Sandy Island Trip - July 21, 2026 - Don Poirier

Fourteen paddlers out for the trip from Union Bay to Sandy Island located immediately north of Denman Island.  Thankfully, smoky conditions from late Monday had largely dissipated and we set out on the water at 9:30 am.  We enjoyed calm seas and the air temperature was about 26C.  Our circuit to Sandy and nearby Seal Islets totalled 15 km. We made two stops along the shores of Sandy Island including one for a short swim. 

Along the way, we noticed a fried egg jellyfish (Phacellophora camtschatica) and then a naval boat passed along along the Sound.  That boat, PT-59 or the WOLF is a training vessel based out of CFB Esquimalt.  Further out at the Islets, a heron, dozens of seals (some with pups) plus gulls provided an audience as several kayaks zipped through a small gap with some surf between the sandy bars.   It was a great day on the water and later capped with a stop in Qualicum Bay for ice cream.

Orca-class naval training boat - the WOLF, PT-59 (product of Victoria Shipyards)

Ucluelet Trip Report - July 15, 2026, Harvey Pearson

Just four intrepid souls set out on a surprisingly windy morning, cold considering the time of year.  Hard work paddling, but we were rewarded by the view of a black bear turning over boulders to chow down on crustaceans.  We also landed on  a couple of secluded beaches and then made our way back on calm waters past a busy fishing fleet off-loading their catches.  8.4 miles in total.

Tofino Trip Report - July 14, 2026, Harvey Pearson

Six of us ventured out into Grice Bay (near Tofino) on calm, sunny waters in near perfect weather conditions.  The tide was very low setting out and so the group decided to venture around Indian Island which proved to be gorgeous and offered extensive views of Clayoquot Sound.  After the tide came in, we explored a number of tidal estuaries which provided a close encounter with nature of the first order, albeit challenging at times.  A long day, 11 miles in all, but perfect weather and good company.

Royston Wrecks Paddle - Linda Watson & Harvey Pearson, Monday July 6

 12 paddlers set out from Royston Beach at 9:30 am to explore the remnants of the 13 sunken ships that served as a “breakwater” in the 1930’s for the Comox Logging and Railway Company. These rusted relics are worth a look and provide a visual postcard of how life was in the early 1800’s.

Our group then paddled across the estuary heading towards Comox Marina and Yacht Club  where a wealth of large yachts and sailboats provided a definite contrast to the historic Royston sunken ships.
After stopping for a quick break at the Comox Marina we moved on to Goose Spit where we stopped for
 lunch on the beautiful sandy beach.

Comox Bay was alive with energy: sailboats, catamarans, a day camp for kids and YES , Orca, sightings! We hung out for a bit in the water, waiting and watching for Orcas. Unfortunately, they outsmarted us, so we paddled across the water back to Royston Beach.

All in all, a good paddle. Favourable weather, 20 degrees celsius, low wind 2-3 knots and good company.

Linda Watson, Trip Leader
Harvey Pearson, Sweep

June 30, 2026 - Quennell Lake - Harvey Pearson

In all, there were 15 paddlers who ventured out on a windy day at Quennell Lake in Yellow Point.  Thankfully, it is very sheltered and safety was never a problem, but it was a little more difficult paddling into the wind.  The scenery was great, the white lotus lilies were in full bloom, giant pollywogs were to be seen everywhere, and of course, the usual bald eagles and herons.  We stopped for a quick break at the ZuiderZee Resort to stretch our legs, and then headed back.  Surprisingly, we managed to do 8.9 miles of paddling on what is otherwise a small lake.  Afterwards, 11 of the group met at the Crow and Gate for a lovely lunch.  It was a good day!  Thanks to Don Poirier for acting as sweep, and also to Linda Hays and John Harlacher for adding photos.

June 13+14,2026 - Nimpkish Lake, Huson Caves, and Schoen Lake Provincial Park - Harvey Pearson

 On Saturday, June 13th 2026, six members of the PGOSA Paddlers Club drove to Anutz Lake and made camp in a large meadow fronting on a beautiful yellow sand beach with a million dollar view.  It was windy every afternoon, but on Sunday morning, we six ventured onto Anutz Lake, through the long channel joining it to Nimpkish Lake and explored the perfect calm and reflections of early morning.  There we found karst formations in abundance, Quatsino limestone, and many small waterfront caves.  

After a well-earned rest, we spent the afternoon at Little Huson Caves and as one member said, it was stunning.  A whole river disappears into a wall of limestone and the resulting grotto is sunlit and can be explored.  

The next day, Monday, we drove up some not-so-good gravel roads to Schoen Lake Provincial Park.  Although it was somewhat overcast and a little windy, the Schoen Mountain is impressive.  At one point, we could see ample snow and six or seven high waterfalls.  The peak rose straight up from the lake.  

9.4 miles at Nimpkish Lake and 7.3 miles at Schoen Lake.  The photos below show Anutz Lake, the channel onto Nimpkish Lake, karst formations along the shore of Nimpkish Lake, a backwater bayou with lily pads, Little Huson Caves, and Mount Schoen.

Nanaimo, Newcastle and Protection Island - June 11 2026 - Linda Watson

7 paddlers launched at Brechin Boat Ramp in Nanaimo just before 10 am on Thursday, June 10th and paddled 10 km around Newcastle and Protection Islands. The weather was favourable with sunny skies, albeit a little more wind and wave action was encountered than predicted on the west side of Newcastle.

Being the seasoned paddlers that we were a little chop, chop didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of the group. We stopped at Smuggler’s Cove on Protection Island for a short break and then continued on to Newcastle Island where we had lunch. The beautiful south and west coastline of Newcastle with its’ interesting sandstone creations never cease to amaze and are a definite contrast to the heavily populated Protection Island “cottages” and the Nanaimo city high rise buildings. There was lots of “action” in the harbour with B.C. ferries, float plans, barges and sailboats. Everyone was respectful in sharing this beautiful water and we returned to Brechin Boat Launch without incident at approximately 1:30 pm.
A good paddle! Thanks to everyone for pitching in and helping with loading and unloading boats.

June 2, 2026 - Saltspring Island - Don and Elizabeth

 The 2026 PGOSA Saltspring Island paddle took place June 2nd under sunny skies and calm seas.  It was quite warm.  Twelve paddlers took part in a pleasant journey of 8.7 miles.  The little islands and beaches and white shell beaches were gorgeous and, in fact, we stopped and had breaks at them on three occasions.  Some of us even went swimming!  As far as wildlife, there were many seals to see and the odd bald eagle; being low tide, there were starfish and also jellyfish to be seen.  Many thanks to Don Poirier and his wife Elizabeth Hardy for leading the trip and doing the job of being the sweep.

May 26, 2026 - Kennedy Lake to Sand River - Harvey Pearson

The paddle on Kennedy Lake to Sand River was a good success, perfect sunny weather and calm conditions.  The pristine beauty of the forests and mountains, rock bluffs and sparkling waters was tonic for the soul.  After circumnavigating Rocky Island, we had lunch on the sandy shores of the Sand River Campsite, and then proceeded to a little beach on the way back for a cold-water swim.  

In total, we paddled 9.9 miles.  On the way home, we stopped off at Twin Falls to see the Kennedy River at its finest.