BC Marine Trails Network

BC Marine Trails - https://www.bcmarinetrails.org/

This Non-Profit group is open to anyone interested in paddling on our West Coast. They work with the Provincial Government, First Nations, Paddling Clubs (i.e. Nanaimo Paddlers and Comox Valley Paddlers) and paddling-related businesses. The group’s vision is have “the entire B.C. coastline linked through marine routes and land sites for sustainable water-based public recreation”. For an annual membership of $25/person or $40/family, members receive discounts at various kayak shops and businesses on Vancouver Island. 

Mapping Tool

Members also have access to an incredible Mapping Tool for planning any kayaking trip on B.C.’s coast. This tool, developed by John Kimantis, uses Google Earth and enhances it by adding:

1. Recreation Sites and Recommended Launch Sites

2. A Ruler Tool for trip planning which allows you to determine the distance covered on a particular route (in Nautical Miles) plus the compass heading on the route as well as the GPS Coordinates for the Route.

Screenshot of our local area using the Mapping Tool

BCMTA Marine Trails

BCMTA is working on developing a series of water accessible camping sites that are part of the Great Trail (formerly the Trans Canada Trail), many  of which are already in use. Check out the following links for information on each set of trails.

Salish Sea Marine Trail – From Victoria, through the Gulf Islands, Crossing the Strait of Georgia to Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast and finishing at Jericho Beach in Vancouver

Sea To Sky Marine Trail – a series of campsites in Howe Sound – currently 6 sites

Gulf Island Marine Trail – a series of campsites in the Gulf Islands from Nanaimo south to Sidney.

Cape Scott Marine Trail – in initial planning stages for establishing provincial recreation sites from Port Hardy to Coal Harbour via Cape Scott.

BC Ferries Walk-On Paddle Off Program and Resources for Planning Trips

BC Ferries Walk-On, Paddle-Off Program

As part of the Salish Sea Marine Trail project, the BC Marine Trails Network worked with BC Ferries to identify and set protocols for paddlers to walk or wheel their craft onto BC Ferries on select routes, then walk off to launch at a strategic nearby beach.

The intention is to allow paddlers to leave the car at home to reduce travel costs, emissions, and to avoid vehicle lineups during peak travel periods.

They have also developed resources online for planning trips.

Beach Cleanups

Members can also participate in beach cleanups – click on the YouTube link to watch a video of last summer’s beach cleanup on the South Brooks Peninsula.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_bDz_mNyZU&feature=youtu.be