Southern Gulf Islands
Skill Level: Moderate to Novice
Accessible By: BC Ferries
Concerns: Tidal Currents
Our passion is creating handmade kayaks, but
when we're not building boats, we're paddling them. British Columbia's southern
coastline has some of the most spectacular kayaking destinations in the world.
From the Sunshine Coast, to the western shores of Vancouver Island, to the Gulf
Islands in between, B.C. is blessed with a coastline full of private bays,
sandstone beaches and protected marine and parkland.
One of our favourite areas for a quick weekend
paddle expedition is the Southern Gulf Islands. These islands are sheltered
between Vancouver Island and the southern coast of British Colombia. They include
Gabriola, Galiano, Saltspring, Saturna, Mayne, Kuper, Thetis, Valdes and
Portland; along with a host of smaller islands.
The larger islands in this group, can all be
reached by BC Ferries.
One of our favourite shorter paddle trips is
from Swartz Bay to Portland Island. Portland is a protected marine park,
perfect for one or two night paddling expeditions.
If you visit these islands between the months
of May and September, there is a strong possibility you will see orca whales.
Large pods of resident orca pass daily between the Gulf Islands. These whales
survive primarily on fish, unlike their transient cousins.
If you aren't lucky enough to catch a glimpse
of a rising dorsal fin, you will definitely be treated with casual greetings
from soaring bald eagles, inquisitive harbour seals and docile deer.
Email us your pictures and or stories from your
own paddling adventures in the Southern Gulf Islands and we’ll post them on our
blog.
Feathercraft. Made in Canada. Paddled Worldwide.
