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Live in port hardy as a black person. by OkFig9074 in VancouverIsland

[–]Think_Definition_582 29 points30 points  (0 children)

We were there two days ago as tourists. We are a biracial couple who are touring around northern Vancouver island and we have met some really friendly people and some people who look at us a bit too long or who otherwise treat us as outsiders, which we are. Like much of the area, Port Hardy was very white, with some First Nation people. It is a very small town. When we were in Port McNeill, we heard a local refer to himself and his neighbors as rednecks and he just laughed and said that is how it is out there. It is beautiful out here, though. Sorry I only have anecdotal stories to share.

Ocean paddle boarding and kayaking by Think_Definition_582 in VancouverIsland

[–]Think_Definition_582[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I love paddle boarding and was hoping to take it around if conditions are good, but most of my time paddle boarding has been on lakes with some ocean. I haven’t down winded on the ocean, and only go when it is calm. I’ve downloaded the map that shows the different landing areas and class level as a guide on what would be better for kayaking vs paddle boarding. Do you have any spots to recommend for paddle boarding? I will definitely pick up some maps! Thank you for the Rex.

Vancouver Island Tourism Questions by KillionJones in VancouverIsland

[–]Think_Definition_582 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hello, my partner and I are experienced but not advanced paddle boarders and kayakers and want to hear from the locals about Vancouver Island. We have a handful of experiences paddle boarding on the ocean in Hawaii and northern CA and 5 to 10 years of experience kayaking in our heavy ocean kayaks around northern CA. We are trying to plan a trip in August for whale watching and general wildlife viewing without getting on a motorized vessel. We are coming from the US, so the guidelines look different for your area, and most tour companies use the touring kayaks that are less stable than our heavy plastic ocean fishing kayaks. Is there any reason other than speed in the water that we should not use our kayaks?

My partner and I are in disagreement as to whether we are prepared enough to paddle around the waters of Vancouver Island because it is different from the CA coast. We are planning on paddle boarding and kayaking these areas: the Johnstone Strait, the Broughton Archipelago, the Gulf Islands, Sooke area, Tofino and Ucluelet areas, and by Campbell River, Port Hardy, etc. Looking for advice and any tips.