Maple Bay is a scenic community nestled in the hills along the ocean 10 minutes east of Duncan. It is situated half way along Samsun Narrows separating Saltspring Island from Vancouver Island. The sheltered bay is reputed to be one of the finest natural harbours on the West Coast of British Columbia.
The public boat ramp by the Maple Bay Rowing Club is on shallow sloping pebbled beach, a perfect spot for launching kayaks and canoes.
From there our flotilla of 18 paddlers in 15 watercraft paddled south along the shoreline past a forest of masts in the very full marina of Birds Eye Cove.
The end of the cove has a double row of beautiful floating houses.
The deck of one house is evidently the preferred lounging site for a large river otter that was not at all concerned as we passed by.
We then paddled around Chisholm Island at the south end of the Cove.
The tide was low, offering great
views of intertidal life -
oyster encrusted rocks and shoreline, small fish and
large purple starfish.
to Paddy's Mile Stone, a large rock likely planted by a glacier at the south entrance to Maple Bay.
We disembarked for a lunch break on a nearby sheltered beach.
A rain storm hit as we packed up
forcing us to head for the home beach. Although the trip was cut short by foul weather, half the group rallied for libations on the scenic veranda of The Rampant Lion Scottish Pub.
This adventure is worth repeating!!
Report submitted by Cormack
Photos contributed by Linda H, Linda W, Cathy, Norm and Michelle, and Cormack.
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