We are anchored in a serene cove between Berry and Leon Islands in the Broughton Archipelago, having crossed from Port McNeil a few days ago. The past couple of mornings, Ann and I have been exploring the tide pools during some remarkably low tides, with a reading of nearly 0 meters, and a high tide reaching almost 5 meters, resulting in a change of 15-16 feet.
We’ve dinghied around the shores, marveling at the exposed marine life: starfish, clams, sea cucumbers, and barnacles clinging to rocks. Yesterday, we even spotted a bear foraging for clams and berries on a nearby island, and I’ve seen mink and heard coastal wolves howling on past visits. The remoteness here, situated right on the edge of Queen Charlotte Strait, is breathtaking, with cold, nutrient-rich waters teeming with life; however, the mornings remain chilly, with temperatures around 13°C.
This morning, I took my video camera to a small island to capture the vibrant tide pools. Crabs scuttling, snails tucked into crevices, and shellfish shooting streams of water. The sun broke through, warming the air and revealing the beauty of the kelp and seaweed-draped rocks. I found an old Coke bottle among the pools, a quirky treasure, but my underwater camera’s out of commission, so I couldn’t dive deeper into the underwater world.
Later, as the tide rose dramatically, the islands I had explored were nearly submerged, a stark reminder of the powerful tidal shifts that occur here. Anne flying her drone to capture the scene was a bit hairy, with a low battery warning and a near miss with a tree. But the views of this peaceful, life-filled corner of the coast made it all worthwhile.
Exploring Low Tide in the Broughtons Video
