Calm waters, ocean channels between islands and islets, hidden coves, dramatic sandstone coast, rainforest, sea birds, marine mammals, sandy bays and even a nudie beach mark Gabriola Island as a supremely versatile kayaking destination.
Malaspina Galleries
A kayak provides the best possible viewing of the Malaspina Galleries, a spectacular overhanging rock formation sculpted by glaciations and erosion. The "galleries" resemble a gigantic, 90m/295ft-long, 3.5m/11ft-high wave frozen in sandstone. Just don't try to surf it. Or walk on top. It's dangerous. Best time to view the galleries is low tide from spring to fall.
Paddling Highlights
Other favorite days paddles? The Flat Top Islands off Silva Bay offer great paddling, views of snow-capped mountains, seals and seabird colonies. DeCourcy Island is home to Pirates Cove Marine Park, which has two bays for anchoring and hiking trails through the forest. Mudge Island and the towering Northumberland cliffs are high on the list, too. Gabriola launching points include False Narrows, Degnen Bay and Silva Bay.
Gabriola Passage
If venturing into the Gabriola Passage at the island's north end, be careful: Currents run extremely fast - up to 9 knots - through both the Passage and Porlier Pass. This translates as whirlpools, standing waves, rip curls and other tricky phenomena. Be sure to use the current tables, and time the journey through these areas at slack periods.
Kayaking Tours
Several outfits rent kayaks and offer ocean kayaking tours: Silva Bay Kayak Adventures offers daily, weekend and week-long Gulf Island explorations. Accommodations include the Silva Bay Inn and private cottages. Gabriola Sea Kayaking offers tours of Gabriola and other Southern Gulf Islands. Jim's Kayaking offers single-day and multi-day kayak tours, and sunset tours are irresistible. The Casa Blanca by the Sea B&B broadens its portfolio by renting plastic and fiberglass kayaks and offering guided day trips.
For more information on ocean kayaking around Gabriola Island, contact the Visitor Centre.