Vancouver’s Next Super Highway? Salish Sea Marine Trail

Tired of ferry line-ups and traffic jams? The B.C. Marine Trails Network Association (BCMTNA) has the solution! Imagine a magnificent, 257-kilometre saltwater route connecting Vancouver’s lower mainland to Victoria. Granted, you will need to rethink the amount of luggage you are toting as you will require a canoe, kayak or small “beachable” boat to travel along the Salish Sea Marine Trail. This spectacular route, designed specifically for paddlers, will add an impressive water leg to the Great Trail, previously known as the Trans Canada Trail. If all goes according to plan the trail will be complete in time for Canada’s 150 birthday celebration in July 2017. Now that’s a birthday gift!

Arguably, Vancouver and area boast some of the best paddles in the world and with the help of the BCMTNA it is going to get better! The Salish Sea Marine Trail promises to enhance opportunities for paddlers of all abilities to explore more of our majestic coastline. Detailed maps and route information will offer paddlers numerous opportunities for both day trips and longer adventures exploring our coastal waters.

Spearheading the Salish Sea Marine Trail development is the BC Marine Trails Network Association, an affiliation of British Columbia’s paddlers. Created in 2009, the goal of the association is to develop a variety of marine trails along the coast. Working with Government, First Nations, numerous stakeholders, sponsors and countless volunteers, the association is striving to create a network of launch sites and campsites for those energetic human powered ocean travellers who are interested in exploring the Salish Sea. Paddlers around the world, myself included, are excitedly embracing the thought of this human powered mainland – island connection.

Personally, as an avid paddler, I can vouch for the time and energy devoted to researching accessible launch sites, campsites, and route maps. Voila, like an answer to my prayers I discovered the BCMTNA and a wealth of paddling resources. Interested in learning more about the BC Marine Trails Network Association? From trail development to educational outreach and stewardship, the BCMTNA has become the voice for West Coast paddlers. Take a few minutes to visit their website and begin planning your next adventure. The Salish Sea awaits.

The Salish Sea Marine Trail – Getting There:

The Salish Sea Marine Trail will connect Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula, the Gulf Islands, Lasqueti and Texada Islands, Sunshine Coast, Howe Sound and Horseshoe Bay.