Gulf Islands Sea Kayaking - Trip to Rum Island

 

Paddling from Sidney, cross to Sidney Spit. It is often easier to carry kayaks over the spit than paddle all the way around it. From the northeast side of the spit, island hop to Forrest Is. and Rubly Is. over to Gooch Is. The more interesting side is the north side. Travel along this north side of Gooch to Rum Island. Look for the National Park sign.

On your crossings, watch for the wind, especially if it will be opposing current. It can get pretty choppy out there. Also watch our for Washington State Ferries passing through the channel.

Gulf Islands' Sidney Spit Sea Kayaking Virtual Tour

 

Check out this day trip to Sidney Spit by sea kayak. Mornings are usually the best time to kayak over because the wind can kick up in the afternoons. We show a panorama of the spit from the water, walk through the day use area, and pick up a heron "strolling" along the spit. This is a great place for a short sea kayaking trip from Victoria.

Update to Paddlefest Attendance

Stats from MEC's Michael Pardy show that there were more people out on the water at this year's paddle fest than last year. I can say that the off-beach vendor's area had much less traffic.

It looks like more and more people are taking advantage of the short, on-water instructional sessions than ever before, but not so interested in gear, equipment, and tours.

We will definitely be reconsidering attendance next year if the format stays the same, as are a number of other vendors, so they say.

All in all, good for people getting on the water, not very economical for other businesses to spend a day with very little traffic going their way. Hmmm?

Gulf Islands Sea Kayaking-Crossing Sansum Narrows

 

Heading out of Maple Bay on the south side, there is a long stretch of shore before a gap in the land-Sansum Narrows. This gap feels the rush of water as the tides change, creating rips and eddies. Paddling a sea kayak through the narrows or crossing it is best done near slack current. Here, we cross it at about 1 hour past slack and get a little bit of the choppy swirl about two-thirds of the way across. This is some of the fun with more advanced sea kayaking skills-playing in currents.

Take a Virtual Sea Kayak Tour in the Gulf Islands-Burgoyne Bay on Salt Spring Island

Why Hike the North Coast Trail?

British Columbia’s new coastal hike at the north end of Vancouver Island, the North Coast Trail, is an addition to the wild beauty of Cape Scott Provincial Park. The new North Coast Trail is a treat, and every avid hiker needs to know why. I've outlined a few reasons below:

The Trail is New

There are no Crowds

Reflections of the old West Coast Trail

The Gem at the End

After traveling the rough coastal trail, it is a treat to walk the flatter areas Cape Scott Provincial Park, meandering along the trails exploring the old settlement areas as they are reclaimed by the ever-present wildness of the area. Cape Scott on its own is worth the effort to see. It is absolutely beautiful, with its sandy beaches, lakes, lagoons, and coves. To read more reasons, visit the full article at "Why Hike the North Coast Trail?".

Cape Scott Light Station and North Coast Trail-360 view

North Coast Trail Video from March 31

MEC Paddlefest Sunny But Not Well Attended

We had a beautiful sunny day at the MEC Paddlefest in Victoria, BC today, but attendance at this event is waning. A lot of the old diehard paddlers were there and a few new ones, but there may have been a third to a half of the people as last year. It's too bad, but people are finding other things to do. Anyway, it was good for us to be out in the sun at the beach.

Quite a few people did take part in the on-water stuff, including some free mini-courses and boat/paddle demos. Hoping things pick up next year!


Photos:

MEC Paddlefest this Saturday in Victoria, BC

Coastal Bliss will be at the MEC Paddlefest at Cadboro Bay on Saturday, June 5. We will be highlighting our tours and letting people try out our Swift Paddles. Come ready for fun!