Trip #55 - Victoria harbor is a very picturesque fun place to paddle. Winding rocking shorelines, little coves and bays, urban views of houseboats, shipyards, and the charming skyline of Victoria - the Empress, etc. One problem - in summer it's super busy with sea planes, recreational boats, tourist shuttles, the Blackball Ferry, Victoria Clipper, and other small craft. The key is to paddle the edges, along the shore. Watch for outgoing current on the ebb at the harbor entrance into the Strait and clapotis (refracted waves) off Ogden Point's breakwater.
Best to take a peek at the Victoria harbor traffic scheme prior to going (in the book). A local guide said, "if the seaplane lights are blinking, they're about to take off."
Learn more about my book Kayaking Puget Sound and the San Juans, 60 Trips. I also offer SUP and Kayak lessons available throughout the year at Salmon Bay Paddle. Questions about paddling on the Salish Sea, give me a holler anytime at salmonbaypaddle@gmail.com or 206-465-7167
Support the Washington Water Trails Association and the Cascadia Marine Trail. The wwta works to create and protect access for paddlers on Puget Sound as well as provide an extensive network of over 60 paddle-in camping sites - www.wwta.org
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