Powell River Sea Kayak: Nelson & Hardy Islands

Sea Kayak Nelson Island and Hardy Island, on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Canada.

Island paddling on the middle of the Sunshine Coast.

Nelson Island -- Hardy Island -- Fox Island

This cluster of islands is located between the mainland regions of Powell River and the Sechelt Peninsula and at the entrance to Jervis Inlet. Few paddlers plan trips to this area but those who do are always impressed. The proximity of the islands along with the addition of smaller islands and islets creates interesting channels to explore and sheltered coves and bays to enjoy peaceful paddling. An interesting feature on Nelson Island, the largest of the islands, is Hidden Basin. This sheltered lagoon can be intriguing to explore but watch the currents at the entrance to the basin. Here, tidal water is compressed as it enters or exits the lagoon and creates some very strong currents!

A tiny provincial marine park is also part of this destination. Fox Island is the smallest of the islands and although it has no amenities, paddling around it's shallow waters can offer good viewing of intertidal marine life.

Launching from the Saltery Bay provincial park, near the Saltery Bay ferry terminal, this destination can be done as a day trip, overnight trip or an extended trip which could even include Hotham Sound. Before making the short crossing over to Hardy Island, first check-out Scotch Fir Point. This area is a popular sea lion haul-out and even if you arrive at a time when the sea lions are absent, the paddling amongst the islands is fabulous.