South Gulf Islands Paddle Route
Vancouver Island, British Columbia,
Canada
The South Gulf Islands paddle route is located off the southeast coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. It is an opportunity to visit some of the bigger and more developed Gulf Island villages on the west coast of British Columbia like Salt Spring, Pender, Mayne, Galiano, Saturna and Gabriola Islands.
Many tour the islands to visit with the small, eclectic villages and explore the many sandy beaches and limestone cliffs. But not all. Some travel the marine route on business. The marine routes in the region are busy with, both, commercial and recreational marine traffic not just kayaks. There are fishing boats, tour boats, sailboats, cruise ships, floatplanes, barges and BC Ferries.
The South Gulf Islands region is a popular self guided and guided kayak tour destination because of the selection of islands, the marine scenery and the short paddle distances from island to island. Because of the many islands there are many protected coves, hidden bays, limestone cliffs, wildlife sightings, jagged reefs and sandy beaches to explore.
Many visiting kayakers who explore the Southern Gulf Islands prefer to paddle along with a tour group. This is a good idea if this is the first time kayaking the islands. A kayak tour group includes lessons, equipment and, most importantly, an experienced, interpretive guide.
A guide enables a kayak group to safely navigate the many islands, currents and ocean tides. Guides also are prepared for unexpected weather, storms and trained in open water survival techniques. A guide also will provide commentary and information on the history, geography and wildlife in the region.
Not all paddlers hook up with a tour group. There are some on the water who are enjoy self guided tours. Many of these kayakers are experienced paddlers and equipped with all the proper equipment like gps, tidal charts, rain gear and navigation charts.
The southern Gulf Islands tidal
currents can reach 4 knots and in the spring some ocean channel
passes reach up to 9 knots. Because of the many channels and tidal
currents of the region it is imperative to have the proper tidal
and navigation charts when boating the southern
portion of the Gulf Islands
A paddle route highlight in the South Gulf Islands is the Gulf Islands National Marine Park. The marine park provides great opportunities to view sea birds, seals, sea lions, otters, whales
and dolphins. The large migratory sea bird population, the fragile
marine eco system and the many marine animals in the region played
a big part in establishing the Gulf Islands National Park.
The popular destinations to visit in the South Gulf Islands
include D'Arcy Island Marine Park, Sidney
Spit, Princess Margaret Marine Park, Beaumont Marine Park, Winter
Cove, Cabbage Island Marine Park, Prevost Island and the Montague
Harbour Marine Park.
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The EH TEAM.
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