading days. They make the place feel oddly alive and wild.

There’s a small system of marked trails, and countless goat paths to follow. The old homestead still stands, weathered but intact, with remnants of the island’s history scattered around and the kind of quiet that invites wandering.

The rocky shoreline is fun to explore by dinghy, and the calm waters made for excellent paddleboarding and even a bit of fishing…can’t really comment on the fishing since we never caught anything though.

Peaceful gem of an anchorage

Vibe & Atmosphere

People often describe Jedediah Island as magical—and we’re not here to disagree. For us, it wasn’t just the quiet or the scenery—it was the emptiness. The wildness. The sense that time doesn’t quite move the same way here.

Evenings were calm and peaceful, punctuated only by the occasional goat bleat or distant fishing boat. Days were slow, filled with small hikes, wildlife spotting, and that unique joy of doing absolutely nothing in the best possible way.

If you’re sailing British Columbia and want a place where you can hit reset, this island offers exactly that.

Final Thoughts

Jedediah Island is one of those places that sticks with you. If you’re looking for remote anchorages in BC that are both accessible and wild, this one is a standout. It’s quiet, off-grid, and full of charm in a way that doesn’t feel curated or crowded.

It’s also a great option if you’re cruising with limited time—just close enough to mainland BC to be a practical stop, but remote enough to feel like you’ve truly gotten away. In our opinion, it deserves a spot on any list of the best anchorages in British Columbia.

Had we not been on a longer voyage with provisions to consider, we could’ve easily stayed until the food ran out. And even then… we might’ve stayed just one more night…or 5.