A Paddling Circumnavigation of James Island
James Island is located in Haro Strait about 1.3 nm (2.4 km) off the east coast of Vancouver Island and is 315 hectares (778 acres) in size with approximately 6 nm (11 km) of shoreline. James Island is privately owned, so while you can’t get out and explore this beautiful Gulf Island, it does make for a delightful circumnavigation with its high sandy bluffs, forested…
A Paddle Trip to D’Arcy Island – Gulf Island National Park Reserve
A Kayaking Day Trip to D’Arcy Island D’Arcy Island is actually two islands lying about 3 1/2 nautical miles off the east coast of the Saanich Pennisula just north of Victoria. Big D’Arcy is the largest of the two at around 83 hectares and is part of the Gulf Island National Park Reserve. It has 7 wilderness campsites with picnic tables and pit toilets. Little…
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 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
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
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…
Safety Guidelines for Paddling Around Victoria & Vancouver Island
Safety Guidelines for Paddling Around Victoria & Vancouver Island Victoria is the gateway to world class paddling destinations around Vancouver Island, BC. Being surrounded by water, Victoria offers an endless variety of paddle sport experiences from the serenity of a calm lake, or the bustle of an urban paddle on the inner harbour, to the excitement of a fast moving tidal current. Whether you’re a…
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
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…
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,…
