Route Details
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Difficulty:Beginner Paddling
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Distance:13.6 km
- Duration: 2 days
- Route Type: Out & Back
- Camping: Yes
Summary
Twin Islands is the perfect introduction to paddling trips, and can even include an overnight stop at the picturesque and accessible campsite. With easy overnight kayak rental and just a little preparation, beginners can get a feel for this unique way to enjoy BC. This paddle really is about as easy as they come.
As a kid in the UK, I grew up around boats and on the water, so when I moved here in 2016 I couldn’t wait to get out on the coastal waters of Vancouver. Conditions on the Indian Arm are generally manageable, even for total beginners. Tides are negligible and the wind tends to only be a problem for southbound travel in the afternoon when the wind picks up.
At roughly 1-2hrs to reach your destination, there really is no better way to get a feel for this incredible way to travel. Once you find your feet an have a little practice, you’ll be ready to move onto longer trips down the Indian Arm, the Sunshine Coast, Desolation Sound and beyond.
And to be honest, even if you’re a seasoned paddler, Twin Islands makes a great overnighter if you’re short on time!
Twin Islands Paddling Route
The route to Twin Islands is fairly self-explanatory. From either Cates Park or Deep Cove, you’ll be traveling northeast, up the Indian Arm towards twin islands on the other side.
Since the Indian Arm is fairly busy with boat traffic including motor yachts that create a wake behind them, you’ll want to do most of your paddling along the shores. This is also preferable for safety, should you need help, or if you need to reach the shore for any reason.
The only real decision you’ll need to make is when to cross the main channel. Generally, you want to cross at the shortest crossing point, to spend as little time as possible crossing the paths of bigger boats.
I suggest visiting Jug Island Beach on your way out and back. It makes a great stop for coffee or a snack, or there’s an outhouse there if nature calls.
Navigation
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Phone signal in BC is not reliable. Always carry an offline map. I recommend and use AllTrails+ for hiking or GaiaMaps for general adventuring. Google Maps does not always have reliable route mapping for backcountry adventures.
Don't Miss
Jug Island Beach
After you cross from Deep Cove, and paddle along the shore of Belcarra Park, you'll reach Jug Island, with Jug Island beach on the right-hand side. Great pit stop for a picnic, morning coffee, or to use the out house toilet just above the beach.
Starfish
If you stick close to the shore-lines, especially on the small islands such as Racoon Island, you'll see plenty of starfish. Bright purple and orange are the most common colors.
Bioluminescent Plankton
Realistically, you probably need darker conditions to see it properly, however it's still possible at Twin Islands. Find the darkest corner you can, facing away from the pollution of the city lights. Ideally, you'll need heavy clouds and no moon to make the sky as dark as possible. Use a stick to move the water and see if it lights up. At Twin Islands, it's likely that it'll only be very faint, but worth a go anyway.
Conditions & Ability
Paddler Ability
The paddle to Twin Islands is considered beginner-friendly, which is why the rental shops at Deep Cove and Cates Park will rent to basically anyone. In kayaks, the risk of capsizing is minimal and the distance is manageable for almost anyone with a little fitness. Take your time and enjoy the scenery.
Tides
The Indian Arm is tidal, but you won’t notice the minimal currents. As you progress to more challenging routes, you’ll learn to consider tides in your planning. For this trip, head towards Twin Island and use it as an opportunity to practice your paddling. Note: The description of minimal tides & currents is valid only if you follow the route plan towards Twin Islands. If you choose to paddle west of Cates Park towards Second Narrows bridge, there are significant currents.
Wind
As is often the case on paddling trips, you should pay more attention to the wind, which typically gets stronger as the day goes on. The southerly wind blowing up the Indian Arm makes for a great paddle TO Twin Islands but can make for a more challenging paddle back if you leave it too late. The Indian Arm generally experiences a thermal afternoon breeze, meaning the wind will likely be against you on your way back. Check the forecast before you go to see what winds you should expect and in what direction.
Waves & Other Boats
You won’t encounter much in the way of natural waves, but you’ll come across plenty of boats and motor yachts creating a wake behind them. Generally, these boats will keep their distance and slow a little to reduce their wake, but there’s always a few idiots blasting around.
Top tip: If you see a boat wake approaching (wake is the wave that forms behind a boat), turn your kayak to face the wake. Your boat will be more stable when facing into the wave.
Camping
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Twin Islands Campground
As the name suggests, Twin Islands Campground is made up of two islands, the larger of which hosts the campground, and both of which have gorgeous views. It is possible to walk between the islands at low tide only.
The camp itself is nicely set up with well-maintained facilities including two pit toilets. You’ll find a good number of tent pads, though as the campground can get very busy, you may have to find a spot on the ground.
The best spots (by the lighthouse) are at the far end of the island – about a 5-6 minute walk from the dock where you’ll get out of your kayak.
The dock to get out can be found on the far side of the islands, on the side nearest the shore.
As usual, pack out what you pack in and enjoy this accessible gem of a campground.
Suggested Season
- Months: May - Sep
Location & Access
- Region: The North Shore
- Fire Region: Coastal Fire Centre
- Vancouver Day Trip: Yes
- From Vancouver: 1hr(s)
- Public Transit: Yes
- Public Transit By: Translink
Getting There
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Deep Cove is located about 30 minutes drive from Vancouver, at the base of Seymour Mountain. Seymour is the furthest east of the North Shore Mountains (furthest right as you look at them from Vancouver). For overnight parking, you'll need to drive up the hill from Deep Cove Kayak Rentals.
Deep Cove can be reached using transit, the last change being at Phibbs Exchange in North Vancouver. Use the Translink Trip Planner to view bus routes and times. Alternatively, if doing this trip as a day trip you can sign up for one of Vancouver’s vehicle rental schemes to borrow a pool car for the day.
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If appropriate to reach this adventure, rent a car, or better still, reduce the demand for cars with Evo Car Share, Vancouver's car sharing network.
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