We will leave from Amherst Beach after a beach talk, paddling north past Ker Island and counterclockwise around Coal Island, crossing to shell beach on the south western tip of Portland. We will have a bio-break there before continuing to Arbutus Point for lunch. On the way home we will be watching for porpoises (and ferries) as we continue our clockwise circle of Portland before heading home via Pym island (it’s for sale!).
I know it’s summer, but please dress for immersion and bring a lunch and one interesting fact/story/myth about any part of the trip. The paddle is about 12 nautical miles so will take between 4.5-5.5 hours. The tides are perfect for our launch and our return with little current at play
Route plan B
I’ll keep an eye on the winds. If it looks ugly, we can move over to the Saanich inlet
Safety reminders
Always dress for the possibility of immersion and please bring a drybag containing a spare change of clothes. The drybag goes in your kayak with you, not in your car at the launch site. Please bring a lunch or snacks and sufficient beverage to keep you hydrated, as well as a thermos of something warm. Your paddle leader will introduce the plan and make sure everyone is comfortable with the requirements. Please stay off the water until the group is ready. If you have a VHF radio please bring it with you.
SISKA · Paddle · Energizer
Printed Nov 9, 2026 11:21 AM · siska.ca/activities/1477
Amherst to Portland Island
Saturday, June 29, 2024 · 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Launch
Amherst10181 Wildflower Pl
Destination
Portland Island
Distance
11.8 nm
Leader
Greg Rooney
Route plan A
We will leave from Amherst Beach after a beach talk, paddling north past Ker Island and counterclockwise around Coal Island, crossing to shell beach on the south western tip of Portland. We will have a bio-break there before continuing to Arbutus Point for lunch. On the way home we will be watching for porpoises (and ferries) as we continue our clockwise circle of Portland before heading home via Pym island (it’s for sale!).
I know it’s summer, but please dress for immersion and bring a lunch and one interesting fact/story/myth about any part of the trip. The paddle is about 12 nautical miles so will take between 4.5-5.5 hours. The tides are perfect for our launch and our return with little current at play
Route plan B
I’ll keep an eye on the winds. If it looks ugly, we can move over to the Saanich inlet
