Gulf Islands a kayaker's paradise

Kayaking offers different perspective

Gulf Islands Tourism: See the islands from a kayak

Kayaking is a great way to see the islands

With its gorgeous scenery and sheltered coves, visitors to the Gulf Islands will find there's no better way of accessing the area's unique charms than getting out onto the water.

Kayaking provides good exercise and causes a negligible environmental impact, and even those who have never paddled before will find the experience rewarding. Local tour companies have options that start with introductory lessons and guided tours, including sunset or full moon options. Chocolate Beach on nearby Third Sister Island is a popular destination for newbies, who will find a seemingly tropical paradise with a white shell beach and crystal clear water.

Touring companies also offer trips with gourmet lunches prepared by chefs and get more advanced with week-long sea camping adventures.

Experienced paddlers with their own boats, or those who rent them while visiting, will find that world-class conditions and benign waters await their discovery.

Salt Spring kayaker David Barnes, the author of three books related to the sport, says, "The marine park trail system in the Gulf Islands is spectacular — whether you have a week or a weekend."

Barnes feels Salt Spring's north end is the perfect launching area for either a short trip or an overnight adventure, offering the least motorboat traffic and the best wildlife spotting.

Across Trincomali Channel from Salt Spring, Wallace Island is the ideal short distance getaway. Though located just off of Galiano, the island is a provincial marine park. Water, pit toilets, picnic tables and 18 walk-in campsites can be found at three designated camping areas.

North of Wallace Island are the Secretary Islands, home to two large colonies of harbour seals. Continuing on will bring paddlers to Kuper and Thetis islands — Barnes recommends a lunch at the Thetis Island Marina Pub.

Paddlers launching from Long Harbour or Fulford docks will have to be aware of ferry crossings and increased boating traffic, but the rewards are plentiful. Nestled between the larger, surrounding islands, Prevost is easily reached from Long Harbour and has protected areas on its north and south shores.

"There is a beautiful campground with a heritage orchard. It's a really pretty spot and really sheltered," Barnes says.

Another favourite destination is Isle-de-Lis, also known as Rum Island for its role as a liquor storage site during the Prohibition period. Reachable in just three hours from Fulford, the island's natural beauty and remote atmosphere make it seem like a castaways' retreat.

Barnes promises, "You can camp on a little private island that's close to the border of the United States and still feel like you're miles from anywhere."

— Elizabeth Nolan