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  • The Compass blog
    The Compass blog
The Salish Sea Marine Trail needs the public’s help

The Salish Sea Marine Trail needs the public’s help

Trans Canada Trail (TCT) and BC Marine Trails Network Association have come up with the perfect recipe for connecting Vancouver Island and the rest of Canada by trail: the Salish Sea Maine Trail. The Salish Sea Marine Trail will be a blueway – a saltwater route designed for paddlecraft and small beachable boats – that will connect The Great Trail (the new name for the…
Ocean River Sports to Fleming Beach Kayaking Route

Ocean River Sports to Fleming Beach Kayaking Route

Kayaking Around Victoria, BC: Fleming Beach Route This route explores the north and west shores of Victoria Harbour and the more exposed shoreline of Esquimalt Municipality on the Straits of Juan De Fuca.  Due to this more exposed section, you will need to carefully check the weather forecasts before you go. Plan to stop for a picnic lunch or snack at Flemming Beach. A word…
The Victoria Waterways Loop

The Victoria Waterways Loop

The Victoria Waterways Loop The Galloping Goose trail and the more recent E&N Trail are well known to bicyclists and pedestrians as a way to make a complete circle route from downtown Victoria to the 6 Mile Pub area and back again. However, there is also a water route that also allows you to travel a complete circle from the inner harbour and back again.…
Ocean River Sports to the Gorge Tillicum Bridge Paddle Route

Ocean River Sports to the Gorge Tillicum Bridge Paddle Route

Paddling Victoria’s Upper Harbour, the Selkirk Waterway & the Gorge Waterway Paddling the Upper Harbour and along the Gorge Waterway gives you a completely different perspective than the Inner, Middle and Outer Harbour.  You will pass by the industrial area of the harbour as you move into the Selkirk Waterway and finally the Gorge Waterway itself.  Here you will begin to see the real beauty…
Paddling Victoria Harbour – Ocean River Sports to  Ogden Point

Paddling Victoria Harbour – Ocean River Sports to Ogden Point

What to See When Paddling Around Victoria’s Harbour This route explores the inner and middle harbour and, weather permitting, guides you out to the Ogden Point Breakwater with it’s beautiful First Nations murals at the harbour’s outer reaches.  You will see historic buildings like the Old Victoria Customs House, the Fairmont Empress Hotel, and the BC Legislature.  You will experience the bustle of a busy…
Whiffen Spit to Cabin Point, East Sooke Park, Paddle Route

Whiffen Spit to Cabin Point, East Sooke Park, Paddle Route

Whiffen Spit to Cabin Point in East Sooke Park This pleasant day trip is an excellent opportunity to experience what it is like to paddle the exposed west coast of Vancouver Island without having to drive for hours and plan over-nighters. You can explore an exposed a rocky coastline and windswept cliffs with a background of rain forest interspersed with dry hill tops and scrubby…
Paddling Victoria’s Beautiful Waterways

Paddling Victoria’s Beautiful Waterways

Victoria has one of the most beautiful harbours and inland waterways in the world making it a spectacular, as well as an incredibly convenient spot to go kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding for a few hours or a day.  Explore this historic working harbor from the water with its historic streets and architecture as well as it’s rich mix of ongoing activities including;  whale watching…
Kayaking to Race Rocks Lighthouse

Kayaking to Race Rocks Lighthouse

A Kayaking Trip to Race Rocks Lighthouse and Ecological Reserve Race Rocks is located just one nautical mile off the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island.  It is an archipelago of low rocky islets lying in the narrowest point of the Straits of Juan de Fuca. Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula is only 22 km (12 nautical miles) away. Race Rocks is aptly named for the strong…
Whitewater Paddling on Vancouver Island

Whitewater Paddling on Vancouver Island

Get involved with the whitewater paddling community on Vancouver Island and learn about some great spots to check out Whitewater paddling around Victoria and Vancouver Island is primarily a winter sport. While the rest of the country is prepping for snow sports, here on the island we are grabbing our paddles and hitting the rivers and ocean surf. There are few large lake fed rivers…
Victoria Circle Paddle Route

Victoria Circle Paddle Route

The Victoria Circle Paddle Route, an obvious but often overlooked route The Victoria Circle Loop is a kayaking route full of changing landscapes that can take up an entire day if planned carefully.  There is now interest in improving some access points to this route including developing a walkway under the Tillicum Bridge allowing an easy portage if the tides aren’t favourable. For more information,…
Brentwood Bay to Tod Inlet Paddle Route

Brentwood Bay to Tod Inlet Paddle Route

Paddling to Tod Inlet in Gowlland Tod Provincial Park Tucked in behind the famous Butchart Gardens is a beautiful tree lined inlet accessible only by boat or by a walking trail just off Wallace Dr near Benvenuto Ave. This is an ideal paddle for beginners as the waters of Tod Inlet and the launch at Brentwood Bay are very sheltered and the total route there…
Top 10 Highlights of Kayaking to Discovery Island

Top 10 Highlights of Kayaking to Discovery Island

Amy’s Top 10 Highlights of Her Solo Kayaking Trip to Discovery Island Kayaking Discovery Island is an awesome adventure with easy access via Oak Bay Marina. The little island is rich in natural beauty, wildlife, and history. A relatively short paddle, this is a great adventure for an experienced kayaker. The currents through Haro Straight can change quickly and are too much for a novice…

About Ocean River

Located in Victoria, British Columbia on beautiful Vancouver Island, Ocean River is one of the premier speciality kayak and adventure companies in North America. Brian Henry, the founder & current owner, has been running Ocean River since 1981, and Ocean River continues to be recognised as one of the most significant outdoor/paddlesports instructional & tours provider in North America.

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SUP Adventures on the West Coast

Wesley takes on SUP adventures on the west coast of British Columbia!

Moving back to the West Coast from the Rockies ...