Cortes Marketplace
Recreation & Travel - Kayaking
A. Gorge Harbor
Half, full day or sunset paddles. Launching out of the Gorge Harbor Resort and Marina is perfect for all occasions. Our half-day paddle in the harbour is great for families who are just getting into the sport and want to be on the water. On a full day paddle we will venture through the entrance of the Gorge and paddle into the ecologically diverse waters of Shark Spit off Marina Island. The Gorge also sets the stage for our sunset paddle. Once you reach the entrance of the Gorge the snowcapped mountains to the West on Vancouver Island provide a stunning back drop to watch the sunset.
B. Cortes Bay
Half or full day paddle. Leaving from Cortes Bay will give you a glimpse into the renowned Desolation Sound and a true feeling of why this area is such a sought after destination for sea kayaking.
Some of the most stunning views from Cortes Bay are seen from Mary's Point, the most easterly point of Cortes Island. The large arbutus groves, shallow reefs and pebbly beaches surrounding Mary's Point make this spot our destination on full day paddles.
C. Squirrel Cove
Full day paddle and hike, we leave from Squirrel cove at 10:00 a.m. and return no earlier then 4:00 p.m. Squirrel Cove is the last stop on the Eastern shores of the Island and is the main access point into Desolation Sound. Not for the faint of heart, this challenging trip will take you through stunning eco-systems, islands and an inland lake. Multi-sport sea kayaking adventures are more challenging than the average trip; they are designed for those who wish to push themselves.
D. Coulter Bay
Half or full day paddle. The beaches of Coulter Bay are dotted with marine history and oyster farms. As we paddle through the bay the view opens into the Discovery Islands. The most prominent view to the west is the vast expanse of the Strathcona mountain range and to the North is Mt. Doogie Dowler in the Coast Range. Coulter Bay is an ideal spot for a half-day introduction to sea kayaking, and being our most westerly launch site allows us to access the beautiful lagoon of Carrington Bay on a full day paddle.
E. Sunset Paddle
Let your mind relax and your senses ignite as we take you on a beautiful sunset journey through the Gorge Harbor to Shark Spit on Marina Island. Views from the southern tip of the island during sunset are a must see for anyone visiting the island, and for a sunset paddle no place is more inspiring than here. As we paddle though the Gorge Harbor we are greeted by sea birds, harbour seals and in the near distance the shallow waters of Shark Spit are illuminated by every shade of red from another beautiful sunset.
Current Pricing
Half day paddles $65
Full day paddle $115
Twilight Tour $65
Edible Ocean extra $20/person
Half day - Leaves 9:00am or 2:00pm - Return 12:00pm or 5:00pm
Full day - Leaves 10:am - Return 4:00pm
Sunset paddles - Leaves 6:00pm – Return 9:00pm
Half, full day or sunset paddles. Launching out of the Gorge Harbor Resort and Marina is perfect for all occasions. Our half-day paddle in the harbour is great for families who are just getting into the sport and want to be on the water. On a full day paddle we will venture through the entrance of the Gorge and paddle into the ecologically diverse waters of Shark Spit off Marina Island. The Gorge also sets the stage for our sunset paddle. Once you reach the entrance of the Gorge the snowcapped mountains to the West on Vancouver Island provide a stunning back drop to watch the sunset.
B. Cortes Bay
Half or full day paddle. Leaving from Cortes Bay will give you a glimpse into the renowned Desolation Sound and a true feeling of why this area is such a sought after destination for sea kayaking.
Some of the most stunning views from Cortes Bay are seen from Mary's Point, the most easterly point of Cortes Island. The large arbutus groves, shallow reefs and pebbly beaches surrounding Mary's Point make this spot our destination on full day paddles.
C. Squirrel Cove
Full day paddle and hike, we leave from Squirrel cove at 10:00 a.m. and return no earlier then 4:00 p.m. Squirrel Cove is the last stop on the Eastern shores of the Island and is the main access point into Desolation Sound. Not for the faint of heart, this challenging trip will take you through stunning eco-systems, islands and an inland lake. Multi-sport sea kayaking adventures are more challenging than the average trip; they are designed for those who wish to push themselves.
D. Coulter Bay
Half or full day paddle. The beaches of Coulter Bay are dotted with marine history and oyster farms. As we paddle through the bay the view opens into the Discovery Islands. The most prominent view to the west is the vast expanse of the Strathcona mountain range and to the North is Mt. Doogie Dowler in the Coast Range. Coulter Bay is an ideal spot for a half-day introduction to sea kayaking, and being our most westerly launch site allows us to access the beautiful lagoon of Carrington Bay on a full day paddle.
E. Sunset Paddle
Let your mind relax and your senses ignite as we take you on a beautiful sunset journey through the Gorge Harbor to Shark Spit on Marina Island. Views from the southern tip of the island during sunset are a must see for anyone visiting the island, and for a sunset paddle no place is more inspiring than here. As we paddle though the Gorge Harbor we are greeted by sea birds, harbour seals and in the near distance the shallow waters of Shark Spit are illuminated by every shade of red from another beautiful sunset.
Current Pricing
Half day paddles $65
Full day paddle $115
Twilight Tour $65
Edible Ocean extra $20/person
Half day - Leaves 9:00am or 2:00pm - Return 12:00pm or 5:00pm
Full day - Leaves 10:am - Return 4:00pm
Sunset paddles - Leaves 6:00pm – Return 9:00pm