Gulf Islands Marine Trail
- 25
- 5-100 NM
- Variable
- Class 2
As there are an abundance of launch and campsites in the Gulf Islands, your adventure can be of any length, with endless route options. See the BC Marine Trails Map (Marine Trails layer clicked on) to view three recommended legs.
Many of the campsites making up the Gulf Islands Marine Trail are in either a BC Provincial Park or the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. There are dozens of access points located on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands — explore the Gulf Islands from a number of city, town, or rural launch sites.
The Marine Trail encompasses most of the Gulf Islands from Newcastle Island and Gabriola Island (north end) to Victoria and a number of islands within the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve. Some routes on the outside of Gabriola Island, Valdes and Galiano Islands have fewer sites and do not meet our Marine Trail Safety Mandate (i.e. campsites optimally 8NM apart to a maximum of 12NM apart).
This trail officially opened in 2011 — we continue to work on First Nations engagement, stewardship, and safety within the region.
Arriving by Car
The Gulf Islands Marine Trail has several entry points including Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Chemainus, Maple Bay and Mill Bay or you can travel to one of the main Gulf Islands.
Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo: This BC ferry route takes ~1.5 hours. Consider launching into the north end of the Gulf Islands Marine Trail from Brechin boat ramp or nearby launches.
Tsawwassen to Duke Point: This BC ferry route takes ~2 hours. Access Nanaimo or Ladysmith launches within a half hour of traveling.
Tsawwassen or Crofton to Salt Spring Island: You can reach Salt Spring Island by ferry both from Tsawwassen and Crofton on Vancouver Island. Salt Spring Island has several launches into the Gulf Islands.
Launching
There are an abundance of launch sites within the Gulf Islands — far too many to list — refer to the BC Marine Trails map to select your ideal launch site.
Most Gulf Islands offer launch sites, making the region accessible from a wide variety of start and end points.
The Cape Scott Marine Trail boasts approximately 46 campsites to choose from — depending on how far you are willing to stray from the direct route. Check out the BC Marine Trails map for a comprehensive overview of sites to choose from.
Shuttleworth Bight: Big Beaches & Surf Conditions
As you approach Shuttleworth Bight, the landscape shifts to expansive, stunning white sand beaches. Despite the seemingly gentle low-gradient sand, don’t be fooled: wind and waves can quickly generate surf conditions even within the more sheltered areas and rocks are prevalent beyond the shoreline. Exercise caution and remain vigilant to ensure a safe and pleasant experience as you navigate these picturesque yet potentially challenging beaches.
The West Coast
Upon reaching the west coast, the real adventure begins. This section is known for its dynamic conditions, including rips and rogue waves, there are few emergency pull-outs so stay alert. Lowrie Bay offers a fantastic opportunity for rest and some fun surfing practice.
If you wish to shorten your trip, you can pull into San Josef Bay and arrange a ride back to Port Hardy with the hikers, making this option a practical solution for retrieving your vehicle. Note that the bus service does not accommodate kayaks.
San Josef Bay to Quatsino Sound
The stretch between San Josef Bay and Quatsino Sound is marked by dramatic cliffs and powerful waves, with limited emergency pull-out options. Despite the rugged conditions, several well-situated campsites offer safe access points and protection from the surf. These sites provide a crucial respite and are essential for managing the challenging coastal environment.
The Final Stretch
As you approach the entrance to Quatsino Sound, you’ll encounter another lighthouse, marking a key point in your journey. The final challenge involves navigating Quatsino Narrows, which requires careful timing and is best tackled at slack tide for a safe passage. There are several campsites within the Sound to allow you to wait for the right time.
To complete your trip efficiently, consider leaving a vehicle at Coal Harbour before heading to Port Hardy. It’s a straightforward 20-minute drive back from Coal Harbour to Port Hardy, where you can retrieve your car from the launch point.
As a BCMT member you can access our trip resources page or easily find resources online at Sea Kayak Association of BC.
Hazards & Risks
The British Columbia coastline is an inherently dangerous location, and marine trail users assume the risk of navigating the BC coast. The BC Marine Trails Network has pinpointed some key locations where risks are increased due to pre-existing known conditions or possibility of risk. However, marine trail users are cautioned that risk can occur at any time at any location, and proper equipment, clothing, rescue gear, preparation and training are recommended to ensure optimal safety. Recurring safety considerations include:
Currents and rips: Conditions will be lessened if not eliminated at slack times, so check the Tides and Currents Tables to find the safest time to cross or transit difficult locations.
Ferry Lane Crossings: Several busy ferry corridors must be crossed over the course of the Gulf Islands, Salish Sea, or Sea to Sky Marine Trails. Risk can be minimized by monitoring the appropriate Canadian Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Services broadcast channels and by calling in on that same channel to alert traffic to your presence. We strongly recommend calling in for groups crossing ferry lanes or in questionable conditions such as chop, darkness or fog that could make paddlecraft difficult to see.
Shipping lanes: Be sure to know where shipping lanes are located on your charts and monitor Canadian Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Services broadcast channels to track shipping movement.
Check out our other Marine Trails
