Tsehum Harbour in North Saanich also located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island at the end of the Saanich Peninsula. Tsehum Harbour is the centre of yachting activity on the Peninsula and just minutes from the Victoria International Airport as well as the Swartz Bay BC Ferry Terminal. Lots of boaters live on the mainland but keep their boats at Westport or North Saanich Marinas and walk to and from the ferry terminal.
Formerly known as Shoal Harbour because of the extensive stretches of mud flats which used to be found at its head. Tse-hum is the native word for "clay" which is the bottom material for much of the harbour. Properly pronounced "Hws-se-kum" according to the Cowichan.
Two of the areas three fuel docks are located here, Petro Canada Fuel Services at Van Isle Marina and the Chevron at North Saanich Marina. There is a fuel dock at Canoe Cove Marina but access is difficult and there is not a lot of room to manouvre. Canada Customs is also located at the far end of the Van Isle fuel dock.
Anchor at your own risk the bottom is littered with old mooring anchors, cables, sunken boats, abandoned crab traps and lines etc. Except for the channel that serves as the exit and entrance for six marinas and yacht clubs the harbour is taken up by squatters. Best bet is to call ahead for a marina slip there are lots available during the summer. Westport Marina is the cheapest and most sheltered in the area, but the farthest to go when comeing or going.
Van Isle Marina
Sidney North Saanich Yacht Club
Westport Marina
TSEHUM HARBOUR AUTHORITY
10441 Resthaven Drive
PO Box 2636
Sidney
British Columbia
V8L 4C1
Phone: 250-655-4496
Email: tha@shawcable.com
