Three times the charm!
I have paddled out to the Deer Group twice before, once in 2012 and again in 2017. In 2012, my campsite in the Ross Islets, to this day has stood as being my favorite campsite even after a long list of remarkable locations since. I definitely enjoyed the unplanned hospitality of Friend Island in 2017. So now, here in 2019 and on my third trip I discovered Kirby Point North on Diana Island.
There’s some conflicting reports about landing and camping on Kirby Point North but it is an absolutely stunning location! A word of caution that the only access is at mid-tide at the east end of the beach. This slight inconvenience is certainly made up by the views and sense of tranquility as your eyes wander the Vancouver Island mountain range, Imperial Eagle Channel and the surrounding seascapes. It’s a panoramic view at it’s very best.
I want to extend my sincerity and gratitude to the Huu-AY-AHT First Nation for my stay at Huusmaghsuus.
In my opinion the entire Deer Group is the best kept secret on Vancouver Island. The accessibility to such an astounding archipelago is rare. I am aware that many may or should want this to remain as such. I tend to agree.
If you do go, you’ll be assuredly humbled by a sense of magnificence. Tread lightly and lose yourself in a sense of wonder. Respect the fact that this place has much more to offer than you could possibly ever give.
I have been out there twice. I guess I need to go again. Did you go solo or with a group?
Mark, I was alone.
I’m out there frequently, usually solo and stay on Helby Island for a week to ten days every month. I have access to a cabin and can wait out storms and often camp and day paddle throughout the Deer Group. It is a beautiful, under used area that is very accessible once you run the gauntlet of the logging roads. There are several places to pick up food supplies, a water taxi service and the Frances Barkley services Bamfield three times a week. Did I mention trolling from my kayak is very successful in the summer months.
Thanks for sharing Wayne!! A few years back I heard a report of a Cougar our on Stud Islet. You ever see anything like that out there?
Martin, I have stayed on the Stud Islets many times. I would wonder why a cougar was there since it is a very small island with no deer and only a few mink for food. The Island has a beautiful campsite with white sand. On a sunny warm day, it is easy to imagine you are on a tropical beach. On the numerous times I have camped there, I have yet had to share the camp that easily accommodates a half dozen tents.
I landed on that very beach Wayne and you’re right, it is beautiful. Unfortunately kids were there with loud music, so I promptly left and found the little beach on Friend Island which was AMAZING to spend a few nights on. ALONE!
Another great spot to explore is Fatty Basin. At the top of the Deer Group in Rainy Bay, there is a narrow , very tidal channel leading to an inland body of water that looks like a lake. Apparently the many concrete structures scattered around housed an attempt to breed and raise lobster in the late 60’s. There is a great raised tent pad, perfect for a 2 person tent and some beautiful sheltered views out of the wind. The tidal channel heads out of the Basin to the west and comes out after following the back of Seddall Island.
I’ve heard about the attempts to raise Lobster. Very interesting! On day 2 at my stay at Friend Island, a Humpback came up in the little bay. Lots of Humpback in Trevor channel