World’s Largest Marine Trail Ready for 2011?

Without a doubt British Columbia, and Vancouver Island in particular, has a significant coastline. Furthermore, exploring our magnificent coast via Canoe or Kayak is one of the best ways to explore this one of a kind marine environment. But to make this feasible and safe is the key to opening up these once in a lifetime paddling opportunities. This is where the the BC Marine Trail comes in.

First of all a little bit of background about the BC Marine Trails Network (BCMTN). The Network is designed to assist paddlers of appropriate ability levels to gain access to this wilderness through a series of interconnected marine trails. Each trail section will be composed of strategically located launch and landing sites, and small camping areas which will allow paddlers safe and enjoyable navigation of BC’s coastal waters.

Currently two large trail sections with appropriate potential landing and camping sites have been identified and proposed to government. The average distance between the most essential primary sites of these trail sections is about nine nautical miles (17 km). Carefully chosen alternative sites to give paddlers further options and additional safety margins are also included in the proposals.

It is hoped that the trail will be open for the 2011 season. However, the BC Marine Trail Network Association needs support to ensure this amazing (and largest water trail network in the world) trail covering nearly all of the 22,000 kilometres of BC coastline is opened. So find out more about the BCMTNA here (http://www.bcmarinetrails.org/), and start planning your padding adventure on Vancouver Island!