[Cynthia Kennedy]

in case you haven’t seen this update at BCMT
PROHIBITED ACTIVITY ORDER: Shell Beach Campground and Day Use
Issued: August 14, 2026
Ends: September 30, 2026

Pursuant to Section 7(1) of the National Parks General Regulations, the following activities are hereby prohibited by order of the Superintendent, Gulf Islands National Park Reserve of Canada:
Camping and recreational day use at Shell Beach campground and day use area on Princess Margaret (Portland) Island, from September 8th to 30th, 2026.
Travel along the Princess Margaret Trail between the Princess Bay dock and the Kanaka Bluffs trail junction, from September 14th to 30th, 2026.
For the purpose of this order, “camping” means to occupy, reside on or camp on, or erect or use any structure at Shell Beach at any time, and includes sleeping in the open air. The outhouse facility will not be accessible during the closure.
The portion of the Princess Margaret Trail between the Princess Bay dock and the Kanaka Bluffs junction (see associated map) will remain open from September 8th to 13th, 2026.
The purpose of this order is to complete mitigation work to protect the natural and cultural resources of the national park reserve.

[Maureen Benzon]

We have had to change the date in order to get a ferry booking,

Wednesday 26 August 11.05 ferry, camp overnight in Tofino

Back 4 Sept at 8.30

If you cannot manage all 10 days, it is an easy paddle back to Telegraph Cove to meet you on another day.

[Helen Roberts]

I agree about the road, although I don’t remember it being entirely smooth for the last part to Cougar Creek (but we went in September 2023) – either way, our regular sedan made the trip without problem.  We stayed initially at Charlie’s Beach on Bligh Island –  you can paddle out around the point to Resolution Cove where you can see the plaque commemorating where Captain Cook spent some time repairing his boats.  We also stayed at Yuquot and recommend that you visit the church which is filled with incredible First Nations art.  Hope you have a great trip!

[Quirine Schuyff]

Hi Mary and welcome!
Just a note that this isnt the right forum to post under but maybe people will see it anyway.
the GENERAL DISCUSSION would be better.
I am going to email you a google spreadsheet with some pages, one of which is carpooling.
I will be traveling on Friday afternoon and rolling on my kayak with another member. You are welcome to come in my car. I can let you know exact details
otherwise check and see if anyone is coming from north van.  Some come Friday and some Saturday morning.
don’t hesitate to reach out to me at president2@skabc.org

 

 

[Annette Muttray]

Hi Nancy. Could my partner Nigel and I come and view your Titan sometime this weekend? We are looking for a kayak for him that is a bit more stable and good for touring. So this might fit the bill if he is comfortable sitting in it. Where are you located? And could you send us some photos too? Our emails are amuttray@gmail.com and nigel.hessey@lightspeed.ca.

Thank you kindly, Annette

[Mary Yin]

Hi everyone! I’m a new SKABC member and will be joining the Saysutchun/Newcastle Island Camping & Kayaking trip (Sept 4–7).

I’m looking for a carpool from Lower Lonsdale, North Vancouver. I won’t be bringing a kayak — just myself and my tent/camping gear, so I won’t need any roof space.

Happy to share gas and ferry costs. Please let me know if you have room. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

[Sandra Waddle]

I have fishing gear so I will bring it. Thank you for the info!

 

[Bruce Pickwell]

• The road is paved hyghway Campbell River to Gold River then smooth gravel to Cougar creek. I have paddled there on 2 trips. The lighthouse and indigenous summer settlement is worth a day trip. Also the coast line heading toward Estevan point is another possible day trip but it has bigger swell. If you have a fisherman on the trip good Salmon fishing is possible. There is a nice sandy beach in a bay immediately east of Burdwood point also easy day trip.
• .cheers Bruce Pickwell

[Sandra Waddle]

Hi! I am planning a trip to Bligh Island Marine Park. I have a station wagon with pretty good clearance, but not an SUV. How is the road from Campbell River to Cougar Creek (where we plan to launch)?

[Nancy Flexman]

Kevlar Kayak 52lbs 18’2″ Ocean kayak

Large cockpit and Great storage for trips

Comes With 2 Spray skirts and Hatch Cover

Two paddles one Webber

All Safety Items

Tule Roof Rack and wheels

Great for a new paddler who wants to go touring

[Steve Best]

When I was looking for a smaller replacement for my Wanderer 2, I bought an MSR Elixir 1-person backpacking tent. It has a vestibule on one side and still packs up small. I’ve been pretty happy with it.

[Meridy Black]

Thank you all for your replies, you have given me great information from your various experiences.  It does seem that the majority are in favour of the MRS Hubba Hubba. I did have a quick look at the Durstan X-Dome 1+ and it has some amazing features. I think for a one person tent Mark highlighted the benefits of this design for the West Coast weather. In addition, it’s light weight, sizeable vestibule,  and interior  height are also appealing features for me but a bit pricey.   Meridy

 

[Quirine Schuyff]

That’s a great idea for a fly first pitch. I want to try it with the Hubba LT2 one day!
The Durston looks like a good tent but I don’t think I could handle the asymetry!

[Mark Stoakes]

Have a look at the Durstan X-Dome 1+ (https://durstongear.com/products/x-dome-1-plus-ultralight-backpacking-tent) The selling feature is  it has fly first put up and tear down – so great for raining west coast adventures.

But I like my MSR hubba-hubba

[Roberto Dominguez]

Good point made by Quirine on double wall tents: condensation in single wall tents is more complicated to deal with.

My Tarptent is single wall, but they do have in internal liner that stops drops falling on your face. My morning routine included wiping the inside of the tent with a cloth.

Hilleberg are double walled, and because the outer liner is thick they can get more condensation if there is not proper ventilation. I haven’t used it enough yet to see how bad it is.

 

[Author]

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