Day 1 – Courtenay River to the Comox Estuary: A Sunset Paddle
Comox Valley Kayaks & Canoes
We met in the late afternoon and launching was a cinch because Comox Valley Kayaks is located just steps from the Courtenay River. Our canoe slipped through the water as the evening light painted the sky gold, and drifted along the calm current as the city faded behind us.It didn’t take us long before reaching the estuary: a quiet wilderness of tall grasses and abundant birdlife. As we passed under wooden footbridges, we could hear the the rhythmic call of Great Blue Herons and see views of the Comox Glacier and Beaufort Mountain Range in the distance. We felt so secluded and yet were only minutes from downtown.During our paddle, Adam shared with us that knowing the tides are crucial in these parts. Paddlers have to take to the estuary when the tide is above 2.5 metres because below that the area turns into a giant mudflat. The best timing is when the tide is between 2.5 and 3.5 metres because there’s easy access and a gentle current to help with the exploring.
DINA KURDISH TURKISH CUISINE
After our paddle, hunger led us on a late-night search for food and we happily stumbled upon Dina Kurdish & Turkish Food. There we enjoyed warm service and dishes rich with spice and flavour, the kind of meal that stays with you long after you’ve finished.
Kitty Coleman Beach Provincial Park
That night we landed a sweet site at Kitty Coleman Beach Provincial Park, a peaceful oceanfront campground about 15 minutes north of Comox. There we walked the pebble beaches among sun-bleached driftwood and took in the breathtaking sunsets over the Salish Sea.
Day 2 – Goose Spit Lagoon: Where Mountains Meet the Sea
Goose Spit Lagoon
At sunrise, we made our way to Goose Spit, a unique, narrow sandbar that stretches from Balmoral Beach in Comox 1.5 kilometres into the Strait of Georgia. It’s the reason the saltwater paddling in Comox is so easy because it protects the inner harbour from winds and waves. We launched from the lagoon, where the water was still and shallow, and then paddled along the coastline watching sea birds dance overhead and harbour seals bob on the surface while checking out our brightly coloured Delta kayaks.
The Hen and Hog Cafe
After our early start and morning paddle we were famished. Locals recommended we visit the Hen and Hog Café, which is renowned for their eggs benny. They weren’t wrong. I enjoyed an amazing meal, excellent service, local people watching, and reflecting on my return trip to the Comox Valley.
Courtenay River Estuary
The Courtenay River Estuary is one of the most ecologically rich and scenic estuaries on Vancouver Island. The paddling here offers calm waters, making it…
Plan for a safe and well informed adventure
At Paddle BC, we’re as excited about your upcoming adventure as you are! Our goal is to help you experience the breathtaking beauty of British Columbia’s waterways, but we want to ensure you return home with only good memories. While we provide the gateway to these wild places, your safety is ultimately a personal commitment. We embrace a “challenge by choice” philosophy, which means you are the best judge of your own abilities. By staying within your skill set and taking personal responsibility for your journey, you ensure that your trip is as safe as it is spectacular. To help you prepare for a successful multiday adventure, we’ve outlined these six essential safety pillars:
Carry Mandatory Gear
Ensure you have all Transport Canada required equipment: a lifejacket (PFD), throw bag, whistle, bailing device, and a reflective signaling device. This gear is your first line of defense.
Plan for Conditions
River levels and weather in BC change rapidly. Check forecasts regularly, be aware that many hazards may be hidden, and always have a solid contingency plan in place.
Respect Nature
Expect to encounter wildlife in the BC wilderness. Respect their space, protect the ecosystem, and strictly follow “Leave No Trace” principles to keep our waters pristine.
Dress for Immersion
Always “dress for the swim, not the paddle.” Use appropriate thermal layers to protect against cold water shock, which can occur instantly and lead to physical incapacitation.
Know Your Limits
Practice “challenge by choice” and never attempt water that exceeds your ability. Don’t let a multiday itinerary pressure you into paddling beyond your personal skill set.
Assess and Manage Risk
River paddling carries inherent risks like injury or entrapment. Remain vigilant, scout ahead when necessary, and remember that help may be far away during your adventure.