Paddle the Passage 2026

Paddle the Passage is back for 2026!

Paddle the Passage is a longstanding Campbell River paddling tradition: a community crossing of Discovery Passage from Campbell River to Cape Mudge on Quadra Island and back.

An important part of that tradition has been the connection between communities on both sides of the Passage. In previous years, families of the We Wai Kai Nation welcomed paddlers across Discovery Passage to Cape Mudge, where they would meet and spend time together before paddling back to Campbell River.

We're very happy that Tanille Johnson, a member of the We Wai Kai Nation who has been instrumental in coordinating this part of Paddle the Passage in previous years, is helping carry that tradition forward again in 2026.

This year, Creek2Coast Paddlesports is helping coordinate registration, participant groups and additional on-water safety support while keeping the spirit of Paddle the Passage the same - bringing people together on the water for a memorable journey across the Passage.

Participation is completely free, but advance registration is required and space is limited to 24 paddlers.

Event details:

Saturday, September 19, 2026

11:00 AM - Participant check-in
11:30 AM - Mandatory safety briefing
12:00 PM - Target departure from Campbell River
~12:45 PM - Arrive Cape Mudge
~1:15 PM - Target return departure
~2:00 PM - Return to Campbell River

Launch: Boat ramp behind Creek2Coast Paddlesports at Fisherman's Wharf, Campbell River: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qjMfv3NbtNZDyyhZ8

What to expect:

Participants will be organized into small paddling groups for the crossing, each supported by an experienced sea-kayak safety leader, with additional on-water safety support for the event.

Paddle the Passage is not a race. The goal is to make the crossing together, enjoy a short visit at Cape Mudge and return safely within the planned tidal-current window.

Is Paddle the Passage right for me?

Paddle the Passage is intended for competent, self-sufficient sea kayakers. Participants should have previous sea-kayaking experience, be comfortable controlling their kayak in wind, waves and moving water, be capable of maintaining an appropriate group pace, and have previous experience performing or participating in a deep-water rescue.

The route involves an exposed open-water crossing of Discovery Passage with cold water, tidal currents and marine traffic. It is not suitable as a first sea-kayaking experience.

No formal certification is required. Creek2Coast will review registrations and may contact participants if we need additional information about their experience or equipment.

What you need:

Every paddler must bring:

• A suitable decked sea kayak with sealed bulkheads or adequate positive flotation
• Properly fitted PFD
• Sprayskirt
• Drysuit or appropriate paddling wetsuit
• Whistle
• Pump
• Paddle float
• Water and snacks
• Appropriate spare clothing

Missing something? Contact Creek2Coast before registering. We may be able to help with rental equipment.

Weather & conditions:

Paddle the Passage is entirely weather and conditions dependent. Creek2Coast may delay, modify, shorten or cancel the event if wind, sea state, visibility, marine traffic, tidal conditions or available safety resources make the crossing inappropriate.

Safety decisions made by the Event Lead are final.

If the event has to be cancelled, registered participants will be notified using the contact information supplied during registration.

If your plans change after registering, please let us know as soon as possible so your spot can be offered to another paddler.

One registration = one paddler. Please do not increase the quantity in your cart. Each participant must complete their own registration so we have the required experience, equipment, and emergency contact information for every paddler.