Re: [Paddlewise] Quatsino, Vancouver Harbour

> A friend and I are thinking of a trip to Quatsino Marine Park on northern
Vancouver Island, starting and finishing at Coal Harbour.
>
> Has anyone paddled those waters?  How is the camping?  Any nasty bits to
watch for?
>


Coal Harbor is located right in downtown, I don't even know where you will
launch the boat. Paddling under the Lions Gate bridge (separating the harbor
from the ocean) is allowed with engine only - there is  a shipping lane
there, so I really don't recommend Coal Harbor launch. I would better start
from Jerricho Sailing Center in English Bay.  It's farther to the south, but
closer to the open ocean, so distance to the Island is the same. From there
you'll have to cross the staright (about 50 km) between Vancouver mainland
and Vancouver Island; it's boring and not many opportunities to stop.  I
don't remember, on which side of the island this park is.  If it's on the
north-west side, then you'll have to clear the northern tip of the island,
which is comparable to clearing Cape Horn, considering that you're in a
kayak and this is open ocean.  If it's on the north-east side, you may
consider launching your kayak from nearest ferry terminal either on the same
(east) side of the island, that is Nanaimo, Comox or any beach between these
towns, or  from the SunshineCoast - Powell River, Langsdale, Texada Island,
Bowen Island.  Check map and schedule of BC Ferries, you'll get better idea
what I'm talking about.  Normally, those who want to paddle around some
definite seaction of Vancouver Island, take ferry, and then bus or car
straight to this section.  Yeah, there is a bus on the island - along the
east coast and across the island from Nanaimo to Tofino (once or twice a
day).

Alex.


***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************