Description
What:
A SISKA Relaxed paddle from Fleming Beach to Esquimalt Harbour/Cole Island/Portage Park
Skill Level:
This paddle is rated as a Relaxed Paddle because of its modest pace, relatively safe environment and social component. To understand this designation better, please read SISKA's Paddle Guidelines
Paddlers taking part in this paddle are required to have PC Basic or equivalent experience. For information about PC Levels click here.
The total distance of this paddle is estimated to be approximately 8.10nm.
When:
Saturday, February 14th, 2026. Meet at the launchsite by 09:30am to be on the water by 10:00am
Where:
We will launch at Fleming Beach. Need directions to the launchsite? Click here.
Who:
This paddle will be led by Craig Thomson For more information about this paddle email Craig Thomson
Details:
Our leader will introduce the Plan and make sure everyone is comfortable with the requirements and any concerns that you may have. Please stay off the water until we are all ready. The leader may choose to enlist helpers and establish communications protocol. If you have VHF radio please bring it with you.
Plan A:
Follow the Esquimalt shoreline from Fleming Bay (Esquimalt Anglers) around past Saxe Point to the entrance of Esquimalt Harbour, crossing to Fisgard Lighthouse before contacting the King's Harbour Master on VHF ch10 and entering the restricted harbour. Staying clear of naval installations we proceed down the middle of the harbour past Cole Island to the 6-Mile Bridge before turning back passing Cole Island again. We will stop for a snack and stretch at Portage Park beach in Thetis Cove, then cross the mouth of the naval harbour before exiting Esquimalt Harbour at Duntze Head, passing alongside Brothers Islands, and returning to Fleming Bay.
There is ample free parking and heated washroom facilities at Fleming Bay.
Please ensure that access to the Esquimalt Anglers boat launch ramp is unobstructed when loading and unloading your vehicles. Park vehicles and carry kayaks to the launch beach to the right of the boat ramp.
There may be opportunity for a post-paddle debrief at Serious Coffee in Esquimalt adjacent to the Esquimalt Bakery (yummy!).
Tide and current impact should be minimal with tide at Esquimalt Harbour ebbing throughout the paddle window falling from 2.7M at 1000hrs to 2.2M at 1400hrs. Current at Race Rocks (closest station) shows a slight ebb of 1kt at 1000hrs slowing to slack at 1200hrs before turning back to ebb of 2kts by 1400hrs.
Anyone with questions please contact the paddle leader by email at CST4420@TELUS.NET **DO NOT REPLY TO THIS SISKA EMAIL**
Plan B:
Opted for Brentwood Bay to Coles Bay due to wind conditions at Plan A location.
Plot:
To view a plot for this paddle click here
Registration:
To sign up for this paddle please email Craig Thomson
The maximum number of paddlers for this paddle has been set to 9. There is room for 3 paddler(s).
Note:
Always dress for the possibility of immersion and please bring a drybag containing a spare change of clothes.
Please bring a lunch / snacks and sufficient beverage to keep you hydrated, as well as a themos of something warm.
All participants are expected to have read, and to comply with SISKA's Policies and Procedures.
A SISKA Relaxed paddle from Fleming Beach to Esquimalt Harbour/Cole Island/Portage Park
Skill Level:
This paddle is rated as a Relaxed Paddle because of its modest pace, relatively safe environment and social component. To understand this designation better, please read SISKA's Paddle Guidelines
Paddlers taking part in this paddle are required to have PC Basic or equivalent experience. For information about PC Levels click here.
The total distance of this paddle is estimated to be approximately 8.10nm.
When:
Saturday, February 14th, 2026. Meet at the launchsite by 09:30am to be on the water by 10:00am
Where:
We will launch at Fleming Beach. Need directions to the launchsite? Click here.
Who:
This paddle will be led by Craig Thomson For more information about this paddle email Craig Thomson
Details:
Our leader will introduce the Plan and make sure everyone is comfortable with the requirements and any concerns that you may have. Please stay off the water until we are all ready. The leader may choose to enlist helpers and establish communications protocol. If you have VHF radio please bring it with you.
Plan A:
Follow the Esquimalt shoreline from Fleming Bay (Esquimalt Anglers) around past Saxe Point to the entrance of Esquimalt Harbour, crossing to Fisgard Lighthouse before contacting the King's Harbour Master on VHF ch10 and entering the restricted harbour. Staying clear of naval installations we proceed down the middle of the harbour past Cole Island to the 6-Mile Bridge before turning back passing Cole Island again. We will stop for a snack and stretch at Portage Park beach in Thetis Cove, then cross the mouth of the naval harbour before exiting Esquimalt Harbour at Duntze Head, passing alongside Brothers Islands, and returning to Fleming Bay.
There is ample free parking and heated washroom facilities at Fleming Bay.
Please ensure that access to the Esquimalt Anglers boat launch ramp is unobstructed when loading and unloading your vehicles. Park vehicles and carry kayaks to the launch beach to the right of the boat ramp.
There may be opportunity for a post-paddle debrief at Serious Coffee in Esquimalt adjacent to the Esquimalt Bakery (yummy!).
Tide and current impact should be minimal with tide at Esquimalt Harbour ebbing throughout the paddle window falling from 2.7M at 1000hrs to 2.2M at 1400hrs. Current at Race Rocks (closest station) shows a slight ebb of 1kt at 1000hrs slowing to slack at 1200hrs before turning back to ebb of 2kts by 1400hrs.
Anyone with questions please contact the paddle leader by email at CST4420@TELUS.NET **DO NOT REPLY TO THIS SISKA EMAIL**
Plan B:
Opted for Brentwood Bay to Coles Bay due to wind conditions at Plan A location.
Plot:
To view a plot for this paddle click here
Registration:
To sign up for this paddle please email Craig Thomson
The maximum number of paddlers for this paddle has been set to 9. There is room for 3 paddler(s).
Note:
Always dress for the possibility of immersion and please bring a drybag containing a spare change of clothes.
Please bring a lunch / snacks and sufficient beverage to keep you hydrated, as well as a themos of something warm.
All participants are expected to have read, and to comply with SISKA's Policies and Procedures.