This will be a slightly longer ENERGIZER paddle at just over 12nm. Leaving our launch beach we will proceed through the Little Group of islets and to the eastern tip of Coal Island. After reaching Charmer Pt on Coal Island we will noodle along the northern shoreline of Coal until we reach Fir Cone Pt. After Fir Cone Pt., we will head between Pym and Knapp Islands before heading across Shute Passage to Hood Island, just off Portland Island. We will then noodle the eastern shoreline of Portland and then round Arbutus Pt to land at our launch point on the west side beach near the campground. After lunch, we will head along the west shoreline of Portland Island and then again between Pym and Knapp Islands to make our crossing just off Swartz Bay and through the islands near Canoe Cove Marina before we cross over the mount of Tsehum Harbour and back to our launch beach at Amherst.

We can debrief our paddle at The Roost ( E. Saanich Rd and McTavish Road)

If the winds negate the option of paddling the larger crossings over to Portland Island, we can find some more protected albeit shorter paddles in and around the islands around Coal Island and Swartz Bay.

One alternate trip option is to change the paddle destination to Piers Island off Swartz Bay. There are fewer large crossings and more protection from wind around the small islands in and around Swartz Bay leading to Piers Island.

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.