Blog in collaboration with BC Marine Trails
Imagine gliding across the sparkling waters of Howe Sound, surrounded by breathtaking cliffs and dense forests. Welcome to the Sea to Sky Marine Trail (STSMT), a unique water route designed to connect the Trans Canada Trail (TCT) between Squamish and West Vancouver. This trail was established to navigate the challenging terrain by offering a safer and more scenic alternative.
Launched in June 2015, the STSMT features six beautifully maintained campsites, complete with tent platforms and composting toilets. A seventh campsite is in the works, awaiting final approval from BC Parks. This project owes much to the hard work of volunteers from BC Marine Trails and the Sea Kayak Association of BC (SKABC), who meticulously surveyed sites, cleared trails, and prepared landings and camping areas for your enjoyment.
Explore the BC Marine Trails layer on the BRMB Maps App to access detailed information about all the launch and landing sites shown on the map below.
Know Before You Go
Venturing out on the waters of Howe Sound offers a thrilling experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Being well-prepared with the right gear, clothing, and training is crucial.
Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
Winds: Howe sound is susceptible to high winds that can quickly turn dangerous when blowing against the tides. Always check the weather report before traveling and make your decision based on the potential conditions, not those when you launch.
Currents and rips: Conditions will be lessened if not eliminated at slack times, so check the Tides and Currents Tables to find the safest time to cross or transit difficult locations.
Ferry Lane Crossings: Several busy ferry corridors must be crossed over the course of the Gulf Islands Marine Trail, Salish Sea MT or Sea to Sky Marine Trail. Risk can be minimized by monitoring the appropriate Canadian Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Services broadcast channels and by calling in on that same channel to alert traffic to your presence. This is strongly recommended for groups crossing ferry lanes or in questionable conditions such as chop, darkness or fog that could make paddlecraft difficult to see.
Shipping lanes: Be sure to know where shipping lanes are located on your charts and monitor Canadian Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Services broadcast channels to track shipping movement. The following link can help you with traffic: Pacific Pilotage Current Vessel Movements
Discover the Sea to Sky Marine Trail Adventures
Here's a glimpse of the incredible adventures waiting for you on the Sea to Sky Marine Trail (STSMT). The BRMB Maps App offer a dedicated BC Marine Trails layer with the most up-to-date information on site quality, landing advice, and camping details. Try the app for free and start planning your trip today.
Thornbrough Channel txwnaḿ Chá7elkwnech Campsite
Number of Sites: 6
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Landing: Cleared boat run on small cobbles and pebbles, 5-10% grade. Several landing options at low water; limited pocket beach at high water.
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Campsites: Two small cleared sites in a steep forested upland near the landing. A large wooden tent platform and several small sites on mossy rock bluffs are accessed via a bridge and steep trail.
- Other Notes: Seasonal creek for water, sunny beach, and stunning views from high sites. Squamish (Coast Salish) name txwnaḿ Chá7elkwnech, also known as Thornbrough Point.
Tantalus Landing Sxwan'shnm
Number of Sites: 6
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Landing: Semi-cleared boat run through rough boulder and bedrock shore 40 m west of creek mouth. Moderate landing at creek mouth at high water.
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Campsites: Steps lead up the bank across a footbridge to upland sites. Composting toilet available.
- Other Features: Year-round stream and waterfall through the site, with beautiful views. Squamish (Coast Salish) name Sxwan’shnm.
Ramillies Channel ínaḵa Lhaxwm Campsite
Number of Sites: 5
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Landing: Wide gradient sand, gravel, and pebble beach in a small bay. Beach may flood during high tides.
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Campsites: Level upland forest sites along a narrow grassy bench behind the beach. Composting toilet along the shore trail.
- Other Features: Year-round water available 1 NM north at Gambier Creek. Squamish (Coast Salish) name ínaḵa Lhaxwm.
Porteau Cove Ch'á¡7elsem Campsite
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Landing: Easy on mud, sand, rubble in sheltered cove or on exposed cobble, pebble outer beach. Twin concrete boat ramps with central raised walkway nearby.
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Campsites: Developed campground, reservations strongly recommended, walk-in sites 100% reservable, also. Absurdly busy! Toilets, picnic tables, shelter, fire pits, benches, showers, changing room.
- Other Features: Facilities include toilets, change rooms, showers, and picnic benches. Limited overnight parking in the upper lot during summer.
Islet View Lhemlhemḵwús Campsite
Number of Sites: 7
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Landing: Cleared boat run through boulder beach, 5-10% grade. Protected by a low treeless rock islet.
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Campsites: Two small and one larger cleared site along an upland strip. Two tent platforms along the shore. Composting toilet with steps leading up the trail.
- Other Features: Attractive views, small seasonal creek, and larger year-round creek accessible by boat. Squamish (Coast Salish) name Lhemlhemḵwús.
BC Marine Trails is a non-profit organization working with First Nations and stakeholders to build, protect and promote a public network of marine trails allowing safe recreational navigation of the BC Coastline with minimal impact on the environment.
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