The Copeland Islands Marine Park is a wonderful collection of islands and islets with protected bays and thriving marine wildlife. The islands can be reached about a day’s paddle from our Okeover Inlet location, and can easily be included in any route planning of a trip into Desolation Sound.
Locally known as the Ragged Islands, kayakers can reach the Copeland Islands after approximately one day’s paddle from our launch site in Okeover Inlet. In fact, the distance from Penrose Bay to the campsite on the North Copeland Island is almost exactly the same distance as to the Curme Islands in the opposite direction.
Once you reach the islands, there are any number of meandering routes to choose from. If the tide is low, visit to the rock pools in between the first and second Copeland Islands. If the weather is calm, the western shore of the first island is another place where nutrient rich waters provide the perfect habitat for all sorts of colourful and interesting marine life.
Pick a route and take your time paddling throughout and between the islands and islets. Countless bays and coves are scattered throughout, great places to stretch your legs and have some lunch on the beaches.
As you paddle through the archipelago from south to north, the larger islands are replaced by rocky islets housing large numbers of sea and shore birds. Many different species of ducks, oyster catchers, sandpipers, gulls and cormorants can be seen.
The Strait of Georgia is open to the west of the Copeland Islands. Incredible, expansive views are admired towards the rugged spine of Vancouver Island in the distance. In the evening, these views are often filled with some of the best sunsets on the whole west coast, as the sun drops behind the white-capped peaks and colours the sky with yellow, orange and red.
There are opportunities to camp in the northern most islands of the marine park. Amenities include tent pads, outhouses and comfortable picnic areas. With some of the best sunsets on the west coast, the Copeland Islands are a great addition to a Desolation Sound kayak trip.
Returning to Okeover, it is prudent to check the weather forecast ahead of time, as there is considerably more exposure rounding Sarah Point than returning from the Curmes. In favourable conditions, however, the Copeland Islands are an idyllic island paradise easily accessible for all levels of kayaker.
