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Paddling 101
- Check the weather. Rain can be unpleasant and wind can be deadly.
- If you're not experienced, ask for local advice and stick close to shore.
- Let someone know where you're headed and when you expect to return.
- In fall and winter, be prepared for heavy fog that can appear with little warning.
- Watch for the ferry near Earl's Cove: big ship, big wake.
- Of course you know to carry first-aid and emergency supplies, bottled water and protein snacks.
- Don't forget your camera, or buy a disposable one for your trip. You‘ll be able to get close to wildlife, birds and marine life.
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Where to Paddle
All of the Pender Harbour shoreline is varied and interesting territory to explore.
For a longer voyage, head up Agamemnon Channel and Jervis Inlet where there's little sign of civilization and lots of wildlife. Indian rock paintings or pictographs are found at Agamemnon Channel, Sakinaw Lake and Nelson Island. You will travel the same routes taken by native Indians hundreds of years ago. Not much has changed.
Several large lakes in the area connected by portages make ideal day-trips by canoe. For example:
Ruby-Sakinaw-Agamemnon Voyage
- Start at the top of Ruby Lake, launching from the end of a trail under the power lines about 4 km past the resort (your voyage will end about 1 km from here, at Jervis Marina).
- Follow the west shore of Ruby Lake 4.5 km to the southwest corner, then portage about 870 metres to Sakinaw Lake. This goes through Sechelt Indian land; Sakinaw Lake was an important site for male puberty rituals in the tribe. Look for native pictographs (rock paintings) on the southwestern shore and at the top and bottom of Agamemnon Channel.
- Follow the eastern shore for about 2 km, then cross to the western shore for 9 km to reach the 200-metre portage to Agamemnon Channel.
- Follow the eastern shore north for 14.5 km to reach your destination, Jervis Marina. Just before the marina, you'll pass the BC Ferry terminal, so check a ferry schedule to time your trip accordingly; ferries do not give paddlers right-of-way!
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Offsite Paddling Links
Seakayaking the Skookumchuk (YouTube)
Jason Craig at Skookumchuk (YouTube)
Wavelength Magazine
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