Learning Expedition: Maurelle Island Circumnavigation

Expedition Overview

• 2026 Dates: June 25-28 (4 days)
• Minimum Skill Level: Paddle Canada Level 2 Skills certification or equivalent
• Location: Launching and landing on Quadra Island
• Seats: 4
• Cost: $840 per person ($756 for active paddling club members)
• Highlights: Transiting the current stations Beazley Passage/Surge Narrows and Hole in the Wall; exploring the Octopus Islands; exploring the Rendezvous Islands; practicing leadership and navigation skills in the beautiful Discovery Islands.
  

This four-day, three-night learning expedition is an excellent opportunity for paddlers with Paddle Canada Level 2 Skills certification or higher to take on a beautiful and challenging route in the Discovery Islands. To circumnavigate Maurelle Island, we’ll have to plan when and how to transit two major current stations: Beazley Passage and Hole in the Wall. Along the way, we’ll explore the picturesque Octopus Islands and Rendezvous Islands, practice leadership, navigation and technical paddling skills, and build memories to last a lifetime. Completing this circumnavigation is a bucket-list achievement for many BC paddlers. We hope you will join us in the accomplishment!

Dates & Times

Expedition: Thursday June 25 to Sunday June 28, 2026 (four full days)

• June 25 – Meet at 8 a.m. to plan and prepare for our afternoon launch. Transit Beazley Passage/Surge Narrows. Paddle to and camp in the Octopus Islands.
• June 26 – Explore the Octopus Islands. Practice leadership, navigation, and technical paddling skills.
• June 27 – Transit Hole in the Wall. Paddle to the Rendezvous Islands. Explore and camp in the Rendezvous Islands.
• June 28 – Return to the launch to complete our circumnavigation. Expect to be driving away by 4:30 p.m. at the latest.

We will paddle between 5-15 nautical miles (10-28 km) each day, depending on route and objectives. Shorter days will occur earlier in the trip and longer days later in the trip.

Locations

• We will launch and land at Hoskyn Channel Landing on Quadra Island. This is a 4×4 ramp. The Crosscurrents Kayak van will be available to shuttle kayaks and gear down the ramp for participants who do not have a 4×4 vehicle.
• Participants have the option to car camp at a group site on Quadra Island on June 24 (the night before the trip). The camping fee is included in your the trip fee.

Registrants will receive more detailed information about the expedition itinerary. Please contact us if you require more details in advance of registering.

Fees

• $840 per person, taxes included. (10% discount for active paddling club members.)
• Included in the fee: coached four-day kayak camping expedition; car camping fees on the night of June 24; boat/gear shuttle from the parking lot to the launch area.
• Not included in the fee: ferry transportation to/from Quadra Island; accommodations on nights other than June 24-June 27; personal food and water for the trip; personal camping gear and paddling equipment for the trip; any other incidentals not listed above.
• Sea kayak/paddling equipment rentals may be available. Please contact us for more information.

Prerequisites

• Minimum Paddle Canada Level 2 Sea Kayak Skills certification, or equivalent.
• Previous experience and comfort paddling in tidal current up to 3 knots.
• Intermediate understanding of tidal currents and familiarity with the Canadian Tide and Current Tables.
• Comfortable paddling in wind waves and mild swell.
• Able to perform wet exits and re-entry procedures independently, without instruction, and to take a lead role in assisted rescues.
• Able to maintain a consistent paddling speed of at least 2.5 knots for a period of 3 hours without break.
• At least two previous kayak camping trips of at least two nights in duration.

Required Equipment

• Sea kayak with full spray skirt, paddle and Transport-Canada required safety equipment.
• PFD with whistle attached.
• Appropriate immersion gear: drysuit plus layers OR full-body wetsuit thick enough for the shoulder season.
• Appropriate neoprene accessories: e.g., gloves, pogies, surf cap, surf hood, etc.
• Appropriate sun protection: e.g., brimmed hat, ballcap, sunglasses on cinch cord, sunscreen, etc.
• Marine Chart #3539 – Discovery Passage.
• Marine Chart #3541 – Approaches to Toba Inlet.
• Deck-mounted chart case. We recommend a large-size case that you can fold.
• Helmet – for transiting the current areas.
• Camping equipment and personal items for the expedition. We will provide a list of suggested equipment.
• Personal food and water for the expedition. We will provide information to help you prepare.

Registration

To register, please e-mail us at crosscurrents@outlook.com or complete the form below and we will contact you to complete your registration.