Four veteran paddlers put in at Esplanade Park in Heriot Bay on a beautiful summer evening. The tide change was minimal, the seas calm and the temperature ideal, so we had an easy put in (and take out 2 hours later) and a very relaxed paddle along the shoreline. We stayed in the shade and therefore closely followed the shoreline, scooting between boulders, and musing about the homes and cabins close on our port side. A partially exposed shipwreck near Heriot Island caught our interest for a few minutes, and then we passed the Len Rd area and headed for a beach on the east shore of Hyacinthe Bay in the small Regional District conservation area, for a stretch after our first hour of paddling.

Back on the water, we headed for the east shore of Heriot Island and then picked our way through the many moored boats, rafts and relics of Heriot Bay. With the sun settling below the trees, we made the take out at about 8:00 pm after a two hour outing. It was time to hit the HBI for a pint and conversation, which two of us did.

About 5.5 km; 2 hrs

Vic

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Kayaking – Heriot & Hyacinthe Bays – 6 Aug 2026

Ten adventures souls had signed up for a paddle that had to be cancelled because of torrential rains. Quadra needed the water though so we could hardly complain. Instead, we followed through with the social at my house, only later in the afternoon and nine people were able to change their schedules to accommodate. I provided hotdogs and potato salad and everyone else brought a variety of appetizers, fruit, and desserts. It was a great time of reminiscing about old hikes and paddles, as well as planning for some new ones in the future. Sorry, no pictures were taken.

Les

Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 2 July 2026

Nine people gathered at my place for a easy paddle and social on a sunny summer day. Because of the driveway, launching from here is a challenge and the tide was very low. Once in the water we paddled north to check out all the new toys at Camp Homewood. It seems they have acquired many new and different types of boats. Then on to Seascape, now called Jade Resort, to find that the sunken barge had finally been cleaned up. Unfortunately, at the taxpayers cost. On past Gowlland Resort we turned and went to the Vigilant Islets for a quick stop and to stretch our legs. On our return, there was a colony of seals on Wren Islet that were enjoying the warm sunny day. We then paddled between Fawn Islet and Stag Island to return to my home for cold beverages and appetizers provided by everyone.  About 5 km and a 2 hour paddle. 

Les

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Kayaking – Gowlland Harbour – 21 July 2025