Twin Islands, Indian Arm Provincial Park

June 6, 2015

Trip Report: We thought to switch it up last weekend and headed out for a short kayak up the Indian Arm. Instead of setting a destination goal, we opted to paddle wherever the flow lead us. Our first stop was the beach across Jug Island and our turn around point was the Twin Islands.

Stats

• Total distance: ~12km (from Belcarra Bay).
• Paddling time one way: 1 hr 40 min (at a leisurely pace).
• Suggested route: Stay close to the shore to stay sheltered from winds.
• Few islands along the way including Raccoon Island and Jug Island.

Access

We rented our kayaks from Takaya Tours, located in Belcarra Bay. They are open from 10:00am to 6:00pm, Friday to Sunday.

The Trip

Wanting to share the paddling load, we rented a tandem kayak. We loaded some water, snacks and extra clothes in a drybag, and set off north up the Indian Arm.

Coming out of Belcarra Bay, the tide was high enough for us to paddle under the causeway of Hamber Island. The wind was calm and we were able to make decent time along the Belcarra peninsula.

After forty five minutes of leisurely paddling, we arrived at Jug Island where we stopped for a break to stretch our legs. Many other kayakers and canoeists were doing the same, enjoying the hot weather. After a short break, we pushed off again, slowly padding in the shallow water while playing around with some underwater shots with a waterproof camera and a GoPro.

From Jug Island, we paddled NW, aiming between Raccoon Island and the mainland. There was more wind and the water was a little more choppy due to the open water. Past Raccoon Island, we paralleled the shore until we reached Twin Islands. There was water separating the two islands and we beached the kayaks here. The campground on the ‘big twin’ was packed with both day-trippers and overnighters; tents were pitched on all of the platforms and various sites around the island.

Eventually it was time to go and we piled back in the kayak and headed south. The anabatic winds had picked up and presented us with a stiff headwind on the way back. This slowed our progress and made for hard paddling. We put our heads down and pushed through it, making way way back into the crowds at Belcarra Bay.

Video footage:

I’ve paddled to the Indian River in previous years; this was a great alternative for a short paddle to soak up some sun and enjoy views along the Indian Arm.

Pack List (+ the essentials)

• Gopro
• Underwater camera
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• 3L of water (minimal fresh water sources along the way)
• Sandals/slippers
• Change of clothes

Thanks for reading :).

– Ash