Description
What:
A SISKA Energizer paddle from Swartz Bay/Barnacle Road Public Dock to Fulford Ferry Wharf/return by BC Ferry A one-way ferry assisted paddle to Fulford Harbour
Skill Level:
This paddle is rated as an Energizer Paddle because of its distance and open water crossings and possible current. To understand this designation better, please read SISKA's Paddle Guidelines
Paddlers taking part in this paddle are required to have PC Level 1 or equivalent experience. For information about PC Levels click here.
The total distance of this paddle is estimated to be approximately 8.30nm.
When:
Saturday, August 08th, 2026. Meet at the launchsite by 09:30am to be on the water by 10:00am
Where:
We will launch at Swartz Bay/Barnacle Road Public Dock. Need directions to the launchsite? Click here.
Who:
This paddle will be led by Alexandra Lapierre Fortin For more information about this paddle click here
To sign uo for this paddle please read the information & use the link under Registration: below
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:
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
Plan B:
An alternative route will be offered if conditions are not appropriate for plan A.
Plot:
To view a plot for this paddle click here
Registration:
To sign up for this paddle click here
The maximum number of paddlers for this paddle has been set to 13. There is room for 1 paddler(s).
Note: Preregistration of any SISKA paddle is mandatory and any required waiver(s) must be completed prior to the day of the paddle. The paddle leader will turn away any paddler, member or non member, that is not already on the paddle manifest with a signed electronic waiver on file
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 Energizer paddle from Swartz Bay/Barnacle Road Public Dock to Fulford Ferry Wharf/return by BC Ferry A one-way ferry assisted paddle to Fulford Harbour
Skill Level:
This paddle is rated as an Energizer Paddle because of its distance and open water crossings and possible current. To understand this designation better, please read SISKA's Paddle Guidelines
Paddlers taking part in this paddle are required to have PC Level 1 or equivalent experience. For information about PC Levels click here.
The total distance of this paddle is estimated to be approximately 8.30nm.
When:
Saturday, August 08th, 2026. Meet at the launchsite by 09:30am to be on the water by 10:00am
Where:
We will launch at Swartz Bay/Barnacle Road Public Dock. Need directions to the launchsite? Click here.
Who:
This paddle will be led by Alexandra Lapierre Fortin For more information about this paddle click here
To sign uo for this paddle please read the information & use the link under Registration: below
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:
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
Plan B:
An alternative route will be offered if conditions are not appropriate for plan A.
Plot:
To view a plot for this paddle click here
Registration:
To sign up for this paddle click here
The maximum number of paddlers for this paddle has been set to 13. There is room for 1 paddler(s).
Note: Preregistration of any SISKA paddle is mandatory and any required waiver(s) must be completed prior to the day of the paddle. The paddle leader will turn away any paddler, member or non member, that is not already on the paddle manifest with a signed electronic waiver on file
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