Cortes Island is a unique paddling destination that offers a mix of sheltered bays, dynamic open water, scenic coastal views, and rich natural history. This guide covers every detail—from geographic location and access routes to specific paddling conditions, safety tips, and local highlights—so you can plan your Cortes Island kayaking adventure with confidence.
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Located in the heart of Victoria and adjacent to many whale watching operators, Victoria Harbour Ferry is a starting point for your whale watching tour. Many visitors come here to watch whales annually; not only whale watching but open waterways of Salish make Victoria Harbour Ferry a remarkable place for anglers, wildlife followers and daily tourists.
Make immortal memories of diving in the Breakwater Island Diving zone. This famous diving location has a lot to offer. Whether on land or in water, a variety of creatures inhabit the area you cannot get enough and fantastic scenery which can multiply the amazement of your stay in this region.
Nestled on the rugged northwest coast of Vancouver Island, Kyuquot Sound is a hidden gem for adventurous kayakers seeking an unforgettable escape into nature. This remote and pristine destination, part of the traditional territory of the Kyuquot/Cheklesahht First Nation, offers a rare blend of breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and deep cultural heritage. Paddle through secluded coves, navigate ancient forests, and immerse yourself in the tranquil rhythm of waves lapping against your kayak. As you explore this British Columbia wilderness, you’ll encounter playful sea otters, majestic whales, and soaring eagles, all while breathing in the scent of cedar and salt air. Kyuquot Sound isn’t just a kayaking destination—it’s a journey into one of Vancouver Island’s most untouched landscapes, where every stroke of the paddle connects you to the land’s rich history and vibrant ecosystem. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a curious beginner, Kyuquot Sound promises a remote kayaking adventure that’s as awe-inspiring as it is respectful of the environment and local communities.
Those who are planning to engage in the adventure of paddling in Barkley Sound would better schedule their visit for July-August and reserve their seats beforehand. During cold months do not forget to bring rain gear. Besides kayaking, other activities are available in Barkley's good area to be fed on by your souls.
Located in Victoria, Saxe Point Park has an area of Peninsula Seafront. Powerful barreling winds cause fierce waves to hit the coast during falls and winters, make Saxe Point Park a lovely place for Storm Watching. Witness the power of nature as waves crash into the beach with rain falling and the flashing sky making your soul stirred while enjoying Saxe Point Park Storm Watching.
You would have the chance to re-invent your expectation of windsurfing by embracing the opportunities given to you on the second-largest lake of Vancouver Island. Cowichan Lake does not only serve your desires for windsurfing and is a paradise for those in love with water activities. If you are looking for a time to make the most of it in the Cowichan Lake area, plan to come during April.
Fulfil your desires for storm watching in Chesterman Beach, near which you can find another tremendous hot storm watching spot, right on the north, Wickaninnish Inn. Chesterman Beach, known for its biggest swells, is a hot spot to enjoy storm watching. Visit the beach in winter and feel the drops of the rain upon your chicks. Also, while you are lying on the beach, you can enjoy observing paddlers and surfers doing their thing on the water.
Almost 70% of whale-watching adventures take place in the BC capital. So, while you are in Victoria, try to make the most out of your freedom from work and check our incredible whale watching tours provided for you there. A trip to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve may also be available for the admirers of nature.
Featuring Victoria Harbour and West Bay, Esquimalt could be your starting point for whale watching in Victoria. You can also have the pleasure of watching sea lions, seals, porpoises, and a wide variety of marine birds are other stunning creators that may be highly admirable to wildlife watching fanatics.
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Beechey Head and its loop are two of the hot spots for whale watching in Sooke. In addition to fantastic opportunities for whale watching, Beechey Head is a hiking and nature trip location that offers you excellent activities, such as birdwatching.
Looking for a daring diving experience? Hop on and drive to Alcala Point in Porlier Pass diving site. There is a fantastic diving place where you may need a diving guide during winter due to enormous waves. Also, plenty of marine life is living there, so employing safety is mandatory.
Being the busiest winter recreational destination in BC, Mount Washington provides you with incredible winter activities, including snowshoeing. While you are on the snow, enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the Strait of Georgia and the Sunshine Coast from Powell River to Sechelt. Moreover, several nearby resorts are ready to offer service to visitors annually.
As another diving destination around Nanaimo, the Orlebar Point Diving zone is a bit significant, for its accessible by ferries from Nanaimo. These crystal-clear waters may contain enormous waves, which require safety measures for the visitors. However, the environmental features of this diving site bring the chance to explore nature and various living creators.
Known as the base camp to explore the area, Bedwell Lake Campground comprises excellent tent campsites. There you can climb surrounding mountains and hike gorgeous, well-maintained trails. Bedwell Lake Campground would be excellent for backcountry adventures. It has lovely glacial mountain views.
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With access to the Campbell River and the Quinsam River at the Elk Falls Provincial Park, hiking on the Beaver Ponds Elk Falls Circular Route makes you a fantastic day. The great scenery within the protected area and lots of activities with waterfalls, a park, rivers, a lake, and a campground have exceeded all expectations for nature lovers and hikers.
Snowmobilers and sledding enthusiasts have the chance to go snowboarding in the morning and waterskiing in the afternoon. The warm dressing is critical during snowmobiling in Mount Washington. Besides, the fantastic view there is fabulous for photography.
Diving in Norris Rocks is two birds with one stone. You have the chance for an exciting deep-diving and also observing the unbelievable underwater wildlife inhabiting the area. After jumping into the water, go deep to gaze upon giant octopuses and deep-water locations.
Take one step into the path of travelling, and next, you find yourself miles away from home. While you are exploring the adventure center of North America, do not forget to check out one of the world's most beautiful coastlines. Port Renfrew, aka The Jewel of the West Coast, is one of the hot spots for windsurfing and surfing. Enclosed by majestic mountains and trees, the town is where you can have fun doing recreational activities.
Hiking on the Rosewall Creek Trail is a rewarding experience that you reach a beautiful waterfall at the end after an easy hike that may consist of challenges. Enjoy the beauties of the park while passing the lovely well-marked trail with facilities, along the creek and through lush bits of the rainforest.
Whether you decide to go diving, you can head to Saanich Inlet and plunge in the waters whenever you desire. However, if you visit this inlet, you may choose to dive from a floating boat. The diverse underwater life you are given a chance to observe is another merit of diving in Saanich Inlet.
In Tribune Bay Campground-Hornby Island, you would have the chance to spend your time on grass or the area covers by green trees. There might be one of the best places to spend time with your family and an excellent opportunity to observe different flora and fauna. The camp is next to a co-op if one needs anything necessary, which is great for campers.
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A relatively short and easy trail in the Comox Valley area is the hike to Trent Falls. Stay on track because its wild nature has much to offer. Hiking along the Trent River with its perfect swimming and fishing opportunities and watching the waterfall with a deep pool under and the wildlife around it brings you joy, especially if you are with the family.
Use your memory as your travel bag and fill them as best as you can. Follow your desires of camping and visit the Jordan River Regional Park Campground. a quiet, serene campsite in which you have the chance to stay away from the bustle in town. Please have a visit to gorgeous waterfalls, which are fantastic since they don’t plunge into the water but drain into the ground.
While exploring the northern parts of Vancouver Island, why not relax a day or two in a fantastic campground? Alder Bay RV Park & Marina offers undeniable RV camping with ocean views that can touch your soul. The great ocean-atmosphere, incredible marine life and gorgeous sunsets add up to the reasons why you should camp in this campground.
Come to Kye Bay and Goose Spit, and then you will figure out why you get on the road in the first place. On the east coast of Vancouver Island, extreme tides breaking into the sandy beaches of these two spectacular spots would make them both ideal destinations for surfing. While you are on these beaches, you are provided with stunning sceneries of the BC Coastal Mountains, which can double the surfing pleasure.
Make your adventure worthwhile on Vancouver Island by visiting Tofino and not missing its whale-watching opportunities for the world. You may have the chance to gaze upon Orcas, the most widespread marine mammal on the earth. Clayoquot Sound, located near the Tofino, is a sandy shoreline with rich rainforest.
Diving in Norris Rocks is two birds with one stone. You have the chance for an exciting deep-diving and also observing the unbelievable underwater wildlife inhabiting the area. After jumping into the water, go deep to gaze upon giant octopuses and deep-water locations.
While exploring Sooke Area, if you happen o take a long calm walk on the Otter Point shoreline, you may see whales from the beach. Otter Point Park provided you with other activities, too, such as hiking, wildlife and birdwatching, and also a scenic nature to appreciate.
Looking for a way through which you can make your adventure on Vancouver Island unforgettable? Do not forget to stop by Port hardy while you are in the northern parts of the island. There you will be able to sight magnificent killer whales, near which you should apply ample caution. However, observing them is better an oops than a what if.