2025 Gulf Island CVBS Canoe Brigade: RMCC’s Grey Jays Take on the Salish Sea
In July 2025, RMCC’s Grey Jays paddled 180 km through the Salish Sea in the Gulf Island Canoe Brigade, facing tides, waves, and unforgettable coastal scenery. Here’s our story.
2025 Gulf Island CVBS Canoe Brigade: RMCC’s Grey Jays Take on the Salish Sea
On July 26, six members of the Regina Marathon Canoe Club—known as The Grey Jays—joined nine other teams to form the 2025 Gulf Island Canoe Brigade. Over the course of a week, we paddled through the stunning Salish Sea, navigating island passages, ocean tides, and the wakes of everything from ferries to float planes.
From Prairie Lake to Pacific Waters
Our journey began in Nanaimo, winding through a maze of Gulf Islands such as Salt Spring, Gabriola, Galiano, and Pender before finishing in Victoria’s Inner Harbour. Along the way, we experienced the coastal beauty and rich history of a region where people have lived for thousands of years.
In preparation, we trained on Wascana Lake, starting with a single loop and working up to 12 kilometers—still only a fraction of the daily distances we would face on the 180 km trip.
Packing for the Ocean
This was a fully self-contained trip, meaning all camping and personal gear had to be waterproofed and stowed in the canoes. With the centre seats removed to make room, our gear often towered above the gunnels. We were grateful for our Kevlar rental canoe, which weighed “only” about 200 pounds—far lighter than the large fibreglass canoes some teams used.
Waves, Wakes, and Wind
Each morning started early to take advantage of favourable tides, with big bowls of porridge and cowboy coffee prepared by our captain, Jim Friesen. By the afternoons, winds picked up, waves grew, and navigation meant carefully timing our crossings with passing ferries, container ships, and other marine traffic. One day, a massive Coast Guard hovercraft roared past us.
We quickly learned the power of ebbing and flooding tides—and how dramatically sea levels rise and fall.
Landings and Low Tides
Days often ended with low tide, requiring us to carry canoes long distances across muddy, rocky, or slippery tidal flats to reach camp. It was a challenge, but the teamwork made it possible (even if some boats still felt like they weighed a ton!).
Camps and Comforts
While we had expected primitive camping, several campsites were adjacent to marinas, complete with facilities—a welcome surprise. Organizers managed to find space for more than 40 tents in the height of summer, a feat in itself.
An Unexpected Ending
The final day was supposed to be nearly 40 km, but high winds and pleasure craft warnings forced a change. Organizers arranged boat trailers and moved our starting point to The Breakwater in downtown Victoria. From there, we enjoyed a relaxed paddle through the scenic Inner Harbour to the Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club, where we were treated to a wonderful buffet.
Acknowledgements
A heartfelt thanks to:
- CVBS – for providing oversight.
- Gulf Island Brigade Organizers – for pulling together a complex trip.
- RMCC – for the use of the club’s voyageur canoe for training.
- Jim Friesen – for organizing our Saskatchewan team.
Team Members
Jim Friesen (Captain), Cindy Friesen, Laura Soparlo, Rick Soparlo, Gene Josephson, Dorothy Josephson
This was more than just a canoe trip—it was an unforgettable adventure of teamwork, tides, and the beauty of the British Columbia coast. Until next time, Grey Jays!
Click here for the full picture album!