Choosing a route to sail can be one of the biggest challenges for the beginning sailor. My recommendation is that you use a 20 nautical mile circle from where you currently are as a full day of sailing. 20 miles can quickly turn into 40 if you have to zig-zag to your destination.

Here are some typical routes that I like to use (departing from Sidney):

5 Days of Sailing
1. Tod Inlet 2. Ganges 3. Clam Bay 4. Poets Cove	1. Genoa Bay 2. Montague Harbour 3. Clam Bay 4. Ganges	1. Ganges 2. Thetis Island Marina 3. Montague Harbour 4. Poets Cove

7 Days of Sailing
- Tod Inlet - Ganges - Clam Bay - Maple Bay - Montague Harbour - Poets Cove

Around Vancouver Island (AVI)

AVI should only be undertaken by very experienced sailors.  If you are chartering with the intention of doing an AVI, this must be discussed with the charter company in advance to ensure you have proper insurance. I have provided main stopping points but due to adverse weather on the west coast, proper route planning with alternate destinations must be done.

- Nanaimo - Comox - Campbell River or Brown Bay - West Humpback Bay or Tuna Point Anchorage - Telegraph Cove - Port Hardy - Winter Harbour - Hot Springs Cove - Ucluelet - Victoria - Sidney First Aid Kit - this is a recommended first aid kit to carry on offshore trips and more especially Ocean travels.

Sidney to Campbell River Charts
- 3462 - 3463 - 3512 - 3513 - 3538 - 3539

Vancouver Island North End Charts
- 3543 - 3544 - 3545 - 3546 - 3548 - 3549

Vancouver Island West Coast Charts
- 3598 - 3625 - 3624 - 3623 - 3605 - 3604 - 3603 - 3602

Vancouver Island Detailed West Coast Charts
- 3679 - 3680 - 3683 - 3677 - 3676 - 3675 - 3674 - 3673 - 3671

Bamfield to Sidney Charts
- 3606 - 3461 - 3462