This SISKA kayak trip within the Southern Gulf Islands is from Thursday June 2 to Sunday June 5, 2022 - 3 nights camping and 4 full days of paddling and hiking. Camping has been arranged for June 2 and 3 at Port Browning Marina, and on June 4 we will go first come, first served to Arbutus Point campground on Portland Island.

Here is the itinerary for the SISKA Gulf Islands camp and hike trip.

Thursday June 2

Launch at Barnacle road 900

Barnacle to Fairfax point via north Coal and Imrie. 4.6nm 900-1030

Fairfax to Wallace point/ Peter Cove 4nm 1100-1230, Lunch

Peter Cove to Port Browning via Beaumont Marine Park 3.3nm 130-300

Set up camp at the mini-group and the orchard sites.

Optional evening paddle over to Mortimer Spit to hike Mount Norman 0.8nm, 4km hike return

Currents crossways or favorable all day -11.9nm

Friday June 3

Browning to Saturna Ferry dock via Boot Cove - 5.4nm 900-11, pick up snacks if necessary

Saturna ferry dock to Saturna Beach 2.2nm 1145-1230

Day visit options: Disc golf, winery/bistro visit, hike Mt Warburton Pike

Saturna Beach to Browning 3.2nm 400-530

Cross currents all day -10.8nm

Saturday June 4

Pack up and Paddle Port Browning to Arbutus Point, Portland Island 10nm via Peter Cove (snacks) Pender bluffs and Boat Nook/Thieves Bay Area (lunch) 900-130

Claim sites, then hike the island at low tide (6km, 200-530)

Set up camp

Sunday June 5

Arbutus Point to Russell Island 2.5nm 930-1030, tour Russell Island

Russell Island to Barnacle road via Isabella Point and Piers Island 5nm 1200-200

Mostly ebb or cross currents -7.5nm

Each paddle is classified as an ‘Energizer’ paddle as there are open water crossings and current considerations. The group includes a number of SISKA paddle leaders who have experience with ‘Energizer’ paddles and the Gulf Islands region. Due to the distances and conditions, this event is open to strong paddlers who have had experience with rescues and towing. Paddle Canada Level 2 is recommended.

Due to the closure of Beaumont Marine Campground, we have booked 4 sites (2 tents/site) at the Port Browning Marina camping area. The cost for this will be between $25 and $30/night for a total of between $50-$60 for the two nights. Once we arrive we can settle the bill via e-transfers or cash. At Arbutus Point, Parks Canada fees are now $10.50 per night - best to put cash in the envelope.

Contact the paddle leader Tim Frick for more information: tim_frick@shaw.ca or 778-968-2904.

Please note that SISKA guidelines have been updated this season and require that any paddler who wishes to deviate from a plan, or who due to unforeseen circumstance has to deviate from a plan must be accompanied on this alternate route by two paddlers (one of whom must be PC L2).

Plan B will occur if winds are too high. We will assess appropriate areas to paddle and camp such as Sidney, D’Arcy, Portland, Prevost, etc.

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.