SKABC – The Sea Kayak Association of BC – Vancouver-based Kayak Club

We had a big group this year! A hugely successful and fun weekend happened for the Labour Day weekend, which included a Burning Man themed dance party following our potluck.

There were paddles that went out to the nearby areas like Malaspina Galleries, Piper’s Lagoon, Five Finger Islands, Jesse Island and of course, the Dinghy Dock pub!

There were some who decided to relax and chill at camp or walk around the island rather than paddle.

It was wonderful to see a few new faces and to reconnect with many SKABC members again.

We are already booked for next year so save the date!

Submitted by Quirine S. Thanks to all who contributed photos.

Galiano Trip August 7th - 9th 2026.
Hosted by Don & Lynda Froese.
Group: Maureen Cureton, Meridy Black, Cameron Martus, Kylie Williams
Three of us ferried over to Galiano on Friday afternoon and made our way along the windy road from Sturdies Bay to Montague Harbour camp parking lot. On arrival we stepped down to the beach to find Lynda & Don arriving in their kayaks. What a welcoming greeting! We quickly set to work to load our kayaks and pushed off weaving our way through the anchored yachts to the far side of the harbour. There we followed the lush green shoreline and met our first kingfisher who followed us screeching along the way.
We soon arrived to Payne Bay and worked in pairs to hoist our kayaks up to the neighbouring grassy property. With loaded ikea bags we followed the beaten path to Lynda & Don’s cabin tucked in amongst old growth trees. Half of us stayed in the bunk house while the other half pitched tents on the lower deck. A little later we paddled around Parker & Julia islands on our way to pick up the group member arriving later. It was a relaxing paddle and gave us a chance to see some beautiful arbutus trees and the rock worn coastline.
The large upper deck found us wrapped around the large table for dinner enjoying the ambient summer evening & views discussing our paddle plan for Saturday. Don talked about the phosphorescence in the water and tried to conger up some interested swimmers assuring it was worth the late-night wait. The group was split, some stayed tucked in sleeping bags while a few headed down to the dock. Don surprised us with a huge splash as he dove off the dock setting off glow-in-the- dark angel wings as he swam back to the dock. A truly phenomenal visual!!
Saturday we were up by 7 am with coffee in hand sitting on the deck admiring the glassy ocean and munching our granola with blueberries. A great day for our paddle to Salt Spring Island. Retrieving our kayaks by 8:30 followed with a surprise at the beach as the low tide meant sinking footsteps to the waterline with kayaks in hand. We pushed off from Payne Bay and Lynda set the direct navigation course from Phillimore Pt. to Perle Pt crossing the Trincomali channel in 25 minutes. At Prevost Island we paddled into James Bay for a brief stop where we met fellow kayakers. From there we headed to Salt Spring Island and crossed the Captain Passage with ease. We paddled our way around the small islands and numerous yachts anchored in Ganges Bay finding a landing point at the end of the bay. The Saturday Salt Spring market was in full swing and we set out to explore the local crafters booths. We all found something – the pie stall was particularly popular. After lunch we pushed off and me with white caps now blowing from the south. Don lead the group as we chair railed our way along the inner harbour then along the coast crossing from Nose pt. to Selby pt. on Prevost Is. From there we headed across Trincomali channel stopping to view the cliffs and shoreline. The geologist in the group was especially excited by all the sandstone formations along the route, especially eroded caves and cliffs. The softer sandstone is worn away by the salty wind and waves, forming rounded hollows and shapes, often called honeycomb weathering. Once the kayaks were tucked back on the grassy place we headed to the cabin for Happy hour. A potluck dinner ensued with a huge spread of charcuterie, homemade guacamole, grilled veggies, chicken kebabs, Greek salad with the finale of berries, cake and whipped cream. The deck space was enjoyed by all through the setting sun.
Sunday morning was slow to start with coffee on the deck and fantastic sourdough bread toasted for all. We set off for a hike which included trialing the swing rope ( for some) and then onto a ridge view of the channel, mountains, and ocean boats below. We reluctantly packed up and pushed off by early afternoon repeating our tour of Parker and Julia islands. The weather was beautiful, sunny and a sense of calm rested with us as our kayaks glided to the park shoreline. With gear packed we had a final stop at the marina to feast on ice-cream as we toasted our beautiful weekend with our hosts Don & Lynda. Thank you!!