Sturdies Bay is located at the north entrance to Active Pass, the body of water separating Galiano and Mayne Islands. The Sturdies Bay wharf is attached to the adjacent BC Ferries dock, and land access is via the drive-on BC Ferries approach.

The Sturdies Bay wharf measures eighty feet, with just over half of this reserved for emergency vessels and essential service providers, such as BC Ambulance, school water-taxis, Canada Post, RCMP, etc. It is also occasionally used by float planes bringing BC Ferries personnel to service their facilities.

A few small local boats moor here and overnighters are common in summer months. This harbour is quite exposed to waves in the Strait of Georgia and especially so with accompanying north or easterly winds. Additionally, wake from ferries transiting Active Pass tend to make moorage here uncomfortable.

Groceries, restaurants, fuel and shops are available close by, just up the BC Ferries approach to the main road. No power or water is available on the dock, but BC Ferries has a waiting room with bathrooms near the top of the gangway, open during ferry operation hours.

The notice board at the head of the gangway provides information, payment envelopes and a lock-box.