Multi-day Kayaking Adventure in Howe Sound
Multi-day kayaking Howe Sound
During the last week of May 2025, the BISK team were asked to guide the Howe Sound Secondary School’s grade 11 outdoor recreation students on a spectacular 4 day 3 night adventure into Howe Sound. The following is a write up from one of our guides on the trip…enjoy!
Snug Cove to Halkett Bay - Day 1
After all the boats were loaded, it was time to set off. In terms of distance, our day one paddle was the lightest - but in the Howe Sound, no trip is free of risk or considerations. Paddling on the east side of Bowen leaves kayakers exposed to both northerly and southerly winds. This is because there are no nearby land masses to protect us in either direction. Luckily, on this particular day, the wind was minimal - allowing us to take a direct route up to Finnisterre, rather than tucking into the bays for protection. This cut down on our distance, and saved us some extra energy for our crossing to Gambier.
Whenever we are planning a ferry crossing, it’s important to use online resources such as ferry schedules, and wind readings - but it’s even more important to use visual queues. As all Bowen residents know, ferries are often off schedule, meaning what the internet says, doesn’t always match the reality on water. Just to the north of Finisterre, there’s a vantage point that allows us to see the Langdale ferry path all the way from Horseshoe Bay to the Sunshine Coast. By positioning ourselves here we were able to determine the optimal time to cross from Bowen to Gambier.
After a beautiful first day on the water, the whole group was happy to make it to Halkett Bay and set up camp for the first of 3 exciting nights out in the wilderness.
Halkett Bay to Thornborough - Day 2
The students handled our 10km paddle on day 1 very well - but day 2 was sure to be a test. With 20km ahead of us, we got up early, and set off north towards my favourite camp spot of the trip - Thornborough. With a southerly blow behind us, the group fared well in the morning, and enjoyed a well deserved lunch at Brigade Bay (a nice midpoint for the day). Day 2’s island crossing didn’t feature a ferry, which along with the glassy water made for a surprisingly chill end to the day of paddling.
One of the few qualms with Thornborough is its disappearing beach. Due to the shallow gradient, at high tide, the Thornborough beach is completely engulfed. But when you can’t store boats on the beach - where does one look next? Answer: The Trees. The whole group worked hard to get the boats to safety. Once they were, our reward was priceless: stunning views, sunny weather, and camp spots perched across the rocky landscape.
The schedule for the rest of day 2 included swimming, sun tanning, cowboy camping, route planning, and for Alex, Calvin and myself; eating clifftop pad-thai - yum!
Thornborough to Plumper Cove - Day 3
Day 3’s paddle was even longer, but the students had proven themselves, and at this point it was just about keeping up, and avoiding sun-stroke. With temperatures high, and an exposed route down the west side of Gambier, we found every bit of shade that we could. For lunch we stopped at the abandoned ferry, a great site to take in while we rehydrated and reconveined.
After reaching the south-westerly tip of Gambier, we prepared for yet another hello to our good friend - The Langdale Ferry. After hiding behind the Grace Islands for some cover from the waves, we made the last stretch to our next destination. Plumper Cove on Keats Island is the perfect mix between accessibility and wilderness. With a boat dock, a washroom, fire pits, drinkable water, and a view across to Gibsons, we were officially living in luxury. But surprisingly to us guides, 45km of paddling up to this point, had not been enough to tire out the kids. Before we knew it, our lives as guides were put on pause, and our responsibility to capture the flag had emerged in full force. We played 5 rounds of intense “boy vs girl” games before crashing in our tents. The ladies will tell you they won in the end, but my memory is foggy on the matter.
The Final Paddle Home - Day 4
Waking up on day 4 was bitter sweet: Excited for another day paddling in the Howe Sound, but sad knowing it would be the last with such an amazing group. Soon after setting off we were met with our first bit of rain on the trip. The students were unfazed, and I was secretly happy to be out of the sun for a bit. With a strong southerly blow forecast for the afternoon, it was a race back to Finisterre before the wind would be too much for our tired bodies. We weren’t without waves on our last excursion together, but the motivational singing from some, and the unwavering spirit from all, had me convinced that nothing could stop us now.
Pulling back into the Snug Cove dock was a satisfying feeling for all. But ever since I’ve got back, I can’t help but wish I was still out there.
Thanks Howe Sound Secondary. This trip will be remembered as one of the best.
Oscar Mather
