We all look forward to the 2012 Copper Island Fishing Retreat and we are confident you’ll have a great time. This note is intended to inform both the new guest and remind the old salty dogs about some basic retreat information. Most guests park and launch their boats in Port Alberni. The wind can really pick up in the afternoon and it is best to come down the channel early.

As Usual, Please reframe from using alcohol or foul language at the Copper Island Fishing Retreat.

Play by the rules and be legal while fishing and transporting your catch.

Ferry: You will need to take the Tsawassen/Nanaimo Ferry and you can check the schedule, fees and reserve your spot on a ferry, if you want, at www.bcferries.com. I recommend that you reserve your spot on a ferry. The cost is only $15 and during the summer travel can be high. You can reserve both trips (going and coming) on the ferry. The ferry ride is beautiful and there is a reasonably good food service aboard. Ferry to Vancouver Island (Tsawassen-Duke Point): Phone: 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779)

Current Copper Island Weather

GPS coordinates to Copper Island . . . 48 55’ 27.00 and 125 03’ 55.00

Ferry to Copper Island: Phone: (250) 723-8313

Copper Island Fishing Retreat guests are also welcome to park, launch and purchase fuel at the Poett Nook Marina. If you are going to launch and or park please contact them early and tell them you are there for the fishing retreat on Copper Isle. This makes it very convenient for purchasing fuel and parking for those who drive down. There is a daily fee (Canadian) for parking and a nominal fee for launching your boat. I know each of you will be kind and courteous to all those at Poett Nook. Check out their website or call for information or reservations 250-758-4440.

Border Documents: A passport is required. See more info

Money: Don’t worry about getting Canadian money. Almost everyone takes a credit card and you will get a better exchange rate using your credit card than using cash.
Fishing License: Don’t forget to get your Canadian fishing license. A good place is the General Store, located just north of the border as you go through the truck crossing on Interstate 5. In the past they have given a good exchange rate on converting U.S. to Canadian funds. You can also get your fishing license online. This will save you some time and it is the same price. Be sure you also get a Salmon stamp as you go through the website.  If you catch a halibut, you CANNOT retain it with an online license (this INCLUDES Area 23 and 123.)

Travel time & directions: Just getting to Barkley Sound is an adventure and you will need to allow at least 8 hours of travel time from Seattle. From Seattle, you will need to drive north to the Tsawassen ferry landing. This is about 135 miles. You will need to take the ferry from Tsawassen to Nanaimo (Duke Point). Then you will need to drive north on highway 19 towards Parksville until you intersect with Highway 4. Then you will take Highway 4 towards Port Alberni.