Mountain scenery
at Hotham Sound,
off Jervis Inlet.

Features on the pop-up map correspond to items detailed in the Essential Vancouver Island Outdoor Recreation Guide.

The Sunshine Coast and North Georgia Basin:

The Georgia Basin is essentially a huge inland sea that encompasses Puget Sound, Juan de Fuca Strait and the Strait of Georgia plus its associated watersheds. The northern extent ends where Desolation Sound and the Discovery Islands begin, and is dotted with a few large islands, some smaller archipelagos and a few large inlets, most notably Sechelt and Jervis inlets. Together these combine for a varied mix of destinations. For those departing from Vancouver Island, the main attractions are Denman and Hornby islands. They sit off Baynes Sound, the largest shellfish producer on the B.C. coast. Kayakers will be drawn to the picturesque cliffs of Helliwell Provincial Park on Hornby Island and the sandy beaches of Sandy Island Provincial Park on the north end.

For those departing from Vancouver and the B.C. mainland, the islands and inlets near the community of Sechelt are a natural attraction. Slightly more difficult to reach are Lasqueti and Texada islands. Together they sandwich Jedediah Provincial Park and a cluster of other islands, including Sabine Channel Provincial Park.

This region offers arguably the greatest range of options for visitors, as well as probably the best accessibility for those arriving from the B.C. mainland. As well as the attractions of Denman and Hornby islands, both great areas to explore by bike or kayak, kayakers from Vancouver Island will enjoy the numerous islets and islands that make up the Winchelsea-Ballenas archipelagos off Nanoose. A great range of rare plant communities, a large sea lion colony and wilderness campsites make it an ideal destination.

For those who don't mind a bit of open water, Jedediah Island is a kayaker's paradise. Getting there can be the challenge. While it is possible to take a vehicle ferry to Texada Island or a foot ferry with limited kayak capacity to Lasqueti Island, it is also possible to kayak directly. From the mainland kayakers can launch from near Sechelt and jump from the Thormanby Islands to south Texada, distance involving about 8 km of open water. From Vancouver Island it would be possible to launch from the Nanoose area and cross from the Ballenas Islands to Sangster Island off south Lasqueti, a distance of about 8 km as well, though through potentially more exposed water. Water taxis are a third option for arriving here.

For kayakers wishing to stay closer to home, the islands off Sechelt offer a simpler destination. Campsite options are the Thormanby Islands (Simson Provincial Park), Smuggler Cove or diminutive Buccaneer Bay Provincial Park. In lower Jervis Inlet Nelson Island makes a good place to kayak, with rugged wilderness camping on Harding Island Marine Park (formerly Musket Island Marine Park). Casual hikers will enjoy the walks to areas like Smugglers Cove, while the Sunshine Coast Trail offers the greatest challenge.

Boaters have for decades enjoyed Jervis Inlet and the crowning glory of Princess Louisa Inlet and its many waterfalls and mountainous scenery. Thanks to a good selection of beaches it also makes a great (though challenging) kayaking destination.

The complete history, ecology, attractions and camping locations for this region can be found in The Wild Coast, Volume 3, Chapter 5.

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Recommended places to explore:

Sightseeing: Skookumchuck Narrows, the fastest tidal channel in the world, is reached by a short walk from Egmont.

Hiking: The Sunshine Coast Trail winds its way 180 km from Desolation Sound to Jervis Inlet.

Kayaking: Jedediah Island is remote but has wonderful camping and great scenery and nearby islands to explore.