Forward Inlet is located just off Quotsino Sound and provides a sheltered haven from the Pacific winter storms, it was a safe place for morage for the old sailing ships that plied the island in the 1800s and for the island fishing fleets of today.
Winter Harbor with its quaint little village of the same name is located in Forward Inlet and is a must-visit destination when you are on the north island.
Forward Inlet is known for its saltwater fishing, there is an abundance of Salmon, Cod, Halibut and Red Snapper waiting for your hook. Winter Harbor is a stop on the biennial Van Isle 360 International Yacht Race.
The village has charter boats ready to take you out on an adventure or bring your own boat and head out on your own, the locals are friendly and will give you pointers on where the best places are to try your luck.
There is ample wildlife here for viewing, both marine and terrestrial. I have always seen many Sea Otters when l visit Winter Harbor and Forward Inlet, there are also many seals and sea lions, and you could see several types of whales in the waters of Forward Inlet.
For the birders there is plenty to get excited about, you could see puffins, oystercatchers, or eagles here along with plenty of other shorebirds and the forests surrounding the Inlet has plenty of other types of birds and there is a good chance to see black bears and deer here as well.
There are lots of hiking trails in the area that can take you to hidden beaches that will simply amaze you with incredible beauty, most of these beaches are so little used that for the most part, you will be the only people there.