A kayak bobs up and down over a forest of bull kelp as the tide recedes from the rocky shoreline of Galiano Island’s Montague Harbour. Galiano is one of the five larger islands, along with Salt Spring, Pender, Saturna, and Mayne, that comprise the Southern Gulf Islands of BC. The Salish Sea surrounding these islands is home to a wide array of wildlife ranging from larger mammals to small intertidal species, including orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, harbour seals, salmon, crabs, sea stars, sea anemones and more. The ocean can be unpredictable and dangerous. Therefore, it is a good idea to go with an experienced guide if it is your first time paddling in salt water. Always bring water, wear a PFD, and wear appropriate apparel to stay safe in the sun.
Galiano Island
Montague Harbour is located on the west side of Galiano Island and is home to a large marina with kayak, canoe, and stand up paddle board rentals and Montague Harbour Marine Park, a large provincial campground with a mix of walk-in and RV accessible campsites. Montague Harbour is a perfect place for less experienced paddlers and families to experience ocean paddling as it is well-sheltered from the nearby Parker Island to the West. Paddlers venturing out of the harbour will find picturesque sandstone cliffs along the shoreline of the Gray Peninsula. For those who are looking for an overnight adventure, you can paddle to Dionisio Point Park at the north end of Galiano, a boat-access-only marine park with camping that boasts meadows bursting with wildflowers, sandstone shelves, and tidal pools rich with biodiversity including sea-stars, nudibranchs, and chitons.
Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island is the largest and one of the most popular to visit of the five islands. Salt Spring is known for the artsy ocean-side town of Ganges which is home to a must-visit Saturday farmers market in the summer. The Ganges Harbour is a great place to launch your watercraft and paddle out, exploring the shorelines of the small islands dotted throughout the bay. When launching from Ganges, Chocolate Beach on Three Sisters Island makes a perfect destination for lunch, a swim, and a bathroom stop in an outhouse that looks like it has come from a fairy tale. Ganges also hosts options for rentals and 2-3 hour guided trips for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. For more experienced paddlers, you can venture out beyond Three Sisters Island to Prevost Island and camp at James Bay, which is part of Parks Canada’s Gulf Islands National Park Reserve.
Pender Islands
North and South Pender Islands are separated by a narrow canal with a bridge connecting them. The Penders are quieter than the vibrant Salt Spring, making them a perfect relaxing destination for those looking to unwind. Pender Island Kayak Adventures is a family-owned and operated company based in Point Browning Marina offering kayak and stand up paddle board rentals and kayak tours ranging from two-and-a-half hours to multi-day expeditions. For those with their own watercraft, Mortimer Spit Park is a great place to launch and paddle through the canal, making your way to the water-access-only Beaumont Marine Park while keeping your eyes open for the occasional lucky sighting of the Southern Resident Killer Whales gliding through the waters while on the hunt for salmon.
Mayne Island
On Mayne Island, Bennett Bay is one of the best places to launch your watercraft. A recommended route out of Bennett Bat is paddling to Campbell Point at the bay’s north end. With a short open crossing, you can paddle along the shoreline of the uninhabited Georgeson Island, which is covered in old-growth Douglas fir, arbutus and Garry oak forest. As this area is more exposed to the open waters of Georgia Straight, it is essential to be aware of the potential for stormy weather, fast currents and big waves. Bennett Bay is home to abundant wildlife, including sea lions, seals, river otters, cormorants, black oystercatchers and bald eagles. Mayne Island Resorts, located in Bennett Bay, offers rentals of kayaks and stand up paddle boards.
Saturna Island
Of the five larger islands comprising the Southern Gulf Islands, Saturna Island is the least inhabited and has the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline at 4km, giving it a more remote feeling than the other four islands. Right when you get off the ferry, you will find yourself close to the Arbutus Point Campground, offering a great place to stay and Lyall Harbour Government Dock, which is a popular spot to launch a kayak or other watercraft. At the Lyall Harbour government dock, you will also find Kayaking Skills, a local business offering rentals, tours, and kayak skills courses. More experienced paddlers may consider a multi-day expedition circumnavigating the island camping at Cabbage Island and Narvaez Bay.
The Southern Gulf Islands are a paradise for paddlers that, while most pleasantly enjoyed in the warmth of the summer, can be experienced year-round for those prepared to brave colder temperatures. The area also offers excellent opportunities for fishing, making it a great spot to try kayak fishing. This article is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to paddling experiences on the islands, and there is even more to do on these islands beyond paddling. The islands can all be accessed by BC Ferries launching from Tsawwassen ferry terminal on the mainland or the Schwartz Bay ferry terminal on Vancouver Island. For more info on planning your trip to the southern Gulf Islands, visit: https://southerngulfislands.com/
