Adventures into the history of west coast British Columbia!
Texada Island
Boarding the ferry in Powell River, one arrives on this quaint and peaceful island in approximately 25 minutes. Texada is the largest island in the Straight of Georgia at 31 miles long and 6 miles across. By the early 1900's, Texada was literally booming. The discovery of iron, copper and gold fueled this boom and Texada soon boasted the only opera house north of San Francisco along with 3 hotels, saloons, a hospital, several stores and an illegal distillery supplying booze to the United States during prohibition. Traveling on this large island, one soon forgets about their previous cares and is drawn into thoughts of Texada's intriguing history and relaxing atmosphere. So what about the sea kayaking you ask? Most sea kayakers use Texada as a unique and interesting launch site for Jedediah Island.  There are several sandy beached bays on the west coast of Texada that offer varying distances to Jedediah as well as interesting shoreline exploration on route. The east side of Texada offers some excellent paddling opportunities as well. The seldom traveled shores of Texada provide not only peaceful exploration but are also excellent for siting a plethora of marine life. Please Drop Us a Line for information on launch sites and more.
Jedediah Island
This 600 plus acre island paradise is located off the southern tip of Texada Island in the Straight of Georgia. Jedediah was originally homesteaded in the late 1800's and then bought in 1949 by Mary Palmer and her husband. Almost half a century went by until Jedediah became a Class A Provincial Marine Park. During that time, the Palmers experienced a life that thoroughly captures ones imagination. Imagine the struggles of living on a remote coastal island and maintaining a working farm, of getting mail and supplies and freshwater, with no access to telephone, transportation or medical facilities. Also imagine the joys of experiencing life on a rugged and beautiful island where the wildlife was abundant and the community spirit among fisherman, farmers, war vets, gyppo loggers, artists and hippies were only a boat ride away. Today, Jedediah Island is not unlike what it was years ago.  The original homestead still remains along with the old barn and much of the old farming equipment. Exploring the island trails, one soon discovers many old growth trees, including towering Douglas Fir, Arbutus and Maple. Many side trails also exist, beaten down by the goats and sheep - said to be the descendants of the animals left behind when Captain George Vancouver and crew first set foot on Jedediah Island. One easily gets lost in imaginations of days past when exploring Jedediah Island.
Sea Kayaking around Jedediah Island is a wonderful experience as well. With several islands including Lasqueti and Texada surrounding Jedediah, meandering exploration is abundant. Its location in the Straight of Georgia and the fact that access is by boat only, provides for a cornucopia of wildlife. Time slips peacefully by as one savors the awesome paddling around Jedediah Island. As with all areas we paddle, LOW IMPACT CAMPING is a must. The preserved beauty of Jedediah seems to add a compelling voice to leaving no trace. Thanks to Mary and Al Palmer for offering this paradise for generations to enjoy. Thanks also to the generosity of those such as the Carver Estate for helping make Jedediah a Class A Provincial Marine Park.
This destination is a Powell River Sea Kayak Ltd. tour destination!
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