Launching from Swartz Bay, we will paddle along the Southeast part of Portland Island before heading to Russell Island. We will have lunch there, with the option to walk the short (1.4 km) loop trail. We will then cross to Salt Spring and hug the shore towards the Fulford Harbour ferry terminal. The Rock Salt Cafe will be open for refreshments while we await our ferry. We will aim for the 4:20 pm ferry, arriving in Swartz Bay at 4:55.
Wheels are needed to walk on the ferry with a kayak.
Trail on Russel: 1.4 km https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/russell-island-loop
Route plan B
An alternative route will be offered if conditions are not appropriate for plan A.
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 2, 2026 4:58 AM · siska.ca/activities/1653
Swartz Bay/Barnacle Road Public Dock to Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring) - RETURN BY BC FERRY
Saturday, August 8, 2026 · 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Launch
Swartz Bay/Barnacle Road Public Dock
Destination
Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring)
Distance
8.3 nm
Leader
Alexandra Lapierre Fortin
Route plan A
Launching from Swartz Bay, we will paddle along the Southeast part of Portland Island before heading to Russell Island. We will have lunch there, with the option to walk the short (1.4 km) loop trail. We will then cross to Salt Spring and hug the shore towards the Fulford Harbour ferry terminal. The Rock Salt Cafe will be open for refreshments while we await our ferry. We will aim for the 4:20 pm ferry, arriving in Swartz Bay at 4:55.
Wheels are needed to walk on the ferry with a kayak.
Trail on Russel: 1.4 km https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/russell-island-loop
Route plan B
An alternative route will be offered if conditions are not appropriate for plan A.
Route map
Swartz Bay/Barnacle Road Public Dock to Fulford Harbour (Salt Spring) - RETURN BY BC FERRY · Saturday, August 8, 2026
